Key Concepts in Biology and Animal Behavior 3

Homologous structures

Derived from a common ancestor, may differ functionally.

Genomics

Study of all genes within a genome.

Primary succession

Occurs after major disturbances on lifeless substrates.

Sertoli cells

Nourish developing sperm cells during spermatogenesis.

Guard cells

Control stomatal openings for gas exchange.

Bilateral symmetry

Organism has symmetrical right and left halves.

Epithelial tissue

Outer cell layer, protects and covers surfaces.

Epidermis

Outer layer providing protection and preventing water loss.

Radial symmetry

Symmetry around a central axis.

Autosomal dominant traits

Traits following a dominant inheritance pattern on autosomes.

Gene expression regulation

Turning on and off different gene expressions.

Autosomal recessive traits

Traits following a recessive inheritance pattern on autosomes.

Beta-oxidation

Process occurring in mitochondrial matrix for fatty acids.

Free fatty acids

Fatty acids that undergo beta-oxidation.

Homeotic genes

Genes determining body structure development.

Central vacuoles

Plant vacuoles acting like lysosomes and storage.

ATP synthase

Enzyme using gradient to synthesize ATP.

Substrate-level phosphorylation

Direct phosphorylation of ADP into ATP.

Food vacuoles

Temporary holders merging with lysosomes for digestion.

Transport vacuoles

Vacuoles moving materials between organelles.

Contractile vacuoles

Vacuoles pumping excess water out of cells.

Storage vacuoles

Vacuoles storing starches, pigments, and toxins.

Semilunar valves

Valves ensuring one-way blood flow from ventricles.

Complement system

Immune system component working with antibodies.

Search images behavior

Feeding behavior for locating safe, abundant food.

Scavengers

Animals consuming dead animals and plant matter.

Iteroparous

Animals caring for young as they mature.

Secondary consumers

Organisms one trophic level above primary consumers.

Primary consumers

Organisms feeding on primary producers.

Instincts

Innate behaviors occurring without conscious thought.

Tertiary consumers

Organisms one trophic level above secondary consumers.

Primary producers

Organisms at the lowest trophic level.

Cofactors

Non-protein molecules assisting enzyme functions.

Learned behaviors

Behaviors allowing adaptation to unexpected events.

Decomposers

Organisms breaking down and recycling dead material.

Social behaviors

Interactions for companionship, food, and protection.

Altruistic behaviors

Sacrifices made for the benefit of relatives.

Agonistic behaviors

Behaviors competing for resources like food and territory.

Intraspecific competition

Competition among individuals of the same species.

Exploitation competition

Indirect competition depleting a common resource.

Interference competition

Direct competition preventing resource establishment.

Apparent competition

Predation where one predator preys on two species.

Waxes

Esters of fatty acids and monohydroxy alcohols.

Detritivores

Consume detritus, aiding organic matter decomposition.

Semelparity

Mating only once in a lifetime.

Biotic factors

Living elements within an ecosystem.

Abiotic factors

Nonliving elements within an ecosystem.

Hair follicles

Generate hair and attach it to skin.

Mammary glands

Specialized glands that produce milk.

Apocrine glands

Glands that produce ear wax.

Sudoriferous glands

Main sweat glands important for thermoregulation.

Classical conditioning

Learning to pair a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.

Savannas

Grasslands with diffuse trees, seasonal droughts, and fires.

Cooperation

Social behavior where animals group for mutual goals.

Detritus

Combination of feces and decomposing organic matter.

Sexual selection

Differential mating success based on traits.

Male competition

Males compete for mating opportunities.

Female choice

Females select mates based on attractive traits.

Spatial learning

Associating landmarks with specific locations.

Parasitism

One organism benefits at another's expense.

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Commensalism

One organism benefits, the other is unaffected.

Thermoregulation

Regulation of body temperature.

High quality mates

Mates with potential for producing high quality offspring.

Detritivores' role

Expose organic matter for fungi and bacteria.

Energy contribution in mating

Mating processes require varying energy levels.

Commensalism

One organism benefits; the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

One organism benefits at the expense of another.

Phototaxis

Movement in response to light stimulus.

Imprinting

Permanent learning of behaviors during a critical period.

Migration

Long-distance movement of animals instinctively.

Taxis

Movement towards or away from a stimulus.

Polygamy

Having multiple mating partners simultaneously.

Extinction

Loss of a species from an ecosystem.

Ecological Succession

Community development and change over time.

Biomass

Total mass of living organisms in an area.

Polyandry

One female mates with multiple males.

Polygyny

One male mates with multiple females.

Electroporation

Creating temporary holes in cell membranes.

Efferent

Motor neurons transmitting signals from CNS to muscles.

Keystone Predators

Species that maintain ecological balance through predation.

Sensitization

Increased response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Kinesis

Random movement in response to a stimulus.

Habituation

Decreased response to a repeated, meaningless stimulus.

Insight

Learning through understanding rather than trial and error.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differences in appearance between male and female species.

Observational Learning

Learning behaviors by watching others perform them.

Associative Learning

Connecting a stimulus with a behavior.

Alarm Pheromones

Signals to warn others of danger.

Releaser Pheromones

Attract mates or trigger immediate behaviors.

Biological Interaction

Close, long-term relationship between two organisms.

Primer pheromones

Chemical signals triggering long-term physiological changes.

Territoriality

Behaviors animals use to protect their territory.

Symbiosis

Interaction where different species live together.

Direct fitness

Genes passed directly from parent to offspring.

Indirect fitness

Genes passed through relatives enhancing inclusive fitness.

Kin selection

Evolutionary strategy favoring relatives' reproductive success.

Afferent neurons

Sensory neurons transmitting signals to the CNS.

Simple reflexes

Rapid reflexes with direct spinal cord connections.

Natural speciation

Speciation resulting from naturally occurring evolutionary processes.