Introduction to Biology: Characteristics of Life and Biological Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering core biological concepts, including defining features of life, DNA, evolution, structure-function relationships, and levels of biological organization.

Photosynthesis

A major strategy used by organisms to acquire energy by capturing light energy.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment and keeping physical and chemical parameters within a survivable range.

DNA

The fundamental information storage molecule that acts as a blueprint containing instructions to build, function, and regulate cells and tissues.

Mutation

A change in the information content of DNA that can alter biological instructions and structures over time.

Biological Evolution

The passage and change of genetic information over time across generations, leading to changes in the features and structures of organisms.

Structure

The physical form, shape, and properties of a biological component, such as its size, rigidity, or flexibility.

Function

The specific work, activity, or action performed by a biological component.

Complex Interactions

The principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, where assembling individual components creates new, emergent functions and outcomes.

Organ

A structure formed by multiple different tissues organized together to carry out specific functions.

Organ System

A collection of different organs working together to accomplish an overall function within the body.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species living in roughly the same place at the same time.

Community

An organizational level consisting of multiple different species interacting together in a given area.

Ecosystem

A system composed of all interacting living species (a community) combined with nonliving environmental components like water, temperature, and light.

Biosphere

The entire planet and all of its interacting forms of life.