Introduction Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is a community in ecological terms?
Entire array of organisms inhabiting a particular ecosystem
A community includes all different species living in a specific area.
Define ‘population’ in ecology.
All the individuals of a species living in a specified area
Populations are important for studying species dynamics.
What is a species?
A group of organisms that have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce viable, fertile offspring
Species are the fundamental units of biological classification.
What is an organism?
An individual living thing
Organisms can be unicellular or multicellular.
What are organ systems?
Teams of organs that cooperate in a specific function
Organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis.
Define ‘organ’.
A body part consisting of two or more tissues
Organs perform specific functions within an organism.
What are tissues?
Integrated groups of cells with a common function, structure, or both
Tissues are classified into four main types: connective, muscle, epithelial, and nervous.
What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?
Cell
Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms.
What are organelles?
Functional components of the structure that make up the cells and have specialized functions
Organelles include structures like mitochondria and the nucleus.
Define ‘molecule’.
Chemical molecules consisting of two or more smaller chemical units called atoms
Molecules can be simple, like water, or complex, like DNA.
What type of tissue is responsible for movement?
Muscle tissue
Muscle tissue can be voluntary or involuntary.
What is connective tissue?
A type of tissue that supports, binds together, and protects other tissues and organs
Examples include bone, adipose, and blood.
What is epithelial tissue?
A type of tissue that covers the surfaces of the body and lines cavities and organs
Epithelial tissue plays key roles in protection, absorption, and secretion.
What is nervous tissue?
A type of tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
Nervous tissue is essential for transmitting signals throughout the body.
What is the primary function of the circulatory system?
Transporting nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body
The circulatory system includes the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
