Diversity

biology

Genetic Diversity

Variation in the genetic makeup among individuals within a population or species.

Species Diversity

Number of different species and their relative abundance within an ecosystem; an indicator of ecosystem health.

Structural Diversity

Physical characteristics of an ecosystem, including plant size variety and habitat types.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular.

Bacteria

Unicellular, prokaryotic organisms that can be found in almost all environments.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms including molds, mushrooms, and yeasts that absorb nutrients.

Binomial Nomenclature

A formal system of naming species using two terms: genus and species.

Morphology

The study of the form and structure of organisms.

Levels of Classification

Hierarchical system used to classify living organisms: Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.

Domain

The broadest category in the hierarchical classification of life.

Eukarya

Domain that includes organisms with complex cells containing membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotes

Organisms lacking membrane-bound organelles; their DNA is circular and located in the nucleoid.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with membrane-bound organelles and linear DNA housed in a nucleus.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming organic material.

Autotrophic

Organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Theory suggesting that eukaryotic cells evolved from a symbiotic relationship between primitive eukaryotes and engulfed prokaryotes.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms based on a series of binary choices.

Viruses

Infectious agents made of a protein coat enclosing genetic material that require a host cell to reproduce.

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to respond to environmental changes and recover from disturbances.

Pollination

The process crucial for plant reproduction, carried out by insects, birds, etc.

Water Purification

A service provided by plants and microorganisms in ecosystems.

Soil Fertility

Maintained by decomposers in an ecosystem.

Gene Therapy

Using engineered viruses to deliver genes into human cells to treat genetic disorders.

Biotechnology

Field that uses viruses in research and applications, such as vaccines.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without the fusion of gametes, common in bacteria and some protists.

Chitin

The material that makes up the cell walls of fungi.

Vascular Tissue

Tissue in plants that conducts water and nutrients, crucial for evolution from algae.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in which a single organism divides into two identical offspring.

Photosynthesis

Process by which certain organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Symbiotic Relationships

Interactions between different species that benefit at least one of the parties.

Hominidae

The biological family that includes humans and their closest relatives.

Adaptation

The process by which species adjust to changes in their environment, often increasing survival.