Big Idea 3

3. Eukaryote: A eukaryote is an organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other structures enclosed in membranes. This blackhaw bush is a Eukaryote because its cells contain a centralized and distinct nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

7. Evidence of different alleles: Allele expression determines the phenotype of animals, and the different alleles in the genes for facial color in these two white-faced sakis demonstrates that principle.

8. Flock, herd, or schooling: A flock is any congregation of the same species of animals in a group that travels and/or interacts together constantly. This is a flock of blackbirds. They had been traveling together when they landed on this pole and left together shortly after I took the picture.

9. Behavior: Behavior denotes the way in which an animal conducts itself or acts in its environment. This ostrich is displaying an alert behavior. One of the giraffes nearby made a loud noise and the behavioral response of this ostrich was to straighten its neck and look around warily.

10. Genetically modified organism: GMOs are organisms whose genetic makeups have been changed using genetic engineering techniques. Cows are often genetically modified to be better suited for human consumption, and thus their meat is different than the meat of a wild cow.

14. Mitosis: Mitosis is the process by which many organisms, such as this black and white ruffed lemur, utilize in their cells for cell division to occur and growth to continue.

15. Meiosis: Meiosis is the process that results in the formation of sperm cells and egg cells. River otters such as this one utilize mitosis to produce their sex cells.

16. Phenotype: Phenotype refers to the outward appearance of an animal due to its genetic makeup. The phenotype of this lion is characterized by a massive body, feline features, and majestic mane.

17. Pollinator: A pollinator is an animal that moves pollen from one plant to another in order to fertilize them. The small hummingbird floating near the middle of this photo is an example of a pollinator because it transfers pollen from plant to plant.

18. Prokaryote: Prokaryotes are organisms that lack membrane-bound nuclei. Most bacteria are prokaryotes, and bacteria are abundant in muddy, wet areas such as this one, where they have access to both sunlight and natural nutrients from the mud and plants.