Biodiversity

Characteristics of life

Be composed of unicellular or multicellular cells, contain DNA or RNA, grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, adapt to the environment, and evolve.

Reproduction

Can be sexual (two parents, genetically unique offspring) or asexual (one parent, genetically identical offspring).

Stimulus

A change in an organism's environment.

Response

How an organism reacts to a change in its environment.

Taxonomy

A field of biology that classifies organisms based on similar characteristics.

Domains of life

All life is divided into three domains: Eubacteria, Archaebacteria, and Eukarya.

Carolus Linnaeus

The father of taxonomy, known for developing binomial nomenclature.

Biodiversity

The variety of organisms considered at all levels, from populations to ecosystems.

Domain Bacteria

Prokaryotic organisms with small cells that reproduce asexually through binary fission.

Domain Archaea

Prokaryotic extremophiles that reproduce asexually and have similar characteristics to bacteria.

Domain Eukarya

Eukaryotic organisms that can reproduce sexually and asexually; includes protists, plants, fungi, and animals.

Kingdom Protista

Eukaryotic organisms characterized by extreme biodiversity, reproducing sexually and asexually.

Kingdom Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms that decompose and reproduce using spores, with cell walls made of chitin.

Kingdom Plantae

Eukaryotic organisms that are autotrophic and primarily photosynthetic.

Kingdom Animalia

Eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophic and can reproduce sexually.

Organ systems

Made up of organs which are composed of cells, working together to maintain dynamic equilibrium.

Nervous system

Collects, processes, and responds to sensory information; key structures include the brain and spinal cord.

Circulatory system

Main function is gas exchange and nutrient transport throughout the body.

Digestive system

Breaks down food and absorbs nutrients; includes the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

Respiratory system

Facilitates gas exchange, taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide.

Excretory system

Maintains water balance, removes waste, and filters blood.

Integumentary system

Acts as a barrier, regulates temperature, and controls water loss.

Muscular system

Responsible for movement and stabilization.

Skeletal system

Supports and protects internal organs, aiding in movement.

Endocrine system

Produces hormones for body regulation.

Reproductive system

Enables reproduction via eggs and sperm; includes male and female structures.

Immune system

Defends against infections, with key structures like lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species.

Endosymbiotic theory

Suggests co-evolution of prokaryotes led to the first eukaryotes.

Cladogram

A diagram showing relatedness of organisms without depicting ancestral relationships.

Homeostasis

Stability of the internal environment maintained by feedback mechanisms.

Feedback mechanisms

Regulate homeostasis, using input, systems, and outputs.

Positive Feedback loop

Amplifies the response of a system.

Negative Feedback loop

Counteracts changes to return to a set point.

Receptor

Sensory organ that receives a stimulus.

Effector

An organ that executes the response to a stimulus.

Response

The effect caused by a stimulus.