Biology 101

1. What are some of the characteristics shared by all living things?

All living things share fundamental characteristics. They are organized in complex structures; from cells to organisms. They obtain and use energy as well as nutrients; they sense and respond to conditions inside and outside themselves. They also reproduce and pass on characteristics to a new generation of life.

2. Why is energy so important to living organisms?

Energy is the capacity to do work; it needs to be invested in order to keep living organisms alive without it organisms wouldn’t be able to grow, develop and reproduce.

3. What is metabolism and what is its purpose?

Metabolism refers to the activities by which cells acquire and use energy as they make and brake apart organic compounds. These activities allow cells stay alive, grow and reproduce.

4. How is life perpetuated from one generation to another?

Life is perpetuated from one generation to another by reproduction; cells divide to create new individuals and continue the process of life.

5. How does sexual reproduction help a species adapt to a changing environment?

Sexual reproduction helps species to adapt to a changing environment by producing a different variety of offsprings. Organisms grow, develop and reproduce based on information in their DNA, which they inherit from their parents. The DNA is the basis of similarities and differences. By combining genes the chances of variation increases, which also increases the chances of survival if the environment changes.

6. What are the principal steps in the scientific method?

The principal steps are as follow: 1) Observation of the phenomenon 2) Hypothesis, a testable explanation of a natural phenomenon 3) Test, such as experiments 4) Test Results and 5) Conclusions.

7. What is a hypothesis, and what is its importance to scientific investigation?

A hypothesis is a testable explanation of a natural phenomenon, an educated guess. The hypothesis states what might be the...