Biology Fundamentals: Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution

Genetics and Heredity

• Allele: Different forms of genes.
• Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
• Phenotype: Physical characteristics.
• Homozygous: Having both dominant or both recessive alleles.
• Heterozygous: Made up of one dominant and one recessive allele.

Plant Anatomy and Physiology

• Xylem: Tubes that transport water.
• Phloem: Tubes that transport sugar.
• Root hairs: Absorption of water to enter the plant.
• Stomata: The opening where water vapor leaves.
• Guard cells: Each pair of curved cells that regulate the stomata.
• Stamen: The male reproductive organ that consists of two parts.
• Pistil: The female reproductive organ that consists of three parts.
• Pollen: The grain containing male gametes.
• Ovary: The enlarged structure at the bottom of the pistil.
• Ovule: The eggs or female reproductive cells.

Plant Tropisms and Growth

• Thigmotropism: Response to touch.
• Phototropism: Response to light.
• Hydrotropism: Response to water.
• Gravitropism: Response to gravity.
• Tropism: Growth or turning movement in a plant.

Human Body Systems and Homeostasis

• Skeletal system: Bones, cartilage, and ligaments.
• Muscular system: Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles.
• Nervous system: Brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
• Circulatory system: Heart, blood vessels, and blood.
• Respiratory system: Nose, sinuses, and lungs.
• Immune system: White blood cells.
• Endocrine system: Hypothalamus and glands.
• Integumentary system: Skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands.
• Digestive system: Mouth and digestive organs.
• Excretory system: Kidneys and waste removal.
• Reproductive system: Male penis and reproductive organs.
• Homeostasis: Maintaining equilibrium.

Ecology and Biological Relationships

• Pathogen: Infectious agent.
• Levels of organization: Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and an organism.
• Epidermis: Gas exchange.
• Competition: Struggle for food, shelter, and water.
• Predation: Feeds on and always kills another organism.
• Parasitism: One benefits and the other is harmed.
• Commensalism: One benefits and the other is unaffected.
• Mutualism: Both organisms benefit.
• Symbiosis: When an organism has adapted to living with another.

Energy Flow and Trophic Levels

• Producer: Found at the bottom of the pyramid.
• Primary consumers: Found above producers.
• Secondary consumers: Found above primary consumers.
• Tertiary consumers: Found above secondary consumers.
• Rule of 10: Energy transfer as you move up the trophic levels.
• Heat: The form of the remaining amount of energy.

Environmental Cycles and Decomposers

• Photosynthesis: Taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
• Burning of fossil fuels and respiration: How carbon is added to the atmosphere.
• Decomposers: Organisms that break down materials.

Evolutionary Biology and Adaptation

• Homologous structure: Evolution in which structures share origins.
• Analogous structures: Body features with similar functions but different origins.
• Vestigial structure: Structures which organisms have that no longer serve a purpose.
• Embryological similarities: Similarities in which animals can be compared during development.
• Biochemical similarities: Similarities in which amino acid sequences are compared.
• Evolution: The concept that traits change over time.
• Natural selection: A term that describes survival of the fittest.
• Variations: A condition that is essential for natural selection.
• Adaptation: Structure, function, or behavior that aids survival.
• Punctuated equilibrium: A term describing a period of rapid change.