Intro to Biology and the Characteristics of Life

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics of life, types of organisms, and the levels of biological organization based on the lecture notes.

Biology

The scientific study of living things and how they interact with the world around them.

Unicellular organisms

Organisms that consist of one cell.

Multicellular organisms

Any living thing that is made up of more than one cell, such as plants and animals.

Sexual Reproduction

When cells from two parents unite to produce the first cell of a new organism, resulting in differences in traits.

Asexual Reproduction

When there is a single parent to the new organism, resulting in the same exact traits.

Cell

The smallest unit of "life" consisting of a collection of living matter enclosed by a barrier that separates the cell from its surroundings.

Development

The process during which a fertilized egg cell divides again and again to produce many cells.

Differentiation

The process where cells divide, change shape and structure, and become specific for their ultimate function (e.g., liver, stomach, or skin cells).

Metabolism

The combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials as it carries out life processes; also defined as reactions that change food into energy.

Stimulus

A signal, event, or thing from an organism that evokes a reaction or response.

External Stimuli

Signals that come from the environment outside the organism, such as light and sound.

Internal Stimuli

Signals that come from within the organism, such as blood sugar and electrolyte levels.

Homeostasis

The process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment.

Atom

The basic or single particle of a chemical element that makes up everything.

Molecule

Groups of particles and atoms that represent the smallest unit of a chemical compound.

Organelle

A tiny structure inside a cell that does a specific job to keep the cell alive.

Tissue

A group of specific cells that form together to create structural material of a living thing.

Organ

A group of tissues that function together as a unit specialized to perform a specific function.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform functions.

Organism

An individual living thing.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area.

Community

Populations that live together in a defined area.

Ecosystem

A community and its non-living environment.

Biosphere

The part of the earth that contains all ecosystems.