Ch. 1 Introduction to Biology 30

Characteristics of life

1. Composed of cells 2. Highly organized 3. Responds to the environment 4. Uses energy for growth and maintenance 5. Reproduces 6. Grows and develops 7. Adaption to environment

5 ways biology affects the world

1. Food 2. Clothing 3. Shelter 4. Health 5. Fuel

Levels of Organization

1. Molecular 2. Cellular 3. Tissue 4. Organ 5. Organ system 6. Population 7. Community 8. Ecosystem

Tissue

A group of cells organized to perform particular function

Species

A group of organisms so similar to one another that they can interbreed

Organism

A living thing

Community

Different species in the same location

Population

Group of organisms of the same species in a particular area

Biotic factors

Living ex. Grass

Abiotic factors

Non-living ex. Sunlight

Indirect food source

Product of the organism ex. Honey

Ecosystem

Organisms in an area as well as non-living factors of the environment

Biosphere

Parts of the earth that sustain life. Ex. Land

Organ system

Several different types of organs that function together for a specific purpose

Organ

Several different types of tissues that function together for a specific purpose

Cell

Smallest unit of life capable of carrying out all the functions of living things

Direct food source

Tissue of the organism ex. Carrot

Biotechnology

Use of organisms to produce things people need