Characteristics of Life Vocab (1-14)

Stimulus

• A change in an organism’s surroundings that cause a reaction or response.

• A type of food that provides energy to organisms.

• A method of communication between organisms.

• A physical barrier that prevents interaction.

Response

• An action or change in behavior as a result of another action.

• A physical reaction to a stimulus.

• A planned reaction to an event.

• A spontaneous decision made without thought.

Development

• The process of an organism becoming more complex throughout its life span.

• The process of an organism becoming less complex throughout its life span.

• The process of an organism remaining the same throughout its life span.

• The process of an organism adapting to its environment without changing its complexity.

Complex

• Consisting of many different and connected parts.

• Simple and straightforward in nature.

• Easily understood or analyzed.

• Lacking in detail or intricacy.

Metabolism

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The chemical process used to convert/change food into energy to support life.

• The breakdown of waste products in the body.

• The synthesis of proteins from amino acids.

Homeostasis

• The process of maintaining a constant internal state in a changing environment.

• The ability to adapt to new environments quickly.

• The mechanism of cellular respiration in organisms.

• The method of energy production in plants.

Multicellular

• An organism composed of more than one cell.

• An organism that can only reproduce asexually.

• An organism that consists of a single cell.

• An organism that is unable to grow or develop.

Heredity

• The process of natural selection in evolution.

• The passing of physical or behavioral characteristics from parent to offspring.

• The study of how organisms interact with their environment.

• The method of genetic engineering to modify traits.

Organism

• Any living thing.

• A type of plant only.

• A non-living entity.

• A specific type of animal.

Cell

• The smallest unit that can perform all life processes.

• A group of tissues working together to perform a specific function.

• The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

• An organelle responsible for energy production.