Biology Spring Semester Objectives and Study Guide
Evolution Objectives:
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Define evolution.
Define adaptation.
Describe the differences between natural selection and artificial selection.
Define species.
Define speciation.
Explain how Darwin’s finches show speciation.
Interpret a graph on beak sizes.
Explain how reproductive isolation, ecological competition, changes in a gene
pool, and geographic isolation can produce a new species.
9. Define fitness.
10. Define homologous structures and give an example.
11. Define vestigial organ and give an example.
12. Define the term "survival of the fittest".
13. Define adaptive radiation, co-evolution, punctuated equilibrium, and convergent evolution.
14. Explain how natural selection can affect gene frequencies.
15. Define genetic drift and explain how it affects gene frequencies.
16. Explain the Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium.
17. Identify the 5 conditions required to maintain genetic equilibrium.
18. Define variation.
19. Explain the 3 types of selective pressures on polygenic traits.
20. Interpret graphs of natural selection.
21. Explain fossil dating.
22. Understand and explain half-life.
Ecology objectives:
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Define ecology
List and define all levels of organization.
Know the flow of energy in the biosphere (consumers, producers, etc.)
Draw and interpret a food chain, food wed, and food pyramid
Understand the flow of water molecules through the water cycle
Define precipitation, condensation, etc.
Know the 4 processes involved with the carbon cycle.
Understand the nitrogen cycle and define de-nitrification and nitrogen fixation.
Understand how climate plays a role in our biomes.
Explain the greenhouse effect.
Define biotic and abiotic factors, and niche. Give examples
Understand the different types of community interactions. (competition, symbiosis, predation)
Explain ecological succession, including primary, secondary and pioneer species.
Know all 8 major biomes and characteristics of each. Including plants, animals, climates, etc.
Know the 3 factors that influence population
Understand the two types of population growths and interpret a graph of each
Know the limiting factors of a population, density-dependent and density-independent
18. Be familiar with all lab activities and concepts. Gungan Challenge, Bio Diversity, Symbiosis , etc.
Physiology (Human Body Systems) Objectives:
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Know the levels of organization in the body.
Understand feedback inhibition and feedback loops.
Know the main parts of the nervous system and different parts of neurons.
Know the function and identify axon, axon terminal, dendrites, cell body, synapse, neurotransmitter, myelin
sheath, and nodes.
Know the function of the cerebrum, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem, etc.
Describe a reflex arc and all its parts.
Explain how the nervous system begins a muscle contraction.
Know the functions of the skin.
Know the contents of the blood, including cell types and their functions.
Know the main glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they secrete.
Know the difference between steroid and non-steroid hormones.
Explain what a pathogen is. Give examples.
List the differences between viruses and bacteria.
Know the 1st and 2nd line of defense.
Understand the role of antibodies, B-cells, T-cells, macrophages, etc.
Explain the difference between active and passive immunity.
Understand the concept of homeostasis and where it is applied.
Know the function and parts of the lymphatic system
Chapters covered:
Evolution:
chapt.15-17
Ecology:
chapt. 3-6
Physiology: chapt. 19, p.470-479,
p.482-488
chapt. 37, p.951-955
chapt.35, p.894-905, 912-913
chapt. 39, p. 996-1008
chapt. 40, p. 1031, p.1033-1035, p. 1036-1042, p. 1045-1048
Please use your handouts, notes and labs that are in your binder as well for additional material covered in
class.
As always look at the end of the chapter for the summary and multiple choice practice questions.