Biol 102 – General Zoology Introduction Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the introductory concepts of Zoology, branches of biological study, characteristics of life, theories of origin, and the scientific method.

Biology

The study of life or a science of living things/organisms dealing with the investigation of the origin, history, structure, function, identification, and significance of living things and their interactions with the environment; derived from Latin words bios (life) and logos (study).

Zoology

The branch of biology that focuses on the structure, function, behavior, and evolution of animals; derived from Latin words zoon (animals) and logos (study).

Anatomy

The study of dissection of body parts.

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of living things.

Cytology

The study of cells.

Ecology

The study of interactions and relationships within an organism.

Embryology

The study of the development of an embryo.

Evolution

The study of the origin of the species and the gradual change in character over the course of successive generations to enable survival.

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation.

Pathology

The study of diseases.

Paleontology

The study of fossils or evidence of the past.

Systematics

The study of identification and classification.

Bacteriology

The study of bacteria.

Botany

The study of plants.

Entomology

The study of insects.

Carcinology

The study of crustaceans.

Helminthology

The study of worms.

Virology

The study of viruses.

Protozoology

The study of protozoans.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms.

Herpetology

The study of reptiles and amphibians.

Ichthyology

The study of fishes.

Mammalogy

The study of mammals.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Ornithology

The study of birds.

Parasitology

The study of parasites.

Phycology

The study of algae.

Malacology

The study of mollusks.

Cell

The basic unit of organization in living things.

Levels of Organization

$$\text{Subatomic particles } (e^-, p^+, n) \rightarrow \text{atoms} \rightarrow \text{element} \rightarrow \text{molecules} \rightarrow \text{organelle} \rightarrow \text{cell} \rightarrow \text{tissue} \rightarrow \text{organs} \rightarrow \text{organ system} \rightarrow \text{organism} \rightarrow \text{population} \rightarrow \text{community} \rightarrow \text{ecosystem} \rightarrow \text{biosphere}$$

Metabolism

The totality of the physical and chemical changes taking place in an organism.

Anabolism

The 'building up' process; the formation of complex substances from simple ones.

Catabolism

The 'breaking down' process; the breaking down of complex substances to simpler ones.

Assimilation

The process where metabolized food is absorbed via the circulatory system for nourishment.

Stimulus

A factor in the environment capable of producing any form of activity from an organism.

Adaptation

A process in which an organism becomes better suited to its environment through changes in structural, physiological, or behavioral traits.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a nearly constant condition within an organism.

Divine Creation Theory

The theory that life was created by a supernatural being (God, Buddha, Allah) and is accepted by faith as an Axiom.

Cosmozoic or Interplanetary Theory

The theory that protoplasm in the form of resistant spores from outer space hit the earth via radiation pressure from meteorites and comets.

Spontaneous Generation (Abiogenesis)

The theory proposed by Aristotle that living things arise directly from non-living things due to factors like warmth, moisture, and sunlight.

Biogenesis Theory

The theory proposed by Francisco Redi that living things arise only from other living things.

Natural / Marine Theory

The theory that life was made possible by chemical reactions in the ocean involving atmospheric $O_2$ and $CO_2$.

Philosophical Theory of Eternity

The theory that life has been present from the very beginning of time (Alpha Omega) and has no beginning or end.

Physico-chemical / Coacervate Droplet Theory

The most scientific and accepted theory proposed by Oparin, suggesting the earth originated $4.6\text{ BYA}$ from a rotating ball of gas and life existed $3.5\text{--}4.0\text{ BYA}$.

Stanley Miller’s Experiment

An experiment using a mixture of $H_2O$, $CH_4$, $NH_3$, and $H_2$ to simulate the early earth's atmosphere, resulting in the abiotic synthesis of amino acids.

Qualitative Data

Data pertaining to quality (color, size, shape) that is not specific or precise and varies from person to person.

Quantitative Data

Data pertaining to quantity (amount of substance) that involves unit measurements and is precise.

Hypothesis

A scientific guess or set of assumptions providing a preliminary conclusion based on gathered data.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment in the presence of a variable.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive treatment, used for comparison.

Theory

A generalized statement or conclusion proven through experiments that may be developed into principles.