Download Biology Terminology and Definitions and more Quizzes Biology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 altruistic DEFINITION 1 Putting the needs of others ahead of, or equal to, personal needs. TERM 2 cell DEFINITION 2 The smallest unit of life, contained in a membrane or cell wall. TERM 3 ethical decision DEFINITION 3 A decision based on the principles of right and wrong, rather than on financial, personal, or political gain. TERM 4 kingdom DEFINITION 4 A high-level taxonomic classification. TERM 5 organ system DEFINITION 5 A group of organs that perform a broad biological function, such as respiration or reproduction. TERM 6 organ DEFINITION 6 A structure composed of more than one tissue having one or more specific functions. TERM 7 population DEFINITION 7 All representatives of a specific organism found in a defined area. TERM 8 radiation DEFINITION 8 The transfer of heat from a warm body to the surrounding atmosphere. TERM 9 species DEFINITION 9 A precise taxonomic classification, consisting of organisms that can breed and produce offspring capable of breeding. TERM 10 statistical significance DEFINITION 10 An experimental result that would occur by chance in less than 1 experiment in 20; the accepted level in modern science. TERM 21 ecology DEFINITION 21 The study of the relationships among and between living and nonliving portions of the environment. TERM 22 natural selection DEFINITION 22 A natural process that favors individuals better adapted to the environment, ensuring those traits are passed to the next generation. TERM 23 opposable thumb DEFINITION 23 A thumb that can move across the other four digits. TERM 24 percolation DEFINITION 24 Filtration through a porous substance. TERM 25 producers DEFINITION 25 Organisms that create their own nutrients from inorganic substances; mainly green plants. TERM 26 secretion DEFINITION 26 In this sense, moving substances from the blood to the forming urine in the kidneys. TERM 27 sexual dimorphism DEFINITION 27 Morphological differences between the two genders. TERM 28 stereoscopic vision DEFINITION 28 Three-dimensional vision created by two slightly different views superimposed on one another. TERM 29 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) DEFINITION 29 The molecule that results when ATP releases one phosphate group. TERM 30 adenosine triphosphate (ATP) DEFINITION 30 The primary energy molecule that can be used to perform cellular functions. TERM 31 adhesive DEFINITION 31 Having the ability to stick to other surfaces. TERM 32 adipocytes DEFINITION 32 Specialized cells (fat cells) that store large quantities of lipid. TERM 33 alpha helix DEFINITION 33 Spiral chain of amino acids, resembling a twisted ladder. TERM 34 atomic mass DEFINITION 34 The total weight of neutrons and protons of an atom; different isotopes have different atomic masses. TERM 35 atomic number DEFINITION 35 The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
