What is the main difference between Eubacteria and Archaebacteria?
Eubacteria have cell walls with peptidoglycan and live everywhere; Archaebacteria lack peptidoglycan and live in extreme environments.
What are three ways bacteria are beneficial?
Decomposing organic matter, nitrogen fixation for plants, and helping human digestion.
What are three ways bacteria are harmful?
Causing diseases (pathogens), spoiling food, and releasing toxins.
What are the three types of Protists and how do they get food?
Animal-like (ingest food), Plant-like (photosynthesis), and Fungus-like (absorb nutrients/decomposers).
What are the main types of Fungi based on their structure?
Zygote fungi (molds), Sac fungi (yeast/truffles), and Club fungi (mushrooms).
How are fungi beneficial to the ecosystem?
They act as primary decomposers and form mycorrhizae (symbiotic relationships with plant roots).
What is a Lichen?
A symbiotic relationship between a fungus (for structure) and an alga/cyanobacterium (for food via photosynthesis).
What are the key features of Sponges (Porifera)?
Asymmetrical body, no true tissues or organs, and they are filter feeders.
What are the key features of Cnidarians (Jellyfish/Coral)?
Radial symmetry, stinging cells called cnidocytes, and a central digestive cavity.
What are the three main groups of Mollusks?
Gastropods (snails), Bivalves (clams), and Cephalopods (squid/octopus).
What unique system do Echinoderms (Sea Stars) use for movement?
A water vascular system with tube feet.
What are the defining characteristics of Arthropods (Insects/Crabs)?
Segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton made of chitin.
How do you distinguish Flatworms, Roundworms, and Segmented Worms?
Flatworms: thin/flat; Roundworms: smooth/tubular; Segmented Worms: ringed segments (e.g., earthworms).
What are the characteristics of Jawless, Cartilaginous, and Bony fish?
Jawless: No scales/jaws (lamprey); Cartilaginous: Skeleton of cartilage (sharks); Bony: Skeleton of bone (trout).
What are the key features of Amphibians?
Ectothermic, moist skin, go through metamorphosis, and lay eggs in water.
What are the key features of Reptiles?
Ectothermic, scaly skin, and lay amniotic eggs on land.
What are the key features of Birds?
Endothermic, feathers, hollow bones, and lay hard-shelled eggs.
What are the key features of Mammals?
Endothermic, have hair or fur, and produce milk via mammary glands.
What adaptations do birds have for flight?
Hollow bones (lightweight), powerful chest muscles, and an efficient respiratory system.
What are the two main types of feathers and their functions?
Contour feathers (streamlining and flight) and Down feathers (insulation/warmth).
What is the difference between Monotremes, Marsupials, and Placentals?
Monotremes: lay eggs; Marsupials: young develop in a pouch; Placentals: young develop fully inside a uterus.
