1.1

Characteristics of living organisms

10 flashcards to master Characteristics of living organisms

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Definition Flip

Define 'movement' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Answer Flip

Movement is an action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.

Example: A cheetah running to catch prey, or a sunflower turning its head to face the sun.
Definition Flip

What is 'respiration' in the context of living organisms?

Answer Flip

Respiration refers to the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules, releasing energy for metabolism.

Example: Aerobic respiration in human muscle cells uses glucose and oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
Definition Flip

Describe 'sensitivity' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Answer Flip

Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Example: A plant growing towards light (phototropism) or a human pulling their hand away from a hot surface.
Definition Flip

Define 'growth' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Answer Flip

Growth is a permanent increase in size and dry mass.

Example: A seedling increasing in height and biomass as it develops into a mature plant.
Definition Flip

What is 'reproduction' in living organisms?

Answer Flip

Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more of the same kind of organism.

Example: Sexual reproduction in humans, or asexual reproduction in bacteria through binary fission.
Definition Flip

Describe 'excretion' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Answer Flip

Excretion is the removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.

Example: Humans excrete urea through urine, and plants excrete oxygen during photosynthesis.
Definition Flip

What is 'nutrition' in the context of living organisms?

Answer Flip

Nutrition is the taking in of materials for energy, growth, and development.

Example: Animals obtain nutrition by eating food, while plants obtain nutrition through photosynthesis and absorption of minerals from the soil.
Key Concept Flip

Give an example of how respiration relates to movement.

Answer Flip

Respiration provides the energy required for muscle contraction, enabling movement.

Example: during exercise, muscle cells respire more to provide the energy needed for physical activity.
Key Concept Flip

How is sensitivity important for survival?

Answer Flip

Sensitivity allows organisms to respond to threats and opportunities in their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.

Example: A Venus flytrap closing its trap when a fly lands on it.
Definition Flip

Explain the difference between growth and development.

Answer Flip

Growth is an increase in size and dry mass, while development involves changes in the organism's complexity and function.

Example: A tadpole growing in size is growth, while its metamorphosis into a frog is development.

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1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems

Key Questions: Characteristics of living organisms

Define 'movement' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Movement is an action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.

Example: A cheetah running to catch prey, or a sunflower turning its head to face the sun.
What is 'respiration' in the context of living organisms?

Respiration refers to the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules, releasing energy for metabolism.

Example: Aerobic respiration in human muscle cells uses glucose and oxygen to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
Describe 'sensitivity' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Example: A plant growing towards light (phototropism) or a human pulling their hand away from a hot surface.
Define 'growth' as a characteristic of living organisms.

Growth is a permanent increase in size and dry mass.

Example: A seedling increasing in height and biomass as it develops into a mature plant.
What is 'reproduction' in living organisms?

Reproduction is the process by which organisms make more of the same kind of organism.

Example: Sexual reproduction in humans, or asexual reproduction in bacteria through binary fission.

About Characteristics of living organisms (1.1)

These 10 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Characteristics of living organisms for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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