Comprehensive Intro to General
Biology Study Guide – Key Concepts,
Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution,
Ecology & Core Principles (Complete
Review 2026)
What is Biology?
The study of living things.
What are different types of biology?
Plant Biology (Botany), Marine Biology, Astrobiology, Human Biology, Animal Biology
(Zoology), Microbiology, Genetics.
Why is Biology important?
Helps us understand the world around us, saves lives with modern medicine, and is a
fascinating field.
Why does a dog have a wet nose?
To smell better; smelly molecules adsorb to wet surfaces better than to dry surfaces.
Why do only some people like the taste of cilantro?
Some people have a genetic mutation that makes cilantro taste like soap.
What makes the oxygen that we breathe besides terrestrial plants?
Marine phytoplankton make up to 50% of the O2 that we breathe.
Why do humans walk on two legs instead of four?
To save energy; humans save about 75% of energy by walking on two legs.
Why do humans have fingernails?
Fingernails help us pick things up and hold onto objects; they evolved to aid in survival.
Why is our urine yellow?
A pigment called urochrome, or urobilin, causes the yellow color in urine.
Why do some deep sea fish not have eyes?
There is no light in the deep sea, so having eyes would waste energy.
Why do mice sperm have hooks on them?
So they can hook onto each other and swim together, increasing the chance of
fertilization.
Where did humans get the idea for velcro?
From burrs sticking on a dog.
What is biomimicry?
When humans borrow concepts from nature and turn them into something useful.
What is the grading breakdown for the course?
Lecture: 70%, Lab: 30%.
What is the final exam date?
May 19th, from 1:00pm to 3:50pm.
What textbook is used for the course?
Biology Study Guide – Key Concepts,
Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution,
Ecology & Core Principles (Complete
Review 2026)
What is Biology?
The study of living things.
What are different types of biology?
Plant Biology (Botany), Marine Biology, Astrobiology, Human Biology, Animal Biology
(Zoology), Microbiology, Genetics.
Why is Biology important?
Helps us understand the world around us, saves lives with modern medicine, and is a
fascinating field.
Why does a dog have a wet nose?
To smell better; smelly molecules adsorb to wet surfaces better than to dry surfaces.
Why do only some people like the taste of cilantro?
Some people have a genetic mutation that makes cilantro taste like soap.
What makes the oxygen that we breathe besides terrestrial plants?
Marine phytoplankton make up to 50% of the O2 that we breathe.
Why do humans walk on two legs instead of four?
To save energy; humans save about 75% of energy by walking on two legs.
Why do humans have fingernails?
Fingernails help us pick things up and hold onto objects; they evolved to aid in survival.
Why is our urine yellow?
A pigment called urochrome, or urobilin, causes the yellow color in urine.
Why do some deep sea fish not have eyes?
There is no light in the deep sea, so having eyes would waste energy.
Why do mice sperm have hooks on them?
So they can hook onto each other and swim together, increasing the chance of
fertilization.
Where did humans get the idea for velcro?
From burrs sticking on a dog.
What is biomimicry?
When humans borrow concepts from nature and turn them into something useful.
What is the grading breakdown for the course?
Lecture: 70%, Lab: 30%.
What is the final exam date?
May 19th, from 1:00pm to 3:50pm.
What textbook is used for the course?
