Properties of Life, Organization, and Taxonomy (Lecture Notes)

Question-and-answer flashcards covering the properties of life, levels of biological organization, metabolism, homeostasis, adaptation, and taxonomy as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is an emergent property?

A property at a higher level of organization that is not present at lower levels—the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

Name the levels of biological organization discussed, from the atom up to the biosphere.

Atom → molecule → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism → population → community → ecosystem → biosphere.

What is an atom?

The smallest unit of an element that cannot be broken down into that element.

What is a molecule?

A group of two or more atoms bound together.

What is a cell?

The smallest unit of life; contains many molecules and is bounded by a cell membrane.

What is a tissue?

A group of similar cells that perform the same function.

What is an organ?

A structure made of multiple tissues that performs a specific function.

What is an organ system?

Two or more organs that work together to perform a larger task (e.g., the nervous system).

What is an organism?

A living individual; a single living being.

What is a population?

Many organisms of the same species living in an area.

What is a community?

Two or more populations interacting in a shared area.

What is an ecosystem?

A community plus the abiotic (nonliving) environment.

What is the biosphere?

All regions of Earth inhabited by living things.

What is taxonomy?

The science of classifying, describing, and naming organisms.

Who originated the modern taxonomic system and binomial naming?

Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s.

How is a species name written in binomial nomenclature?

Genus capitalized, species epithet lowercase, and the whole name is italicized (e.g., Homo sapiens).

What is binomial nomenclature?

A two-part naming system: genus + species (specific epithet); example Homo sapiens.

What is the meaning of the root 'taxon' in taxonomy?

It relates to 'order' or arranging living things into groups.

What is the highest taxonomic rank discussed and give examples?

Domain (e.g., Eukarya), followed by lower ranks like Kingdom (e.g., Animalia).

What is a producer?

An organism that produces energy via photosynthesis (plants are typical producers).

What is a consumer?

An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms (animals or other living things).

What is metabolism?

The sum total of chemical reactions in a cell or organism, transforming and using energy.

What is homeostasis?

Maintenance of a stable internal environment within tolerable limits.

Give examples of homeostasis processes.

Sweating to cool, clotting to stop bleeding, regulation of blood sugar, shivering to generate heat, and adjustments in heart rate during activity.

What do the prefixes 'homeo-' and 'stasis' mean?

Homeo- means 'same'; -stasis means 'staying the same'.

What is adaptation?

Traits that help an organism survive and reproduce; formed through evolution.

Name some adaptations mentioned in the notes.

Long nectar-feeding mouthparts in certain moths; beetle acid spray for defense; human chin; bipedalism; specialized teeth.

Are viruses considered alive in the sense used in the notes?

Viruses are smaller than cells and lack some features of life; their status as alive is debated and depends on definitions.

How do plants and animals obtain energy differently?

Plants photosynthesize to make energy (producers); animals eat plants or other animals (consumers).