BIO 100 Final Exam Latest Update with Verified Solutions

BIO 100 Final Exam Latest Update with Verified Solutions Biology the exploration of living organisms and their interactions with the environment Approaches to Studying Living Organisms 1. Philosophical 2. Scientific a. Observational methods b. Inquiry-based questioning c. Experimental investigations d. Analysis of findings Hierarchical Levels of Life 1. Biosphere 2. Ecosystems 3. Communities 4. Populations 5. Organisms Biosphere the entirety of Earth where living organisms exist Ecosystems distinct environmental areas hosting specific sets of organisms Communities interacting groups of organisms within an environment, comprising two or more species Populations clusters of organisms dwelling within defined geographical limits Organisms individual entities of living beings Characteristics of Living Organisms 1. Organization 2. Regulation 3. Energy transformation 4. Growth and development 5. Reproduction 6. Response to stimuli 7. Evolutionary adaptation Core Themes of Biology 1. Evolution 2. Cell Theory 3. Genetics 4. Homeostasis Evolution - Provides a framework for understanding living organisms - Genetic modifications occur in organisms due to changes at the DNA level - DNA undergoes random mutations - Mutations are continual phenomena - Selective pressures favor advantageous mutations - Organisms that survive pass on beneficial mutations to subsequent generations Cell Theory - States that cells are the fundamental units capable of performing vital life functions - All cells possess membranes and DNA Genetics - Chromosomes contain most of the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA - DNA constitutes the genetic code carried by genes - Chromosomes are the vehicles of inheritance transmitting genetic information from parents to offspring Homeostasis and Behavioral Responses - All organisms possess mechanisms to maintain internal stability despite external variations - Interactions between organisms and their surroundings, including abiotic factors and other organisms, influence both parties Ecosystem Dynamics 2 processes: - cycling of nutrients in which materials acquired by plants eventually return to the soil - the flow of energy from sunlight to producers to consumers Grouping Species - Taxonomy is the branch of biology that names and classifies species into groups of increasing breadth - Domains, followed by Kingdoms, are the broadest units of classification The Three Domains of Life - a system currently used that replaces the five-kingdom system - Domain Bacteria and Domain Archaea comprise the prokaryotes - Domain Eukarya includes all the eukaryotic organisms What factors are involved in determining populations size? - Resources - Space - Type of niche/ecosystem - Speed of reproduction - Death rate - Immigration/Emmigration Why is a population size critical? - it is determined by carrying capacity rich -- high population low - population Carrying Capacity amount of organisms an environment can support Factors that influence Carrying Capacity - food - space - predation - resources - water - immigration --> organisms entering population - emigration --> organisms leaving population Factors regulating Population Growth - competition - territoriality - disease - predation - toxic waste - intrinsic factors Competition - How does it regulate Population Growth? - species have to share resources - fight for resources - expended energy on fighting