Biology Chapter 1 Notes (Nicole Rogers)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on the Meaning of Biology, Organization, Acquire Materials and Energy, Reproduce, Respond to Stimuli, Homeostatic, Grow and Develop, Have the Capacity to Adapt, Natural Selection, Evolution, and Classification.

Biology

The science that studies life and living organisms.

Organization

The arrangement of living things into a hierarchical levels (atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, biosphere).

Atom

The smallest unit of an element, composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Molecule

The union of two or more atoms of the same or different elements.

Cell

The structural and functional unit of all living things.

Tissue

A group of cells with a common structure and function.

Organ

A group of tissues functioning together for a specific task.

Organ System

A group of organs working together for a specific task.

Organism

An individual living thing.

Population

Organisms of the same species in a particular area.

Community

Interacting populations of different species in a particular area.

Ecosystem

A community plus the physical environment (abiotic and biotic factors).

Biosphere

Regions of the Earth’s crust, waters, and atmosphere inhabited by living things.

Energy

The capacity to do work.

Organic Molecules (Biomolecules)

Molecules found in living things that can be broken down and used for energy; the four main types are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Proteins

One of the four main organic macromolecules found in living things.

Carbohydrates

One of the four main organic macromolecules found in living things.

Lipids

One of the four main organic macromolecules found in living things.

Nucleic Acids

One of the four main organic macromolecules found in living things.

Autotrophs (Producers)

Organisms that can use light or chemicals to create food (e.g., plants via photosynthesis).

Heterotrophs (Consumers)

Organisms that must consume other organisms for food.

Herbivores

Organisms that only eat plants.

Carnivores

Organisms that only eat meat.

Omnivores

Organisms that eat both plants and meat.

Biogenesis

Life arises from life.

Reproduction

The process by which an organism makes more of itself.

Genes

Units of information within an individual’s DNA.

DNA

Contains the hereditary copies of genes.

Behavior

Response to stimuli directed toward minimizing injury, acquiring food, and reproducing.

Stimulus

Something in the environment that elicits a response.

Homeostasis

Staying the same – maintaining a relatively constant internal environment.

Growth

Increase in size or number of cells (part of development).

Development

Changes that take place from conception to death.

Adaptation

Features that make an organism better suited to a new environment.

Natural Selection

The differential reproductive success of adapted individuals.

Evolution

The change in frequency of traits in populations and species.

Systematics

The discipline of identifying and classifying organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of naming classified organisms.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-part naming system for species, consisting of genus and species epithet.