CIE IGCSE Biology 1.1 Characteristics, Classification & Features of Organisms

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the seven characteristics of living organisms, the binomial naming system, modern DNA classification, and the defining features of the Five Kingdoms, including distinctions between plants, animals, and invertebrates.

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, and substances in excess of requirements.

Nutrition

The taking in of materials for energy, growth and development, including organic compounds or inorganic ions.

Species

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

Binomial System

A naming system where the scientific name of an organism is made up of the genus followed by the species.

Genus

The first part of a binomial scientific name, which is always written with a capital letter.

Kingdom

The first division of living things in the classification system, such as Animals, Plants, or Fungi.

Dichotomous

A term meaning "branching into two," describing keys used to identify organisms by following descriptions.

Morphology

The overall form and shape of the organism, such as whether it has wings or legs.

Anatomy

The detailed body structure of an organism as determined by dissection.

DNA Base Sequences

Sequences used to determine relationships where more similar sequences indicate species are more closely related.

Animals

Multicellular organisms with cells containing a nucleus but no cell walls or chloroplasts, feeding on organic substances.

Plants

Multicellular organisms with cells containing a nucleus, chloroplasts, and cellulose cell walls that feed by photosynthesis.

Invertebrates

Animals that do not possess a backbone.

Arthropods

A phylum of invertebrates characterized by having jointed legs and segmented bodies.

Fungi

Organisms with nuclei and cell walls not made from cellulose that feed by saprophytic or parasitic nutrition.

Protoctists

A kingdom of mostly unicellular organisms that all have a nucleus; some photosynthesize while others feed on organic substances.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms such as bacteria that have cell walls and cytoplasm but no nucleus or mitochondria.

Monocotyledons

Flowering plants containing petals in multiples of $3$ and having parallel leaf veins.

Dicotyledons

Flowering plants containing petals in multiples of $4$ or $5$ and having reticulated leaf veins.

Viruses

Non-living entities consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) inside a protein coat that replicate inside host cells.