Astronomy 294 Final Review

"Survival of the fittest" is a phrase commonly associated with the concept of natural selection. Natural selection refers to the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. This leads to the gradual adaptation of species to their environment over time. The phrase "survival of the fittest" captures the idea that those individuals who are best suited to their environment, in terms of their traits and abilities, are the ones who are most likely to survive and pass on their genes.

Intelligence is not one of the six conditions for life discussed in class because it is not a fundamental requirement for the existence of life. While intelligence may be a characteristic of some living organisms, it is not essential for their survival or basic functions. The six conditions for life typically include factors such as the ability to reproduce, utilize energy, adapt to the environment, and maintain homeostasis.

This is an example of "Response to its environment" because the mouse is exhibiting a behavior (running away) in response to a stimulus (seeing a cat). The mouse is reacting to its surroundings and adapting its actions in order to survive and avoid danger.

The distance between adjacent peaks of an electromagnetic wave is referred to as its wavelength. Wavelength is a fundamental property of waves and is typically measured in meters. It represents the spatial extent of one complete cycle of the wave and determines the color or frequency of the wave. In the context of electromagnetic waves, such as light or radio waves, different wavelengths correspond to different colors or frequencies.

Evolutionary adaptations are related to molecular changes in DNA. DNA is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. Through mutations and genetic variations in DNA, organisms can undergo changes that allow them to better survive and reproduce in their environment. These changes can lead to the development of new traits or the modification of existing ones, ultimately driving the process of evolution. Therefore, DNA is the primary molecule involved in evolutionary adaptations.

When a normal cell is exposed to low temperature conditions, several damages can occur. Firstly, expansion due to freezing can cause the cell to rupture, leading to its destruction. Additionally, the cellular fluid becomes more viscous, which can hinder cellular processes and disrupt normal functioning. Lastly, protein enzymes within the cell can stiffen, impairing their ability to catalyze reactions and perform their normal functions. Therefore, all the choices provided in the question are correct in describing the damage done to a normal cell in low temperature conditions.

Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are the basic molecular building blocks. Fatty acids are components of lipids, not proteins. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of carbohydrates, not proteins. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, not proteins. Therefore, the correct answer is amino acids.

The correct answer is geocentric. Geocentric refers to the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe. This idea was widely accepted for thousands of years until it was challenged by the heliocentric model, which states that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.

The Sun is a G type star, which means it falls under the category of stars that are similar in size and temperature to our own Sun. It produces its luminosity through nuclear reactions, specifically through the process of nuclear fusion in its core. The Sun also has average stellar properties, such as its size, temperature, and age. Additionally, it is located in the middle of the main sequence, which is the phase in a star's life cycle where it spends the majority of its lifetime. Therefore, all of the choices given in the question are correct.

At the boundaries of the Earth's tectonic plates, all of the choices mentioned can be found. Crustal folding and faulting occur as the plates collide or move past each other, leading to the formation of mountains and valleys. Volcanoes are also commonly found at these boundaries, where magma from the mantle rises and erupts onto the surface. Earthquakes are another common occurrence at plate boundaries, as the stress and pressure build up and eventually release, causing the ground to shake. Therefore, all of the choices mentioned are correct in describing what can be found at the boundaries of Earth's tectonic plates.

Cells are the basic biological structures of life on Earth. They are the smallest unit of life and are responsible for carrying out all the necessary functions for an organism to survive. Cells can be found in all living organisms, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like plants and animals. They are composed of molecules and atoms, but cells themselves are the fundamental building blocks of life.

Galileo's discovery that Venus goes through a cycle of phases like the Moon strongly suggests that Venus must be orbiting the Sun. This is because the phases of Venus can only be explained if it is orbiting the Sun, with Earth and Venus at different positions in their orbits. If Venus were orbiting the Earth, it would not exhibit these phases. Therefore, Galileo's observation supports the heliocentric model of the solar system, where the Sun is at the center and the planets, including Venus, orbit around it.

The statement "It is the largest galaxy ever found" is incorrect because the Milky Way is not the largest galaxy ever found. There are galaxies much larger than the Milky Way, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, which is estimated to be about twice the size of the Milky Way.

The discovery of water and methane in an exoplanet atmosphere is considered a recent and exciting development in astrobiology. Water and methane are important indicators of the potential for life as we know it, as they are key components for supporting biological processes. The presence of these substances in an exoplanet's atmosphere suggests the possibility of habitable conditions and the potential for the existence of extraterrestrial life. This discovery opens up new avenues for further research and exploration in the field of astrobiology.

The correct answer is "Viral" because viruses are not considered to be living organisms. They lack the characteristics of life such as cellular structure, metabolism, and the ability to reproduce on their own. Instead, viruses require a host cell to replicate and carry out their life cycle. Therefore, they do not fit into any of the traditional domains of life (Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya) found in the phylogenetic tree.

The correct answer is "Is there other life in the universe?" This is because astrobiology is the study of life in the universe, and one of its main goals is to determine if there is life beyond Earth. By exploring different environments and searching for signs of life, astrobiologists hope to find evidence of extraterrestrial life and answer this fundamental question.

The Earth's planetary magnetic field acts as a protective shield against energetic particles of solar wind. This magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in the Earth's outer core, creating a magnetic field that extends into space. The magnetic field deflects charged particles from the solar wind, preventing them from directly reaching and damaging the Earth's atmosphere. This shielding effect is crucial for maintaining a stable atmosphere and protecting life on Earth from the harmful effects of solar radiation. Volcanism, seismic activity, and plate tectonics are all important geological processes but do not directly shield the atmosphere from solar wind particles.

Copernicus' model of the solar system revolutionized the understanding of the universe by proposing that the Sun was at the center of the solar system and the planets orbited around it. This idea challenged the prevailing belief that Earth was the center of the universe and everything revolved around it. Copernicus' heliocentric model laid the foundation for modern astronomy and our understanding of the solar system.

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing energy to living organisms. They are broken down during cellular respiration to release ATP, which is used as a source of energy for various metabolic processes. Additionally, carbohydrates also serve as a structural component in organisms, providing support and stability to cell walls and tissues. Therefore, the most important role of carbohydrates in living organisms is energy storage and structural support.

The cell membrane is important because it has selective permeability, allowing only certain substances to enter or leave the cell. It is also permeable to molecules both leaving and entering, ensuring the necessary exchange of materials. Additionally, the cell membrane concentrates the molecules needed for metabolism, which is crucial for the cell's survival and functioning.

Stars are composed primarily of hydrogen, which makes up about 80% of their composition. Helium makes up about 20% of their composition. In addition to hydrogen and helium, stars also contain traces of other elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. These elements are formed through nuclear fusion reactions that occur in the core of the star. Therefore, the correct answer is 80% hydrogen; 20% helium; traces of other elements.

Viruses cannot reproduce on their own, which is why scientists cannot agree on whether they are living or not. Unlike living organisms, viruses require a host cell to replicate and multiply. They are essentially genetic material enclosed in a protein coat, lacking the necessary cellular machinery for independent reproduction. While viruses can infect and hijack host cells to reproduce, they are unable to do so autonomously. This unique characteristic blurs the line between living and non-living entities, leading to the debate among scientists.

A chemoautotroph is an organism that obtains its energy from oxidation reactions and its carbon from carbon dioxide in its environment. Chemoautotrophs are able to use inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia as a source of energy, which they obtain through oxidation reactions. They then use carbon dioxide from their surroundings to synthesize organic molecules through a process called carbon fixation. This allows them to produce their own food and sustain their metabolism without relying on consuming organic matter or sunlight.

Reproduction and evolution are considered the most important properties of life because they are essential for the continuation and adaptation of species over time. Reproduction allows for the production of new individuals, ensuring the survival of the species. Evolution, on the other hand, refers to the process of genetic change over generations, leading to the development of new traits and adaptations that enhance the survival and reproductive success of organisms. Together, reproduction and evolution are crucial for the persistence and diversity of life on Earth.

Kepler's first law states that the orbits of the planets are ellipses with the Sun at one focus. This means that the path of a planet around the Sun is not a perfect circle, but rather an elongated oval shape. The Sun is located at one of the two foci of the ellipse, not at the center. This law helps to explain the varying distances between planets and the Sun throughout their orbits.

In a covalent bond between atoms, electrons are shared. This means that the atoms involved in the bond each contribute one or more electrons to a shared electron pair. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to achieve a more stable electron configuration, usually by filling their valence shells. Covalent bonds are typically formed between nonmetal atoms and result in the formation of molecules rather than a crystalline solid.

Branch lengths in the tree of life represent the amount of genetic difference between different species. The longer the branch, the greater the genetic divergence between the species. This measure helps us understand the evolutionary relationships and the extent of genetic changes that have occurred over time. It provides insights into the patterns and rates of evolution among different species.

The main factor that drives Darwinian evolution is the competition for finite resources. This means that organisms with advantageous traits that allow them to better compete for limited resources are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these traits to future generations. This competition for resources creates a selective pressure that drives the process of natural selection, leading to the adaptation and evolution of species over time.

Sublimation is the process in which molecules transition directly from the solid phase to the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase. This occurs when the temperature and pressure conditions allow the solid to bypass the liquid phase and transform into a gas. The other options, deposition, condensation, and evaporation, involve transitions between different phases of matter but not the direct solid-to-gas phase change described in sublimation.

Rocks that are formed from the solidification of molten lava are classified as igneous rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when molten material cools and solidifies, either on the Earth's surface (extrusive igneous rocks) or beneath the surface (intrusive igneous rocks). The solidification process can happen quickly or slowly, resulting in different types of igneous rocks with varying textures. Examples of igneous rocks include basalt, granite, and obsidian.

The correct answer is two continental plates colliding. When two continental plates collide, they create intense pressure and force, causing the crust to buckle and fold, leading to the formation of mountains. The Himalayas, which are the highest mountain range on Earth, were formed due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This collision began around 50 million years ago and is still ongoing, resulting in the continued growth of the Himalayas.

The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from the liquid to gas state. During boiling, the substance absorbs enough heat energy to overcome the intermolecular forces holding the molecules together in the liquid phase, causing them to become a gas. This is different from the melting point, which is the temperature at which a substance changes from solid to liquid, and the sublimation point, which is the temperature at which a substance changes directly from solid to gas without passing through the liquid state. The breaking point is not a recognized term in the context of phase changes.

Electricity is not one of the four primary forces that physically shape the surface of a planet. The four primary forces are erosion, vulcanism, and tectonism. Erosion refers to the wearing away of the surface by water, wind, or ice. Vulcanism is the process of volcanic activity that brings molten rock, ash, and gases to the surface. Tectonism involves the movement of the Earth's crust, leading to the formation of mountains, valleys, and earthquakes. Electricity, although it can have an impact on the planet's surface in some cases, is not considered a primary force in shaping the surface of a planet.

The correct answer, "Natural Laws are Universal," suggests that biological processes should occur throughout space because it asserts that the laws of nature apply universally. This implies that the same biological processes that occur on Earth should also occur in other parts of the universe, as the laws governing these processes are consistent across all space.

The correct answer is "All of the choices are correct." This is because each of the options mentioned provides evidence supporting evolution. The great diversity of species indicates that different species have evolved over time. Bacteria becoming resistant to old antibiotics demonstrates the process of natural selection and adaptation. The variation in diets among Galapagos finches suggests that they have adapted to different food sources, which is a result of evolution.

Prokaryotes are organisms whose cells lack a nucleus. Unlike eukaryotes, which have a membrane-bound nucleus, prokaryotes have their genetic material, DNA, floating freely in the cytoplasm. This lack of a nucleus is a defining characteristic of prokaryotes and distinguishes them from eukaryotes. Therefore, the correct answer is prokaryotes.

The complementary sequence of a DNA fragment is formed by pairing each nucleotide with its complementary base. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). Therefore, the complementary sequence to GATACA would be CTATGT, as each base is paired with its complementary base: G with C, A with T, and T with A.

The correct answer is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. The astronomical unit (AU) is a unit of measurement used in astronomy to represent distances within the solar system. It is defined as the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is approximately 149.6 million kilometers or 93 million miles.

The term "genome" refers to the complete set of genetic information within an organism. It includes all of the genes, as well as non-coding DNA sequences. Genes are specific segments of DNA that provide instructions for building proteins, while chromosomes are structures that contain genes. A codon, on the other hand, is a sequence of three nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid. Therefore, the most appropriate answer to this question is "genome" as it encompasses the entirety of an organism's genetic material.

The Ptolemaic model, developed by the ancient astronomer Ptolemy, proposed that planets move in circles, with the Earth at the center of these circles. According to this model, the centers of the circles, known as deferents, move around the Earth. This explanation suggests that the Ptolemaic model was geocentric, meaning it placed the Earth at the center of the universe.

When the nucleus of a radioactive isotope decays, several things happen. Firstly, the nucleus can be converted into a different element, meaning the number of protons and/or neutrons changes. Additionally, energy is released during this process. Finally, radioactive particles, such as alpha or beta particles, are emitted as a result of the decay. Therefore, all of the choices provided in the question are correct explanations for what occurs when the nucleus of a radioactive isotope decays.

The tectonic plates making up the Earth's crust move because of mantle convection. Mantle convection refers to the movement of the Earth's solid mantle due to the transfer of heat from the core to the surface. This heat transfer causes the mantle material to become less dense and rise towards the surface, while cooler, denser material sinks back down. This convection process creates a circular motion within the mantle, which in turn causes the tectonic plates to move. As the plates interact with each other, they can create earthquakes, but the primary driving force behind their movement is mantle convection.

The Great Debate was a historic discussion in astronomy that took place in 1920. One side of the debate argued that spiral nebulae, including the Andromeda Galaxy, were simply clouds within our own Milky Way galaxy. The other side argued that these spiral nebulae were actually separate galaxies, including the Andromeda Galaxy. The debate was settled when astronomers were able to measure the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy and confirm that it was indeed a separate galaxy outside of our own. Therefore, all of the choices given in the question are correct.

The Greek (Aristotelian) model of the solar system believed that the Earth and the heavens were made of different elements. This was in contrast to the other fundamental properties of the model, which included the idea that objects in the sky move in uniform circular motion, the natural state of motion on Earth is at rest, and the Earth is at the center of all things.

ATP molecules are used by all living cells to store and release energy for biochemical processes. ATP acts as a universal energy currency within cells, providing the necessary energy for various cellular activities such as muscle contraction, active transport of molecules across cell membranes, and synthesis of macromolecules. When ATP is hydrolyzed, it releases energy by breaking the high-energy phosphate bond, which can be used to drive endergonic reactions and power cellular processes. Therefore, ATP plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and serves as an energy source for the majority of biochemical reactions.

In a heliocentric model of the solar system, retrograde motion refers to the apparent backward motion of a planet in its orbit. This occurs because the Earth and Mars have different orbital speeds around the Sun. When Earth overtakes Mars in its orbit, it appears as if Mars is moving backward relative to the background stars. Therefore, the retrograde motion of Mars is due to the relative speeds of Earth and Mars orbiting the Sun.

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that take place within cells. These processes involve the breakdown of complex organic molecules to provide energy for cellular activities and the synthesis of new molecules necessary for growth and maintenance. Metabolism is essential for the proper functioning and survival of cells, as it allows them to obtain energy and nutrients from the environment and eliminate waste products.

All of the choices are correct because a key component of all amino acids includes a central carbon atom, a carboxylic acid group, and an amine group. These components are essential for the structure and function of amino acids. The central carbon atom serves as the backbone of the amino acid, while the carboxylic acid group and the amine group are responsible for the acidic and basic properties of amino acids, respectively. Therefore, all three components are necessary for the formation and classification of amino acids.

An extrasolar planet refers to a planet that orbits a star other than the Sun. This means that it is a planet located in a different solar system, outside of our own. The term "extrasolar" indicates that it is beyond or outside of our solar system.

The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. In this case, the rock started with 32 atoms and now has 4, which means half of the atoms have decayed. Since the half-life is 1.5 million years, it would take 1.5 million years for half of the atoms to decay. Therefore, if it took 1.5 million years for half of the atoms to decay and the rock currently has 4 atoms, it must be 4.5 million years old.