Caroline Parkhill +15/15 8-21-13 CPA #1 1.

What evidence exists that life on earth had a single origin, that is, all living things evolved from a common ancestor? Living organisms share many characteristics with one another. For example they are all made up of similar set of chemical components like amino acids and nucleic acids. Cells also have similar structures. Organisms have genetic material that uses a similar code to specify the organization of proteins. They all absorb energy from their surroundings. Organisms evolved through ongoing changes in their genes. All of these things support the idea that all living things evolved from a common ancestor. yes 2. What are the three major branches of the tree of life? In which branch(es) do organisms have prokaryotic cells? In which branch(es) do organisms have eukaryotic cells? Which branch(es) contain plants, animals, and fungi? The three major domains are: archaea, bacteria and eukarya. Archaea and Bacteria have prokaryotic cells. Eukarya consist of eukaryotic cells. Plants, animals and fungi are part of the eukarya branch of the tree. yes 3. What is homeostasis? Why is it important? Homeostasis is the ability of an animal, cell, or living thing to maintain a balance. It is important because homeostasis allows an organism to preserve a constant environment even though its surroundings may change. This allows the organism to function properly even when the environment is not so favorable. good 4. Describe how things from lower levels are organized into sequentially higher levels of the hierarchy. The hierarchy of things from the lower levels are the basic building blocks that eventually become a part of the higher levels. For example the atoms form molecules that then become larger molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. These then eventually come together to form living organisms. Multiple living organisms form a population and these populations join together to form a community, ecosystem and biosphere. yes

5. What are adaptions? How are they related to natural selection and evolution? An adaption is a change either physical or behavioral that allows a living thing a better chance for survival. Natural selection is related to adaptations because those animals that successfully adapt to their environment have a greater chance of survival and these

individuals are then naturally selected. Evolution is a process that takes place because natural selection favors those that have adapted and have a better chance of survival. yes 6. Describe the difference between a non-scientists definition of a theory and scientists definition of theory. How can these differences confuse the non-scientist about the reliability of information gained through scientific thinking? Non-scientists often do not understand the definition of how theory is used in science. They think that it means that it is a hypothesis or guess not something that is tested and researched. Scientists use the word theory to describe a large body of knowledge that has been well researched within the scientific community. This is confusing to nonscientists because they may think that a theory cannot be counted on. Also, a scientific theory explains a large body of observations and unites these into a broad understanding of how things work. A broad understanding encompassed in a theory can therefore be used to make many predictions in future experimentation.