Biology Vocabulary

An invertebrate animal that has an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and jointed appendages.

A

Single-celled microorganisms with prokaryotic cells, which are single cells that do not have organelles or a true nucleus and are less complex than eukaryotic cells.

B

The basic unit of life, having a membrane that keeps the chemical reactions of life together; at least one chromosome, composed of genetic material that contain its “blueprints” and “software”; and cytoplasm – a fluid in which the chemical processes of life occur.

C

(of a tree) Losing its leaves at the end of its growing season.

D

The early developmental stage of eukaryotic organisms following the fertilization of an egg (derived from a female) by sperm (derived from a male) as a method of sexual reproduction.

E

All of the animal life within a specified region, time period, or both.

F

The study of genes and inheritance in living organisms.

G

An organism with both male and female genitalia.

H

An animal that doesn’t have a backbone.

I

In the study of taxonomy, the rank just below domain and above phylum.

K

In vertebrates, a large organ responsible for detoxifying the blood, among other responsibilities.

L

The ability of a cell or organism to move of its own accord by expending energy.

M

A change in chromosomes and genes that typically manifests physically.

M

A large membrane-enclosed organelle found in eukaryotic cells which contains genetic material.

N

The female reproductive organ in vertebrates that produces the female gametes (eggs/oocytes) and functions as an exocrine gland.

O

A multicellular organism that uses photosynthesis to make its own food.

P

The number of organisms of the same species that live in a particular geographic area at the same time, with the capability of interbreeding.

P

A type of plant stem situated either at the soil surface or underground that contains nodes from which roots and shoots originate.

R

A type of bacterium with a spiraling corkscrew shape.

S

The male reproductive organ of flowering plant species that produce pollen, comprised of an anther connected to a filament.

S

A group of cells that have a similar structure and act together to perform a specific function.

T

Description of an organism that consists of a single cell.

U

Capable of giving birth to developed live young.

V

A type of tissue in vascular plants that transports water and some nutrients from the roots to the leaves.

X

The cell formed when two gametes fuse during fertilization.

Z