The Unity & Diversity of Life An Overview

Vocabulary to know: Prokaryotic: cell contains no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles, but does have ribosomes and DNA Eukaryotic: cell has a nucleus, organelles, ribosomes and DNA Unicellular: made up of one cell Multicellular: made up of many cells Autotroph: an organism that makes its own food Heterotroph: an organism that depends on others for food

Kingdom: Archaea Cell Structure: prokaryotic (no nucleus) Unicellular They can make their own food by a process called chemosynthesis, or they can consume food. (autotroph/heterotroph) Reproduction: asexual by binary fission FYI: –Typically found in extreme environments –Thought to be the most primitive organisms on Earth Yellowstone Nat’l Park Hot Springs

Kingdom: Bacteria Cell Structure: prokaryotic (no nucleus) Unicellular Autotrophic (chemosynthesis & photosynthesis) or heterotrophic (recall fermentation) Reproduction: mostly asexual by binary fission, though some can reproduce sexually by conjugation. FYI: –Not all bacteria are harmful to humans –They come in many shapes –Used for biotechnology

Kingdom: Protists Cell Structure: eukaryotic (has nucleus) Unicellular Autotrophic (photosynthesis) or heterotrophic Reproduction: mostly asexual (binary fission), but some sexual (conjugation) FYI: –Mostly found in moist environments

Kingdom: Fungi Cell Structure: eukaryotic (has nucleus)- some have more than one! Multicellular Heterotrophic- they’re decomposers Reproduction: asexual or sexual FYI: –Some fungi can be harmful (Athlete’s foot, ringworm) –Others are useful: yeast, edible mushrooms

Kingdom: Plants Cell Structure: eukaryotic (has nucleus) Multicellular Autotrophic (photosynthesis) Reproduction: mostly sexual FYI: –Carnivorous plants are NOT heterotrophs, they can also do photosynthesis. –Self-pollination is NOT asexual reproduction

Kingdom: Animals Cell Structure: eukaryotic (has nucleus) Multicellular Heterotrophic Reproduction: mostly sexual FYI: –Some animals can reproduce asexually (regeneration, budding, fragmentation)- ex.: starfish

Starfish Hydra

More about Plants & Animals Plants and animals have many structural adaptations- this is the reason we see so many different kinds of them. Recall an adaptation is any inherited trait that increases an organisms chance of survival. What kinds of adaptations have they come up with, and what purpose do they serve?

Plant Adaptations For life on land: –Vascular tissue- tube-like cells that transport water and nutrients from roots to leaves Called xylem (for water) and phloem (for food) –Roots- help anchor the plant to the ground and absorb water and nutrients from soil Desert plants have shallow roots- quickly absorb rain

Plant Adaptations –Stems- support plant hold up leaves for photosynthesis hold up flowers to pollinators transport water and food can protect against predators

Plant Adaptations –Leaves- used for photosynthesis, control gas exchange and water loss Rainforest floor- broad leaves Desert- cactus have spines to prevent water loss Cold climates- needles on evergreen trees

Plant Adaptations For Reproduction: –Attracting pollinators- brightly colored or fragrant flowers –Seeds- protective coat outside, nourishment inside to protect plant embryo and allow it to lie dormant for awhile.

Animal Adaptations For life on land: –Amniotic egg- provides food & protection to developing embryo (Reptiles developed it first.)

Animal Adaptations Reproductive: –Internal fertilization- sperm more likely to get to the egg, and egg is protected inside the female

Animal Adaptations Predators: –Speed- ex.: lions, cheetahs –Toxin production to stun/kill prey- ex.: jellyfish, snakes –Hunt at dark using Echolocation- ex.: bats Night vision/big eyes- ex.: owl

Animal Adaptations Prey: –Mimicry- look like something harmful –Camouflage- blend in –Warning colors & toxins Ex. Monarch butterfly, poison dart frogs –Puff up- look bigger –Regeneration- grow back legs or tails

Camoflauge for all seasons Snowshoe Hare