The Living world Important Terms and Definition
Metabolism : It is the sum total of all chemical reactions occurring in an organism due to specific interactions amongst different types of molecules within the cells.
Reproduction : It is the process of formation of new individuals of similar kind by an organism.
Evolution : A gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually complex or better form. It may result in formation of new species from the pre-existing ones.
Biodiversity : It refers to the various types of organisms on the earth.
Nomenclature : It provides proper, specific and distinguishing name to each and every organism.
Taxonomy : The branch of science dealing with the study of principles and procedures of classification.
Classification : It is grouping of organisms into convenient categories on the basis of easily observable characters.
Binomial nomenclature : It is a system of providing distinct and proper scientific names to organisms, each consisting of two words, first generic and second specific epithet.
Systematics : It is the discipline of biology which deals with the kind and diversity of all organisms and the existing relationships amongst them.
Species : It is a group of naturally interbreeding population with the ability to produce fertile offsprings.
Herbarium : It is a storehouse of collected plant specimens that are dried, pressed and preserved on sheets.
Botanical garden : It is an institution which grows numerous types of plants obtained from different places for botanical studies.
Zoological parks : These are enclosed lands where animals are kept in protected environment similar to their natural habitat.
Key : The scheme for identification of plants and animals based upon the set of contrasting characters is known as keys.
Taxon : It is a unit of classification which may represent any level of grouping of organisms based on certain easily observable common characteristics.
Seasonal breeders : Seasonal breeders are plants or animals species that successfully mate only during certain time of the year.