Chapter 1 Flashcards
(32 cards)
Biology
The scientific study of life and living organisms.
Complex property
A trait or behavior that comes from many parts working together
Emergent property
A new trait or behavior that appears when smaller parts work together — but isn’t seen in the parts alone.
Atom
The basic unit of matter
Molecule
A group of atoms bonded together — the smallest unit of a compound.
Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of life.
Tissue
A group of cells working together to perform a specific function.
Organ
A collection of tissues that perform a specific function within an organism.
Organ system
A group of organs working together to perform complex functions.
Organism
Any living thing.
Population
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
Species
A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Community
A group of populations of different species interacting in the same area.
Ecosystem
A community of living things interacting with each other and their environment.
Biosphere
All the places on Earth where life exists — land, water, and air.
Nutrient
A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and maintenance of life.
Energy
The ability to do work or cause change.
Producer
Organisms, like plants, that produce their own food through photosynthesis and serve as a food source for other organisms.
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.
Consumer
Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Homeostasis
the process of maintaining a stable internal environment in an organism.
Stimulus/stimuli
Anything that causes a response in an organism.
Phototaxis
Movement of an organism toward or away from light.
Chemotaxis
Movement of an organism toward or away from chemicals or substances.
