Alabama High School Graduation ExamAlabama High School Graduation ExamBiology FocusBiology Focus

Standards:

1.) Select appropriate laboratory glassware, balances, time measuring equipment, and optical instruments to

conduct an experiment.

2.) Describe cell processes necessary for achieving homeostasis, including active and passive transport, osmosis,

diffusion, exocytosis, and endocytosis. 3.) Identify reactants and products associated with photosynthesis and cellular respiration and the purposes of these two

processes. 4.) Describe similarities and differences of cell organelles, using diagrams and tables.

5.) Identify cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems as levels of

organization in the biosphere.

6.) Describe the roles of mitotic and meiotic divisions during reproduction, growth, and repair of cells.

7.) Apply Mendel's law to determine phenotypic and genotypic probabilities of offspring.

8.) Identify the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and protein.

9.) Differentiate between the previous five-kingdom and current six-kingdom classification systems.

10.) Distinguish between monocots and dicots, angiosperms and gymnosperms, and vascular and nonvascular plants.

11.) Classify animals according to type of skeletal structure, method of fertilization and reproduction, body symmetry,

body coverings, and locomotion.

12.) Describe protective adaptations of animals, including mimicry, camouflage, beak type, migration, and hibernation.

13.) Trace the flow of energy as it decreases through the trophic levels from producers to the quaternary level in food

chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.

14.) Trace biogeochemical cycles through the environment, including water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen.

15.) Identify biomes based on environmental factors and native organisms.

16.) Identify density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors that affect populations in an ecosystem.

1.) Select appropriate laboratory glassware, balances, time measuring

equipment, and optical instruments to conduct an experiment. • Identifying safe laboratory procedures when handling chemicals and using Bunsen burners and

laboratory glassware

• Using appropriate SI units for measuring length, volume, and mass

• Describing the steps of the scientific method

• Comparing controls, dependent variables, and independent variables

Laboratory Equipment, Safety, and Procedures

Graduated cylinder -glassware to accurately measure liquid volume in mL

Meniscus-the curve at the surface of a liquid

Pipette, burette, and syringe-used to dispense measured amounts of liquids

Dropper-dispense small amounts of liquids (in drops at a time)

Test tube- used for holding mixing, and storing small amounts of liquids

Beaker and Erlenmeyer flask-used for holding and storing large amounts of liquids

Petri dish-used to grow and observe bacteria cultures

Practice 1

Match each piece of glassware to its BEST use. Each description for use may be

Used more than once.

_____ 1. test tube A. growing and observing bacteria

_____ 2. beaker B. accurately dispensing small, measured

amounts of liquids

_____ 3. graduated cylinder C. dispensing small amounts of liquids in drops

_____ 4. Erlenmeyer flask D. storing or mixing liquids

_____ 5. syringe E. accurately measuring a volume of liquid

_____ 6. pipette

_____ 7. burette

_____ 8. petri dish

_____ 9. dropper

Practice 2

1. In a biology experiment, Alphonzo needs to measure exactly 10 mL of water.

Which of the following pieces of equipment would be MOST appropriate for him

to use? A. beaker B. graduated cylinder C. Erlenmeyer flask D. test tube

Mass- the measure of how much matter is in an object

Gram- SI unit for mass

Scale balance- used to measure mass

Triple Beam balance- type of scale balance used more commonly in high schools

Weight- the measurement of force exerted by gravity on an object

Newtons- SI unit for force (and weight)

Spring scale- equipment used to find force or weight

Ruler or meter stick- used to measure length in millimeters, centimeters, or meters

Meter- SI unit for length

Practice 3

1. Which of the following is NOT true about weight?

A. Weight is a force. B. Weight depends on gravity

C. Weight can be measured on a spring scale D. Weight is measured in grams.

2. The biology student also tracks the length of each mouse in his experiment. What

piece of equipment should he use to determine length?

A. triple beam balance B. scale balance C. spring scale D. ruler or meter stick

Thermometer- equipment used to measure temperature

Bunsen burner- uses a gas flame to heat

Hot plate- uses electricity to heat

Test tube clamp- designed to hold test tubes, especially when hot

Tongs- used to move hot glassware like beakers and flasks

Heat resistant gloves- used to handle hot glassware

Practice 4

1. When heating materials in a test tube, you should hold the test tube with

A. beaker tongs B. a test tube clamp C. resistant gloves D. wrench

2. Which of these is NOT correct instruction about heating substances in a test tube?

A. Do Not cap the tube when heating

B. Keep the test tube moving in and out of the flame

C. Be sure the test tube is completely filled

D. Point the open end of the test tube away from others

Eyewash station- used to rinse the eyes when they have contacted a chemicalSafety shower- used to rinse skin or clothing of a hazardous chemicalBiohazards container- used to collect biohazards such as blood, cell cultures, or living tissuesBroken glass container- used to collect broken glassFire Extinguisher- used to put out firesSafety goggles- used to protect the eyesLab apron- used to protect the clothingGloves- used to protect the handsBiohazard- anything that can transport a disease or illness; examples: blood, cell cultures, animal tissue

Practice 51. When any accident occurs during a lab activity, you should A. always report it to the teacher B. notify the office C. include it in your lab report D. tell the students in the next class.

Scientific Investigations—The Scientific Process (Scientific Method)

Problem-an observation that needs an explanation or a question that needs an

answer

Hypothesis- a possible explanation or answer to a scientific problem that can be

tested; educated guess

Experiment- a step-by-step procedure used to test a hypothesis

Conclusion- the interpreted results of an experiment based on the data; may prove or

disprove the hypothesis

Theory- an idea that is accepted as true because it is supported by repeated evidence

Practice 1

___ 1. What is the first step in the A. conclusion

scientific process? B. forming a hypothesis

___ 2. After stating a problem, what is C. theory

the next step? D. conducting the experiment

___ 3. Deciding what kind of data to E. designing the experiment

gather takes place during which step? F. stating the problem

___ 4. Which step comes after conducting the

experiment?

___ 5. When are variables and controls

determined?

___ 6. Which step gives a possible explanation

to a problem that can then be tested?

___ 7. If an idea can be proven over and over again,

it can proceed to which step?

___ 8. Data is gathered in which step?

___ 9. During which step is the hypothesis proved or disproved?

Practice 2

1. A scientist might begin a new project by

A. testing a hypothesis C. creating a new experiment

B. making careful observations D. analyzing data

2. In science, a hypothesis is useful only if

A. it is always correct C. it can be tested

B. it can be proven incorrect D. the explanation is already known

3. You observe mold growing on the wall near a leaking hot water heater. You

believe that water must be important for mold growth. You decide to perform an

experiment to test the idea. Your idea that water is important for mold growth is

an example of

A. an experiment C. an observation

B. a conclusion D. a hypothesis

Experiment- a set of steps used to test a hypothesis

Data- observations, measurements, and other information gathered in an experiment

Control group- the group that is used for comparison; it does not receive the tested

Element (no variables)

Experiment group- a group that receives one element being tested (variable)

Placebo- a substance given to a control group that has no effect on the experiment

but is used to eliminate bias

Constants- factors that remain the same for all groups during an experiment

Variable- a factor that is changed during an experiment in order to tests its effect

Independent variable- the variable used to produce an effect (you change)

Dependent variable- the measurable change that occurs because of the independent

variable

Practice 3

1. What is the set of steps used to collect information to test a hypothesis called?

A. a principle B. a theory C. a control D. an experiment

2. Brandon tests the effects of sunlight on bean seed germination. The amount of

sunlight is the

A. control B. dependent variable C. independent variable D. placebo

Read about the experiment below and then answer the questions that follow.

A pharmaceutical company gets FDA approval to test a memory

enhancing medication on humans. The pharmaceutical company

chooses 100 participants and splits them into two groups of 50 each.

Once a day and over a period of 6 months, each participant is given a

pill. In one of the groups, the pill contains the medication. In the other

group, the pill contains no active ingredient. Once a week, the

participants are given a test that measures their memory. The score for

the test is recorded for each participant each week.

Problem 41. The test scores recorded in this experiment over the 6 months’ time are called the A. conclusion B. independent variable C. hypothesis D. data

2. The pill containing no active ingredient is called a A. placebo B. variable C. hypothesis D. constant

3. Which group of participants represents the control group? A. the group that is given the memory test each week B. the group that is given the memory enhancing medication C. the group that is given the pill with no active ingredients D. the group that is not given the memory test each week

4. Which of the following is the dependent variable in this experiment? A. 6 months’ time B. the memory enhancing medication C. the change in memory D. the memory test

Data table- a way to format and organize data into rows and columns

Raw data- information (data) gathered during an experiment before it has been

analyzed

Practice 4 Read the information and study the table.

A strawberry farmer conducted an experiment to test the optimum

pH level of soil to give the greatest production of strawberries. He

believed that the optimum pH would be around 5.5. For each pH

level, he recorded average pounds of strawberries produced per plant

and total pounds of strawberries produced per acre. His results are

shown in the table below.

The Effects of Soil pH on Strawberry Production

pH Level Pounds per Plant Pounds per Acre

4.5 0.44 5982

5.0 0.47 6390

5.5 0.51 6934

6.0 0.54 7342

6.5 0.57 7750

7.0 0.55 7478

7.5 0.52 7070

8.0 0.46 6254

8.5 0.40 5439

1. At a pH level of 6.0, how many pounds of strawberries per plant are recorded? A. 0.54 C. 7342 B. 0.57 D. 77502. At what pH level did plants average 0.57 pounds of strawberries per plant? A. 5.0 C. 7.0 B. 6.5 D. 8.53. Which of the following accurately describes what happens to strawberry production as pH levels change? A. As pH increases, strawberry production increases. B. As pH decreases, strawberry production increases. C. As pH increases, strawberry production increases until it reaches an optimum level, and then the production decreases. D. As pH increases, strawberry production remains constant

Line graph- a visual representation of data showing how something has changed over a period of time

Bar graph- a visual representation of data used to show different quantities between different groups especially when data is not continuous

Pie graph- a visual representation of data used to show parts (or percentages) of a whole

2.) Describe cell processes necessary for achieving homeostasis, including active and passive transport, osmosis, diffusion, exocytosis, and endocytosis.

Introduction to Cellular Transport

Homeostasis- the process of keeping the internal conditions in an organism stable

Cellular transport- the movement of materials into and out of cells

Cell membrane- the membrane that surrounds the contents of a cell and allows

only certain things in and out of the cell

Selectively permeable- a property of cell membranes that allows only certain

things to cross but not others

Phospholipids bilayer- the two layers of phospholipids molecules arranged tail to

tail that help to make up cell membranes

Active transport- processes that require some of the cell’s energy; move a

substance from an area of lower to higher concentration

Passive transport- processes that does not require energy from the cell

Diffusion- the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an

area of lower concentration

Facilitated diffusion- the diffusion of molecules across a membrane through special

proteins in the membrane

Osmosis- the movement of water across a membrane

Solute- dissolved particles

Hypertonic-higher solute concentration outside the cell; cause cell to shrink

Hypotonic- higher solute concentration inside the cell; cause cell to swell

Isotonic- equal solute concentration inside and outside the cell

Practice

1. If a membrane allows movement of only certain materials, it is called

A. somewhat permeable C. somewhat impermeable

B. selectively permeable D. selectively impermeable

2. The cell membrane is made primarily of

A. carbohydrates C. proteins

B. nucleic acids D. phospholipids

3. When active transport is used, the cell

A. does not use any of its own energy C. uses energy from other cells

B. uses some of its own energy D. uses the energy stored mainly in the nucleus

4. During passive transport, a cell

A. does not use any of its own energy B. uses energy from other cells

B. uses some of its own energy D. uses the energy stored mainly in the nucleus

5. Osmosis always involves the movement of

A. oxygen molecules C. water molecules

B. carbon dioxide molecules D. sugar molecules

Endocytosis- process used by a cell to take in large particle

Exocytosis- process used by a cell to release materials out of the cell

Standard #3 Identify reactants and

Products associated with photosynthesis

and cellular respiration and the purposes

of these two processes.

Cellular respiration- process that

converts glucose and oxygen into carbon

dioxide and water and releases energy as

ATP

Photosynthesis- process that uses light

energy to convert carbon dioxide and

Water into glucose and oxygen

Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis

Take place where All cells Cells with chlorophyll

Occurs All of the time In the presence of light

What goes in? (the reactants)

Glucose and oxygen

Carbon dioxide and water

What comes out? (the products)

Carbon dioxide and water

Glucose and oxygen

Energy Source Chemical bonds in glucose

light

Results Energy is stored as ATP

Energy is stored as glucose

Practice

1. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about cellular respiration?

A. Cellular respiration converts the energy directly from the sun into energy stored in chemical bonds.

B. Cellular respiration cannot occur without sunlight

C. Cellular respiration occurs in plant cells and in animal cells.

D. Cellular respiration converts carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and glucose.

2. Which is the following is TRUE statement about photosynthesis?

A. Photosynthesis occurs only in cells that contain chlorophyll.

B. Photosynthesis converts the chemical energy stored in carbohydrate bonds to light energy.

C. Photosynthesis converts carbohydrates and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water.

D. Photosynthesis occurs when light energy is not available.

Standard #4 Describe similarities and differences of cell organelles, using diagram

and tables.

Prokaryotic cells- simple cells that do not have a nucleus; found in bacteria

Eukaryotic cells- cells that have a true nucleus; found in plants, animals, fungi,

protists.

Schematic of typical animal cell, showing subcellular components. Organelles: (1)

nucleolus (2) nucleus (3) ribosome (4) vesicle (5) rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

(6) Golgi apparatus (7) Cytoskeleton (8) smooth ER (9) mitochondria (10) vacuole

(11) cytoplasm (12) lysosome (13) centrioles

Functions of Cell OrganellesCell Membrane- controls what goes into and out of the cell

Mitochondrion- powerhouse of the cell; produce energy for the cell

Nucleus- controls cellular processes; DNA found here

Vacuole- used for storage; water, salts, wastes, etc

Chloroplasts- found only in plant cells; contain chlorophyll and produce starch

Cytoskeleton- helps the cell keep its shape

Cytoplasm- found between the cell membrane and nucleus; house all organelles

Endoplasmic Reticulum- transport system of the cell

Ribosomes- build protein

Golgi Apparatus- package and distribute proteins and lipids; looks like a stack of pancakes

Cell Wall- found only in plant cells; provides extra protection for the cell

Practice

1. Plant and animal cells BOTH contain which of the following?

A. a large vacuole B. a nucleus C. a cell wall D. chloroplasts

2. A biology student looks at an unidentified cell under the microscope. The student identifies a nucleus,

several oblong organelles, a cell membrane, and a cell wall. Which of the following type of cell could

this be?

A. a red blood cell B. an oak leaf cell C. a skin cell D. a liver cell

Plant Cells Animal Cells

Have a Cell Membrane, Nucleus, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Golgi Apparatus, and Endoplasmic Reticulum?

Yes Yes

Have a Cell Wall? Yes No

Have Lysosomes? No (rarely) Yes

Have Vacuoles? Yes None or Small

Have Chloroplasts? Yes No

Standard #9 Differentiate between the previous five-kingdom and current six-

kingdom classification systems.

Classification of OrganismsClassification of Organisms

Level of Organization (smallest & most specific)

Largest & Least specific ---> Kingdom-----King

Phylum----Phillip

Class-----Came

Order---Over

Family-For

Genus-Good

Species-Soup

Practice

1. What is the lowest taxonomic level at

which the white pine tree and the douglas

fir tree share common characteristics?

A. kingdom B. order C. family D. genus

2. The smallest biological division that can

interbreed and produce fertile offspring

is

A. kingdom B. phylum C. genus D. species

White Pine Douglas Fir

Kingdom Plantae Plantae

Division Coniferophyta Coniferophyta

Class Pinopsida Pinopsida

Order Pinales Pinales

Family Pinaceae Pinaceae

Genus Pinus Pseudotsuga

Species strobus menziesii

Five Kingdom System- classification system that includes Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera

Six Kingdom System- classification system that includes Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Eubacteria, and Archaebacteria

Standard #5 Identify cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, populations,

communities, and ecosystems as levels of organization in the biosphere.

Cell differentiation- process that creates different types of specialized cells

Cells- the basic unit of structure of all living organisms

Tissue- group of similar cells working together to perform a certain function

Organ- group of similar tissues working together

Organ system- group of organs working together

Levels of Ecological Organization:

organisms populations communities ecosystems biosphere

Standard #6 Describe the roles of mitotic and meiotic divisions during

reproduction, growth, and repair of cells.

Cell cycle- the process that somatic cells go through in order to grow and to

reproduce

-Interphase- longest part of the cell cycle; consist of 3 main parts

--G1 Phase- cell grows and develops and new proteins are made

--S phase- DNA replication takes place

--G2 Phase- cell prepares for mitosis by making RNA and proteins

Mitosis- division of the nucleus; results in two cells identical to the parent cell;

Diploid number (2n)of chromosomes

-Phases:

Prophase- first stage and longest phase; chromatin condenses

Metaphase- chromatids line up along the midline of the nucleus

Anaphase- centromeres divide and sister chromatids separate

Telophase- new nuclear membranes are formed around each set of chromosomes

Meiosis- the process that forms the sex cells called gametes (ova and sperm cells; haploid number (n) of chromosomes -Phases I & Phase II (cells divide and then divide again to produce 4 cells with half the genetic material as the parent cell)

Practice

1. Offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism are produced by

A. mitosis B. pollination C. fertilization D. binary propagation

2. Sexual reproduction always produces

A. haploid gametes B. diploid gametes C. identical gametes D. bipolar gametes

Match each of the following terms with its definition

___ 1. sex cells A. cells that contain a diploid number

___ 2. mitosis B. cells that contain a haploid number

___ 3. somatic cell C. the process that produces diploid cells

___ 4. meiosis D. the process that produces haploid cells

5. How many times does chromosome separation occur in meiosis?

A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 4

6. Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle. It consist of 3 main parts. Name

and describe each.

I know that was a lot of information!What you need:

-Must have at least 2 questions per standard

-One foldable per standard

-Standard #3 Photosynthesis & Respiration

-Standard #4 Cell organelles & Function

-Standard #9 Differentiate between 5 Kingdom & 6 Kingdom Systems

-Standard #5 Cellular Organization

-Standard #6 Mitosis and Meiosis

-Copy and Paste a picture of Plant & Animal cell on panel under standard #4

-Remember to always be creative. Folder Foldable MUST be completed by

Friday! This is your Final Examination make it count.

-You may work on your Folder Foldable at home once I have given instruction for

Standards. So what you don’t finish in class could be finished at home. Just

remember, Folders are due Friday

Standard #7 Apply Mendel's law to determine phenotypic and genotypic probabilities of offspring. Phenotype is the physical characteristics of an organism--what it looks like; Example: brown hairGenotype is the combination of alleles (genes); Example: Bb

Punnette Square- a diagram that shows all possible gene combinations for a crossMonohybrid- crossing one trait from two parent organismsDihybrid- studying two traits crossed from parent organisms

Genotype Definition Phenotype

BB Homozygous dominant (or pure dominant) Brown hair

Bb Heterozygous ( or hybrid) Brown hair

bb Homozygous recessive (or pure recessive) White hair

Standard #8 Identify the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and protein.

DNA RNA

Double Stranded Single Stranded

Sugar is Deoxyribose Sugar is Ribose

Bases: Adenine (A) binds Thymine (T) Cytosine (C) binds Guanine (G)

Bases: Adenine (A) binds Uracil (U) Cytosine (C) binds Guanine (G)

Standard #10 Distinguish between monocots and dicots, angiosperms and gymnosperms, and vascular and nonvascular plants.

Cotyledon is a seed leaf that provides food for the embryo in the seed of a plant as it begins to growmonocot--1 seed leaf, leaf has parallel veins, vascular bundles scattered, roots brancheddicot --2 seed leaf, leaf has veins are branched, vascular bundles in a circle, large central roots (TAPROOT)

Angiosperms are a taxonomic class of plants in which the mature seed is surrounded by the ovule (think of an apple). Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class that includes plants whose seeds are not enclosed in an ovule (like a pine cone). Gymnosperm means as "naked seed".

Vascular tissue made of 2 types of veins:

-xylem- takes water and minerals UPWARD-phloem- takes sugar DOWNWARD to roots Roots hold plant in ground, absorb water and minerals, and store food

Flower Structure and FunctionMale Parts

Stamen This is the pollen producing part of the plant. The number of stamen is usually the same as the number of petals. Anther This is the part of the stamen that produces and contains pollen. Filament This is the fine hair-like stalk that the anther sits on top of. Female Parts

Pistil Each pistil is constructed of one to many rolled leaflike structures. Stigma It is the sticky bulb that you see in the center of the flowers, it is the part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate. Style This is the long stalk that the stigma sits on top of. Ovary Usually at the bottom of the flower, that has the seeds inside and turns into the fruit that we eat. The ovary contains ovules. Ovule The part of the ovary that becomes the seeds.

Other Important Parts of a Flower

Petal The colorful, often bright part of the flower. They attract pollinators and are usually the reason why we buy and enjoy flowers. Sepal The parts that look like little green leaves that cover the outside of a flower bud to protect the flower before it opens. Flower Types

Imperfect FlowerA flower that has either all male parts or all female parts, but not both in the same flower. Examples: cucumbers, pumpkin, and melons. Perfect FlowerA flower that has both the male parts and female parts in the same flower. Examples: roses, lilies, and dandelion.

Standard #11 Classify animals according to type of skeletal structure, method of fertilization and reproduction, body symmetry, body coverings, and locomotion.skeletal structure—vertebrates and invertebrates; invertebrates (no backbone) or vertebrates (backbone)fertilization—external and internal; reproduction—sexual and asexualbody symmetry—bilateral, axial, and asymmetrybody coverings—feathers, scales, and furlocomotion—flagella, cilia, and pseudopodia

Standard #12 Describe protective adaptations of animals, including mimicry, camouflage, beak type, migration, and hibernation.

Protective Adaptations of AnimalsAnything that helps an organism survive in its environment is an adaptation. It also refers to the ability of living things to adjust to different conditions within their environments.

mimicry Allows one animal to look, sound, or act like another animal to fool predators into thinking it is poisonous or dangerous.

camouflage Protective coloration and protective resemblance allow an animal to blend into its environment. Another word for this might be camouflage. Their camouflage makes it hard for enemies to single out individuals.

beak type

migration Is the behavioral adaptation that involves an animal or group of animals moving from one region to another and then back again. Animals migrate for different reasons. The reasons are as follows: better climate, better food, safe place to live, safe place to raise young, and go back to the place they were born.

hibernation Is a deep sleep in which an animal's body temperature drops to about the temperature of the environment. Body activities, such as heartbeat and breathing are slowed causing the animal to need very little food. Animals that hibernate are: bats, woodchucks, snakes, and bears. During the hibernation the animals live off of the fat that is stored in their body.

Standard #13 Trace the flow of energy as it decreases through the trophic levels from producers to the quaternary level in food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.All food chains, food webs, and pyramids

Start with GREEN plants

Primary consumer-eats plants

Secondary consumer-eats animal that eats plantTertiary consumer-eats secondary consumer

Matter in the environment is recycled through:

Producers (autotrophs) can make their own foodConsumers (heterotrophs) eat producers either directly or indirectly and other consumers -herbivores-eat only plants -carnivores-eat only meat -omnivores- eat both plant and animalsDecomposers (saprophyte) eat dead or decaying organismsParasite lives in or on another living organism and canonly reproduce in the host

 

Standard #14 Trace biogeochemical cycles through the environment, including water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Standard #15 Identify biomes based on environmental factors and native organisms.A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems

Biomes:

The desert biome

Deserts cover about one fifth of the Earth's surface and occur where rainfall is less than 50 cm/year. Soils often have abundant nutrients because they need only water to become very productive and have little or no organic matter.

Tropical forestTropical forests are characterized by the greatest diversity of species. They occur near the equator, within the area bounded by latitudes 23.5 degrees N and 23.5 degrees S. One of the major characteristics of tropical forests is their distinct seasonality: winter is absent, and only two seasons are present (rainy and dry). The length of daylight is 12 hours and varies little.

Temperate forestTemperate forests occur in eastern North America, northeastern Asia, and western and central Europe. Well-defined seasons with a distinct winter characterize this forest biome. Moderate climate and a growing season of 140-200 days during 4-6 frost-free months distinguish temperate forests.

The grassland biome

Grasslands are characterized as lands dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs or trees. In the Miocene and Pliocene Epochs, which spanned a period of about 25 million years, mountains rose in western North America and created a continental climate favorable to grasslands.

The tundra biome

Tundra is the coldest of all the biomes. Tundra comes from the Finnish word tunturi, meaning treeless plain. It is noted for its frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons.

The freshwater biome

Freshwater is defined as having a low salt concentration — usually less than 1%. Plants and animals in freshwater regions are adjusted to the low salt content and would not be able to survive in areas of high salt concentration (i.e., ocean). There are different types of freshwater regions: Ponds and lakes, Streams and rivers, and Wetlands

The marine biome

Marine regions cover about three-fourths of the Earth's surface and include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. Marine algae supply much of the world's oxygen supply and take in a huge amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The evaporation of the seawater provides rainwater for the land. Oceans, Coral reefs, and Estuaries

Standard #16 Identify density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors that affect populations in an ecosystem.Examples:- density-dependent-disease, predator-prey relationships, availability of food and water;- density-independent-natural disasters, climate• Discriminating among symbiotic relationships, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism 

Symbiotic relationship- 2 organisms living together for the benefit of both

3 types of symbiotic relationships:

Commensalism-organism benefits from the host it is living off of, but the host is NOT harmed

Mutualism-2 organisms that live together and depend on each other for survival

Parasitism-relationship where one organism is helped, but the other organism is HARMED

Predator animals that eat other animals

Prey the animal that gets eaten