Key Definitions Flashcards
(24 cards)
Classification
The organisation of living organisms into groups, based on shared features, with the aim of reflecting evolutionary relationships.
Species
A group of interbreeding organisms that produce fertile offspring
Hybrid
A sterile cross between two separate species
Hierachy
This refers to the classification system we use when large groups are sub-divided into smaller and smaller groups, with no overlap between the groups.
Community
All of the populations of different species within an ecosystem.
Population
A group of organisms of one species,living in the same area at the same time
Ecosystem
A unit containing a community of organisms and their environment, interacting together.
Ecology
The study of living organisms in relation to their environment, and both biotic and abiotic factors can affect such an environment.
Food mile
A mile over which a food item is transported during the journey from producer to consumer, as a unit of measurement of the fuel used to transport it.
Monoculture
The continuous production of one type of crop that is often genetically uniform
Genetically modified crops
Organisms in which the genetic material had been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating ( and/or natural recombination) Altering genetic set up of organisms.
Sustainable development
Development providing for the needs of an increasing population without harming the environment.
Eutrophication
The process in which nutrients leach into waterways, causing a reduction in oxygen levels and the death of aquatic organisms.
Biological molecule
The biological function of a molecule depends on its shape and structure. All organic molecules contain the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
DNA
Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
Balanced diet
A diet that contains all the main nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions to maintain good health.
Malnutrition
Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things (unbalanced diet), or being unable to use the food that one does eat.
Cholera
Disease caused by a bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae
Absorption
The movement of small food molecules and ions through the wall of the intestine into the blood.
Assimilation
The movement of digested food molecules into the cells of the body where they are used, becoming part of the cells.
Plaque
A sticky coating made from leftover food particles, saliva and bacteria.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate
Aerobic respiration
Enzyme-catalysed reactions within cells, that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy, that the organism can use.
Anaerobic respiration
Enzyme-catalysed reactions within cells that break down nutrient molecules to release energy without the use of oxygen.
