BIO 2 Midterm Guide/Things to Know
This document may not be a comprehensive list of all topics and questions on the exam. It is meant to be
a tool to help you study.
You are responsible for information found in Canvas module presentations, in the lab manual, and
information presented in lab. You are also responsible knowing and being able to identify representative
examples from the phylogenetic groups we focused on in lab. Be able to identify structures on the
organisms you dissected in lab. For supplemental information, read the appropriate chapters in your
textbook. Be familiar with all of the bold terminology throughout the manual and understand the main
characteristics used to differentiate the phyla and classes.
Plagiarism, Scientific Method, and Microscopy
Know key concepts related to plagiarism including: What is plagiarism? What is an internal
citation? What is a works cited page? What is “common knowledge”? What is a “unique
phrase”?
Know the steps of the scientific method
Be able to define and create a hypothesis
Know the difference between a theory and a hypothesis
Make sure you are able to identify the parts of the compound and dissecting scopes.
Be able to calculate magnification.
Prokaryotes
Understand the ecological role that cyanobacteria play. For example, be able to explain the
symbiotic relationships they can form and their role as nitrogen cyclers, including the specialized
cells that they possess to perform nitrogen fixation
Know the gram staining process, the chemicals used, and the differences between gram-positive
and gram negative bacteria
Understand what makes prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells different
Know what bacterial cell wall composition
Phylogeny and Evolution
Know what a phylogenetic tree is and how to distinguish monophyletic, paraphyletic and
polyphyletic trees
Understand the concepts of natural selection and genetic drift
Understand the differences between convergent and divergent evolution.
Protists
This document may not be a comprehensive list of all topics and questions on the exam. It is meant to be
a tool to help you study.
You are responsible for information found in Canvas module presentations, in the lab manual, and
information presented in lab. You are also responsible knowing and being able to identify representative
examples from the phylogenetic groups we focused on in lab. Be able to identify structures on the
organisms you dissected in lab. For supplemental information, read the appropriate chapters in your
textbook. Be familiar with all of the bold terminology throughout the manual and understand the main
characteristics used to differentiate the phyla and classes.
Plagiarism, Scientific Method, and Microscopy
Know key concepts related to plagiarism including: What is plagiarism? What is an internal
citation? What is a works cited page? What is “common knowledge”? What is a “unique
phrase”?
Know the steps of the scientific method
Be able to define and create a hypothesis
Know the difference between a theory and a hypothesis
Make sure you are able to identify the parts of the compound and dissecting scopes.
Be able to calculate magnification.
Prokaryotes
Understand the ecological role that cyanobacteria play. For example, be able to explain the
symbiotic relationships they can form and their role as nitrogen cyclers, including the specialized
cells that they possess to perform nitrogen fixation
Know the gram staining process, the chemicals used, and the differences between gram-positive
and gram negative bacteria
Understand what makes prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells different
Know what bacterial cell wall composition
Phylogeny and Evolution
Know what a phylogenetic tree is and how to distinguish monophyletic, paraphyletic and
polyphyletic trees
Understand the concepts of natural selection and genetic drift
Understand the differences between convergent and divergent evolution.
Protists
