Introduction to Biology – Lecture 1 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Lecture 1 on Introduction to Biology.

Biology

The scientific study of living things.

Definition of Life (challenge)

No single agreed sentence; scientists rely on checklists because of life’s vast diversity.

Uniformitarianism

Principle stating that the same natural laws and processes operating today have always operated throughout the universe’s history.

MR GREy +

Mnemonic for seven life criteria—Metabolize, Respond, Grow, Reproduce, Evolve, information in DNA, and being Made of cells.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions by which organisms obtain and use energy.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Metacognition

Learners’ use of task awareness, strategy knowledge, and self-awareness to organize, monitor, and evaluate their learning.

Self-Regulated Learning

Active control over one’s learning through goal setting, strategic study, monitoring progress, and adjusting methods.

Domain (biology)

Highest taxonomic category of life; three exist—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Kingdom

Major taxonomic rank below domain; at least five are recognized in simple classification schemes.

Biological Molecules

Common molecular building blocks—proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids—shared by all life.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life; all organisms are made of one or more cells.

Growth (biological)

Increase in size and/or number of cells, one of the criteria for life.

Movement

Ability of organisms or their internal parts to change position; included in some life checklists.

Reproduction

Process by which organisms produce new individuals, ensuring species continuity.

Response to Environmental Stimuli

Capability of sensing and reacting to external changes.

Evolution of Populations

Genetic change in populations over time driven by mutations and natural selection.

ACE Inhibitor

Blood-pressure-lowering compound first identified in Brazilian arrowhead viper venom.

Volatile Organic Molecules (plant communication)

Airborne chemicals released by plants, such as acacia trees, to warn neighbors of herbivore attack.

Zombie Parasite

Parasite that manipulates its host’s behavior to complete its life cycle.

Neuroparasitology

Field studying how parasites control hosts’ nervous systems and behavior.

Toxoplasma gondii

Protozoan parasite requiring cats as definitive hosts; makes infected rodents attracted to cat urine.

Horsehair Worm (Paragordius varius)

Parasite that induces infected crickets to jump into water so the adult worm can emerge.

Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga

Wasp whose larva reprograms a spider to weave a specialized web for the larva’s cocoon.

Checklist for Life

Set of characteristics (e.g., MR GREy +) that an entity must exhibit to be considered living.