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BIOLOGY REGENTS 2025

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