Okay, here are definitions and further explanations for some of the key terms used in the biology
review
for elementary school, organized by the topics they relate to:
**I. General Concepts**
* **Living Things:** Organisms that exhibit characteristics of life, including the ability to reproduce,
metabolize, grow, adapt, and respond to stimuli.
* **Nonliving Things:** Objects or substances that do not possess the characteristics of life.
* **Kingdoms of Life:** The broadest classification of living things, grouping organisms based on
fundamental characteristics:
* **Prokaryotes:** Single-celled organisms without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
* **Protista:** A diverse group of eukaryotic organisms (having a nucleus) that are not plants,
animals, or fungi.
* **Fungi:** A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by absorption, including
molds, mushrooms, and yeasts.
* **Plants:** Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that typically produce their own food through
photosynthesis.
* **Animals:** Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming other
organisms.
**II. Cells and Organisms**
* **Cell:** The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
* **Organelles:** Specialized subunits within a cell that perform specific functions (e.g., nucleus,
mitochondria).
* **Organization in the Human Body**:Cells make Tissues, Tissues make Organs, Organs make Organ
Systems, and Organ Systems make a fully functional organism.
**III. Plants**
* **Plant Anatomy:** The structure of plants, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
* **Photosynthesis:** The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create
their own food (sugars) and release oxygen.
* **Reproduction (Plants):** The process by which plants create new individuals.
**IV. Animals**
* **Vertebrates:** Animals that have a backbone or spinal column.
* **Invertebrates:** Animals that do not have a backbone.
* **Anatomy (Animal):** The structure of an animal, including its organs, tissues, and cells.
* **Physiology (Animal):** The functions of the animal body, including digestion, respiration,
circulation, and excretion.
* **Reproduction (Animal):** The process by which animals create new individuals.
* **Respiration:** The process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
* **Adaptation:** A trait or characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its
environment.
**V. Ecosystems**
* **Ecosystem:** A community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting
with each other and their physical environment.
* **Biodiversity:** The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
* **Food Web:** A complex network of interconnected food chains showing the flow of energy and
nutrients within an ecosystem.
* **Population:** A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
* **Community:** All the different populations of organisms living and interacting in a particular area.
**VI. Genetics**
* **Inheritance:** The passing of traits from parents to offspring.
* **Variation:** Differences in traits among individuals within a population.
* **Chromosomes:** Structures within a cell that contain genetic information in the form of DNA.
* **Genes:** Segments of DNA that code for specific traits or characteristics.
* **Proteins:** Molecules that perform a variety of functions within cells and organisms.
* **Traits:** Characteristics or features of an organism (e.g., eye color, height).
* **Mutations:** Changes in the DNA sequence.
* **Reproduction:** The process by which organisms create new individuals.
* **Genetic Variation:** Differences in genes among individuals within a population.
**VII. Evolution and Adaptation**
* **Evolution:** The process of change in the inherited characteristics of biological populations over
successive generations.
* **Natural Selection:** The process by which individuals with traits that are better suited to their
environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those advantageous traits on to their
offspring.
* **Adaptation:** A trait or characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its
environment.
* **Fossil Record:** The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, providing evidence of past
life and evolutionary changes.
* **Anatomy (Comparative):** The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different
species, providing evidence of common ancestry.
* **Embryology:** The study of the development of embryos, revealing similarities among different
species that suggest common ancestry.
* **Artificial Selection:** The selective breeding of plants and animals by humans to produce desired
traits.
**VIII. Microbiology**
* **Microorganisms:** Tiny organisms that can only be seen with a microscope, including bacteria,
archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses.
* **Viruses:** Infectious agents that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms.
* **Bacteria:** Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms.
* **Archaea:** Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that are distinct from bacteria and often
found in extreme environments.
* **Protists:** A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, including algae and protozoa.
* **Fungi:** A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by absorption, including molds,
mushrooms, and yeasts.
This should provide a more detailed and understandable explanation of the key terms in your
elementary school biology review.
