BIO 101 Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the characteristics and classification of living organisms in Biology 101.

What is the study of living things called?

Biology is the study of living things.

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Nutrition, respiration, movement, reproduction, excretion, sensitivity, growth.

Define nutrition in biological terms.

Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain energy and raw materials from nutrients.

What is respiration in living organisms?

Respiration is the release of energy from food substances in all living cells.

What is anaerobic respiration?

Anaerobic respiration is a form of respiration occurring without oxygen, typically less efficient.

What are heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain food by consuming other organisms.

Define the term 'excretion.'

Excretion is the removal of toxic materials and waste products of metabolism from the body of an organism.

What is the importance of growth in living organisms?

Growth involves using food to produce new cells, leading to permanent increase in cell number and size.

Explain the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring, while sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.

What is the binomial system of naming species?

The binomial system assigns each species a two-part Latin name consisting of its genus and species.

What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is the branch of biology involved in the identification, naming, and classification of living organisms.

Differentiate between artificial and natural classifications.

Artificial classification groups based on convenience, while natural classification groups based on evolutionary relationships.

What is the definition of a species?

A species is a group of organisms with similar features capable of breeding and producing fertile offspring.

What role does the Linnaean system play in biology?

The Linnaean system provides a hierarchical structure for organizing and classifying living organisms.

What is the function of a dichotomous key?

A dichotomous key is a tool used to classify organisms based on observable characteristics.

What is meant by 'autotrophs'?

Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food using sunlight or chemical energy.

Describe the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

What is meant by ecological niche?

An ecological niche is the specific role or function that a species plays in its environment.

How do aerobic and anaerobic respiration differ?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy than anaerobic respiration, which does not require oxygen.

Define population in a biological context.

A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

What factors influence biotic components in an ecosystem?

Biotic components are influenced by interactions with abiotic factors like soil, water, and temperature.

Explain the significance of genetic variation in evolution.

Genetic variation is essential for natural selection, leading to adaptation and speciation.