Life Science: Biology Regents Review - January 2026

Vocabulary flashcards covering core biological concepts, ecological interactions, genetics, and biotechnology based on the January 2026 Life Science exam content.

Identical Twins

Offspring produced by the same pregnancy that share the same DNA.

Fraternal Twins

Offspring produced by the same pregnancy whose genes may vary as much as non-twin siblings.

Epigenetic Changes

Changes that occur when chemical groups, such as methyl groups, attach to DNA and influence the expression of particular genes without altering the DNA sequence.

Electrophoresis

A process used to compare DNA segment migration through a gel to assess variations or similarities.

Hydrilla

An invasive aquatic plant with a high growth rate of up to $2.5\,\text{cm}$ per day that outcompetes native plants for resources.

Keystone Species

Organisms that play a disproportionately large role in an ecosystem, having a significant impact on its function and stability.

Trophic Cascade

A progression of indirect effects through trophic levels of a food chain, which can occur from the top-down or bottom-up when populations of keystone species change.

Fel d 1

A protein allergen produced by cat salivary and oil glands that causes allergic reactions in humans.

CRISPR-cas9

A genetic technology used to edit an organism's DNA by removing, adding, or altering sections of the DNA sequence.

Resistance Ratio

The proportion of a population, such as diamondback moths, that survives exposure to a specific pesticide over successive generations.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

A type of bacteria that produces toxic proteins used as a biological pesticide to control specific insect species.

Diabetes

A chronic health condition that affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose).

Type 1 Diabetes

A condition characterized by the reduced ability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition where insulin is produced normally, but the body's cells fail to respond to it properly.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that signals muscle cells to open glucose transport proteins for glucose uptake.

Swarming Behavior

A collective group decision-making process in honeybees used to navigate the hive to a new nesting site due to stressors.

Waggle Dance

A figure-eight movement used by worker bees to communicate the distance and direction of a food source to the rest of the hive.

Varroa Mite

An invasive honeybee parasite that feeds on both adults and larvae, potentially causing colony collapse.

Oxalic Acid

A chemical treatment used by beekeepers to kill Varroa mites in infested honeybee colonies.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

DNA located in the mitochondria that is inherited exclusively from the maternal parent.

Grooming

A social behavior in African baboons involving the removal of parasites like ticks, which strengthens social bonds and increases survival rates.

Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

A photosynthetic carnivorous plant found in peat bogs that digests insects to obtain necessary compounds like nitrogen.

Melanocytes

Specialized skin cells that produce the pigment protein melanin, determining coloration and patterns in mammals.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process by which human activities like road building and agriculture break up animal habitats, isolating populations from breeding.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions, such as the regulation of blood plasma glucose levels in a healthy individual.