Question 1

What are the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic organisms, including plants and animals, have a defined nucleus and organelles. This distinction is fundamental in the study of organisms in the IB MYP Science curriculum, as it helps students understand the complexity and diversity of life forms.

Question 2

How do organisms adapt to their environments?

Accepted Answer

Organisms adapt to their environments through evolutionary processes that enhance their survival and reproduction. These adaptations can be structural, such as the thick fur of polar bears for insulation, behavioral, like birds migrating to warmer areas during winter, or physiological, such as the ability of some desert plants to store water. Understanding these adaptations is crucial in the IB MYP Science curriculum to appreciate the diversity of life on Earth.

Question 3

What role do organisms play in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Organisms play various roles in ecosystems, including producers, consumers, and decomposers. Producers, like plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Consumers, such as animals, feed on other organisms, and decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down dead matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This interconnectedness is a key concept in the IB MYP Science curriculum, highlighting the balance and sustainability of ecosystems.

Question 4

Why is biodiversity important in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is crucial because it ensures ecosystem resilience, providing stability and the ability to recover from disturbances. High biodiversity increases the variety of resources and habitats, supporting a wide range of organisms. In the IB MYP Science curriculum, students learn that biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation, which are vital for human survival.

Question 5

How do human activities impact organisms and their habitats?

Accepted Answer

Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, significantly impact organisms and their habitats by altering natural environments and reducing biodiversity. These changes can lead to habitat loss, species extinction, and ecosystem imbalance. The IB MYP Science curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding these impacts to promote conservation efforts and sustainable practices that protect organisms and their ecosystems.

Organisms II

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