Key Concepts in Biology: Geothermal Energy, Nutrition, Reproduction, and Ecology
Key Biological Concepts
Geothermal Energy
The origin of geothermal energy is the Earth’s internal heat. The movement of lithospheric plates causes materials deeper in the mantle to ascend from the interior of our planet until they cool enough to descend again. This process occurs as volcanoes and earthquakes. When two plates collide, one slides beneath the other, causing strong earthquakes and forming volcanoes.
Autotrophic Nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition is represented by plants, algae, and some bacteria. Heterotrophic organisms need to feed on other living things, as they are unable to perform photosynthesis.
Stages of Autotrophic Nutrition:
- Incorporation of nutrients from the environment (inorganic molecules).
- Production of organic matter (photosynthesis).
- Use of organic matter: The organic matter produced in photosynthesis is utilized within the cells and transported to the photosynthetic body cells.
- Elimination of waste substances (excretion).
Stages of Heterotrophic Nutrition:
- Incorporation of organic matter.
- Gas exchange with the environment (external respiration).
- Transportation (circulatory system).
- Utilization of organic matter (metabolism).
- Removal of waste substances into the environment (excretion).
Asexual and Sexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction occurs in less evolved species. In animal species, it may occur by fragmentation (where a parent spontaneously divides into fragments that become new individuals) or by budding (where a group of cells produces a bud or bulge on the surface of the body).
Sexual reproduction may be the only type of reproduction. The reproductive system of sexually reproducing animals is formed by the gonads, where gametes are produced (two types of gonads: ovaries and testes). A spore is a cell protected by a double or triple membrane.
Reproductive Organs of Plants and Animals
Female flower apparatus, male apparatus (stamens), and ovary of animals (testes and ovaries).
Coordination in Animals
Animals detect changes occurring in the external environment and within their own bodies. These changes are called stimuli.
Nervous Coordination:
Receptors are specialized cells that capture stimuli. The nervous system receives the information, processes it, prepares an appropriate response, and sends an order to effector organs to carry out the action.
Hormonal Coordination:
The endocrine system is a coordinator. A set of glands respond to certain stimuli by producing and releasing hormones into the blood. These hormones reach specific cells, coordinating the actions of different organs and regulating them.
Adaptation
Animals adapt to survive in the environment they inhabit.
Types of Adaptation:
- Morphological: Observable differences in types, such as in fish.
- Physiological: Affect the functioning of organs, producing substances to facilitate survival.
- Behavioral: Affect certain habits.
Ecology: Populations, Biocenosis, and Ecosystems
Population:
Individuals of the same species living in a specific area constitute a population.
Biocenosis:
The set of populations sharing a territory and establishing relationships between them.
Biotope:
The territory occupied by a biocenosis, with its own climate and physical characteristics (abiotic landscape).
Ecosystem:
The set of biocenosis and biotopes, and the relationships established between them.
Abiotic Factors:
Variables characterizing the biotope or physical environment (light, temperature, humidity, etc.).
Intraspecific Associations:
Family: A male and a female of the same species that reproduce and have offspring.
Village…