Essential Facts in Biology, Geology, and Human Evolution

Hominization and Human Evolution Facts

1. What are four characteristics that encouraged hominization?

   • Bipedalism
   • Language development
   • Increased skull size
   • Manipulation/Tool use

2. What has allowed us to determine the brain capacity of ancient hominids?

   Fossils.

3. What percentage of human genes are shared with a chimpanzee?

   98.7%

4. What was the last hominid species that lived alongside Homo sapiens?

   Neanderthal Man (Homo neanderthalensis)

5. What is the original territory of the human species?

   The African continent.

Origins of Life and Basic Biology Concepts

1. What is symbiosis?

   A: A trophic relationship between two species.

2. Why was the Miller-Urey experiment important?

   B: Because it showed that organic molecules can be formed from inorganic substances.

3. What are plasmids?

   C: Fragments of genetic material.

4. What determined the periodic drying phenomena in regions of the planet?

   C: Geological factors in shallow areas.

5. What is metabolism?

   B: Chemical changes and energy consumption.

6. What was the possible first cell?

   A: Prokaryotes, with anaerobic metabolism and heterotrophic nutrition.

Earth Science and Astronomy Knowledge

1. What are four main sources used to determine the composition of the Earth?

   B: Seismic waves, meteorites, temperature, and magnetic field.

2. What theory is based on the behavior of plate tectonics?

   B: The theory of plate tectonics.

3. How much does Europe separate from America each year?

   B: Between 2 and 10 centimeters.

4. What is a black hole?

   C: An accumulation of matter that causes intense gravity.

5. When the Sun becomes a giant fireball, what will happen?

   B: It will absorb Mercury, Venus, and perhaps Earth.

Evolutionary Theories and Cell Structure

1. What is Lamarckism based on?

   A: The need for adaptation to the environment.

2. What is Darwin's theory?

   B: The theory of natural selection.

3. What is Paleontology?

   A scientific discipline devoted to studying fossils.

4. Natural selection is responsible for...

   A: The gradual evolution of species.

5. What are mitochondria?

   A: The energy-producing organelles.

Health and Medical Facts

1. In 2002, what was the life expectancy at birth in Spain?

   B: 79.9 years.

2. Who first described Alzheimer's disease?

   C: Alois Alzheimer.

3. What is a key difference between anorexia and bulimia?

   B: Bulimia can cause vomiting, while anorexia typically does not.

4. A person is affected by morbid obesity when they have:

   B: A BMI above 40 kg/m².

5. What is Laparoscopy?

   A: A surgical technique that allows for rapid postoperative recovery.