BIOL 1020 - Module 1 Study Guide Rated A+
Explain how evolution has led to both the unity and diversity of life forms
Describe what genetic information consists of and how is it inherited
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic units of life
What is the common meaning...
1). Explain how evolution has led to both the unity and diversity of life forms
Ans: Evidences from similarities in DNA and cellular structures and processes support
Darwin's idea that all organisms share a common ancestor. Over time, life diverged to fill
Earth's environments. As Earth changed, life adapted. If a life form could not adapt to
changes, it went extinct. The result of evolution is the extraordinary diversity we see on
Earth today. The uniformity in diverse species provides the evidence of unity of evolution.
Specifically, the structure of the cell membrane, the uniformity of the base pairs that
construct DNA, and even the homologous structure of limbs show the similarity between
species. Evolution is also able to explain the diversity of life. Organisms must compete for
a limited amount of resources. Each organism is adapted to its environment.
2). Describe what genetic information consists of and how is it inherited
Ans: Genetic information consists of DNA - which is the heritable information molecule
in all cells. Genes are encoded on DNA. Genes encode proteins which determine structure
and function of cells, cells are the basic unit of life for all organisms. Cells inherit DNA
from other cells by -
1. Conjunction/ transduction
2. Mitosis
3. Meiosis
4. Asexual / Sexual reproduction
3). Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as the basic units of life
Ans: Prokaryotes - NO nucleus present- Bacterial cell. DNA is NOT held within a
membrane.
Eukaryote - cell nucleus is present - Animal & plant cell - this is where the DNA is stored,
within a membrane. They also have internal membranes allowing the
compartmentalisation of cellular processes. Bigger in size than Prok's
4). What is the common meaning of evolution? how is this different from the biological
meaning of the word evolution?
Ans: Biological evolution refers to the change in DNA in a population over time, there is
heritable change. People commonly use the word evolution to simply describe change
over time.
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, 5). How did classification systems change after scientists accepted darwin's theory of
evolution by natural selection?
Ans: Before Darwin, classification systems were based on superficial characteristics
like habitat or physical appearance. After Darwin, scientists began to classify organisms
according to their evolutionary relationships.
6). How does natural selection differ from evolution?
Ans: Evolution is the change in genes in a population over time. Natural selection is a
mechanism that explains how evolution might occur. Natural selection explains how
nature selects individuals with variations that help the individual survive and pass on its
genes. As a result of natural selection, gene frequencies in a population change. Natural
selection is not the only mechanism of evolution.
7). How do dna and other structures and processes in cells provide evidence that all organisms
share a common ancestor?
Ans: The chance that DNA and other complex structures and processes arose
independently is very low, when we consider how similar they are in different organisms.
There are too many instances where nature clearly repeats the same plan to be
coincidental.
8). Identify evolution as the core theme and unifying concept in biology.
Ans: Charles Darwin formulated one mechanism of evolution, natural selection, in the
mid-1800s by simple observation. Natural selection is a process that describes how traits
change in a population by the differential reproduction of its members. Genetics was
incorporated into evolution in the mid-1900s. Today, scientists study evolution at the level
of genes.
9). Explain biological classification in terms of evolutionary history.
Ans: Scientists organize life based on evolutionary relationships. Evolutionary "trees of
life" illustrate patterns of divergence over time. Because evolution explains the unity and
diversity of life, it is at the core of biology.
10). Describe genetic drift
Ans: Changes that occur in a population due to random processes, such as a founder
event in which only a few individuals start a new population
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