Miller Biology Semester 1 Exam (covering Chapters 1-7)

Front

What is metabolism?

Back

Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions that take place within a living organism to maintain life, including processes that break down nutrients for energy and those that build up cellular components.

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What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Its presence or absence can significantly alter the ecosystem dynamics.

Front

True or False: Biodiversity has many benefits.

Back

True. Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability, resilience, and provides resources for food, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Front

What is a climax community?

Back

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state, characterized by a specific and uniform composition of species.

Front

Which vital element for life participates in the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles?

Back

Oxygen. It is essential for respiration and is involved in various biochemical cycles.

Front

Define homeostasis.

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions despite external changes.

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity.

Front

What is a niche?

Back

A niche is the role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other organisms.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Front

What is ecological succession?

Back

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of stages from pioneer species to a climax community.