STUDY GUIDE – SCIENCE (II QUARTER)
1. Geological Stages of the Earth
Concepts to know:
Oldest stage: Precambrian
Current era we live in: Cenozoic
Mesozoic nickname: Age of Reptiles / Age of
Dinosaurs
Precambrian: Earth forms, oceans appear, first
life.
Paleozoic: Fish evolve, early plants, insects,
reptiles.
Mesozoic: Dinosaurs dominate; first birds and mammals.
Cenozoic: Mammals diversify; humans appear.
2. Ecosystems
Related correct concepts:
An ecosystem is living and non-living
things interacting.
Biotic factor? Living things → Water is
NOT biotic (it is abiotic).
Ecosystems do not always need water
present on the surface, but all life needs
water.
3. Natural Reserves in Honduras
Natural reserves protect:
Examples:Río Plátano Biosphere
Punta Sal / Jeannette Kawas
La Tigra
Cusuco
A natural reserve is a protected area.
4. Nervous System
The nervous system controls movement and sensations.
The brain is the main control center.
Functions:
o Controls actions (voluntary & involuntary)
o Sends and receives messages
o Processes information
5. Neurons
Neurons send and receive electrical messages.
Parts of the neuron in the exam:
o Dendrites
Parts of the neuron:
Dendrites → receive messages
Cell body → processes information
Axon → sends impulse away
Myelin sheath → increases speed
Axon terminals → transmit to next neuron
Neurons CAN communicate with each other through synapses (so “cannot communicate”).
6. Parts of the Brain
Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Lobes of the brain:
Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital
Functions Summary
Frontal: thinking, planning, movement
Parietal: touch, pressure, spatial sense
Temporal: hearing, language, memory
Occipital: vision
Cerebellum: balance, coordination
Brainstem: breathing, heartbeat
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a group of glands that produce hormones to control and regulate
body functions such as growth, development, and metabolism.
What is fertilization?
Fertilization is the process in which a sperm cell joins an egg cell.
Where does fertilization usually occur?
Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tubes.
Reproductive System
Male Reproductive Organs:
Penis, Prostate
Female Reproductive Organs:
Ovaries → produce eggs
Uterus → where the baby grows
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to send messages
to different parts of the body.
What is the function of the pituitary gland?
The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it controls other endocrine
glands and helps regulate growth.
What is the function of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland controls metabolism, which is how the body uses energy.
1. The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce hormones.
2. Hormones travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body.
3. The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it controls other
glands.
4. The thyroid gland helps control how the body uses energy.
5. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels.
6. The main function of the reproductive system is to produce offspring.
7. The testes produce sperm cells.
8. Ovaries produce egg cells.
9. Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell joins an egg cell.
10. The uterus is where a baby develops during pregnancy.