Biology Revision Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts learned in biology for exam preparation.

Abiotic

Non-living factors in an ecosystem, such as light intensity, temperature, and water availability.

Biotic

Living factors in an ecosystem, including competition, predators, and food availability.

Food chain

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Food web

A complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing interdependence.

Adaptation

A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

Extremophiles

Organisms that can live in extreme environments that would be inhospitable for most forms of life.

Photosynthesis

Process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Decomposition

The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter.

Carbon cycle

The cycle of carbon in various forms through nature, involving processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

Water cycle

The cycle of processes by which water circulates through the earth and atmosphere, involving evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Transpiration

The process through which plants lose water vapor through small openings in their leaves.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the roots.

Phloem

Vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange.

Guard cells

Specialized cells that surround stomata and regulate their opening and closing.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat; high biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability.

Conservation

The practice of protecting and preserving natural resources and environments.

Methane

A greenhouse gas produced by natural processes and human activities; contributes to climate change.

Allele

Different forms of a gene that can result in different traits.

Microbes

Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.