A. Unity and Diversity

• How do common ancestry and evolution interconnect biological systems?

  They represent unity and diversity across life
• What are the key points about water in the context of unity and diversity?

  • Unity: Universal solvent; essential for life
  • Diversity: Adaptations in water use (e.g., desert plants vs. fish)
  • Connects to cells and ecosystems
• What role does water play in maintaining cell structure?

  Maintains structure via osmosis
• How do desert plants and fish demonstrate diversity in water use?

  Desert plants have waxy cuticles; fish have gills
• What are the key points about nucleic acids in the context of unity and diversity?

  • Unity: Conserved DNA/RNA structure across life
  • Diversity: Mutations and recombination create variation
  • Connects to cells and evolution
• What is the universal genetic code associated with?

  DNA/RNA structure conservation
• How do mutations contribute to diversity in nucleic acids?

  They create genetic variation
• How does DNA relate to cellular diversity?

  DNA drives gene expression in cells
• What are the key points about cell structure in the context of unity and diversity?

  • Unity: Shared components (membranes, ribosomes, cytoplasm)
  • Diversity: Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic; specialized cells
  • Connects to organisms and nucleic acids
• What are the shared components of cell structure?

  Membranes, ribosomes, cytoplasm
• How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

  Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have one
• What is the significance of cellular differentiation?

  It creates tissues and organs in organisms
• What are the key points about the diversity of organisms?

  • Unity: Homologous structures (e.g., vertebrate limbs)
  • Diversity: Speciation leads to varied forms (e.g., finches’ beaks)
  • Connects to evolution and ecosystems
• What are homologous structures?

  Similar structures in different species
• How does speciation contribute to diversity?

  It leads to varied forms among species
• How does natural selection influence traits in organisms?

  It shapes traits based on survival advantages
• What are the key points about evolution and speciation?

  • Unity: Shared mechanisms (e.g., natural selection)
  • Diversity: Adaptations to local environments
  • Connects to organisms and conservation
• What are the shared mechanisms of evolution?

  Natural selection and genetic drift
• How do local environments influence adaptations?

  They shape species' traits for survival
• What are the key points about conservation of biodiversity?

  • Unity: Interdependence (e.g., food webs)
  • Diversity: Protects genetic, species, and ecosystem variety
  • Connects to molecules and ecosystems
• Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  It protects genetic and species variety
• How does genetic diversity ensure resilience in ecosystems?

  It allows adaptation to environmental changes
• What are the cross-theme connections in the mind map?

  • Nucleic Acids → Evolution: DNA variation drives change
  • Cell Structure → Organisms: Cellular specialization enables complexity
  • Water → Ecosystems: Hydrological cycles shape habitats
  • Conservation → All Levels: Requires efforts at all biological levels
• How does the bidirectional flow in the mind map emphasize biological systems?

  It shows unity underpins systems, evolution drives diversity
• How can conservation efforts impact biodiversity?

  They preserve genetic, species, and ecosystem variety
• What is the visual flow of unity and diversity across biological themes?

  • Unity: Common Ancestry → Molecules → Cells → Organisms → Ecosystems
  • Diversity: Evolution ← Molecules ← Cells ← Organisms ← Ecosystems
  • Emphasizes interconnection of biological systems
• Can all hybrids reproduce?

  No, many hybrids are sterile due to genetic incompatibilities.