EmSAT Biology Flashcards

What is natural selection?

Answer: The process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce more successfully

Natural selection is the mechanism of evolution proposed by Darwin. Organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more, passing those advantageous traits to offspring.

What is a mutation?

Answer: A permanent change in DNA sequence

A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful, and they are the ultimate source of genetic variation.

What is biodiversity?

Answer: The variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variation within species, and variety of ecosystems.

What is an ecosystem?

Answer: A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment

An ecosystem consists of all the living organisms (biotic components) in an area, together with the non-living (abiotic) components (such as water, soil, and climate) with which they interact.

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

Answer: A food chain shows one linear pathway of energy; a food web shows multiple interconnected pathways

A food chain shows a single linear pathway of energy transfer from producer to consumers. A food web shows multiple interconnected food chains, representing the complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Answer: They break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients

Decomposers (fungi, bacteria) break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They are essential for nutrient cycling and allow plants to reabsorb minerals.