Concise Revision Course: CSEC® Biology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts for CSEC Biology, providing definitions of terms commonly used in the course.

Ecology

The study of the interrelationships of living organisms with each other and with their environment.

Abiotic factors

Non-living chemical and physical factors influencing living organisms, like temperature and humidity.

Biotic factors

Living organisms present in an environment, such as predators, prey, competitors, parasites, and pathogens.

Species

A group of organisms of common ancestry that closely resemble each other and are capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring.

Population

All members of a particular species living together in a particular habitat.

Community

All populations of different species living together in a particular habitat.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with each other and with their abiotic environment.

Niche

The position or role of an organism within an ecosystem.

Transport systems

Systems that provide a means for substances to move between exchange surfaces and body cells.

Circulatory system

The system in humans that consists of blood, blood vessels, and the heart, responsible for transporting substances throughout the body.

Excretion

The process by which waste and harmful substances produced by the body's metabolism are removed.

Photosynthesis

The process used by green plants to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

Respiration

The process by which cells release energy from food.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant internal environment within an organism.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse cells, typically gametes.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, represented by the alleles present.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism, which are influenced by its genotype and environment.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves only one parent and produces genetically identical offspring.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction that involves two parents and results in offspring with genetic variation.

Natural selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Artificial selection

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for desired traits.

Genetic engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology to alter its characteristics.

Translocation

The movement of organic compounds, particularly sucrose, through the phloem of plants.