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definitions
terms for organization of life
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| atoms | fundamental elements of matter |
| molecules | atoms joined together |
| organelles | molecules assembled into tiny compartments in cells, specialized compartment in a cell |
| cell | smallest unit of life, basic organizational unit for living things |
| tissue | group of similar cells act as a functional unit |
| organs | complex body structure comprised of tissues grouped together in functional unit |
| organism | individual living creature |
| population | group of organisms of the same species living in the same place |
| species | all populations of a particular kind of organism together, similar in appearance and able to breed |
| community | all populations of different species living together in one place |
| ecosystem | a biological community and the soil and water within |
| kingdoms | highest taxonomic category includes: Archaea, Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia |
| homeostasis | maintain a relatively stable internal environment in an organism or steady-state equilibrium in a population |
| natural selection | those organisms whose characteristics make them better able to survive the challenges of the environment |
| symbiosis | organisms of two different species live in direct contact and benefit from one another |