Biology Review: Structures, Systems, and Evolution

Vocabulary flashcards covering key biological concepts including cellular organization, gene expression, feedback loops, ecology, and evolutionary mechanisms from the review notes.

Organization of Life

The hierarchical structure of biological systems from molecules to complete organisms, working together to sustain life.

Energy Transfer

The movement and transformation of energy through living systems as organisms obtain, transform, and transfer energy to survive.

Gene Expression

The process by which genetic information is expressed and inherited to determine, pass on, and change traits over time.

Ecology

The study of how living and nonliving components of ecosystems interact and how changes in one part affect the whole system.

Scientific Name

The unique, standardized two-part classification name assigned to each organism consisting of its genus and species.

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell type characterized by a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized membrane-enclosed organelles.

Prokaryotic Cell

A single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-enclosed organelles.

Genome

The entire collection of genetic material and instructions contained within an organism.

Genes

Physical units of DNA sequence that functionally code for biological traits and are passed to the next generation.

Feedback Regulation

A biological process where the output or product of a pathway regulates that same pathway.

Negative Feedback

A control mechanism in which the response reduces or slows down the initial stimulus to maintain stability.

Positive Feedback

A control mechanism in which the response amplifies or increases the initial stimulus.

Lost Energy

Energy released by living organisms during metabolic transfers, typically dissipated in the form of heat.

Evolution

The change in the genetic composition and traits of living populations from generation to generation.

Selection

A mechanism in evolution where specific traits influence an organism's chance of survival and reproductive success.

Fitness

An organism's relative ability to survive, reproduce, and pass its genes on to the next generation.

Adaptation

An inherited feature or trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with traits best suited to their environment survive and produce more offspring.

Phylogenetic Tree

A branching diagram (tree of life) that shows evolutionary relationships, lineages, and common ancestors among organisms.

Unity in Evolution

The shared biological characteristics, common ancestry, and fundamental features common to all living organisms.

Diversity in Evolution

The vast array of different species, traits, and adaptations that have accumulated through evolutionary change over time.