Diversity Of Living Things - Chapter 1

The term "kingdom" is used in biology to categorize and classify living organisms. It is the highest rank in the hierarchical classification system, where all living things are grouped into five kingdoms: plants, animals, fungi, protists, and bacteria. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "kingdom" as it accurately describes the grouping of all plants into a specific category among living things.

Organisms have the ability to respond to changes in the environment. This means that they can adjust their behavior, physiology, or other characteristics in order to adapt and survive in different conditions. This response can be seen in various ways, such as changes in movement, growth, reproduction, or even the activation of specific genes. Responding to environmental changes is crucial for organisms to maintain homeostasis and ensure their survival and reproductive success.

Living things need energy to grow, move, and survive. Energy is required for all the metabolic processes in living organisms, such as cellular respiration, digestion, and synthesis of molecules. It is obtained through the consumption of food or sunlight in the case of plants. Energy is then converted and used by cells to perform various functions necessary for the survival and growth of living organisms. Without energy, living things would not be able to carry out essential processes and would ultimately cease to exist.

Some bacteria are harmful to humans because they have the ability to cause diseases. These bacteria can invade the human body and release toxins or produce harmful substances that can damage tissues and organs, leading to various illnesses. Infections caused by pathogenic bacteria can range from mild to severe, and can affect different parts of the body such as the respiratory system, digestive system, or urinary tract. Therefore, the ability of certain bacteria to cause disease is what makes them harmful to humans.

Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria, that break down organic material into simpler substances. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead plants and animals, as well as waste products, and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Decomposers are responsible for the process of decomposition, which helps to release nutrients and energy that can be used by other organisms. Unlike producers, which create their own food through photosynthesis, decomposers obtain their energy by breaking down organic matter. Consumers, on the other hand, obtain their energy by consuming other organisms. Therefore, decomposers are the most appropriate answer for bacteria that break down material.

Bacteria are single cells without nuclei. This means that they are unicellular organisms that lack a defined nucleus within their cell structure. Bacteria are classified as prokaryotes, which are organisms that do not have membrane-bound organelles or a true nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is found in a region called the nucleoid. Therefore, the correct answer is cells.

Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism and harm their host. They rely on the host for their survival and obtain nutrients from the host's body, often causing damage or disease in the process. Unlike decomposers that break down dead organic matter, parasites actively feed on living organisms. This relationship is detrimental to the host, as the parasites benefit at the expense of their host's health and well-being.

A virus is not a living thing, even though it has genetic material because it lacks the ability to reproduce and carry out metabolic processes on its own. It can only replicate by infecting a host cell and using the host's cellular machinery to reproduce. Viruses are considered to be on the border between living and non-living entities because they possess genetic material like living organisms, but they lack the necessary characteristics to be classified as living organisms.

Living things grow because they undergo a process of increasing in size or developing physically. This growth is fueled by the consumption of food and other materials, which provide the necessary nutrients and energy for the organism to grow. Therefore, the ability to grow is a characteristic shared by all living things.

Plankton are microscopic organisms that live in aquatic environments. They are a diverse group of organisms that include protists, bacteria, and other small organisms. Protists are a type of plankton that can be found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are single-celled organisms that play a crucial role in the food chain as they serve as a food source for many larger organisms. Bacteria, ants, and decomposers are not specific types of plankton, so they are not the correct answer.

A microorganism is a tiny organism that can only be seen under a microscope. This includes bacteria and viruses, which are both examples of microorganisms. The term "microorganism" is used to describe any living organism that is too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, microorganism is the correct answer in this case.

Thermophiles are a type of archaea that can survive in extreme temperatures. They are adapted to thrive in environments with high temperatures, such as hot springs or deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These organisms have unique enzymes and proteins that can withstand the heat and function optimally under these conditions. Unlike bacteria, which are a separate domain of life, thermophiles belong to the domain Archaea and have distinct genetic and biochemical characteristics. Methanogens and halophiles are also types of archaea, but they are adapted to survive in extreme environments with high methane or salt concentrations, respectively.

Binary fission is the correct answer because it is a form of reproduction in single-celled organisms where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process is commonly observed in prokaryotes like bacteria. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic organisms and results in the formation of gametes. DNA is the genetic material found in all living organisms, and photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

Producers are organisms, such as plants, that have the ability to transform energy from the sun into a form that can be used by cells. They do this through the process of photosynthesis, where they convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This energy-rich glucose is then used by the cells of the producers themselves or consumed by other organisms in the food chain. Therefore, the statement "bacteria that transform energy that can be used by cells" aligns with the characteristics of producers.

Fungi is not a microscopic kingdom. Fungi are macroscopic organisms that can be seen with the naked eye. They include familiar organisms such as mushrooms and molds. The other options, protists, archaea, and bacteria, are all microscopic kingdoms. Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, archaea are single-celled microorganisms that are genetically distinct from bacteria, and bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that lack a nucleus.

Bacteria are considered the simplest type of organisms on Earth because they are single-celled and lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. They are prokaryotes, meaning their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane. Bacteria can be found in various environments and have diverse shapes and sizes. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and some can cause diseases.

Molds are a group of protists that play a crucial role in decomposition. They break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Molds are known for their ability to produce enzymes that can break down complex organic compounds, allowing them to obtain energy and nutrients from decaying material. This makes them important decomposers in various environments, including soil, forests, and aquatic ecosystems.

Methanogens are a type of extremeophile. Extremeophiles are organisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as high temperatures, high acidity, or high salinity. Methanogens are specifically known for their ability to produce methane gas as a byproduct of their metabolism. They can be found in environments such as swamps, marshes, and the digestive tracts of animals. Methanogens are not animals, decomposers, or parasites, but rather they are a unique group of microorganisms that have adapted to survive in extreme conditions.

Bacteria that convert nitrogen into usable compounds are known as producers. These bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be used by other organisms. They are essential for the growth and development of plants as they provide them with the necessary nutrients. Therefore, these bacteria are helpful in the ecosystem as they contribute to the overall productivity and sustainability of the environment.

Amoeba is a single-celled organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms. It is a type of protist that engulfs its food, such as bacteria or other small organisms, through a process called phagocytosis. Once inside the cell, the food is digested and the nutrients are absorbed, providing energy for the amoeba's survival and growth. Amoebas are considered heterotrophs, as they rely on consuming other organisms to obtain the energy they need to survive.

The given statement suggests that the bacteria mentioned in the context occur singly or in chains. The term "round-shaped" refers to cocci bacteria, which are spherical or round in shape. Therefore, the correct answer is "round-shaped" as it aligns with the description provided in the statement.