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SB4: Classification and Phylogeny

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do the organ systems of a body interact to maintain a stable internal environment?

Illustrate the organization of interacting systems in multicellular organisms and explain how they maintain homeostasis through feedback, including the levels of organization from cells to organ systems (GSE SB4.a).
A Georgia Milestones Biology EOC answer on the organization of interacting body systems: the levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems), how the major systems interact, and how negative feedback maintains homeostasis, with examples such as temperature and blood sugar regulation.
13 min answer →

How do cladograms and phylogenetic trees show the evolutionary relationships among organisms?

Analyze and interpret cladograms and phylogenetic trees based on shared derived characteristics and common ancestry to determine relationships among groups of organisms (GSE SB4.b).
A Georgia Milestones Biology EOC answer on cladograms and phylogenetic trees: how to read branch points (common ancestors) and shared derived characters, determine which organisms are most closely related, and use the diagrams as models of evolutionary relationships.
12 min answer →

How do biologists organize the diversity of life into a system of groups?

Explain how organisms are classified using the three domains, the levels of taxonomy, and binomial nomenclature, based on shared characteristics and common ancestry (GSE SB4.a, SB4.b).
A Georgia Milestones Biology EOC answer on classification: the three domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya), the taxonomic levels from domain to species, binomial nomenclature, and how shared characteristics and common ancestry guide how organisms are grouped.
12 min answer →

How does a cell grow and divide to maintain the continuity of life?

Explain the cell cycle, including interphase and mitosis (PMAT), the role of mitosis and binary fission in growth and reproduction, and how loss of cell-cycle control leads to cancer (GSE SB1.b).
A Georgia Milestones Biology EOC answer on the cell cycle: interphase and the phases of mitosis (PMAT), how mitosis and binary fission produce identical cells for growth and reproduction, and how a mutation in cell-cycle control genes leads to cancer.
12 min answer →

Are viruses alive? How do they compare with living cells?

Compare viruses with living organisms, including their structure and reproduction, and evaluate whether viruses meet the criteria for life (GSE SB4.c).
A Georgia Milestones Biology EOC answer on viruses: their structure (genetic material and protein coat), how they reproduce only inside a host cell, the characteristics of living things, and why viruses are generally not classified as alive.
12 min answer →