1.1 Themes and Concepts of Biology Flashcards
atom
a basic unit of matter that cannot be broken down by normal chemical reactions
biology
the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments
biosphere
a collection of all ecosystems on Earth
cell
the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things
community
a set of populations inhabiting a particular area
ecosystem
all living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment
eukaryote
an organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles
evolution
the process of gradual change in a population that can also lead to new species arising from older species
homeostasis
the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions
macromolecule
a large molecule typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules
molecule
a chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by a chemical bond
organ
a structure formed of tissues operating together to perform a common function
organ system
the higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs
organelle
a membrane-bound compartment or sac within a cell
organism
an individual living thing
