Term
|
Definition
| Any multicelled heterotroph that ingests other organisms or their tissues, develops through a series of embryonic stages, and is motile during part of all of the life cycle. Most species have epithelial tissues and extracellular matrixes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Domain of prokaryotic species; one of two lineages that evolved shortly after life originated. They have many unique molecular and biochemical traits but also share some traits with bacteria and other traits with eukaryotic species. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Manipulation of the reproduction of a species as by breeding practices. Only individuals of a captive population that display a valued trait are allowed to reproduce, the goal being to increase the trait's magnitude and frequency over the generations. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Domain of prokaryotic species; the first kinds of cells that formed after life originated. Collectively, they are the most metabolically divers organisms. Most kinds are chemoheterotrophs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| All regions of Earth's waters, crust, and atmosphere in which organisms live. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Smallest unit that still displays the properties of life; it has the capacity to survive and reproduce on its own. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| All populations of all species in a habitat. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Type of heterotroph that feeds on the tissues of other organisms as its source of carbon and energy. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| In experimental tests, a group used as a standard for comparison against one of more experimental groups. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One of the prokaryotic or fungal heterotrophs that obtains carbon and energy by breaking down wastes or remains of organisms. The collective action of them helps cycle nutrients to producers in ecosystems. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Double-stranded nucleic acid twisted into a helical shape; its base sequence encodes the primary hereditary information for all living organisms and many viruses. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Array of organisms, together with their environment, interacting by a flow of energy and cycling of materials. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| With respect to life's levels of organization, a new property that emerges through interactions of entities at lower levels, none of which displays the property. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of protein that catalyzes (speeds) a chemical reaction. Some RNAs also show catalytic activity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Domain of eukaryotic species; all "protists," plants, fungi, and animals. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Genetic change in a line of descent by microevolutionary events (gene mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow); basis of large-scale patterns, rates, and trends in the history of life. |
|
|
