Properties of Life Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the smallest unit of life, and how is organization extended from there?
The smallest unit of life is the cell, and organization extends to tissues, organs, organisms, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
Provide an example of hierarchical organization in humans, starting with a neuron.
A neuron organizes into nervous tissue, forming organs like the brain, which integrates into the nervous system.
What is ‘Sensitivity/Response to Stimuli’ in living organisms?
Organisms react to environmental stimuli to survive, such as moving toward food or away from predators.
Give two examples of how organisms respond to environmental cues.
Plants growing toward light (phototaxis) and bacteria moving toward nutrients (chemotaxis). Another example is Venus flytraps snapping shut when touched.
What are the two methods of reproduction in living organisms?
Asexual reproduction, involving one parent and genetically identical offspring, and sexual reproduction, involving two parents and genetically diverse offspring.
How does asexual reproduction contribute to species stability?
Asexual reproduction, like binary fission in bacteria, ensures species stability.
What is the purpose of genetic variation in sexual reproduction?
Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation through recombination.
Define ‘Adaptation’ in a biological context.
Features or behaviors that enhance survival in specific environments.
Give an example of a behavioral adaptation.
Birds migrating to avoid harsh climates.
How do adaptations arise?
Adaptations are inherited and arise from natural selection.
Give an example of a structural adaptation.
Arctic foxes growing thicker fur in winter for insulation.
What is ‘Growth and Development’ in living organisms?
All living organisms grow and develop in stages based on their genetic instructions and environmental conditions.
Provide an example of development including life stages.
Metamorphosis in butterflies from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
What is ‘Homeostasis’?
The ability to maintain stable internal conditions (e.g., temperature, pH, hydration).
Give an example of homeostasis in humans.
Humans maintain blood glucose levels through insulin and glucagon regulation.
What is ‘Energy Processing’ in living organisms?
Living organisms acquire and use energy for growth, repair, and other functions.
Differentiate between anabolism and catabolism.
Anabolism is building molecules (e.g., photosynthesis), while catabolism is breaking down molecules (e.g., cellular respiration).
What is ‘Evolution’ in the context of living organisms?
Populations of organisms change over time due to mutations and environmental pressures, leading to biodiversity.
List the levels of biological organization from the smallest to the largest at the Cellular Level.
Atoms → Molecules → Organelles → Cells.
List the levels of biological organization from the smallest to the largest at the Organismal Level.
Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organisms.
List the levels of biological organization from the smallest to the largest at the Population Level.
Organisms → Populations → Communities → Ecosystems → Biosphere.
What are ‘emergent properties’?
New characteristics that arise due to interactions among components at each level of biological organization.
What are some common features that demonstrate unity among all life forms?
The use of DNA, genetic codes, cellular structure, and metabolic processes. All life forms share DNA as the genetic blueprint and a universal genetic code.
