Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms (Video Notes)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms related to characteristics of living organisms and their classification from the notes.

Movement

An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.

Respiration

The chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy for metabolism.

Sensitivity

The ability to detect or sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and to make appropriate responses.

Growth

A permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size or both.

Reproduction

The processes that make more of the same kind of organism.

Excretion

The removal from organisms of toxic materials, the waste products of metabolism (chemical reactions in cells including respiration) and substances in excess of requirements.

Nutrition

The taking in of materials for energy, growth and development; plants require light, carbon dioxide, water and ions; animals need organic compounds, ions and usually need water.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment.

Species

A group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring.

Five Kingdoms

The five major kingdoms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protoctists, and Prokaryotes.

Kingdom

The highest taxonomic category into which organisms are grouped in traditional classification.

Phylum

A group of related classes.

Class

A group of related orders.

Order

A group of related families.

Family

A group of related genera.

Genus

A group of related species.

Binomial system

A two-part naming system for species, consisting of the genus name and the species name; the genus is capitalized, the species is lowercase, and the full name is usually written in italics.

Linnaeus

Swedish naturalist who developed the binomial system of naming organisms.

DNA sequencing

The analysis of DNA base sequences to determine evolutionary relationships; more similar sequences indicate closer relatedness.

Vertebrates

Animals with a backbone.

Invertebrates

Animals without a backbone.

Arthropods

Invertebrates with jointed legs; includes myriapods, insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.

Insects

Arthropods with a three-part body, six legs, and one pair of antennae (wings in some).

Arachnids

Arthropods with a two-part body and four pairs of legs; no antennae.

Crustaceans

Arthropods, mostly aquatic, with two pairs of antennae, many legs, and a chitinous exoskeleton; breathe using gills.

Myriapods

Arthropods with many legs and a segmented body.

Fern

Non-flowering plant; reproduces by spores on the undersides of fronds.

Flowering plant

Plants that reproduce sexually via flowers and seeds; seeds develop inside the ovary.

Monocotyledon

A flowering plant with one cotyledon, leaves with parallel veins, flower parts in multiples of 3, fibrous roots, and scattered vascular bundles.

Dicotyledon

A flowering plant with two cotyledons, leaves with reticulate veins, flower parts in multiples of 4 or 5, and a tap root with vascular bundles arranged in a ring.