chapter 1: themes and concepts of biology Flashcards
define biology
the study of living things or the science that studies life
what are the 8 properties of life? (in order)
- order
- sensitivity or response to stimuli
- reproduction
- adaption
- growth and development
- regulation or homeostasis
- energy processing
- evolution
order
properties of life
organisms are highly organized structures that consist of one or more cells. specialized cells come together to form organs such as the heart, lung, or skin in organisms.
sensitivity or response to stimuli
properties of life
organisms respond to different environmental stimulus (temperature, light, chemicals, etc.). movement toward a stimulus is considered a positive response, while movement away from a stimulus is considered a negative response.
reproduction
properties of life
organisms must be able to reproduce. when reproduction occurs, DNA containing genes is passed along to an organism’s offspring. these genes are the reason that the offspring will belong to the same species and will have characteristics similar to the parent, such as fur color and blood type.
adaptation
properties of life
organisms adapt to their environment. adaptation is a consequence of evolution by natural selection. it enhances the reproductive potential of the individual exhibiting them. adaptations are not constant.
growth and development
properties of life
organisms grow and develop according to specific instructions coded for by their genes. these genes provide instructions that will direct cellular growth and development, ensuring that a species’ young will grow up to exhibit many of the same characteristics as its parents.
regulation or homeostasis (literally, “steady state”)
properties of life
living organisms maintain stable internal environments (temperature, pH, chemical concentration) to optimize conditions for metabolism and other processes. organisms are complex and require multiple regulatory mechanisms to coordinate internal functions, such as the transport of nutrients, response to stimuli, and coping with environmental stresses. to function properly, cells require appropriate conditions such as proper temperature, pH, and concentrations of diverse chemicals. these conditions may, however, change from one moment to the next. organisms are able to maintain homeostatic internal conditions within a narrow range almost constantly, despite environmental changes, by activation of regulatory mechanisms.
energy processing
properties of life
all living organisms process energy, which is used to power other processes. all organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities. some organisms capture energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy in food; others use chemical energy from molecules they take in.
evolution
properties of life
evolution can be defined as the genetic change of a species over time or the process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species. the diversity of life on Earth is a result of mutations, or random changes in hereditary material over time. these mutations allow the possibility for organisms to adapt to a changing environment. an organism that evolves characteristics fit for the environment will have greater reproductive success, subject to the forces of natural selection.
what are the 10 levels of biological organization? (in order)
- atoms
- molecules
- organelles
- cells
- tissues
- organs and organ systems
- organisms
- population
- community
- ecosystem
- biosphere
Carl Linnaeus, a scientist, proposed organizing organisms into a…
hierarchical taxonomy
species that are most similar to each other are put together within a grouping known as a…
hierarchical taxonomy
genus
the current taxonomic system now has 8 levels in its hierarchy, from lowest to highest, they are:
- species
- genus
- family
- order
- class
- phylum
- kingdom
- domain
