Category: Biology Dictionary B

Blastocyst Definition A blastocyst forms when a fertilized egg is in its second phase of growth. This takes place from days five to nine after fertilization. This is a big step for the little organism. Blastocysts follow after the morula phase, which is when the egg becomes a solid ball of cells until day three.…

Bipedalism Definition Bipedalism defines a method of locomotion by which organisms maneuver in their environment on two feet, and includes actions such as running, hopping, and walking. Organisms that habitually walk on two feet are called habitual bipeds and inhabit terrestrial environments. Organisms that occasionally support their weight on two hind legs, such as when…

Biotic Factors Definition Biotic factors are the living parts of an ecosystem. Because of the way ecosystems work – as complex systems of competition and cooperation, where the action of every life form can effect all the others – any living thing within an ecosystem can be considered a biotic factor. Biotic factors such as…

Biopsy Definition A biopsy is the removal of tissue or cell samples for the purpose of examination using various biological techniques to gain information regarding the disease status of a particular tissue. Biopsies are typically conducted by surgeons or other interventional specialists (e.g., radiologists or cardiologists). The biopsied tissue sample can be stained and microscopically…

Biophysics Definition Biophysics is a branch of science that uses the methods of physics to study biological processes. Physics uses mathematical laws to explain the natural world, and it can be applied to biological organisms and systems to gain insight into their workings. Research in biophysics has helped prevent and treat disease, advance drug development,…

Biomimicry Definition Biomimicry is the science of applying nature-inspired designs in human engineering and invention to solve human problems. It was used to create the first flying machine, inspired by eagles and owls—this paved the way for technologies like jets and planes. It was also used in the invention of Velcro, which works in much…

Biomechanics Definition Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of physics to biological systems to understand how organism move and interact with their surroundings. Biomechanics is concerned with everything from microscopic systems like muscle contraction in cells, all the way to large-scale, whole-body motions like a jumping cat. Biomechanics applies the laws of…

Bioluminescence Definition Bioluminescence (shown below) refers to organisms which produce and emit light as a form of chemiluminescence. This light can be produced both by the organisms themselves or via symbiotic bacterial strains. Bioluminescence results from a chemical reaction that occurs between a light-emitting molecule termed a luciferin and an enzyme called a luciferase. In…

Bioinformatics Definition Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science field which combines concepts from biology and computer science to tackle large, computational questions. The role of computers has risen increasingly in recent years, and nearly every science takes advantage of technology to process and analyze information. At the most basic level, bioinformatics can be considered the simple…

Biogeography Definition Biogeography refers to the distribution of various species and ecosystems geographically and throughout geological time and space. Biogeography is often studied in the context of ecological and historical factors which have shaped the geographical distribution of organisms over time. Specifically, species vary geographically based on latitude, habitat, segregation (e.g., islands), and elevation. The…