Lewis/Life - Review of Key Concepts

Review of Key Concepts - Chapter 1

A living organism is distinguished from an inanimate object by the presence of a combination of characteristics.
An organism is organized as structures of increasing size and complexity, from biochemicals, to cells, to tissues, organs, and organ systems, to individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
Emergent properties arise as the level of organization of life increases and are the consequence of physical and chemical laws.
Life requires energy to maintain its organization and functions. Metabolism directs the acquisition and use of energy.
Organisms must maintain an internal constancy in the face of changing environmental conditions, a state called homeostasis.
Organisms develop, grow, and reproduce.
Organisms respond to the environment, through irritability in the short term and by natural selection over generations. Natural selection eliminates inherited traits that decrease chance of survival in a certain environment by differential survival and reproduction.
Biologists classify organisms with a series of names that reflect probable evolutionary relationships.
The five kingdoms of life are Monera, Protista, Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia. Cell complexity, mode of nutrition, and other factors distinguish their members.
Evolution through natural selection explains why organisms are alike yet diverse and how common ancestry unites all species.
Bioethics is a discipline of philosophy concerned with issues of rights, morality, justice, and values that arise from biomedical research and practice.