Characteristics, Differences, and Levels of Organization of Life

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing key characteristics of life, plant vs. animal traits, and biological levels of organization.

Cellular Organization

The characteristic of life where all living things are made up of cells, which can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular (many cells).

Metabolism

The chemical reactions living organisms undergo to maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism

The metabolic process of breaking down molecules for energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic process of building up molecules.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes, such as regulating temperature and pH.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction where one organism produces clones of itself.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction that involves combining genetic material from two organisms.

Heredity

The process by which living organisms pass genetic information to their offspring, ensuring the continuation of species with inherited traits.

Autotrophic

Organisms, like plants, that produce their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Heterotrophic

Organisms, like animals, that obtain food by consuming other organisms.

Phototropism

An example of movement in specific parts of stationary plants, such as leaves or flowers.

Locomotion

Movement from place to place typically exhibited by animals to find food, mates, and escape predators.

Molecules

Combinations of atoms that form the building blocks of cells, such as DNA and proteins.

Organelles

Specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions, such as mitochondria for energy production and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Cells

The basic unit of life, serving as the smallest structure capable of performing all life processes.

Tissues

Groups of cells with similar structures and functions, such as muscle tissue or epithelial tissue.

Organs

Structures composed of multiple tissues working together to perform a specific function, such as the heart or leaves.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to carry out complex functions, such as the digestive or respiratory systems.

Organisms

Individual living entities that can carry out all life processes, such as humans or oak trees.

Populations

Groups of organisms of the same species living in a specific area.

Communities

All the populations of different species living and interacting in a particular area.

Ecosystems

Communities interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, representing the zone of life on Earth including land, water, and the atmosphere.