Unit 4: Kingdoms of Life
Unit Essential Question: What are the characteristics of viruses, bacteria and plants?
Key Learning: All living things share certain characteristics and have basic survival needs. Scientists classify organisms into groups based on these characteristics. Although viruses share some characteristics with living things, scientists do not consider them to be “living.” Bacteria and protists are the simplest type of organisms that show the characteristics of living things. Fungi can be single or multi- celled organisms. Plants are a diverse group of organisms that require the sun to create the energy they need to survive. The animal kingdom is made of a variety of organisms. Simple organisms, like sponges, cnidarians and worms, are invertebrates that have simple body plans. Mollusks, arthropods and echinoderms are more complex invertebrates. Cold blooded vertebrates include fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Birds and mammals are warm blooded vertebrates.
Key Terms: unicellular, multi-cellular, autotroph, heterotroph, classification, prokaryote, eukaryote, virus, host, parasite, bacteria, binary fission, decomposer, infectious disease, toxin, protist, protozoan, symbiosis, algae, algal bloom, fungi, lichen, photosynthesis, nonvascular plant, vascular plant, chlorophyll, accessory pigment, phloem, xylem, seed, germination, gymnosperm, pollination, angiosperm, flower, tropism
Key Terms: unicellular, multi-cellular, autotroph, heterotroph, classification, prokaryote, eukaryote, virus, host, parasite, bacteria, binary fission, decomposer, infectious disease, toxin, protist, protozoan, symbiosis, algae, algal bloom, fungi, lichen, photosynthesis, nonvascular plant, vascular plant, chlorophyll, accessory pigment, phloem, xylem, seed, germination, gymnosperm, pollination, angiosperm, flower, tropism