Glossary: Key Terms for CL-05

Term	Definition
Anabolism	Constructive metabolic reactions; build complex molecules from simple ones; require energy (endergonic). Example: photosynthesis, protein synthesis.
Binomial nomenclature	System of two-part scientific naming: Genus (capitalized) + species epithet (lowercase). Established by Carolus Linnaeus.
Botanical garden	A maintained collection of living plant species, labeled with scientific names, for reference, research, and conservation.
Catalogue	Taxonomic aid providing an alphabetical listing of species with brief descriptions.
Catabolism	Destructive metabolic reactions; break complex molecules into simple ones; release energy (exergonic). Example: cellular respiration, digestion.
Consciousness	Ability of an organism to sense and respond to environmental stimuli; proposed as defining property of life; present even in single-celled organisms.
Couplet	Pair of contrasting character statements in a dichotomous key; choosing one directs the user to the next couplet or identification.
De Candolle, A.P.	Swiss botanist who coined the term "taxonomy" in 1813.
Dichotomous key	Taxonomic identification tool using sequential contrasting character pairs (couplets) to identify organisms.
Division	Taxonomic rank in plant classification equivalent to Phylum in animal classification. Below Kingdom, above Class.
Flora	Publication describing plant species found in a particular geographical area. Region-based. Example: "Flora of British India."
Genus	Taxonomic rank above species; groups related species sharing common characteristics. First part of binomial name.
Herbarium	Collection of dried, pressed, and preserved plant specimens mounted on labeled sheets.
Homeostasis	Maintenance of internal physiological conditions within a narrow range despite external changes; requires metabolic energy.
Kingdom	Highest (most inclusive) taxonomic rank; encompasses all organisms sharing a fundamental organismal plan.
Linnaeus, Carolus	Swedish naturalist (1707–1778) who established binomial nomenclature; authored "Systema Naturae."
Manual	Practical identification guide for organisms in a particular region; used in field work.
Metabolism	Sum total of all chemical reactions (anabolic + catabolic) in an organism; the DEFINING feature of life.
Monograph	Comprehensive, detailed taxonomic study of a single taxon (genus or family) regardless of geographic location.
Museum	Repository of preserved (wet/dry/stuffed) biological specimens used for taxonomic reference.
Nomenclature	Science of assigning standardized names to organisms; one of the three activities of taxonomy.
Phylum	Taxonomic rank in animal classification below Kingdom and above Class; equivalent to Division in plants.
Phototropism	Growth response of plants toward (or away from) a light source. Demonstrates response to stimuli in plants.
Reproduction	Production of offspring; NOT the defining feature of life (exceptions: mules, worker bees, infertile humans).
Species	Basic unit of classification; a group of organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring. Most specific taxonomic rank.
Systematics	Broader science that includes taxonomy + study of evolutionary (phylogenetic) relationships of organisms. From Latin "systema."
Systema Naturae	Landmark work by Carolus Linnaeus establishing binomial nomenclature and classification systems.
Taxon (pl. taxa)	Any named group at any rank in the taxonomic hierarchy; e.g., Class Insecta, Order Diptera, Species domestica.
Taxonomy	Science of identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms. Term coined by A.P. de Candolle.
Type specimen	Reference specimen deposited in a recognized herbarium or museum serving as the nomenclatural standard for a species name.
Zoological park	Facility maintaining wild animals in protected environments for behavioural study, conservation, and education.