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