Characteristics and classification of living organisms Flashcards
Movement
n action by an organism or part of an organism, causing change of position or place
Respiration
The chemical reactions in cells that breakdown nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism
Metabolism
The chemical reactions that take place in living organisms
Sensitivity
The ability to detect and respond to the changes in the external and internal environment
Growth
A permanent increase in size and dry mass
Reproduction
The process that make more of the same kind of organism
Excretion
The removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirement.
Nutrition
Taking in materials for growth, energy and development
Common ancestor
A species that lived in the past, but is thought to have given rise to several different species alive today
Kingdom
One of the major groups into which all organisms are classified
Genus
A group species that share similar features and a common ancestor
Organic substances
substances whose molecules contain carbon( organic compounds made by living things )
Chlorophyll
A green pigment that absorbs energy from light,
which is used to combine carbon dioxide with water and glucose. (Needs magnesium to be produced)
Cellulose
A carbohydrate that forms long fibres and makes up the cell walls of plants
Fungus`
An organism whose cells have cell walls but does not photosynthesise
Prokaryote
An organism whose cells do not have a nucleus
Protoctist
A single-celled organism, or one with several very similar cells
Hyphae
Microscopic threads, made up of cells inked in a long line, that make up the fungus
Decomposers
Organisms breakdown organic substances outside their bodies, releasing nutrients from them that other organisms can use.
Spores
Very small groups of cells surrounded by a protective wall, used in reproduction
Metamorphosis
Changing from a larva with one body to an adult with a different body form.
Pinna
A flap on the outside of the body that directs sound into the ear
Placenta
An organ that connects the growing fetus to its mother, in which the blood of the fetus and mother are brought close together so that materials can be exchanged between them
Mammary glands
Organs found only in mammals, which produce milk to feed their young
