Glossary
Living things
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1
The organisation of living things
cell:
the basic unit that all living things are made of.
chlorophyll:
a green substance in plants and algae
that transforms sunlight, carbon dioxide, water
and minerals into food.
foetus:
a human being before it is born. Its organs
are beginning to develop.
interaction:
a basic life process. It involves an action
or movement made in reaction to another object
or living thing.
nutrition:
a basic life process. The action of
absorbing nutrients or gases to obtain energy to
live and grow.
nucleus:
the part of a cell that contains DNA
and chromosomes.
reproduction:
a basic life process. It enables living
things to produce one or more new members of
the species.
root hairs:
very small extensions that grow from
root cells in plants.
species:
a group of living things that share the
same characteristics and can reproduce to create
new members of the group.
tissue:
a part of a living thing. It is made up of many
cells. Each of the cells that make up tissue has a
similar function.
2
The classi cation of living things
coelenterate:
a classi cation of invertebrates
with so bodies and tentacles. It includes jelly sh.
exoskeleton:
the protective structure that covers
the bodies of many invertebrates.
fungus:
a classi cation of living things that includes
mushrooms and mould.
gill:
an organ used by aquatic animals to absorb
oxygen.
monera:
a classi cation of living things that
includes bacteria.
oviparous:
an animal that reproduces by producing
eggs.
photosynthesis:
the process by which plants
transform water, nutrients and carbon dioxide
into food. For photosynthesis to take place, the
plant needs sunlight.
pore:
a small opening in the skin or outer surface
of an animal.
protista:
a classi cation of living things that
includes algae.
rhizoid:
a long, thin structure in mosses that
absorbs nutrients and anchors the plant to the
ground.
viviparous:
an animal that reproduces by
fertilisation. Viviparous animals give birth to live
young.
3
Ecosystems
biocoenosis:
all of the living things that make up
an ecosystem.
biome:
a large ecosystem with several types
of habitat.
biotope:
all of the non-living things that make up
an ecosystem.
deforestation:
the action of cutting down trees
in forests so that the land can be used for farming
or building towns and cities.
extinct:
used to describe a plant or animal species
that no longer exists.
habitat:
the place where a particular organism lives.
interspeci c relationship:
the relationship between
animals that are of di erent species.
intraspeci c relationship:
the relationship between
animals that are the same species.
over shing:
the practice of taking too many sh
from the seas and oceans.
pollution:
harmful substances, o en caused by
human activity, that are released into the air,
water or soil.
