Introduction: Themes in the Study of Life

Vocabulary flashcards covering core definitions, properties of life, organizational levels, biological themes, and taxonomy systems from Lecture 1.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Properties of Life

The common characteristics exhibited by all living organisms: order, evolutionary adaptation, response to the environment, reproduction, growth and development, energy processing, and regulation.

Regulation

The property of living organisms to maintain internal balance within a changing environment.

Energy Processing

The capability of living organisms to obtain energy from their surroundings and use it to power their activities.

Levels of Biological Organization

The hierarchical arrangement of biological structures, spanning from atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, to organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

Taxonomy

The branch of biology that names and classifies species into groups of increasing breadth.

Three-Domain System

The classification framework currently used in biology that divides life into Domain Bacteria, Domain Archaea, and Domain Eukarya, replacing the older five-kingdom system.

Domain Bacteria

One of the three domains of life, composed of prokaryotic microorganisms.

Domain Archaea

One of the three domains of life, comprising prokaryotic organisms distinct from bacteria.

Domain Eukarya

The domain of life that encompasses all eukaryotic organisms, including protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Kingdom Plantae

A multicellular eukaryotic kingdom within Domain Eukarya consisting of plants.

Kingdom Fungi

A multicellular eukaryotic kingdom within Domain Eukarya that includes organisms such as mushrooms.

Kingdom Animalia

A multicellular eukaryotic kingdom within Domain Eukarya consisting of animals.

Protists

A diverse collection of eukaryotic organisms formerly classified under a single kingdom, now categorized into multiple separate kingdoms.

Structure and Function

A unifying biological theme stating that the physical shape or form of a biological component is closely related to what it does.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material that stores genetic information and forms the common basis for the unity of life.