Introduction to Biology and the Characteristics of Life

These flashcards cover the definition of biology, its interdisciplinary branches, the fundamental characteristics of life, and the biological levels of organization.

Biology

The scientific study of living things and their vital processes; derived from the Greek words "bios" meaning "life" and "logos" meaning "study".

Organism

A living entity consisting of one cell, such as bacteria, or several cells, such as animals, plants, and fungi.

Biostatistics

The branch of science involving the statistical analysis of results obtained in biological experiments.

Biochemistry

The study of the chemistry of life, including the chemical basis of a cell and chemical reactions involved in life processes.

Bioinformatics

The application of knowledge from information sciences in the interpretation of biological phenomena.

Biophysics

The study of the physics of life, including energy relations and instruments used in monitoring human health like ECG and EEG.

Psychology

The application of the knowledge of biology in understanding the human mind.

Order

A characteristic of life where living things are highly structured and organized entities, ranging from atoms to the biosphere.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction involving only one parent that produces offspring which are genetically identical clones; examples include binary fission in bacteria and budding in hydra.

Sexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction involving two parents contributing genetic material to produce genetically unique individuals with a mix of traits.

Growth and Development

The process where organisms grow and change according to inherited genetic instructions carried by DNA.

Energy Processing

The characteristic of life where organisms absorb and transform energy using metabolic pathways to fuel maintenance, growth, and movement.

Photosynthesis

The reaction occurring in chloroplasts where sunlight energy, carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), and water ($H_2O$) react to produce glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) and oxygen ($O_2$).

Cellular Respiration

The process occurring in the mitochondrion where glucose and oxygen react to produce carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), water ($H_2O$), and energy ($ATP$).

Evolutionary Adaptation

The process by which species evolve over time to fit specific ecological niches, with advantageous traits passed to future generations.

Regulation / Homeostasis

The active maintenance of a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, pH, and water balance) despite shifting external conditions.

Cell

The basic unit of life and the smallest unit capable of sustaining life.

Tissue

A group of cells of the same kind that perform the same function.

Organ

A group of tissues working together to perform a specific function, such as the brain.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform a certain function, such as the respiratory system.

Population

A group of organisms of the same species that live in the same area.

Community

Different populations of organisms that live together in the same area.

Ecosystem

Communities of organisms interacting with one another and with their physical environment, including factors like soil and grass.

Biosphere

The highest level of biological organization, encompassing all parts of Earth where life exists.

Organelle

Aggregates of macromolecules within a membrane that serve a specific function inside a cell.