Help
Options
Question
DNA
click to flip
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't know
Question
Proteins
Remaining cards (244)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
BIOLOGY REGENTS 2025
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| DNA | the blueprint of life. It carries the genetic instructions that determine the structure and function of all living things |
| Proteins | essential molecules in our bodies that perform a wide range of functions necessary for life |
| Structure of DNA | composed of two strands that form a double helix. The strands are made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine) |
| Transcription | First step. The DNA double helix unwinds, and an enzyme called RNA polymerase reads one DNA strand and creates a complementary strand of mRNA |
| Translation | The mRNA leaves the nucleus and is read by a ribosome. tRNA brings the correct amino acids to match each codon, and a protein is built |
| Base Pairing Rule | Adenine pairs with Thymine, Cytosine pairs with Guanine |
| Nitrogenous Bases | Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) |
| RNA Base Difference | RNA uses Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T) |
| Codon | A sequence of three mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid |
| mRNA | Messenger RNA, made from DNA during transcription; carries the genetic message to the ribosome |
| tRNA | Transfer RNA, brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation |
| Ribosome | The cell's protein-making factory, where translation occurs |
| Protein Synthesis | The overall process of transcription and translation, by which proteins are made from genetic instructions |
| Amino Acids | Building blocks of proteins, linked together in the order specified by mRNA |
| Enzymes | Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions |
| Structural Proteins | Proteins that provide support and shape to cells and tissues (e.g., collagen) |
| Cell Receptors | Proteins on the cell surface that receive chemical signals and help the cell respond to its environment |
| Gene | A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein |
| Nucleotide | Basic unit of DNA made of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base |
| RNA Polymerase | The enzyme that builds mRNA during transcription |
| Why Protein Shape Matters | The shape of a protein determines its function; shape depends on the amino acid sequence |
| How DNA Determines Traits | DNA controls the sequence of amino acids in proteins, which influence structure and function in cells and traits in organisms |
| Where Transcription Occurs | In the nucleus |
| Where Translation Occurs | In the cytoplasm at a ribosome |
| Genetic Code | The sequence of DNA bases that determines the amino acid sequence in proteins |
| DNA to Trait Pathway | DNA → mRNA (transcription) → amino acid chain (translation) → folded protein → trait |
| Effect of DNA Mutation | A change in DNA may change the protein made, possibly altering structure or function |
| Hierarchical Organization | The levels of structure in multicellular organisms: cells → tissues → organs → organ systems |
| Cells | The basic unit of life. Different types perform specific functions like movement or communication |
| Tissues | Groups of similar cells working together to perform a particular function, like muscle or epithelial tissue |
| Organs | Structures made of multiple tissues working together to perform specific functions (e.g., the heart) |
| Organ Systems | Groups of organs that work together to carry out complex body functions (e.g., circulatory system) |
| Digestive System Function | Breaks down food into nutrients for the body to absorb and use |
| Circulatory System Function | Transports nutrients, oxygen, water, and other substances to cells and tissues |
| Immune System Function | Detects and responds to pathogens to protect the body from disease |
| Nervous System Function | Allows the body to sense and respond to environmental changes (stimuli) |
| Muscle Cells | Specialized cells that contract to allow movement |
| Nerve Cells | Specialized cells that send electrical signals through the body |
| Epithelial Tissue | Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines organs and cavities |
| Muscle Tissue | Tissue that enables movement by contracting and relaxing |
| Heart | An organ composed of multiple tissues that work together to pump blood |
| Multicellular Organism | An organism made up of many specialized cells and systems working together |
| Homeostasis | The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism despite external changes |
| Feedback Mechanisms | Processes that respond to internal or external changes to help maintain homeostasis |
| Negative Feedback | A mechanism that counteracts changes to bring the system back to normal (e.g., sweating to cool down) |
| Positive Feedback | A mechanism that amplifies changes (e.g., hormone release during childbirth to increase contractions) |
| Temperature Regulation | Example of negative feedback: body cools itself through sweating when temperature rises |
| Heart Rate and Exercise | Heart rate increases during exercise to supply more oxygen, helping maintain stable oxygen levels |
| Stomate Response | Plant stomates open or close based on moisture and temperature to balance water and gas exchange |
| Root Growth and Water | Plant roots grow toward areas with more water to maintain hydration and support survival |
| Internal Conditions Maintained | Includes temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations |
| Investigation of Feedback | Can include measuring changes in heart rate, stomate opening, or root growth in different conditions |
| Photosynthesis | The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen |
| Purpose of Photosynthesis | Transforms light energy into stored chemical energy in the form of glucose |
| Where Photosynthesis Occurs | In the chloroplasts of plant cells |
| Inputs of Photosynthesis | Light energy, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O) |
| Outputs of Photosynthesis | Glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) |
| Energy Transformation in Photosynthesis | Light energy is captured by chlorophyll and converted into chemical energy stored in glucose |
| Chlorophyll | The green pigment in chloroplasts that captures light energy |
| Photosynthesis Chemical Equation | 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2 |
| Use of Glucose | Used by plants for growth, reproduction, and cellular energy |
| Byproduct of Photosynthesis | Oxygen (O2), released into the atmosphere |
| Carbon-Based Molecules | Molecules essential for life that are built around carbon; include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids |
| Elements in Sugar Molecules | Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen |
| Building Blocks of Life | Simple molecules like sugars combine with nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus to form complex molecules |
| Amino Acids | Formed by combining carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur; building blocks of proteins |
| Proteins | Large, complex molecules made of amino acids that perform many functions in organisms |
| Lipids | Fats and oils formed from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; used for energy storage and cell structure |
| Nucleic Acids | DNA and RNA, formed from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus |
| Formation of Complex Molecules | Chemical reactions rearrange elements from simple molecules to build lipids, proteins, starches, and nucleic acids |
| Importance of Chemical Reactions | Allow the transformation of basic elements into the molecules necessary for life |
| Use of Models and Simulations | Helps scientists understand and explain how complex molecules form from simpler ones |
| Aerobic Cellular Respiration | A process where cells break down glucose using oxygen to release energy |
| Inputs of Aerobic Respiration | Glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) |
| Outputs of Aerobic Respiration | Carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP (energy) |
| Purpose of Aerobic Respiration | To release energy from food and store it in ATP for cellular use |
| ATP | Adenosine triphosphate; the energy-carrying molecule used by cells |
| Energy Transfer in Respiration | Bonds in glucose and oxygen are broken; new bonds form in CO2 and H2O, releasing energy |
| Chemical Bonds in Respiration | Breaking food molecule bonds and forming new bonds results in energy release |
| Use of Oxygen | Oxygen is required to efficiently break down glucose and extract energy |
| Role of Models in Respiration | Help visualize chemical reactions, energy flow, and bond changes during respiration |
| Location of Respiration | Occurs primarily in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells |
| Cycling of Matter | The continuous movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen between biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem |
| Flow of Energy | Energy enters ecosystems through sunlight, moves through organisms via food chains, and exits as heat |
| Photosynthesis in Ecosystems | Captures sunlight to convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen, introducing energy into the food chain |
| Aerobic Respiration in Ecosystems | Breaks down glucose with oxygen to release energy, returning CO2 and water to the environment |
| Anaerobic Respiration | Energy-releasing process without oxygen; less efficient and produces byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol |
| Matter vs. Energy in Ecosystems | Matter is recycled; energy flows in one direction and is not recycled |
| Carbon Cycle | Carbon moves through plants, animals, the atmosphere, and soil in forms like CO2 and organic compounds |
| Role of Decomposers | Break down dead organisms, returning nutrients like nitrogen and carbon to the soil and atmosphere |
| Food Chain Energy Flow | Energy is passed from producers to consumers to decomposers, with energy lost as heat at each level |
| Sunlight’s Role in Ecosystems | Primary energy source that powers photosynthesis and drives the entire ecosystem’s energy flow |
| Cycling of Matter | Matter is recycled in ecosystems as elements like carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen move through living and nonliving components |
| Flow of Energy | Energy flows one way through ecosystems, entering as sunlight and leaving as heat; it is not recycled |
| Energy Pyramids | Graphical models that show how energy decreases at each trophic level from producers to top consumers |
| Primary Producers | Organisms like plants that capture sunlight and form the base of the energy pyramid |
| Trophic Levels | Levels in a food chain or energy pyramid, including producers, primary consumers, and higher-level consumers |
| Energy Transfer Efficiency | Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next; the rest is lost as heat |
| Conservation of Matter | Matter is not created or destroyed in ecosystems; it cycles through various forms and organisms |
| Conservation of Energy | Energy is conserved but transformed; it changes form (e.g., chemical to heat) as it flows through the ecosystem |
| Carbon in Ecosystems | Carbon cycles through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and consumption of organisms |
| Mathematical Models in Ecology | Used to represent and analyze how matter and energy move through ecosystems, such as in energy pyramids |
| The Carbon Cycle | The continuous movement of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere |
| Carbon in the Biosphere | Carbon is stored in living organisms and released through processes like respiration and decomposition |
| Carbon in the Atmosphere | Carbon exists as carbon dioxide (CO2), which is absorbed and released through various processes |
| Carbon in the Hydrosphere | Carbon dissolves in bodies of water and is exchanged with the atmosphere and aquatic life |
| Carbon in the Geosphere | Carbon is stored in rocks and fossil fuels and released through geological processes and combustion |
| Photosynthesis and Carbon | Plants take in CO2 and convert it into glucose, removing carbon from the atmosphere |
| Respiration and Carbon | Organisms release CO2 back into the atmosphere by breaking down glucose for energy |
| Decomposition and Carbon | Decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing carbon into the atmosphere or soil |
| Combustion and Carbon | Burning of fossil fuels or organic matter releases carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2 |
| Human Impact on Carbon Cycle | Activities like burning fossil fuels increase atmospheric CO2 and affect climate balance |
| Carbon Storage | Carbon can be stored for long periods in the geosphere (fossil fuels, rocks) or short-term in living organisms |
| Carbon Cycle Models | Visual tools that show how carbon moves through Earth’s systems and the processes involved |
| Carrying Capacity | The maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support sustainably over time |
| Biotic Factors | Living components of an ecosystem that affect carrying capacity, such as predators, prey, competitors, and symbiotic relationships |
| Abiotic Factors | Non-living components like climate, water availability, soil quality, and temperature that influence carrying capacity |
| Example of Biotic Factor Impact | Increase in predator populations can decrease carrying capacity for prey species |
| Example of Abiotic Factor Impact | Drought reduces water availability, lowering carrying capacity for species dependent on water |
| Interdependence of Factors | Changes in abiotic factors (e.g., climate) can affect biotic factors (e.g., food availability) and impact carrying capacity |
| Mathematical Models | Graphs, charts, and histograms used to analyze how biotic and abiotic factors influence population changes over time |
| Computational Models | Simulations and computer models that predict ecosystem responses to different environmental conditions |
| Purpose of Models | To help scientists explain and predict changes in carrying capacity under varying conditions |
| Carrying Capacity Variation | Carrying capacity can change at different scales, depending on local or broader ecosystem conditions |
| Biodiversity | The variety of life in an ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity |
| Factors Affecting Biodiversity | Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation |
| Population Dynamics | Changes in population size and composition influenced by birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration |
| Mathematical Representations | Graphs, charts, and data analysis tools used to support and revise explanations about biodiversity and populations |
| Analyzing Trends | Using data trends (like population size over time) to assess ecosystem health and impacts on biodiversity |
| Graphical Comparisons | Visualizing relationships between variables (e.g., pollution levels vs. species diversity) to understand ecosystem changes |
| Importance of Biodiversity | High biodiversity generally indicates a healthy and resilient ecosystem |
| Using Data to Predict | Mathematical models help predict future changes in populations and biodiversity based on observed data |
| Impacts of Pollution on Biodiversity | Pollution often causes a decline in species diversity and disrupts population dynamics |
| Invasive Species Impact | Non-native species can outcompete natives and reduce biodiversity |
| Ecosystem Stability | The ability of an ecosystem to maintain relatively constant numbers and types of organisms despite minor disturbances |
| Complex Interactions | Interactions like predator-prey relationships, competition, and symbiosis that help maintain stable populations and biodiversity |
| Resilience | The capacity of an ecosystem to recover from small disturbances and return to its original state |
| Changes in Ecosystem Conditions | Alterations caused by natural events (e.g., floods, volcanic eruptions) or human activities (e.g., hunting, pollution) |
| Impact of Changes | Some changes allow ecosystems to adapt; others can cause ecosystems to transform into new ecosystems |
| Ecological Succession | The natural process of ecosystem change over time, including primary succession (starting from bare rock) and secondary succession (alteration of an existing ecosystem) |
| Evaluating Claims and Evidence | Assessing the validity, strength, and logic of scientific data and conclusions about ecosystem stability and change |
| New Ecosystem Formation | When changes are severe, the original ecosystem may be replaced by a different one with new species and interactions |
| Human Activities Impacting Environment | Urbanization, agriculture, industrialization, and transportation that cause habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species spread |
| Urbanization Effects | Leads to habitat loss, ecosystem fragmentation, pollution, and decreased species diversity |
| Invasive Species | Non-native organisms that outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity; spread facilitated by human trade and travel |
| Solutions to Environmental Challenges | Technological innovations, legislation, policies, and conservation practices to reduce human impact |
| Designing Solutions | Involves understanding problems, brainstorming, and creating models or simulations to predict outcomes and sustainability |
| Evaluating Solutions | Monitoring environmental indicators and biodiversity to assess effectiveness of solutions |
| Refining Solutions | Adjusting or improving solutions based on evaluation results and changing environmental conditions |
| Group behavior vs. individual behavior | Group behavior involves coordinated actions by multiple individuals for common goals like safety or resource use; individual behavior is carried out alone to meet personal needs |
| Advantages of group behavior | Group behaviors increase survival and reproduction by providing protection from predators, efficient resource use, and improved reproduction |
| Protection from predators | Group behaviors such as schooling or flocking confuse predators and reduce the chance of any one individual being caught |
| Efficient resource use | Cooperative hunting or foraging in groups helps capture prey or gather food more effectively than individuals alone |
| Improved reproduction | Migrating or breeding in groups improves chances of finding better breeding grounds and higher offspring survival rates |
| Evidence: flocking | Birds flying in flocks benefit from reduced predation risk and increased foraging efficiency |
| Evidence: schooling | Fish schooling reduces predation by confusing predators through coordinated movement |
| Evidence: herding | Herd animals like elephants use group formation to protect vulnerable members from predators |
| Evidence: cooperative hunting | Predators like lions hunt in groups to take down larger prey more successfully |
| Evidence: migrating | Group migration helps species navigate collectively and share environmental cues, aiding survival and reproduction |
| Developing arguments based on evidence | Distinguish group vs. individual behavior, identify supporting data, and construct logical claims on group behavior benefits |
| Mitosis | Mitosis is the process where a single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells, essential for growth, repair, and replacement of cells |
| Main stages of mitosis | Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase are the main stages of mitosis (details not covered here) |
| Cell differentiation | After mitosis, cells become specialized into different types like muscle, nerve, or blood cells, guided by gene expression and environmental signals |
| Abnormal cell division | Uncontrolled cell division can cause cancer, where tumors form and may invade other tissues |
| Stem cells | Undifferentiated cells that can develop into various cell types, important for growth, repair, and regeneration |
| Stem cell research | Studies stem cells’ ability to treat diseases and repair damaged tissues by directing differentiation |
| Modeling mitosis and differentiation | Models like diagrams and simulations illustrate how cells divide and specialize, aiding understanding of these processes |
| DNA | DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in all living organisms that contains genetic instructions for growth, development, and reproduction |
| Chromosomes | Chromosomes are long structures made of DNA and proteins; humans have 23 pairs, with one set from each parent containing many genes |
| Coding regions | Coding regions are DNA sequences that contain instructions for making proteins responsible for trait expression |
| Non-coding regions | Non-coding regions do not code for proteins but regulate gene expression, provide chromosome structure, and maintain genome stability |
| Inheritance of traits | Traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes on chromosomes; combinations of alleles determine traits |
| How do coding regions contribute to traits? | Coding regions direct the synthesis of proteins that result in the expression of specific traits |
| What is the role of non-coding regions? | They regulate gene expression, support chromosome structure, and maintain genome stability |
| How are traits passed through chromosomes? | Genes on chromosomes are inherited from parents, carrying the genetic information for traits |
| Why distinguish coding from non-coding regions? | Because coding regions make proteins while non-coding regions control gene activity and chromosome function |
| New genetic combinations through meiosis | Meiosis produces gametes with new gene combinations through crossing over and independent assortment, creating genetic diversity |
| Errors during DNA replication | Mistakes during DNA copying can cause mutations passed to offspring if they occur in gametes, adding genetic variation |
| Mutations caused by environmental factors | Radiation, chemicals, and viruses can cause DNA mutations that may be inherited if they occur in germ cells |
| Genetic engineering | Biotechnological methods modify DNA by adding, removing, or altering genes, creating inheritable genetic variations not found naturally |
| How do new genetic combinations arise in meiosis? | Through crossing over and independent assortment, genes are shuffled to create unique offspring genetic profiles |
| What role do replication errors play in genetic variation? | Replication errors can cause mutations that introduce new inheritable genetic variations |
| How can environmental factors cause genetic variation? | They induce mutations in DNA, which may be passed to offspring if occurring in germ cells |
| What is genetic engineering’s impact on genetic variation? | It artificially introduces new genetic traits that can be inherited by future generations |
| How is evidence used to defend claims about genetic variation? | Experimental data, genetic studies, and observed traits support explanations of how variation occurs |
| Statistical analysis of traits | Uses averages, variances, and standard deviations to summarize how traits are distributed and identify patterns in a population |
| Probability of trait expression | Predicts likelihood of traits appearing in offspring using genetic inheritance patterns like Punnett squares |
| Genetic factors in trait variation | Alleles inherited from parents determine traits; probability describes how allele combinations cause variation |
| Environmental factors and traits | Environmental conditions influence trait expression and interact with genetic factors affecting distribution |
| Describing trait distribution | Mathematical models and visual tools like histograms and bar graphs show frequency and range of traits in a population |
| How does statistics help understand traits in a population? | It summarizes data on trait distribution and reveals patterns using measures like averages and variance |
| What role does probability play in genetics? | It predicts the chance of dominant or recessive traits appearing in offspring based on inheritance |
| How do genetic factors contribute to trait variation? | Different combinations of inherited alleles create genetic diversity in traits |
| How do environmental factors affect trait expression? | They modify how genetic traits are expressed and impact their distribution in a population |
| What tools describe trait distribution visually? | Histograms and bar graphs represent the frequency and range of traits observed in populations |
| Structures of male reproductive system | Includes testes that produce sperm and penis that delivers sperm into female reproductive tract |
| Structures of female reproductive system | Includes ovaries that produce eggs and uterus where the embryo develops |
| Role of endocrine system in reproduction | Regulates reproductive hormones that influence sexual development and function |
| Role of circulatory system in reproduction | Supplies blood to reproductive organs, supporting their function |
| Role of nervous system in reproduction | Involved in sexual arousal and reproductive behaviors |
| What happens after fertilization? | The fertilized egg (zygote) undergoes stages to become an embryo and then a fetus |
| Key stages of embryonic development | Include implantation in the uterus and early development of organs and body systems |
| How do environmental factors affect development? | Nutrition, toxins, and health impact fetal growth and development |
| Why is maternal nutrition important? | It supports healthy fetal growth and reduces risk of developmental problems |
| How can exposure to toxins influence development? | It can cause developmental issues or birth defects |
| What is the overall purpose of human reproduction and development? | To ensure the continuity of life by creating and developing new individuals |
| DNA sequence similarities | Similarity in DNA sequences among species indicates common ancestry; closely related species have more similar DNA |
| Comparative anatomy | Homologous structures in different species show shared ancestry despite different functions |
| Example of homologous structures | Forelimbs of humans, whales, and birds have similar bone structures due to common descent |
| Embryological development | Many species exhibit similar early developmental stages, supporting common ancestry |
| Fossil record | Fossils show historical changes in species and transitional forms illustrating evolution |
| What does the fossil record support? | Gradual evolutionary change and emergence of new species over time |
| Biogeography | Geographic distribution of species supports evolution through continental drift and landmass movement |
| How does biogeography support evolution? | Similar species found in different regions reflect historical movement of continents and species evolution |
| Potential for Population Growth | Species can reproduce and increase in number, but not all offspring survive due to environmental limits |
| Why is population growth important for evolution? | It creates opportunities for natural selection to act on variation within the population |
| Heritable Genetic Variation | Mutations and sexual reproduction produce genetic differences that can be inherited |
| How do mutations and sexual reproduction contribute to variation? | Mutations introduce new traits; sexual reproduction shuffles genes creating diverse trait combinations |
| Competition for Limited Resources | Organisms compete for food, water, and shelter, influencing survival and reproduction success |
| What effect does competition have on evolution? | It favors individuals with traits better suited to obtain limited resources |
| Natural Selection and Adaptation | Better-adapted organisms are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on advantageous traits |
| How does natural selection drive evolution? | Traits that improve survival/reproduction become more common over generations, causing evolutionary change |
| What is natural selection? | Natural selection is the process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, causing those traits to become more common in the population over time. |
| What is adaptation in a population? | Adaptation is the process by which a population becomes better suited to its environment through the accumulation of advantageous traits over generations. |
| What are biotic factors in natural selection? | Biotic factors are interactions with other organisms such as competition, predation, and symbiosis that can influence which traits are advantageous. |
| What are abiotic factors in natural selection? | Abiotic factors are non-living environmental elements like temperature, climate, acidity, light, and geographic barriers that affect which traits provide survival advantages. |
| How does natural selection change gene frequencies? | Natural selection changes gene frequencies by increasing the frequency of alleles that contribute to advantageous traits and decreasing those linked to less favorable traits. |
| What evidence supports adaptation through natural selection? | Evidence includes observations of changes in trait distributions, survival rates, reproductive success related to environmental factors, and statistical and graphical analyses illustrating these changes. |
| What are the four Earth spheres involved in the carbon cycle? | The hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. |
| What does a quantitative model of the carbon cycle describe? | It describes the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, including concentrations and transfer rates. |
| What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle? | Plants capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. |
| How does human activity affect the carbon cycle? | Human activities increase carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, affecting climate. |
| What is important to identify in carbon cycling models? | The relative amounts and rates of carbon transfer between Earth’s spheres and conservation of matter during cycling. |
| What limitation exists in carbon cycle models? | Models cannot account for all carbon present in Earth's systems. |
| What caused gradual atmospheric changes historically? | Plants and other organisms capturing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. |
| How does increased atmospheric CO2 affect climate? | It leads to changes in climate, including global warming. |
| What is meant by the simultaneous coevolution of Earth's systems and life on Earth? | It refers to the dynamic interactions where Earth’s systems and life evolve together, each influencing and altering the other continuously. |
| What was Earth’s atmosphere like shortly after its formation? | It had a different composition, lacking free oxygen and dominated by gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen. |
| What is the current composition of Earth's atmosphere? | It contains significant free oxygen due to photosynthetic organisms, along with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases. |
| What evidence supports the emergence of photosynthetic organisms? | The presence of iron oxide formations (banded iron formations) caused by oxygen produced from photosynthesis. |
| How did free oxygen affect evolution and Earth’s systems? | Free oxygen increased weathering rates, led to iron oxide deposits, and allowed for the evolution of animal life dependent on oxygen. |
| How does the biosphere affect other Earth systems? Give examples. | Photosynthetic life altered the atmosphere; microbial life increased soil formation enabling land plants; coral evolution created reefs changing erosion and habitats. |
| What are causal links and feedback mechanisms between biosphere changes and Earth system changes? | Changes in life forms alter atmospheric gases, which affect geological processes, which in turn influence life evolution—a continuous feedback loop. |
| How do plants and other organisms contribute to atmospheric changes? | They capture carbon dioxide and release oxygen, gradually transforming the atmosphere. |
| Why is the coevolution of Earth’s surface and life described as dynamic and delicate? | Because the biosphere and Earth systems continuously influence each other through complex feedbacks that shape both life and the planet’s surface. |
Created by:
markoii