Biology Semester 2 Flashcards
Gene
A sequence of DNA that codes for a protein or a nucleic acid, like RNA
Atmosphere
The collection of gases that surrounds the planet and provides breathable air
Biosphere
The area of earth where all living things exist
Hydrosphere
The area of earth covered by water
Lithosphere
The area of earth that is solid; land and soil
Photosynthesis
Process by which autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy
Biomass
All the living (or formerly living) material in an ecosystem
Carbon Dioxide
The main gas moved during the carbon cycle
Carbon Sink
The area where carbon is stored
Carbon Source
The area or a process that releases carbon
Geosphere
The solid Earth, including the crust and earth’s interior
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate; the energy molecule of the cell that powers many reactions
Invasive Species
Any kind of living organism that is not native to the ecosystem and causes harm
Primary Consumer
An organism, also know as an herbivore, that feeds on producers such as plants
Producer
An organism, also known as an autotroph, that makes its own food. A plant is an autotroph
Secondary Consumer
An organism that feeds on primary consumers (herbivores)
Tertiary Consumer
Top-level consumers that are carnivores and feed on secondary consumers
Trophic Level
The level in which organisms are found within the food chain
Mitochondria
Membrane-bound organelle that converts fuel into energy that is available to the rest of the cell
Prokaryotic
A cell without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles
Eukaryotic
A cell with membrane-bound nucleus and organelles; is generally larger and more complex
Taxonomy
The branch of science concerned with naming, classifying, and describing the relationship between all living things on Earth