Algae: Single-celled organisms, historically classified as plants (although they are not). As aquatic life forms, they thrive in water and, like green plants, rely on sunlight for photosynthesis.
Alien: An extraterrestrial being or a non-native organism. In astronomy, it refers to life originating from or existing on a distant celestial body.
Amoeba: A microscopic single-celled organism capable of capturing food and moving by extending pseudopods made of protoplasm. Amoebas can be free-living in moist habitats or parasitic in nature.
Ancestor: A predecessor, which could be a familial forebear like a parent or a species from which a later organism evolved. For example, ancient dinosaurs are the ancestors of modern birds. (opposite: descendant)
Archaea: (singular: archaeon) A domain of life comprising single-celled prokaryotes lacking a cell nucleus. Archaea are notably found in extreme environments such as highly acidic or saline habitats.
Array: An organized collection of objects, whether instruments systematically arranged for data collection or a display presenting a wide range of related items such as colors or choices.
Bacteria: (singular: bacterium) Microscopic single-celled organisms ubiquitous on Earth, inhabiting diverse environments from the deep sea to living organisms. Bacteria represent one of the three domains of life.
Behavior: The manner in which an organism, often a person, interacts with others or conducts itself.
Biology: The scientific study of living organisms, with researchers in this field known as biologists.
Biomass: Organic matter rich in carbon that can serve as a fuel source, commonly used in power generation. Plants are a significant source of biomass.
Carbon: An essential chemical element forming the basis of life on Earth, existing in various forms like graphite, diamond, coal, and petroleum.
Cell: The fundamental unit of an organism, typically comprising a watery cytoplasm enclosed by a membrane. Organisms like yeasts, molds, bacteria, and some algae consist of a single cell.
Chloroplast: A minuscule organelle housing chlorophyll in green algae and plants, responsible for glucose production through photosynthesis.
Colleague: A person who collaborates with another individual, often a co-worker or team member.
Crown: The uppermost part of an object or structure.
Cyanobacteria: Bacteria capable of converting carbon dioxide into various molecules, including oxygen.
Denticles: Tiny tooth-like scales covering the bodies of sharks and rays.
Dissolve: The process of transforming a solid substance into a liquid and dispersing it within the liquid medium.
Ecosystem: A community of interacting organisms along with their physical environment within a specific climate, encompassing various habitats like tropical reefs, rainforests, and polar tundra.
Engineer: A professional who applies scientific and mathematical principles to design solutions to problems.
Eukaryote: An organism characterized by cells containing a nucleus, including multicellular organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and certain single-celled microorganisms.
Family: A taxonomic group encompassing at least one genus of organisms.
Flagellum: (plural: flagella) A long, whip-like appendage used by some cells for movement.
Fungi: (singular: fungus) Organisms with one or more cells that reproduce through spores and derive nutrients from living or decaying organic matter.
Gait: The manner in which an animal moves from one place to another.
Genetic: Pertaining to chromosomes, DNA, and genes, with the field of study focused on biological inheritance known as genetics.
Genus: (plural: genera) A group of closely related species, such as the genus Canis encompassing domestic dogs, wolves, and coyotes.
Gut: Informal term referring to the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the intestines.
Innovation: The introduction of new, improved ideas, processes, or products that are inventive and effective.
Marine: Relating to the ocean environment or marine life.
Membrane: A barrier that selectively permits the passage of substances based on size or other characteristics, essential in cellular structures and filtration systems.
Microbe: Short for microorganism, encompassing tiny living organisms like bacteria, fungi, and amoebas.
Microbiology: The scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, conducted by microbiologists.
Micrometer: A unit of length equivalent to one-thousandth of a millimeter or one-millionth of a meter.
Microscopic: Describing objects too minuscule to be seen without magnification, like bacteria or single-celled organisms.
Multicellular: Comprising multiple cells, characteristic of animals, plants, and certain fungi.
Nervous system: The network of nerve cells and fibers facilitating communication between body parts.
Nucleus: (plural: nuclei) A central, membrane-bound structure in cells containing genetic material.
Organism: Any living entity, ranging from plants and animals to bacteria and other microorganisms.
Philosopher: A thinker who contemplates fundamental truths about relationships between entities, seeking meaning and logic in societal and natural phenomena.
Photosynthesis: The biological process by which plants and other organisms utilize sunlight to produce energy-rich compounds from carbon dioxide and water.
Physicist: A scientist specializing in the study of matter and energy properties.
Predator: An animal that preys on other organisms for sustenance.
Projection: An extension projecting outward from a structure or body.
Protist: A diverse group of mostly single-celled organisms distinct from plants and animals, including algae, protozoans, and amoebas.
Robot: An automated machine capable of sensing, processing information, and executing specific actions.
Species: A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing viable offspring.
System: A network of interconnected components working together to perform a specific function or achieve a common goal.
Termite: An insect resembling ants that lives in colonies, often infesting wood structures.
Tree of life: A diagram illustrating evolutionary relationships among organisms, depicting ancestral connections and branching relationships.
Undergraduate: A college student pursuing a degree but has not yet graduated.
Viscosity: The measure of a fluid’s resistance to deformation or flow, indicating its thickness or “stickiness.”
Vitamin: Essential organic compounds required in small quantities for various physiological functions and health maintenance.