Characteristics of Life and Biotic vs Abiotic Factors

Vocabulary flashcards covering biotic and abiotic definitions, genetic code, and characteristics of life based on the provided worksheet.

Biotic

Another name for a living thing.

Abiotic

Another name for a non-living thing.

Genetic Code

A set of information that tells an organism what it should look like.

Growth and Development

A characteristic of life where an organism grows and undergoes physical changes, such as a tadpole growing legs, a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, or a boy's voice deepening.

Cells

A characteristic of life where an organism is composed of one or more cells, such as Paramecium being a unicellular organism.

Reproduction

A characteristic of life where an organism produces offspring, such as a mama cat having a litter of kittens.

Metabolism

A characteristic of life involving energy use and chemical processes, such as blades of grass absorbing sunlight or vultures eating a dead lion.

Homeostasis

A characteristic of life involving internal balance and regulation, such as needing water after eating salty popcorn at a movie.

Adaptation

A characteristic of life where organisms possess structural or behavioral traits suited to survive in their environment over time, such as Alaska rabbits developing white fur or cactus spines surviving in a dry environment.

Stimulus

A characteristic of life involving a response to environmental cues, such as Canadian geese flying south in autumn.