AP Biology

The Diversity of Life

Chapters 26-28, 31

Due

Chapter 26 The Tree of Life – An Intro to Biological Diversity

Read Sections 26.1 & 26.6

  1. Describe the following theories of life’s origins.
  2. Oparin & Haldane
  3. Miller & Urey
  4. Extraterrestrial & Hydrothermal Vents
  1. Describe the minimum structural, metabolic, and genetic equipment for a protobiont to be considered a true cell.
  2. It has been proposed that RNA was the first “genetic” material of life. What evidence supports this hypothesis and how would natural selection have been able to play a role in the evolution and diversity of life? Why and how would RNA have been replaced by DNA?
  3. Many classification schemes have been utilized as scientists observe and understand life on earth. Compare and contrast the 5 kingdom to 3 domain classification schematics. Discuss positives and negatives to both systems, similarities/differences in organization and which do you think is most accurate? Refer to figures 26.21 & 26.22

Chapter 27 Prokaryotes

  1. a. As discussed back in the cells chapter, plants and prokaryotes both posses a cell wall, yet the structure of that cell wall differs. Describe this difference and how does this relate to the gram positive and gram negative classification of prokaryotes. Provide examples of each type.
    b. Also discussed were similarities in motion of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, yet the actual structure of flagella differ – describe these. What other appendages may be present on bacteria and what are their uses?
  2. Bacteria are one of the most successful reproducers and survivors on Earth. Describe how an endospore may help with this in addition to 2-3 more characteristics that support their success.
  3. Using Table 27.1 devise a way to explain and remember the 4 main nutrition modes of bacteria as well as the 3 metabolic relationships to oxygen.
  4. Compare and contrast the 3 main classes of cells and provide examples of each. Focus on similarities and unique differences.
  5. Bacteria!!! AHHH!!! They’ve gotten a bad rap due to a number of them that are pathogenic, but the fact is many of them are not harmful and even beneficial to other organisms and the earth.
    a. Explain and provide 2 specific examples of how prokaryotes play a beneficial role in the environment. Use examples other than those in the book – use that thinking cap!!!
    b. Most pathogenic prokaryotes cause illness by releasing poisons classified as either endotoxins or exotoxins. Identify a pathogenic prokaryote (preferably not from the book), discuss its action and classify its poison as either an endotoxin or exotoxin.

Chapter 28 Protists

  1. Review Concept 26.4 and “the First Eukaryotes” and “Endosymbiotic Origin of Mitochondria and Plastids” and Figure 28.3 to answer the following:
  2. How is the endomembrane system of eukaryotic cells thought to have evolved?
  3. Review the evidence for the serial endosymbiotic model of eukaryotic cell evolution.
  4. Explain the “serial” part of the hypothesis.
  5. Explain the occurrence of multiple membranes found around the plastids of some protist groups
  6. What is regarded as the ultimate origin of all plastids?
  7. Describe how the origin of eukaryotes catalyzed a second great wave of diversification.
  8. Why does systematics consider the kingdom of Protista to be an obsolete taxon? Provide specific examples as evidence to support your answer.
  9. Using figure 28.12 describe the ways in which ciliates reproduce and also how genetic variation is introduced into the species through the process of conjugation.
  10. Laminaria are one of the first examples of an alternation of generation life cycle (Figure 28.21). Describe what this means and how it may be a link between algae and land plants.
  11. Cellular slime molds provide one model of how multicellularity may have evolved. Explain why this is so based upon figure 28.27.

Chapter 31 Fungi

  1. What did the female Rhizopus stolonifer say about the male Rhizopus stolonifer?
  2. Diagram a generalized multicellular fungus. Label and describe the function of the following parts: hyphae, exoenzymes, chitin, mycelium.
  3. Describe Figure 31.5, making sure to note and understand the “ogamy” terms and “kary” terms. Know when the organism is diploid, haploid.
  4. Compare and contrast the modes of reproduction between figures 31.12 & 31.17
  5. Explain the ecological impacts of fungi; their symbiotic relationships with plants, animals, and their role in lichens.
  6. What does mycosis mean?