Unit 1: Intro to Bio and Classification (R)

Unicellular organisms

Organisms composed of a single cell that perform all life functions within that cell.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms made up of multiple cells which may differentiate into specialized cells for various functions.

Asexual reproduction

A form of reproduction where a single organism produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself without the fusion of gametes.

Sexual reproduction

A reproductive process involving the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in offspring with genetic variation.

Universal genetic code

The set of rules by which the information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA) is translated into proteins; it is nearly universal among all organisms.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism.

Response to the environment

How organisms detect and respond to changes in their surroundings, essential for survival.

Homeostasis

The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Growth and development

The process by which organisms increase in size and complex structures are formed as they progress through life stages.

Evolution

The process through which populations of organisms change over generations, resulting in adaptation to their environments.

Unicellular

Organisms composed of a single cell that perform all life functions within that cell.

Multicellular

Organisms made up of multiple cells which may differentiate into specialized cells for various functions.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances using photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Heterotroph

An organism that cannot synthesize its own food and relies on other sources of organic carbon, primarily plant or animal matter.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, typically smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; can be unicellular or multicellular.

Taxonomy

The science of classification of living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics and natural relationships.

Binomial nomenclature

The system of naming organisms using two terms, the first indicating the genus and the second the species; developed by Carl Linnaeus.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it is affected by the independent variable.

Control

The standard to which comparisons are made in an experiment; it is a group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Constant

Factors in an experiment that remain the same to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Qualitative data

Data that describes characteristics or qualities and is usually non-numerical, such as colors or textures.

Quantitative data

Data that can be measured and expressed numerically, such as height, weight, or temperature.

Claim

A statement or assertion that can be argued or defended, usually in relation to a hypothesis or experimental outcome.

Evidence

Data or information that supports a claim or hypothesis, gathered through observation or experiment.

Reasoning

The justification or explanation of why the evidence supports the claim, often connecting back to scientific principles or theories.

Cells

The basic structural and functional units of all living organisms, capable of carrying out life processes.

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank in biological classification, grouping organisms based on fundamental similarities in their cellular organization and genetics.

Eukarya

The domain that includes all organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus, such as plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Archea

A domain of life consisting of unicellular organisms that are prokaryotic, distinct from bacteria, and often found in extreme environments.

Bacteria (Eubacteria)

The domain of life composed of unicellular prokaryotic organisms characterized by their lack of a nucleus and unique biochemical properties, commonly found in a variety of environments.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic, have cell walls made of chitin, and include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

Animal

A kingdom of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are primarily heterotrophic and capable of movement at some stage of their life cycle, characterized by their lack of cell walls.

Plant

A kingdom of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are primarily autotrophic, using photosynthesis to produce their own food, and have cell walls made of cellulose.

Protist

A kingdom of mostly unicellular eukaryotic organisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, including organisms such as algae and protozoa.

Cladogram (how to read)

A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among various species, based on shared characteristics and genetic data.

Dichotmous Key (how to use)

A tool used for identifying organisms by answering a series of yes or no questions, leading to the correct name of the organism.

Which variable does the x-axis contain?

The independent variable

Which variable does the y-axis contain?

the dependent variable