Chapter 1 Biological principles and what is
  • Info
    Click 'Save & Edit' to enable all features
    Export
    Study
    Edit
    Manage
Public
Save & Edit
Searching...
Flashcards in this deck (13)

  • What is zoology?

    The branch of biology that studies animals.

    zoology definition

  • Which domain is listed for animals?

    Eukarya

    taxonomy domain

  • Which kingdom is listed for animals?

    Animalia

    taxonomy kingdom

  • What are the Greek roots that form the word 'zoology'?

    • zoon (animal)
    • logos (knowledge)
    etymology zoology

  • How is knowledge defined here?

    Knowledge is defined as 'justified, true belief' by Karl Popper.

    philosophy knowledge

  • What are the eight characteristics of life listed?

    • Chemical uniqueness
    • Complexity and hierarchical organization
    • Reproduction
    • Genetic (hereditary) material
    • Metabolism
    • Development
    • Environmental interaction
    • Movement
    biology characteristics

  • Which of the following is NOT one of the listed characteristics of life?

    Photosynthesis

    Reproduction

    Movement

    Metabolism

    biology recognition

  • How many characteristics of life are listed?

    Eight

    biology facts

  • What demonstrates the chemical uniqueness of living systems?

    Living systems demonstrate a unique and complex molecular organization.

    biology chemical

  • Name the main classes of biological macromolecules.

    • Nucleic acids
    • Proteins
    • Carbohydrates
    • Lipids
    macromolecules biology

  • Are biological macromolecules all unique to life?

    No. Not all are unique to life, but the combinations of structure, molecules, and bonds are distinct in living systems.

    macromolecules chemical

  • What are the components bonded to the central carbon in a basic amino acid structure?

    • Amino group
    • Carboxyl group
    • Hydrogen atom
    • Variable R-group
    aminoacid structure biochemistry

  • Use the diagram URL to view an amino acid structure illustration.

    Diagram: Amino acid structure The diagram shows the amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and R-group around a central carbon.

    image aminoacid
Study Notes

Chapter 1 — Basic biology: What is Zoology?

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals across levels from molecules to ecosystems. It focuses on animals in Domain Eukarya, Kingdom Animalia, and draws on anatomy, physiology, behavior and evolution.

Several snakes coiled on concrete with green foliage

Definition and context

  • Zoology: the scientific study of animals (structure, function, development, behavior, evolution).
  • Etymology: from Greek zoon (animal) + logos (knowledge).
  • The note states knowledge as 'justified, true belief' (attributed here to Karl Popper).

Key characteristics of life (what defines animals/organisms)

  • Chemical uniqueness — living systems use specific macromolecules and arrangements not typical of nonliving matter.
  • Complexity & hierarchical organization — cells → tissues → organs → systems → organism.
  • Reproduction — the capacity to produce new individuals (sexual or asexual).
  • Genetic material — heredity through DNA (or RNA in some life forms).
  • Metabolism — energy transformation and chemical reactions that sustain life.
  • Development — regulated changes in form and function from embryo to adult.
  • Environmental interaction — sensing and responding to external stimuli.
  • Movement — at least some life stages or parts show directed movement.

Chemical uniqueness — biological macromolecules

  • Life shows characteristic molecular building blocks assembled in specific ways:
  • Nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) — store and transmit genetic information.
  • Proteins — polymers of amino acids that catalyze reactions and form structures.
  • Carbohydrates — energy storage and structural roles (e.g., glycogen, cellulose).
  • Lipids — membranes and energy storage (fats, phospholipids).
  • Individual molecule types appear outside life, but the specific combinations, 3D structures, and bonds in living systems are distinctive.

Amino acid structure: NH2, COOH, H, and R-group bonded to central carbon

  • Typical amino acid structure: central carbon bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom and an R-group (side chain) that defines each amino acid.

Quick study aids

  • Memorize the eight characteristics of life as a checklist to classify living vs nonliving.
  • Use the mnemonic: C C R G M D E M (Chemical, Complexity, Reproduction, Genetic, Metabolism, Development, Environment interaction, Movement).
  • Relate macromolecules to function: DNA = information, proteins = function, carbs = energy/structure, lipids = membranes/energy.

Summary (one-line takeaways)

  • Zoology studies animals at multiple levels; living organisms are defined by a set of shared characteristics and distinctive molecular organization.