Biology

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Across
  1. 3. An organism, typically bacteria or fungi, that breaks down and decomposes dead organic matter into simpler substances, such as nutrients and minerals, recycling them back into the environment. Decomposers play a vital role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.
  2. 4. A group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring in nature, sharing common characteristics, behaviors, and genetic makeup. Species are the fundamental unit of biological classification.
  3. 6. Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA consists of two strands forming a double helix structure.
  4. 9. The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms, containing genetic material and performing specific functions necessary for life. Cells can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic and are the building blocks of tissues and organs.
  5. 11. The process by which living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) with the environment to release energy from food molecules and sustain life functions.
  6. 12. The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen using chlorophyll and other pigments. Photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and oxygen production.
  7. 14. A permanent alteration or change in the DNA sequence or genetic material of an organism, resulting from errors during DNA replication, environmental factors, or mutagenic agents. Mutations can lead to genetic variation and evolution.
  8. 15. The variety and abundance of living organisms and species in a particular habitat, ecosystem, or on Earth as a whole. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Down
  1. 1. A characteristic or trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment, resulting from natural selection and genetic variation. Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
  2. 2. The biological process by which organisms produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of their species. Reproduction can occur sexually or asexually and involves the transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring.
  3. 5. A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, including habitats, climates, soil, water, and atmospheric conditions. Ecosystems range from small-scale microhabitats to large-scale biomes.
  4. 7. The process of gradual change and adaptation of living organisms over generations, driven by genetic variation, natural selection, mutation, and other mechanisms. Evolution leads to the diversity of species and the development of new traits.
  5. 8. A segment of DNA that contains the hereditary information or code for a specific trait, protein, or function. Genes are passed from parents to offspring and determine traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to diseases.
  6. 10. The ability of living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and water balance, despite external changes or fluctuations in the environment. Homeostasis is essential for health and survival.
  7. 13. An individual living being, such as a plant, animal, bacterium, fungus, or protist, capable of carrying out life processes such as growth, reproduction, metabolism, and response to stimuli. Organisms can be unicellular or multicellular.