Biology STAAR Review

Front

What is natural selection?

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Front

Define homologous structures.

Back

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if they have different functions.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Analogous structures are body parts in different species that have similar functions but do not share a common ancestry.

Front

What is a vestigial organ?

Back

A vestigial organ is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution.

Front

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Back

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

Front

What is the purpose of a Punnett square?

Back

A Punnett square is used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.

Front

Define genotype.

Back

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, specifically the alleles it carries.

Front

What is phenotype?

Back

Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype.

Front

Explain the concept of adaptation.

Back

Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity?

Back

Biodiversity is important for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services.