Characteristics of Life and Biological Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering ecological levels of organization, energy and nutrients, homeostasis, sensitivity, types of reproduction, growth, development, and the life cycle based on the lecture transcript.

Population

All members of the same species found in a certain area.

Community

The members of all species found in a certain area.

Ecosystem

All organisms and nonliving things in a certain area.

Biosphere

All regions of Earth's crust, ocean, and atmosphere where life is found.

Nutrients

Chemicals found in the food and organisms important for the good health of organisms, including lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, water, and carbohydrates.

Lipids (Energy Content)

Nutrients present in food that supply energy at $9\text{ Cal/g}$.

Proteins (Energy Content)

Nutrients present in food that supply energy at $4\text{ Cal/g}$.

Carbohydrates (Energy Content)

Nutrients present in food that supply energy at $4\text{ Cal/g}$.

Homeostasis

A process where an organism maintains its inside environment stable, such as keeping human body temperature at $37^{\circ}\text{C}$ or maintaining human blood pH in the steady range of $7.35 - 7.45$ using a buffer.

Sensitivity

Process where organisms respond to environmental stimuli, such as animals storing fat or birds flying south when sensing winter.

Reproduction

Process where organisms generate other organisms of the same kind.

Sexual Reproduction

Type of reproduction in which two organisms combine their DNA to produce a new similar unique organism, producing variation among the members of a population.

Asexual Reproduction

Type of reproduction in which an organism generates identical organisms as the parental organism divides or buds to form new organisms.

Growth

Refers to the increase in the number of cells and the increase in the size of cells.

Development

Refers to changes that happen during the life of an organism, which involves cell differentiation, organ development, aging, and death.

Life Cycle

The sequential stages through which individuals grow and develop.