The Living World: Diversity in Living World Unit 1

Study Notes

The Living World

Being alive is characterized by a complex organization of molecules that engage in chemical reactions leading to growth, development, responsiveness, adaptation, and reproduction.
Distinctive functions of living organisms include:
- Growth: Permanent and irreversible increase in mass, with multicellular organisms exhibiting determinate (e.g., humans) or indeterminate (e.g., plants) growth patterns, while unicellular organisms increase in number.
- Reproduction: Essential for the continuity of life.
- Metabolic Functions: Catabolism (breaking down substances) and anabolism (building up substances) are crucial metabolic processes.
- Cellular Organization: Living organisms possess a definite cellular structure.
- Movement: Ability to move and demonstrate locomotion.
- Adaptability: Organisms adjust to enhance their survival rates.
- Respiration: Energy generation occurs through aerobic or anaerobic processes.
- Homeostasis: Maintenance of stable internal conditions.
- Consciousness: Ability to sense and respond to environmental stimuli.
- Aging and Death: After a growth phase, organisms undergo aging followed by natural death.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses the vast variety of life forms, from microscopic bacteria to massive blue whales.
The term combines "bios" (life) from Greek and "diversity" (difference in forms) from English.
A systematic classification of organisms is necessary due to the extensive diversity, facilitating the study of essential features of groups without needing to inspect every organism.
Classification provides insights into relationships among different groups.

Systematics

Systematics is the science examining the diversity of organisms and compares anatomy, morphology, biochemistry, and physiology to uncover evolutionary relationships.
Often used interchangeably with taxonomy, systematics focuses on comparative groupings across classification levels.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy, originating from Greek words "taxis" (arrangement) and "nomos" (law), deals with the identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms.
It encompasses the study of classification rules and practices:
- Systematic Botany: Taxonomy focused on plants.
- Systematic Zoology: Taxonomy focused on animals.
Key figures in taxonomy:
- Carolus Linnaeus: Recognized as the father of taxonomy or systematic botany.
- H. Santapau: Acknowledged as the father of Indian taxonomy.

Types of Taxonomy

α Taxonomy: Primarily considers morphological characteristics.
β Taxonomy: Takes into account genetics, anatomy, physiology, and morphology.
ω Taxonomy: Based on phylogenetic relationships among organisms.

Description

Explore the unique characteristics of living organisms, including growth, development, responsiveness, adaptation, and reproduction. Learn how living organisms differ from non-living things through complex molecular organization and chemical reactions.