BIOLOGY EOC STUDY GUIDE

This study guide is designed to help students prepare to take the North Carolina Biology End-Of-Course Test. This
study guide contains tips on how to prepare for the test and some strategies students might use to perform their best
during the test.

STUDY TOOLS AND RESOURCES

It is critical that when studying, students have the appropriate environment that fosters and supports positive study habits.
Listed below are some suggested study tools and resources that students might consider when preparing for the EOC,
during class or independently.

STUDY TOOLS AND RESOURCES

MATERIALS:
-Study Guide, Pen or Pencil, Highlighter, Paper, Notebook

RESOURCES:
-Dictionary, Textbook, Teacher, Tutor, Study Partner, Notebook, Computer

STUDY SPACE:
-Comfortable, Good lighting, Minimal Distraction, Work Area

TIME COMMITMENT:
-When? How long? How often?

SUGGESTED STEPS FOR USING TH E STUDY GUIDE

Become familiar with the design of the study guide. Recognize the purpose of the study guide. Take a few
minutes to browse through the study guide before studying.

Find out what the EOC is and how you are expected to perform in order to be considered proficient in Biology.
Visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction testing website to get more information:
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/testing/eoc/bio/.

Improve your study skills and test-taking strategies. Get involved in a study group. Visit a study support website:
http://www.how-to-study.com/.

Identify what the test will assess. Using this study guide, study each goal and develop strategies for answering
questions that assess each goal. Visit the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website that provides
the Biology Standard Course of Study and support resources:
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/scos/2004/23biology.

Take a Mock EOC. Check your answers to see how well you did. Try to identify where you need to study
more and what areas you might need to ask for further assistance from your teacher. Visit the North Carolina
Department of Public Instruction website to review sample EOC items:
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/testing/eoc/bio/. Use the Biology Vocabulary EOC Review provided with
this study guide to improve your understanding of critical vocabulary for each goal.

DESIGN O F TH E BIO LO GY EO C
Administration Dates: The EOC will be given at the end of each semester – a January and a June test date.

Administration Time: The EOC will be administered during a fixed block of time, not to exceed four hours.

Question Format: The Biology EOC test contains 80 multiple choice questions.

NOTE: In order to meet new graduation exit standards for the state of North Carolina, students are required to achieve
at Level III or above on the five EOC assessments (Algebra I, Biology, English I, Civics & Economics, and U.S. History)
and to successfully complete a senior project.

PREPARING FOR TH E EOC

NOTE: Preparing for the Biology EOC test will take time, effort, and practice. You cannot prepare for the Biology
EOC test in one night!

In order to do your best on the Biology EOC test, it is critical that you take the time to prepare and develop study skills.
First, you need to make sure that your classroom experiences and study time are used efficiently and productively.
Second, it is most helpful to know some general test-taking strategies to ensure that you will achieve the best score.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself when developing your study skills. Your answers may help you
define some areas in which you need to make some improvements.

1. How would you describe yourself as a student?

2. What are your study skills strengths and/or weaknesses as a student? What
methods help you the most?
3. How do you typically prepare for a biology test?
4. Compare an ideal study situation (environment) to your actual study
environment.
5. What can you change about the way you study to make your study time more
productive?

Study skills can actually be divided into separate target areas: time management, organization, and active participation.
Use these suggestions to help you improve your study skills and your study environment.
 TIM E M ANAGEM ENT O RGANIZATIO N ACTIVE PARTICIPATIO N
Do you have a plan for studying? Are you organized? Do you have a What is active studying? It can be
Without a plan, many students place to study and do you have the anything that gets you to interact
don’t meet their goals. Here are materials and resources you need to with the materials you are studying.
some strategies to consider when study? Get organized and Active studying allows you to stay
developing a study plan. prepared! more alert and be more productive
while learning new information.
- Set realistic goals for each study - Establish a study area that has - Carefully read the information
session minimal distraction and then DO something with it
- Chart your progress - Gather your materials in - Mark important points with a
- Study for a reasonable amount advance; keep them ready for highlighter, circle them with a
of time (cramming is not each study session red pen, write notes on them,
recommended) - Develop a study plan and or summarize in your own
- Take frequent breaks follow it consistently words, read out loud
- Be consistent – establish a - Find a way to access the - Ask questions; write them
routine necessary resources (i.e., down and actively seek answers
- Study the most challenging computer) - Create sample test questions
content FIRST and answer them
- Build in review time at the end - Find a friend who is also
of each study session preparing for the same test and
- Evaluate your accomplishments quiz one another
- Reward yourself

TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES

There are many test-taking strategies that you can use before and during a test to help you have the most successful
testing situation possible. Here are some questions to help you take a look at your test-taking skills.

1. How would you describe your test-taking skills? List the strategies that you already know
and use when you are taking a test.
2. How do you feel when you are taking a test? List test-taking behaviors you use when
preparing for and taking a test that do not contribute to (but distract from) your success.
3. What would you like to learn about taking tests?
SUGGESTED STRATEGIES TO PREPARE FOR TH E BIOLOGY EOC TEST

There are some general strategies that you can use to prepare for any test, including the Biology EOC test. These
strategies include:

- Pay attention to your daily / weekly grades in your science class.

- Focus on key factors:
a. In which areas of science are you successful?
b. What has kept you from achieving higher scores?
c. What would you change to allow you to achieve higher scores?
- Remove or minimize any obstacles that might prevent you from studying – or focusing.
- Be prepared.
- Know what standards / skills are being assessed and then practice understanding and using those skills.
- Know the difference between reading and skimming; you will need to read in detail first, skim later.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin early and pace yourself.

Strategies to Use the Day Strategies to Use the Morning Strategies to Use During the
Before the Biology EOC Test of the Biology EO C Test Biology EO C Test
- Review what you have learned - Eat a good breakfast (protein = - Focus on the test. Block out
from the study guide. long-lasting energy). what is going on around you.
- Review general test-taking - Dress appropriately (dress Listen carefully to directions.
strategies. comfortable and in layers; hot - Budget your time. Allocate
- Review content-specific or cold extremes can affect time to work on each question.
information that shows your performance). - Take a quick break. Put your
connections and relationships - Arrive for the test on time. pencil down, take a deep
(lists, diagrams, graphic - Skim notes, text, vocabulary, breath, close your eyes – one
organizers, etc.). and/or diagrams. minute – then resume.
- Focus attention on the areas - Practice positive self-thinking.
that you are most in need of - Mark key ideas in your test
improving. booklet and come back to
- Read short summaries of each them.
area to revitalize your memory. - Read each question
- Get a good night’s sleep. completely. Read answer
choices completely. Follow the
process of selection and
elimination.
- Check your answers when you
have finished the test.
UNDERSTANDING TH E BIOLOGY STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY

NOTE: The 2004 Standard Course of Study (SCOS) will be assessed on the Biology EOC test.

The 2004 Biology SCOS is designed to focus on five major goals. These are broad categories and are broken down into
smaller ideas, or objectives. Each question on the Biology EOC test measures an objective, or a combination of
objectives, from the SCOS. The five goals are important for several reasons. Together they represent the ability to
understand and communicate biological concepts. Another, more significant, reason is test preparation. The best way to
prepare for any test is to study and know the material assessed on the test. The chart below lists the five major goals and
individual objectives for the Biology EOC test (based on the 2004 SCOS).

Goal 1: Design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.

1.01 Scientific investigations
1.02 Hypotheses, variables, control, measurement / tools, data, charts / graphs, communication of findings
1.02-1H Inquiry activities, research, statistical techniques, laboratory reports, sources of error, community involvement
1.03 Logic and evidence, explain observations, make inferences and predictions, and explain relationships
1.04 Safety procedures, laboratory / field studies, potential hazards, manipulate materials / equipment
1.05 Analyze reports, scientifically literate viewpoint, adequacy of experimental controls, replication, and interpretations

Goal 2: Develop an understanding of the physical, chemical, and cellular basis of life.
2.01 Structure and functions of organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
2.02 Structure and functions of cells, cellular organelles, cell specialization, communication among cells
2.03 Cell as a living system, homeostasis, cellular transport, energy use and release in biochemical reactions
2.04 Structure and function of enzymes, importance to biological systems
2.05 Bioenergetic reactions, aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, photosynthesis

Goal 3: Develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time.
3.01 Molecular basis of heredity, DNA replication, protein synthesis (transcription, translation), gene regulation
3.02 Characteristics of sexual and asexual reproduction
3.03 Patterns of inheritance, dominant / recessive / intermediate traits, multiple alleles, polygenic inheritance, sex-linked traits,
independent assortment, test cross, pedigrees, punnett squares
3.04 Impact of advances in genomics on individuals and society, human genome project, applications of biotechnology
3.05 Development of theory of evolution by natural selection, origin and history of life, fossil and biochemical evidence, mechanisms
of evolution, applications (pesticides and antibiotic resistance)

Goal 4: Develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

4.01 Classification of organisms according to evolutionary relationships, historical development and changing nature of classification
systems, eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic organisms, eukaryotic kingdoms, dichotomous keys
4.02 Processes by which organisms of representative groups (unicellular protists, annelid worms, insects, amphibians, mammals,
nonvascular plants, gymnosperms, angiosperms), accomplish essential life functions (transport, excretion, respiration, regulation,
nutrition, synthesis, reproduction, growth and development)
4.03 Adaptations affecting survival and reproduction, structural adaptations in plants and animals, disease-causing viruses and
microorganisms, co-evolution
4.04 Interactive role of internal / external factors in health and disease, genetics, immune response, nutrition, parasites, toxins
4.05 Patterns of animal behavior as adaptations to the environment, innate / learned behavior

Goal 5: Develop an understanding of ecological relationships among organisms.

5.01 Interrelationships among organisms / populations / communities / ecosystems, techniques of field ecology, abiotic / biotic factors,
carrying capacity
5.02 Flow of energy and cycling of matter in the ecosystem, relationship of carbon cycle to photosynthesis and respiration, trophic
levels, direction and efficiency of energy transfer
5.03 Human population and its impact on local ecosystems and global environments, historic and potential changes in population,
factors associated with population change, climate change, resource use, sustainable practices / stewardship

NOTE: Biology is a very broad subject. To provide you with the most information related to Biology, it would require
hundreds of pages. This study guide provides you with some specific, summarized information that you will need to
know for the Biology EOC test and it will help to facilitate your study efforts. Your Biology textbook will be your best
source of additional information.
INFO RM ATIO N TO STUDY FO R TH E BIO LO GY EO C TEST
(Lists, Diagrams, Graphic Organizers, Key Vocabulary, Distinctive Categories, etc.)

You should plan to study / review the content for ALL the goals and objectives. In this section, you will find content-
specific information that shows connections, relationships, and key vocabulary for each of the five major goals.

GO AL 1: Design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.

• Scientific Investigations
• Hypotheses, Variables, Controls, Measurement / Tools, Data, Charts / Graphs, Communication of Findings
• Inquiry Activities, Research, Statistical Techniques, Laboratory Reports, Sources of Error, Community Involvement
• Safety Procedures, Laboratory / Field Studies, Potential Hazards, Manipulate Materials / Equipment
• Analyze Reports, Scientifically Literate Viewpoint, Adequacy of Experimental Controls, Replication, Interpretations

HYPOTHESIS: tentative explanation for an observation,

phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further
investigation
VARIABLE: to vary or change
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: a manipulated variable in an
experiment or study whose presence or degree determines the
change in the dependent variable
DEPENDENT VARIABLE: the observed variable in an
experiment or study whose changes are determined by the
presence or degree of one or more independent variables
CONTROL: a standard against which other conditions can be
compared in a scientific experiment

SOURCES OF ERROR IN EXPERIMENTS:

- Instrumental error (lack of calibration)
- Personal error (inaccurate observations)
- Sampling error (sample size too small or not random)
- Replication error (lack of consistency and accuracy)
- Experimental design
- Measurement error (lack of accuracy and precision)

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml

BASIC STEPS FOR AN EXPERIMENT:

1. plan the research including determining information sources, research subject selection, and ethical considerations for the
proposed research and method,
2. design the experiment concentrating on the system model and the interaction of independent and dependent variables,
3. summarize a collection of observations to feature their commonality by suppressing details (descriptive statistics),
4. reach consensus about what the observations tell us about the world we observe (statistical inference),
5. document and present the results of the study.

TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS: REPLICATION OF EXPERIMENTS: WHY?

Qualitative – described by words or terms - shows how variable the response can be
rather than numbers and including subjective - limited resources may affect results; need to determine a compromise between
descriptions in terms of variables such as color, resources and methods
shape, and smell; often recorded using terms, - need to show a difference between pairs of means
photographs, or drawings - reliability of results
Quantitative – numerical values derived from - consistency of methods and procedures and equipment
counts or measurements of a variable; - analysis of data and interpretation of data to form conclusions
frequently require some kind of instrument use - ability to form a scientifically literate viewpoint with valid supporting data
in recording
GO AL 2: Develop an understanding of the physical, chem ical, and cellular basis of life.
• Structure and Functions of Organic Molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
• Structure and Functions of Cells, Cellular Organelles, Cell Specialization, Communication Among Cells
• Cell as a Living System, Homeostasis, Cellular Transport, Energy Use and Release in Biochemical Reactions
• Structure and Function of Enzymes, Importance in Biological Systems
• Bioenergetic Reactions, Aerobic / Anaerobic Respiration, Photosynthesis

ORGANIC MOLECULES: CARBOHYDRATE

Organic compounds contain carbon and are found in all living things. (Sugar – Glucose)
- Carbohydrates
major source of energy and include sugars and starches
made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen with a 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to oxygen
plants and animals use carbohydrates for maintaining structure within the cells
- Proteins
Nitrogen-containing compounds made up of chains of amino acids
20 amino acids can combine to form a great variety of protein molecules
can compose enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and structural components
- Lipids PROTEIN
water-insoluble (fats and oils) (One Amino Acid)
made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; composed of glycerol and fatty acid
provide insulation, store energy, cushion internal organs, found in biological membranes
saturated (with hydrogen, single bonds, see example ) and unsaturated (double bonds)
- Nucleic Acids
direct the instruction of proteins
genetic information an organism receives from its parents LIPID
two types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid)

CELL ORGANELLES: CELL TYPES:

- Chloroplast – capture solar energy for - Unicellular – organism that exists as a
photosynthesis (plant cells, some algae) singular, independent cell NUCLEIC ACID
- Golgi Body – package, distribute products - Multicellular – organism that exists as (One Nucleotide)
- Lysosomes – digests excess products specialized groups of cells; cells are
and food particles organized into tissues that perform the
- Mitochondria – transform energy through same function; tissues form organs and
respiration organs make up an organ system
- Nucleus – contains DNA which controls - Prokaryote – has nuclear material in
cellular activities the center of the cell, but is not enclosed
- Ribosome – produce proteins by a nuclear membrane; no membrane-
- Vacuole – store substances bound organelles; found in bacteria and
- Cell (plasma) membrane – phospholipid blue-green bacteria
bilayer that protects and encloses the cell; - Eukaryote – contain a clearly defined
controls transport; maintains homeostasis nucleus enclosed by a nuclear CELL THEORY:
- Cell wall – rigid second layer that protects membrane and membrane-bound - The cell is the basic unit of life.
and encloses the cell (plant cells and organelles; found in plants, animals, - All organisms are composed of cells
- All cells come from pre-existing
some bacteria) fungi, and protists
cells.
- Cytoplasm – fluid-like substance that
contains various membrane-bound
structures (organelles) that perform
various functions CELL SPECIALIZATION:
- Endoplasmic Reticulum – site of - cells >>>> tissues >>>> organs >>>> organ systems >>>> organism
chemical reactions - each cell performs a specific function for each tissue or organ
- ROUGH: contains ribosomes - as cells mature, they shape and contents change
- SMOOTH: lipid production - as cells become specialized they may contain organelles that are NOT
- Cytoskeleton – provides internal structure common to all cells (for example: plastids, cell wall, vacuole, centriole)
- MICROFILAMENTS: fibers - design and shape of a cell is dictated by its function and the conditions
- MICROTUBULES: cylinders under which it works
- multicellular organisms exhibit greater cellular specialization, such as red
blood cells, nerve cells, and gland cells
CELL TRANSPORT:
- Passive Transport – movement of substances across the plasma membrane without the use of the cell’s energy (with the concentration gradient)
1. DIFFUSION – movement of substances across the plasma membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
2. OSMOSIS – diffusion of water across the plasma membrane from areas of high concentration to areas of lower concentration
3. FACILITATED TRANSPORT – a carrier molecule embedded in the plasma membrane transports a substance across the plasma membrane following
the high-to-low concentration gradient
- Active Transport – movement of substances across the plasma membrane that requires the use of the cell’s energy and carrier molecules; substances
are moving from an area of low concentration to an area of higher concentration (against the concentration gradient)
1. ENDOCYTOSIS – large particles are brought into the cell
2. EXOCYTOSIS – large particles leave the cell
- HOMEOSTASIS – internal equilibrium; the plasma membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell; a selectively permeable membrane only allows
certain substances to pass through
- Effect of Concentration on a Cell
1. HYPOTONIC – water moves in; cell bursts
2. HYPERTONIC – water moves out; cell shrivels
3. ISOTONIC – no net movement; cell maintains equilibrium

HOMEOSTASIS: Self-regulating mechanism that maintains internal conditions (with individual cells and within organs, systems) Example: body temperature,
respiration, nutritional balance, etc. Cells communicate their needs to each other mainly through their cell membranes by releasing chemical messengers
that, ultimately, tell the hypothalamus gland in the brain that a change needs to be made in the interstitial fluid. Since it is the ruler of homeostasis, the
hypothalamus sends neural and chemical signals to other glands, tissues, organs, and organ systems to adjust the internal environment, the interstitial fluid,
so that it is more suitable for all the cells at that particular time. And since we are always changing what we are doing, homeostasis needs to change along
with our activities, both day and night. This constantly changing internal environment is the process of homeostasis.
- Negative Feedback: Glucose / Insulin levels in cells
- Positive Feedback: Blood platelets / Blood clotting

BIOCHEMICAL REACTIONS: chemical bonds are formed and broken within living things creating chemical reactions that impact the ability to maintain
life and carry out life functions
- Cellular Respiration – food molecules are converted to energy; there are three stages to cellular respiration; the first stage is called
glycolysis and is anaerobic (no oxygen is required); the next two stages are called the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain and
are aerobic (oxygen is required)
C6H12O6 + 6O2 ⇒ 6CO2 + 6H2O + ENERGY (36 ATP)
- Photosynthesis – plant cells capture energy from the Sun and convert it into food (carbohydrates); plant cells then convert the
carbohydrates into energy during cellular respiration; the ultimate source of energy for all living things is the Sun (in Chemosynthesis,
organisms use sulfur or nitrogen as the main energy source)
6CO2 + 6H2O + ENERGY(from sunlight) ⇒ C6H12O6 + 6O2
- ATP – ATP is a molecule that stores and releases the energy in its bonds when the cell needs it; removing a phosphate group (P) releases
energy for chemical reactions to occur in the cell and ATP becomes ADP; when the cell has energy, the energy is stored in the bond when
the phosphate group is added to the ADP
ATP ⇔ ADP + P + ENERGY
- Fermentation – when cells are not provided with oxygen in a timely manner, this process occurs to continue producing ATP until oxygen is
available again; glucose is broken down; there are two types of fermentation
Lactic Acid Fermentation (muscle cells) Glucose ⇒ Lactic Acid + 2ATP
Alcoholic Fermentation (plant cells) Glucose ⇒ CO2 + Alcohol + 2ATP
AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION:
Aerobic Respiration –
- requires the presence of oxygen
- release of energy from the breakdown of glucose (or another organic compound) in the presence of oxygen
- energy released is used to make ATP, which provides energy for bodily processes
- takes place in almost all living things
Anaerobic Respiration –
- occurs in the absence of oxygen
- breakdown of food substances in the absence of oxygen with the production of a small amount of energy
- produces less energy than aerobic respiration
- often called fermentation
- seen as an adaptation for organisms that live in environments that lack oxygen

COMPARISON OF CELLULAR RESPIRATION, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND CHEMOSYNTHESIS

CELLULAR RESPIRATION PHOTOSYNTHESIS CHEMOSYNTHESIS
Food Broken Down Food Synthesized Food Synthesized
Energy from Glucose Released Energy from Sun stored in Glucose Energy from Methane or Inorganic Material
Carbon Dioxide given off Carbon Dioxide taken in (ex: H gas or Hydrogen sulfide)
Oxygen taken in Oxygen given off Organisms often called chemotrophs
Produces Carbon Dioxide and Water Produces Sugars (Glucose) from PGAL Organisms called extremophiles
Does not require Light Requires Light Live in environments without oxygen
Occurs in ALL Living Cells Occurs only in presence of Chlorophyll Anaerobic Bacteria
Organisms often called Heterotrophs Organisms called Autotrophs Habitats: hydrothermal vents

ENZYMES:
Enzymes are special proteins that regulate nearly every biochemical reaction in the cell. Different reactions require different enzymes.
Enzymes function to:
- Provide energy to cells
- Build new cells
- Aid in digestion
- Break down complex molecules (“substrate” = reactant)
- Catalysts (speed up chemical reactions without being used up or altered)
- Factors that affect enzymes: pH, temperature, and quantity
GO AL 3: Develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organism s over
tim e.
• Molecular Basis of Heredity, DNA Replication, Protein Synthesis (Transcription, Translation), Gene Regulation
• Characteristics of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
• Patterns of Inheritance, Dominant / Recessive / Intermediate Traits, Multiple Alleles, Polygenic Inheritance, Sex-Linked
Traits, Independent Assortment, Test Cross, Pedigrees, Punnett Squares
• Impact of Advances in Genomics on Individuals and Society, Human Genome Project, Applications of Biotechnology
• Development of Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, Origin and History of Life, Fossil and Biochemical Evidence,
Mechanisms of Evolution, Applications (Pesticides and Antibiotic Resistance)

DNA & RNA:

- Nucleic acids composed of nucleotides
- Nucleotides composed of:
Phosphate group
Sugar
Nitrogenous base

COMPARISON OF DNA AND RNA

DNA RNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid Ribonucleic acid
Double-stranded, twisted helix Single-stranded
Never leaves the nucleus Leaves the nucleus
Nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine Nitrogenous bases: adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine
(Guanine w/Cytosine, Adenine w/Thymine) (Guanine w/Cytosine, Adenine w/Uracil)
(Purines opposite the Pyrimidines) Sugar: ribose
(held together by weak hydrogen bonds) Three major types of RNA
Sugar: deoxyribose (Ribosomal – rRNA; Messenger – mRNA; Transfer – tRNA)
Controls production of all proteins Leaves the nucleus to carry out functions in cytoplasm
DNA Replication: Transcription:
(DNA unravels and each strand makes a new exact copy so that when (mRNA is made from one strand of DNA, carries message to ribosomes)
mitosis takes place, each cell has the exact copy of DNA) Translation:
DNA coiled into chromosomes in nucleus (mRNA translated into a protein at the ribosomes; tRNA transfers amino acids
Tiny sections of DNA are called genes from cytoplasm to ribosomes)
Sequence of bases determines sequence of amino acids in proteins

DNA

Protein Synthesis:
Transcription and
Translation
CELL DIVISION:
- process of copying and dividing the entire cell
- the cell grows, prepares for division, and then divides to form new daughter cells
- allows unicellular organisms to duplicate in a process called asexual reproduction
- allows multicellular organisms to grow, develop from a single cell into a multicellular organism, make other cells to repair and replace
worn out cells
- three types: binary fission (bacteria and fungi), mitosis, and meiosis

Asexual and Sexual Reproduction:

Asexual Reproduction – a single parent produces one or more identical offspring by dividing into two cells - mitosis (protists, arthropods,
bacteria by binary fission, fungi, plants); produces large numbers of offspring
- offspring are clones of parents (genetically identical)
- common in unicellular organisms, good for stable environments
- budding, binary fission, conjugation
- quick process (low energy requirement) – produces high number of offspring
Sexual Reproduction – pattern of reproduction that involves the production and fusion of haploid sex cells; haploid sperm from father
fertilizes haploid egg from mother to make a diploid zygote that develops into a multicellular organism through mitosis
- results in genetic variation (diversity)
- common in multicellular organisms (external or internal fertilization); good for changing environments
- slow process (high energy requirement) – produces low number of offspring
- meiosis = formation of sex cells (gametes)

COMPARISON OF MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS

MITOSIS MEIOSIS
Cell cycle consists of interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis Consists of two cell divisions, but only one chromosome replication
Interphase – longest part of cell cycle (sometimes called reduction division)
Growth, metabolism, and preparation for division occurs Each cell division consists of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and
Duplicates chromosomes (DNA Replication) telophase
Mitosis – division of nucleus of the cell Occurs only in sex cells – to produce more sex cells (gametes)
- Prophase - duplicated chromosomes and spindle fibers First Meiosis Division
appear Produces cells containing ½ # of double stranded chromosomes
- Metaphase – duplicated chromosomes line up randomly Second Meiosis Division
in center of cell between spindle fibers Results in formation of four cells
- Anaphase – duplicated chromosomes pulled to opposite Each cell w/ ½ # of single-stranded chromosomes
ends of cell (haploid cells)
- Telophase – nuclear membrane forms around ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
chromosomes at each end of cell; spindle fibers Sperm
disappear; chromosomes disperse Each primary sperm cell develops into four haploid cells of equal size. As
Cytokinesis – division of plasma membrane; two daughter cells cells mature, the cells lose most of their cytoplasm and develop a long
result with exact genetic information whip-like tail for movement.
(in plant cells a “cell plate” forms along the center of the cell and Egg
cuts the cell in half; cell plate forms new cell walls once the plasma Each primary egg cell develops into one large haploid cell and three
membrane divides) smaller haploid cells called polar bodies. The first meiosis division
RESULTS: produces one large cell and one polar body. The second meiosis causes
Two daughter cells (body cells) the large cell to produce one egg cell and a polar body; the original
Same number of chromosomes as original cell (humans = 46) smaller polar body divides into two polar bodies. The polar bodies
Cells are diploid (human diploid # = 46 or 23 homologous pairs) eventually disintegrate. The final egg cell is provided with the larger
supply of stored nutrients
RESULTS:
Four daughter cells (sex cells)
½ # of chromosomes (haploid) with genetic variation (n = 23)
Sex cells combine during sexual reproduction to produce a diploid
individual
GENETICS:
– branch of biology that deals with heredity
– Gregor Mendel experimented with sweet pea
plants in 1800s
– Trait – characteristic an individual receives from
its parents
– Gene – carries instructions responsible for
expression of traits; a pair of inherited genes
controls a trait; one member of the pair comes
from each parent; often called alleles
– Homozygous – two alleles of a pair are identical
(BB or bb)
– Heterozygous – two alleles of a pair are
different (Bb); often called “hybrid”
– Dominant – controlling allele; designated with a
capital letter
– Recessive – hidden allele; designated with
lower-case letters
– Genotype – genetic makeup of an organism
(represented by the letters)
– Phenotype – physical appearance of an
organism (description of the letters)
– Monohybrid – cross involving one trait
– Dihybrid – cross involving two traits
– Punnett Square – graphic organizer used to
show the probable results of a genetic cross
– Pedigree – graphic organizer to map genetic
traits between generations
– Karyotype – chart of metaphase chromosome
pairs to study chromosome number /
diseases
– Test Cross – mating of an individual of unknown
genotype with an individual of known
genotype; can help to determine the unknown
genotype of the parent

MENDELS LAWS OF HEREDITY: PATTERNS OF INHERITANCE:

1. Law of Dominance Sex Chromosomes
- the dominant allele will prevent the - 23rd pair of chromosomes; Males = XY; Females = XX
Sex-Linked Traits
recessive allele from being
- traits associated with particular sexes
expressed - X-Linked Traits inherited on X chromosome from mother (ex: colorblindness, baldness, hemophilia)
- recessive allele will appear when it Linked Traits
is paired with another recessive - genes are linked on chromosomes; genes on same chromosome are inherited together; ex: red hair and freckles
allele in the offspring - one trait controlled by many genes (ex: hair color, eye color, skin pigment)
2. Law of Segregation Multiple Alleles
- gene pairs separate when - presence of more than two alleles for a trait (ex: eye color)
gametes (sex cells) are formed Polygenic Inheritance
- one trait controlled by many genes (ex: hair color, skin color); genes may be on the same or different chromosomes
- each gamete has only one allele of
Codominance
each gene pair - phenotypes of both homozygous parents are produced in heterozygous offspring so that both alleles are equally expressed (ex:
3. Law of Independent black chicken + white chicken = checkered chickens), (ex: sickle cell anemia)
Assortment Incomplete Dominance
- different pairs of genes separate - phenotype of a heterozygote is intermediate between the two homozygous parents; neither allele is dominant, but combine to
independently of each other when display a new trait (ex: red flower + white flower = pink flower)
gametes are formed (Anaphase II in Dominance / Recessive ness
Meiosis) - observed trait is controlled by a homozygous genotype
- ex: dominance disease – Huntington’s; ex: recessive disease – Cystic Fibrosis and Tay Sach’s
SOURCES OF VARIATION:
Crossing Over
MUTATIONS: - genes from one chromosome are exchanged with genes from another chromosome
- change in genetic code - occurs regularly during meiosis and leads to greater genetic variation
- passed from one cell to new cells - many different phenotypes are a result of the random assortment of genes that occurs during sexual reproduction
- transmitted to offspring if occurs Nondisjunction
in sex cells - during meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes don’t separate
- most have no effect - results in half the sex cells having an extra chromosome and the other half having one less chromosome
- Gene Mutation – change in a - if fertilization occurs with an abnormal sex cell, zygote formed will have either one extra (trisomy) or one less (monosomy) than
the diploid number (ex: Down’s Syndrome caused by extra 21st chromosome)
single gene
Genetic Variation
- Chromosome Mutation – - influenced by crossing over, mutations, genetic engineering, random assortment of genes, natural selection
change in many genes - genetic variation controlled by sexual reproduction (does not occur in asexual reproduction)
- Can be spontaneous or caused - gene regulation vs. gene expression – the expression of genes is regulated by turning genes on / off or amount of action
by environmental mutagens - environment can influence magnitude of gene expression (ex: improper nutrition can prevent proper bone growth)
(radiation, chemicals, etc.)
 LAWS OF PROBABILITY TO PREDICT INHERITANCE: KARYOTYPE
- Punnett Squares provide a shorthand way of finding expected proportions of possible
genotypes and phenotypes in the offspring of a cross.
- Fertilization must occur at random
- Results are expected, not actual; results based on chance
- Results predicted by probability are more likely to be seen when there is a large number of
offspring
- a monohybrid cross contains four boxes; a cross between two heterozygous individuals would
reveal a 1:2:1 genotype ration and a 3:1 phenotype ratio in the offspring; the probability that the
offspring will show a dominant phenotype is ¾, or 75%
- a dihybrid cross contains sixteen boxes; a dihybrid cross reveals two traits for both parents; a
cross between two heterozygous individuals would reveal a 9:3:3:1 phenotype ratio in the
offspring

PUNNETT SQUARE

ORIGINS OF LIFE:
Biogenesis – idea that living organisms came only from other
living organisms
GENETIC ENGINEERING (GENOMICS): Spontaneous Generation – mistaken idea that life can arise
- sometimes called biotechnology from nonliving materials; sometimes called Abiogenesis
- process of transferring a gene (DNA) from one organism to another - Francesco Redi performed controlled experiments that tested
- Organisms with transferred gene now produce “recombined” genetic code ( called “recombinant DNA”) spontaneous generation of maggots from decaying meat –
- Ex: insulin produced through bacteria disproved idea.
- Ex: oil-eating bacteria - Louis Pasteur performed controlled experiments that tested
- Has application in medicine, environment, industry, agriculture, selective breeding spontaneous generation of microorganisms in nutrient broth –
- Human Genome Project disproved idea.
- DNA Fingerprinting Protocells – large, ordered structure, enclosed by a membrane,
that carries out some life activities, such as growth and division;
name given to first living cells, possibly photosynthetic
prokaryotes; may have arisen through organic evolution;
eukaryotes may have arisen through endosymbiosis (symbiotic
PEDIGREE relationship between prokaryotes)

NATURAL SELECTION and THEORY OF EVOLUTION:

- proposed by Charles Darwin
- process by which organisms that are best suited to
environment survive and pass genetic traits on to offspring
- has no effect on increased production of offspring, fossil
formation, or changes in habitat
- adaptation – organisms with the most suited traits will
survive
- evolution – change in a species over time (not a single
individual, but the group)
- microevolution – evolution that occurs within the species
level; results from genetic variation and natural selection
within a population
- antibiotic resistance
- pesticide resistance
- macroevolution – evolution that occurs between different
species; focuses on how groups of organisms change
- convergent evolution – two species evolve similarly
EVIDENCE OF EVOLUTION: - divergent evolution – a group of species evolve
- Fossils – may appear in rocks, ice, amber; when fossils are arranged in order of their age, the fossil record differently
provides a series of changes that occurred over time; comparison of anatomical characteristics reveals shared - adaptive radiation – a group of species adapt separately
ancestry to environments
- DNA - when gene or protein sequences from organisms are arranged, species thought to be closely related - speciation – formation of a new species
based on fossil evidence are seen to be more similar than species thought to be distantly related - geographic isolation – physical barrier divides a
- Embryology – embryos of different vertebrates look alike in their early stages, giving the superficial population, results in individuals that cannot mate, leads
appearance of a relationship to a new species
- reproductive isolation – genetic mutation or behavioral
change prevent mating
GO AL 4: Develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.
• Classification of Organisms according to Evolutionary Relationships, Historical Development and Changing Nature of
Classification Systems, Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Organics, Eukaryotic Kingdoms, Dichotomous Keys
• Processes by which Organisms or Representative Groups accomplish Essential Life Functions
• Adaptations affecting Survival and Reproduction, Structural Adaptations in Plants and Animals, Disease-Causing Viruses
and Microorganisms, Co-Evolution
• Interactive Role of Internal / External Factors in Health and Disease, Genetics, Immune Response, Nutrition, Parasites,
Toxins
• Patterns of Animal Behavior as Adaptations to the Environment, Innate / Learned Behavior

CLASSIFICATION:
- process in understanding how organisms are related and how they are different
- taxonomy – branch of biology that studies grouping and naming of organisms
- history of classification systems
- 4th Century B.C., Aristotle proposed two groups (plants and animals) and used common names for identification, based on “blood” and
“bloodless”
- early 1700s, Carolus Linnaeus developed a system based on physical characteristics
- two kingdoms (plants and animals)
- developed “genus” and “species”
- designed system of naming called binomial nomenclature (“two names”) which gave each organism two names, a genus and
a species, Genus always capitalized, both should be underlined or italicized
- Six kingdoms: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria), Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia
- a dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms by using pairs of contrasting characteristics
- basis of current classification: phylogeny, DNA / biochemical analysis, embryology, morphology, Phylogenetic trees

COMPARISON OF KINGDOM CHARACTERISTICS

MONERA PROTISTA FUNGI PLANTAE ANIMALIA

Bacteria Protists Eukaryote Eukaryote Eukaryote
Prokaryote Eukaryote Multicelluar Multicellular Multicellular
Unicellular, colonial Unicellular Aerobic Aerobic Aerobic
Aerobic / anaerobic Multicellular Decomposer Producer Consumer
Decomposer Aerobic Lack chlorophyll Photosynthesis Cellular respiration
Heterotrophic Pathogenic / parasitic Pathogenic Cell wall (cellulose) Invertebrates
Photosynthetic (some) Animal-like (protozoa) Saprophytic / parasitic Vascular system, seeds Vertebrates
Chemosynthetic (some) Plant-like (algae) Medicinal, food source Poisonous Symmetry
Pathogenic Medicinal, food source Heterotrophic Medicinal, food source
Medicinal Mobile Sexual / asexual Alternation of generations Ex: Homo sapiens
Classified by shape Ex: amoeba Alternation of generations Roots, stems, leaves
Binary fission Often symbiotic with algae Pollination(fertilization)
Vaccines, antibiotics Ex: mushroom Germination
Ex: streptococcus Ex: oak
Note: Current classification systems reveal six kingdoms, where Monerans are divided into Archaebacteria (ancient bacteria, anaerobic nature) and
Eubacteria (true bacteria, aerobic nature).

LEVELS OF CLASSIFICATION: CLASSIFICATION OF HUMANS:

- Kingdom Kingdom Animalia (multicellular organisms that eat food)
- Phylum Phylum Chordata (dorsal hollow nerve cord, notochord, pharyngeal slits)
- Class Class Mammalia (hair, mammary glands, endothermy, four-chambered heart)
- Order Order Primates (nails, clavicle, orbits encircled with bone, enlarged cerebrum, opposable digits)
- Family Family Homidae (bipedal – walk erect on two feet, advanced tool use)
- Genus Genus Homo (“human” like)
- Species Species Homo sapiens

COMPARISON OF EUKARYOTE TO PROKARYOTE:

Prokaryote – has nuclear material in the center of the cell, but is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane; no membrane bound organelles;
examples: bacteria and blue-green algae
Eukaryote – contain a clearly defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and membrane bound organelles; examples: plants, animals,
fungi, and protists
VIRUSES:
Note: Viruses are not considered living organisms!
- composed of a nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat
- use living cells to replicate viral nucleic acid
- infects a living cell when the virus injects its nucleic acid into the host cell; the viral nucleic acid replicates and makes more viruses
- two processes to infect host cells: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle
- lytic: virus attached to host cell injects its nucleic acid into host; nucleic acid is immediately replicated; host bursts; releases virus
- lysogenic: host infected but does not immediately die; viral DNA is replicated along with host DNA; virus becomes dormant; spontaneously enters lytic cycle and cell bursts –
may be years later
- viruses can infect animals, plants, and bacteria
- viruses do not respond to drug treatment
- immunity must be acquired naturally or from vaccinations

DICHOTOMOUS KEYS:
- device used to aid in identifying a biological specimen
- offers two alternatives at each juncture, each choice determining the next step; breaks down subgroups by their evolutionary relationships
- can be used for field identification of species, as found in field guides by focusing on practical characteristics
Example:
1. Leaves usually without teeth or lobes: 2
1. Leaves usually with teeth or lobes: 5
2. Leaves evergreen: 3
2. Leaves not evergreen: 4
3. Mature plant a large tree — Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
3. Mature plant a small shrub — Dwarf live oak Quercus minima
4. Leaf narrow, about 4-6 times as long as broad — Willow oak Quercus phellos
4. Leaf broad, about 2-3 times as long as broad — Shingle oak Quercus imbricaria
5. Lobes or teeth bristle-tipped: 6
5. Lobes or teeth rounded or blunt-pointed, no bristles: 7
6. Leaves mostly with 3 lobes — Blackjack oak Quercus marilandica
6. Leaves mostly with 7-9 lobes — Northern red oak Quercus rubra
7. Leaves with 5-9 deep lobes — White oak Quercus alba
7. Leaves with 21-27 shallow lobes — Swamp chestnut oak Quercus prinus
Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichotomous_key )

PLANTS INVERTEBRATES VERTEBRATES

Spore-Producing Plants Three types of symmetry Have a coelom (true body cavity)
Nonvascular, produce spores No symmetry (disorganized) Skeletal systems (endoskeleton)
Remain small– absorb water by osmosis Radial symmetry (around a central point) Strong, flexible backbone (support)
Sperm swim to fertilize eggs Bilateral symmetry (equal on both sides) Bilateral symmetry
Live in moist environments Specialized bodily functions Aquatic or terrestrial environments
Reproduce sexually No backbone, usually outer covering Organized systems
Alternation of Generations (exoskeleton) Jawless fishes
(You see the gametophyte generation) May be hydrostatic (water-based, aquatic) Lampreys
Mosses and liverworts Sponges (Porifera) Cartilaginous fishes
Vascular Plants No symmetry Sharks, cartilage
Two types of vascular tissue Cnidarians (Coelenterata) Bony fishes
Xylem – transports water and minerals (UP) Jellyfish, hydrostatic, radial symmetry Bass, trout
Phloem – transports sugars (DOWN) Specialized stinging cells in tentacles Scales, paired fins, gills, bone
Produce spores Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) External fertilization
Club mosses, horsetails, ferns Leeches, bilateral symmetry Amphibians
Require water for reproduction Suckers for removing fluids from host Salamanders, frogs
Alternation of Generations Roundworms (Nematoda) Moist skin and lack scales
(you see the sporophyte generation) Parasites, radial symmetry Have gills as young, lungs and limbs as adults
Seed Producing Vascular Plants Segmented worms External fertilization
Vascular, Produce seeds earthworms Reptiles
Seed = embryo protected by a seed coat decomposers Snakes, turtles
Two groups based on reproduction Mollusks (Mollusca) Dry, scaly skin
Gymnosperms – cone-bearing Clams, oysters (bivalves) Internal fertilization
Angiosperms – flowering Hard outer shell (calcium carbonate) Terrestrial eggs (leathery shells)
- monocots (corn) and dicots (flowers) Food source Developed lungs, strong limbs
Roots – anchor, absorb water, store food Arthropods (Arthropoda) Birds
Stems – support, transport Crabs, insects (segmented body) Hawks, eagles, robin
Leaves – photosynthesis, produces food Pollinators, bilateral symmetry Feathers, hollow bones, strong muscles
Adaptations – seed, pollen, fruit, flowers Echinoderms (Echinodermata) Efficient heart and lungs for flying
Pollination – fertilization, germination starfish Internal fertilization (terrestrial amniotic egg)
radial symmetry Mammals
Humans, monkeys, whales
Hair or fur
Internal fertilization (internal development)
 REPRESENTATIVE GROUPS AND ESSENTIAL LIFE FUNCTIONS
Unicellular Annelid Worms Insects Amphibians Mammals Nonvascular Angiosperms Gymnosperms
Protists Plants
Transport Diffusion Closed Open Closed Closed NO Xylem Xylem and Phloem
Circulatory Circulatory Circulatory Circulatory NO Phloem Transpiration, Conduction, and
System System 3 Chambers 4 Chambers Absorption
Excretion Pinocytosis Coelom with Malpighian Cloaca Kidneys Transpiration (water)
Phagocytosis Septa Tubes Cloaca Vent Bladder Photosynthesis (carbon dioxide)
Diffusion Anus
Respiration Aerobic Skin Tracheal Tubes Gills Lungs Cellular Respiration in Mitochondria
Mitochondria Blood Vessels Lungs Release Oxygen, Burn Glucose
Photosynthesis Moist Skin
Regulation Flagella, Cilia Nerve Cord Brain, Ventral Ectotherms Endotherm NO Roots Roots, Stems and Leaves
Pseudopodia Lateral Nerves Nerve Cord Brain NO Stems Tracheids and Sieve Tube
Eyespot Vascular System Neocortex NO Leaves Members
Nutrition Internal Filter Feeders CoEvolution Carnivores Herbivores Water and Sugars (Photosynthesis)
Digestion Scavengers with Plants for Attached Carnivores Nitrogen
Filter Feeders> (Pinocytosis) Deposit Feeders Pollination Tongue Sunlight
Synthesis Form Cysts Regeneration Honey, Wax, Glandular Sweat Glucose Glucose Glucose
Starch Silk, Lacquer, Secretions Milk Seeds Seeds
Spores etc. (Poison) Flowers Cones
Reproduction Sexual Asexual (fission) Sexual Sexual Sexual Sexual
Asexual Sexual Ovoviviparous Direct Asexual
(hermaphrodite) Viviparous Development Alternation of Generations (AoG)
Growth and Spores (AoG) True Eggs Eggs in Jelly Placenta Water Based Land Based Land Based
Development Water Bases Segmentation Metamorphosis Tadpole Stage Eggs (few) Habitat Flowers Cones
Habitat Replication Metamorphosis

MAJOR SYSTEMS AND ORGANS

SYSTEM FUNCTION BASIC ORGANS, AND STRUCTURAL PARTS
Circulatory Transports nutrients, fluids, gases Heart, veins, arteries
Digestive Breaks down food into essential nutrients Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines
Endocrine Controls body functions through hormones Glands which secrete hormones
Excretory Removes cellular wastes from the blood Bladder, kidneys, urethra
Immune Protects the body against invading organisms White blood cells
Integumentary Protects the body by forming the body’s outer layer Skin, hair, nails
Muscular Moves the body with the help of the skeletal system Muscles
Skeletal Supports the body internally Bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons
Nervous Coordinates sensory input with motor output Brain, spinal cord, sense organs
Reproductive Provides a means of producing offspring Testes (male), ovaries and uterus (female)
Respiratory Controls the exchange of gases Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lungs

REPRODUCTION, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT:

Reproduction – production of offspring by an organism; a characteristic of all living things (can be sexual or asexual); exists for the
continuation of the species, not the individual
Growth – increase in the amount of living material and formation of new structures in an organism; a characteristic of all living things; ex:
getting bigger, growing muscle, longer bones, etc.
Development – all the changes that take place during the life of an organism; a characteristic of all living things; ex: infancy, youth, puberty,
adulthood, death

DISEASE CAUSING MICROORGANISMS:

- Microorganisms are living organisms, usually unicellular bacteria, than can only be seen with a microscope.
- Benefits of microorganisms: help us to digest food, encourage normal development of the immune system, fight off bad organisms
- Microbes (or pathogens) include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which cause disease when our immune system can’t fight them
- Microorganisms can be identified based on their size, shape, color, ability to form colonies, etc.
- Process of growing the organism is called a culture, and can be used to test sensitivity of organisms to various antibiotics which will help a
doctor determine which drug to use in treating an infection.
- An infectious disease in humans occurs when balance is disturbed by: exposure to an organism, normal microorganisms in the body become
pathogenic, or the human immune system does not act fast enough or strong enough.
- Most common areas on the body for microorganisms: skin, mouth, upper airway, intestine, genitals
 EXAMPLES OF INFECTIOUS ORGANISMS: DEFENSES AGAINST INFECTION:
- Bacteria – microscopic, single celled First Line of Immune Defense:
Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat) - Physical Barriers - skin, mucous membranes (linings of the
Escherichia coli (urinary tract or intestinal infection) mouth, nose, eyelids), airways, stomach acid, pancreatic
- Viruses – cannot reproduce on its own (invades a host cell) enzymes, bile, intestinal secretions, urinary secretions
Varicella zoster (chicken pox) Second Line of Immune Defense:
Rhinovirus (common cold) - Blood – increasing the number of certain types of white blood
- Fungi – yeasts, molds, mushrooms cells that engulf and destroy invading microorganisms
Candida albicans (yeast infection) - Inflammation – release or substances from damaged tissue
Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) isolates area to attack and kill invaders and dispose of dead
- Parasites – organism such as a worm or single celled animal and damaged tissue, and to begin repair; blood supply
(protozoan) that survive by living inside another organism (host) increases which brings more white blood cells to swollen area
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) - Fever – body temperature increases to enhance defense
Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) ability (controlled by hypothalamus in brain); causes shivers,
chills, body aches; normal body temperature is 98.6ºF, a fever
is considered higher then 100ºF.
Third Line of Immune Defense:
- Immune Response – immune system responds by producing
substances that attack invaders (ex: killer T cells, phagocytes)
and the immune system produces antibodies that attach to and
immobilize the invader to kill it; antibodies will “remember” the
infectious organism so it will kill it upon next exposure; immune
system is present all over the body and tightly bound to blood
and lymph systems; tissues and cells that provide antibodies
include red bone marrow, thymus, spleen, circulating lymphatic
system, and white blood cells.
- There are two types of immunity:
- Natural Immunity – created by body’s natural physical barriers
or in the form of antibodies passed from mother to child
- Acquired Immunity – created by exposure to a specific
microorganism, which is “remembered” by the body’s immune
The Lymphatic System, Source: system - Immunization – body’s ability to fight off certain
http://www.trichocare.co.uk/colourstart/whatishyp organisms is stimulated or enhanced
1. Active Immunization – contain either noninfectious
ersensitivity/immune/ fragments or whole pieces of bacteria or viruses that have been
weakened so they will not cause infection but will instead cause
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: the production of antibodies (vaccination)
2. Passive Immunization – antibodies against a specific
- some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics because they have
infectious organism are given directly to the person (vaccine
enzymes that can destroy the antibiotics or because of genetic
may not be available)
mutation that allow them to grow despite the antibiotics
External Defenses:
- increasing numbers of microorganisms have become resistant to
- Antibiotics – organic substances synthesized by
antibiotics are violent and untreatable, now called “superbugs”
microorganisms or at a lab used to treat infectious diseases or
- overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of resistant bacteria
to prevent them; each antibiotic is specific to a certain bacteria;
How can you prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance?
can be administered by mouth, vein, or muscle
- avoid antibiotics unless they are clearly needed
- Hygiene – keeping a clean environment that limits exposure
- do not take antibiotics without the advice of a doctor
to infected bodily fluids, decomposing material, or infected
- take the full course of prescription
people will prevent the spread of infection
- do not save antibiotics for later
- do not demand antibiotics from the doctor

ANIMAL BEHAVIORAL ADAPTATIONS: CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS AND RHYTHMIC BEHAVIOR:

Behavior – animal’s response to a stimulus - 24 hour cycle in plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria
Innate behavior – instinct; influenced by genes - Biological rhythms can be daily, weekly, seasonal, annual
Ex: bird defending its nest
- Can be influenced by external factors such as sunlight and
Learned behavior – changed by experience
Ex: training a pet to respond to a specific name temperature
Social behavior – interactions between members of the same species - Rhythmic behavior can be passed through genes to offspring
Ex: mating and caring for offspring - Include behaviors such as sleeping, eating, brainwave activity,
Territorial behavior – organisms defend an area to keep out other organisms (ex: hormone production, cell regeneration, mating and sexual
animal marking trees) reproduction, hibernation, estivation, etc.
Reflex – automatic, neuromuscular action (ex: knee jerk)
Taxis – response to a directional stimulus; organism is motile
ADAPTIVE RESPONSES: PLANT TROPISM:
- Mimicry – structural adaptation that allows one species to resemble another Growth responses that result in curvature of plant
species; may provide protection from predators organs towards or away from stimuli due to different
- Camouflage – structural adaptation that enables species to blend with their rates of elongation
surroundings; allows a species to avoid detection Geotropism – response to gravity; roots have
- Migration – instinctive seasonal movements of animals from place to place positive geotropism; stems have negative
- Emigration – movement of individuals from a population; leaving the geotropism
population Phototropism – response to light (leaves)
- Immigration – movement of individuals into a population Hydrotropism – response to water (roots)
- Hibernation – state of reduced metabolism occurring in animals that sleep during Thigmotropism – response to touch (venus flytrap)
parts of cold winter months; an animal’s temperature drops, oxygen consumption Chemotropism – response to chemicals
decreases, and breathing rate declines
- Estivation – state of reduced metabolism that occurs in animals living in
conditions of intense heat
- Mating / Reproduction – production of offspring for the survival of the species;
can be seasonally scheduled

GO AL 5: Develop an understanding of ecological relationships among organisms.

• Interrelationships among Organisms / Populations / Communities / Ecosystems, Techniques of Field Ecology, Abiotic /
Biotic Factors, Carrying Capacity
• Flow of Energy and Cycling of Matter in the Ecosystem, Relationship of Carbon Cycle to Photosynthesis and Respiration,
Trophic Levels, Direction and Efficiency of Energy Transfer
• Human Population and its Impact on Local Ecosystems and Global Environments, Historic and Potential Changes in
Population, Factors associated with Population Change, Climate Change, Resource Use, Sustainable Practices /
Stewardship

ENERGY FLOW IN AN ECOSYSTEM

SUN >>>>> GRASS >>>>> MICE >>>>> HAWK
Sunlight is the main energy source for living things. Energy flows through an ecosystem from the sun to organisms within the ecosystem in one
direction. Two main groups of organisms in the ecosystem are the producers and consumers.
Producers – autotrophs, use sun’s energy to make their own food, plants (grass)
Consumers – heterotrophs, cannot make their own food, eat other living things to get their energy (mice- primary consumers; and hawk-
secondary consumer)

STRUCTURE OF AN ECOSYSTEM
Organism >>>>> Species >>>>> Population >>>>> Community >>>>> Ecosystem >>>>> Environment
Species – group of organisms that can interbreed Population – units of single species
Community – groups of interacting populations Ecosystem – groups of interacting communities
Habitat – place where an organism lives Niche – organism’s role within its habitat

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS:
GROUPS OF ORGANISMS Symbiosis – permanent, close association between one or more organisms of
Consumer Energy Source Example different species
Herbivore Eat plants Deer Mutualism – a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit (ex: in
Carnivore Eat other animals Lion subtropical regions, ants protect acacia trees by fighting invaders, acacia tree
Omnivore Eat plants and Human provides nectar to ants)
animals Commensalism – symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the
Decomposer Break down dead Bacteria & other species is neither harmed nor benefited (ex: Spanish moss grows on and
organisms Fungi hangs from limbs of trees, but does not obtain any nutrients from tree, nor harm
the tree)
Parasitism – symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits at the
expense of another, usually another species (ex: parasites such as bacteria,
roundworms, tapeworms live in the intestines of organisms to obtain nutrients and
reproduce, but cause disease in the organisms)
FOOD CHAIN: SOME EXAMPLES OF
- Path of energy from producer to consumer ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITING FACTORS
- Each level is called a trophic level (trophic = energy) Biotic (living) Abiotic (nonliving)
- Approximately 10% energy is transferred to next level Plants Climate
- 90% used for personal metabolism and development
Animals Light
FOOD WEB:
- Interconnected food chains Bacteria Soil
- Shows all possible feeding relationships at each trophic level in a community Prey Water
ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID: Food Sources Shelter
- Representation of energy transfer (Nutrients) Pollution
- Pyramid of Energy – each level represents energy available at that level, 90% decline
- Pyramid of Biomass – each level represents amount level above needs to consume
- Pyramid of Numbers – each level represents number of organisms consumed by level above it

SPECIES / POPULATION SURVIVAL:

- Natural Selection – mechanism for change in populations; occurs when organisms with favorable variations survive, reproduce, and pass
their variations to the next generation; “survival of the fittest”
- Adaptation (Behavioral or Physiological) – evolution of a structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to
environmental factors and live to produce offspring
- Limiting Factors (Environmental) – any biotic or abiotic factor that restricts the existence, numbers, reproduction, or distribution of
organisms
- Genetic Mutations – any change or random error in a DNA sequence (one gene or many; somatic cells or gametes)
- Biodiversity – variety of life in an area; usually measured as the number of species that live in an area
- Evolution (Macroevolution vs. Microevolution) – gradual change in a species through adaptations over time
- Endangered Species – number of individuals in the species falls so low that extinction is possible
- Extinction – disappearance of a species when the last of its members die

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS: ALTERNATION OF GENERATIONS:

- require food for energy to carry out life processes - type of life cycle found in some algae, fungi, and all plants
- use energy to maintain homeostasis where an organism alternates between a haploid (n)
- respond to stimuli in the environment gametophyte generation and a diploid (2n) sporophyte
- grow and develop generation
- reproduce similar offspring
- pass genetic information to their offspring
- composed of cells
- composed of organic based compounds

CYCLES:
(Matter cannot be created nor destroyed, but can be converted/recycled to other forms)
Water Cycle – water is recycled through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, groundwater, aquifers, respiration, transpiration,
excretion, decomposition
Nitrogen Cycle – producers take in nitrogen compounds in soil and pass to consumers that consume the producers; decomposers (bacteria)
break down nitrogen compounds and release nitrogen gas to air or usable nitrogen so the soil
Carbon Cycle – carbon is recycled through respiration, photosynthesis, fuel combustion, decomposition; carbon can be atmospheric or
dissolved, or can be found in organic compounds within the body

ECOLOGY FIELD STUDY:

- using specific methods and procedures to study plants and animals in their natural setting, and to observe interrelationships of living and non-
living factors in a specific habitat
- observations might include: temperature recordings, location, soil description, number and kinds of plants and animals, food source(s), rainfall
amount, change in growth, interactions between organisms, identification of organisms into genus and species, temperature variations from
morning to afternoon to night, light levels (at different times of day), sound levels (at different times of day), photographs, diagrams of levels
(ground level, canopy level, etc.) and the animals and plants at each level, water sampling, quadrant studies, graphs of growth
- field study requires the collection of data and the analysis of data through graphs, charts, diagrams, etc.
- field study also requires the recording of all observations, data, etc. into a legitimate field notebook that would include personal interpretations,
photographs, newspaper clippings, etc.
CARBON CYCLE NITROGEN CYCLE
 FLUCTUATIONS IN CARRYING CAPACITY
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS (BIOMES):
AQUATIC: based on flow, depth, temperature, chemistry
TERRESTRIAL: based on geography, rainfall,
temperature
Tropical Rain Forest – significant diversity, warm, moist
Savanna – grassland with isolated trees, warm year-
round, consistent rainfall, borders deserts
Desert – hot, dry, minimal rainfall, middle latitudes
Temperate Grassland – variety of grasses, cold winters,
warm summers, seasonal rainfall, borders savannas
Temperate Forest – deciduous, seasonal growth and
weather patterns
Taiga – coniferous, borders tundra
Tundra – cold, frozen
Marine – oceans, saltwater, large diversity
Freshwater – lakes, streams, lower diversity

SUCCESSION:
- orderly, natural changes, and species replacements that
take place in communities of an ecosystem over time
Primary Succession – colonization of barren land by
pioneer organisms (soil must be developed)
Secondary Succession – sequence of changes that take
place after a community is disrupted by natural disasters
or human actions (soil already present)

IMPACT OF HUMANS ON THE ENVIRONMENT:

- caused extinction of species through hunting, fishing,
agriculture, industry, urban development
- growing population = greater demands on environment
- affected quality and quantity of land, air, water resources
- Pollution = pollutants
- Air Pollution = smog, acid rain, dust, smoke, gases, fog,
carbon dioxide
- Water Pollution = sewers, industry, farms, homes, chemical
waste, fertilizer, dirty dish water
- Land Pollution = landfills, dumpsites, runoff, negligence, urban
wastes
CONSERVATION EFFORTS:
- conserve energy resources
- protect and conserve material resources
- control pollution (recapture wastes, carpooling, solid waste
neutralization)
- wildlife conservation protect animals from habitat loss, over-
hunting, pollution
- reduce, reuse, recycle programs
- sanitation and waste disposal programs
CRITICAL ISSUES:
- Global Warming, Pesticides, Population Growth

FACTORS THAT AFFECT POPULATION CHANGE:

- natural increase of a population depends on the number of births and deaths
- if births outnumber deaths, there will be an increase in population
- growth rate of a population measured in terms of birth rate (number of births
per 1000 people per year) and death rate (number of deaths per 1000 people
per year)
- fertility rates (number of babies), life expectancy, migration / immigration also
contribute to population change
- study of population is called demography; a census is a measure of the
population at a particular time
 FACTORS THAT AFFECT CLIMATE CHANGE: FACTORS THAT AFFECT RESOURCE USE AND SUSTAINABILITY:
- distance from the sea - population count - recycling programs
- ocean currents - number of producers and consumers - conservation programs
- Direction of prevailing winds - percapita consumption - substitution programs
- relief (altitude / mountains) - rate of industrial, urban, and infrastructure development -
- proximity to the equator - wealth of country / municipality
- El Nino phenomenon - amount of precipitation
- human population growth - renewable or nonrenewable status
- pollution - pollution / degradation of land
- industry - industry, manufacturing, commercialism

ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Attached to this study guide is a Biology Vocabulary EOC Review that pulls relevant terms for some of the
study content. Using the word list provided, try to identify the appropriate term that correlates to each
definition. Make flash cards for each term and its definition for an extra study opportunity. After using the
flashcards, do the Vocabulary EOC Review again.

Retrieve from your teacher a sample EOC Test. Take some time to first skim the assessment questions to get
a good idea of their content and their complexity. It is important to understand how many questions you will
be answering, develop a time limit to answer all questions, and how to break down each question into its
critical parts. Second, Read each question carefully, make note of the key word(s) in each question, and read
each answer choice thoroughly before choosing a final answer. It is good to use a highlighter (or your
pencil) to circle or highlight the key word(s) in each question. Highlight or circle similar key words or ideas
in your answer choices in order to select or eliminate answer choices. This will help keep you focused and
alert to what the question is asking. Once you have answered each question, check your answers against the
answer key. For those questions that you answered incorrectly, re-read those questions and the answer
choices and logically determine why you answered incorrectly and justify the reason for the correct answer.
Later, without the time constraints, follow this process with each question. This will help you in the future
when you are confronted with questions of similar content. (Teachers: Use the sample EOC Test that
accompanies your textbook or the sample EOC Test that accompanies the “5 Days to the EOC” resource.)

Good Luck and Good Testing! 

Additional Resources used to develop this study guide (other than those already listed or the
textbook):
1. www.dictionary.com
2. www.wikipedia.org
3. http://www.utas.edu.au/sciencelinks/exdesign
4. http://www.accessexcellence.org/
5. www.reference.com