Organism - Revision history

Tada: /* Classification */ Added mention of abiotic, abiotan

2013-06-12T08:28:09Z

Classification: Added mention of abiotic, abiotan

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:28, 12 June 2013
Line 4:		Line 4:

	==Classification==		==Classification==
	All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[f&oelig;dus\|f&oelig;dera]] based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the f&oelig;dus of [[Spirileges]]. The f&oelig;dera are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].		All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. (Correspondingly, the word "abiotic" ({{IPA\|/ˌeɪbaɪˈɒtɪk/}}) (or, rarely, "abiotan" ({{IPA\|/ˌeɪbaɪˈoʊtən/}})) is then used to refer to objects and life forms which are ''not'' organisms.) Within the universe of Biota are different [[f&oelig;dus\|f&oelig;dera]] based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the f&oelig;dus of [[Spirileges]]. The f&oelig;dera are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].

	Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).		Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).

Clé: Alliance -> foedus

2013-05-12T20:03:22Z

Alliance -> foedus

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:03, 12 May 2013
Line 4:		Line 4:

	==Classification==		==Classification==
	All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[~~alliance (etory)~~\|~~alliance~~]]s based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the ~~alliance~~ of [[Spirileges]]. The ~~alliances~~ are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].		All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[f&oelig;dus\|f&oelig;dera]] based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the f&oelig;dus of [[Spirileges]]. The f&oelig;dera are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].

	Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).		Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).

Clé: Made link more specific

2013-05-12T19:46:36Z

Made link more specific

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 12 May 2013
Line 4:		Line 4:

	==Classification==		==Classification==
	All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[alliance]]s based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the alliance of [[Spirileges]]. The alliances are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].		All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[alliance (etory)\|alliance]]s based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the alliance of [[Spirileges]]. The alliances are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].

	Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).		Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).

Tada: Correcting terminology: Asceuastoe -> Biota

2011-10-24T08:56:41Z

Correcting terminology: Asceuastoe -> Biota

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:56, 24 October 2011
Line 4:		Line 4:

	==Classification==		==Classification==
	All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of ~~Asceuastoe~~ (pronounced {{IPA\|/&~~aelig~~;sˈ~~kju~~&#~~x02D0~~;ə~~sti~~/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called ~~Asceuastans~~ (~~pronounced~~ {{IPA\|/&~~aelig~~;sˈ~~kju~~&#~~x02D0~~;əst&#~~x0259~~;n/}})~~—~~though ~~quite~~ rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). Within ~~that~~ universe are different [[alliance]]s based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the alliance of [[Spirileges]]. The alliances are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes ~~Asceuastoe~~ is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].		All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)\|universe]] of Biota (pronounced {{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtə/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called biotans ({{IPA\|/baɪˈoʊtən/}}) or, less frequently, biotics ({{IPA\|/baɪˈɒtɪk/}}), though fairly rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). The words "biotan" and "biotic" are also used [[adjective\|adjectivally]], but in that case the latter is by far the more common. Within the universe of Biota are different [[alliance]]s based mostly on [[chemistry\|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics\|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth\|Terran]] organisms, belong to the alliance of [[Spirileges]]. The alliances are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)\|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Biota is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron\|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].

			Formerly, some [[etorist]]s preferred the term Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}) for the universe now usually called Biota. While still in use among certain groups of etorists, this name for the universe has now mostly fallen out of favor. Still, it can be encountered in older works, along with the derived [[noun]] or adjective ''asceuastan'' (pronounced {{IPA\|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}}, and often capitalized).

	==Anatomy==		==Anatomy==

Clé: Creature => life form

2011-08-14T22:30:10Z

Creature => life form

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 14 August 2011
Line 1:		Line 1:
	An '''organism''' is a [[life\|living~~]] [[creature~~]] that arose through a process of natural [[evolve\|evolution]] by [[natural selection]] and is composed of [[organic]] materials, or which may have originated through other means but bears [[anatomy\|anatomical]] and [[histology\|histological]] similarities to such naturally evolved ~~creatures~~. The common [[florum\|flora]] and [[faunum\|fauna]] of most [[terrestrial world]]s consist entirely of organisms; many [[intelligence\|intelligent]] [[race]]s are also organisms, including [[human]]s.		An '''organism''' is a [[life form\|living being]] that arose through a process of natural [[evolve\|evolution]] by [[natural selection]] and is composed of [[organic]] materials, or which may have originated through other means but bears [[anatomy\|anatomical]] and [[histology\|histological]] similarities to such naturally evolved beings. The common [[florum\|flora]] and [[faunum\|fauna]] of most [[terrestrial world]]s consist entirely of organisms; many [[intelligence\|intelligent]] [[race]]s are also organisms, including [[human]]s.

	The study of organisms is called [[biology]]. Sometimes "biology" is used to refer to the study of life in general (more usually called [[etory]]), and the study of organisms in particular is called "eubiology", but this usage, already in the minority, has been declining.		The study of organisms is called [[biology]]. Sometimes "biology" is used to refer to the study of life in general (more usually called [[etory]]), and the study of organisms in particular is called "eubiology", but this usage, already in the minority, has been declining.
Line 12:		Line 12:

	==Life cycle and reproduction==		==Life cycle and reproduction==
	Most ~~living creatures~~ reproduce through either [[binary fission]] or sexual [[procreation]]. The former is more typical of small, single-celled organisms and the latter of the more complex organisms, though this distinction certainly is not universal. Other forms of reproduction such as [[parthenogenesis]] do exist, though usually as secondary abilities of ~~creatures~~ that also reproduce sexually. It is not uncommon for an organism's offspring to be very different from its parent, but to in turn give rise to an organism similar to the parent it disresembles, a phenomenon known as [[alternation of generations]].		Most organisms reproduce through either [[binary fission]] or sexual [[procreation]]. The former is more typical of small, single-celled organisms and the latter of the more complex organisms, though this distinction certainly is not universal. Other forms of reproduction such as [[parthenogenesis]] do exist, though usually as secondary abilities of organisms that also reproduce sexually. It is not uncommon for an organism's offspring to be very different from its parent, but to in turn give rise to an organism similar to the parent it disresembles, a phenomenon known as [[alternation of generations]].

	In any case, except in the case of the reproduction by replication of multicellular organisms, most organisms begin as a single cell, which then gradually divides and differentiates as the organism ages. Many organisms at one or more points in their life cycles undergo a dramatic change in form, a process called [[metamorphosis]].		In any case, except in the case of the reproduction by replication of multicellular organisms, most organisms begin as a single cell, which then gradually divides and differentiates as the organism ages. Many organisms at one or more points in their life cycles undergo a dramatic change in form, a process called [[metamorphosis]].

Tada: Created page with 'An '''organism''' is a living creature that arose through a process of natural evolution by natural selection and is composed of organic materials…'

2011-04-18T06:54:19Z

Created page with 'An '''organism''' is a living creature that arose through a process of natural evolution by natural selection and is composed of organic materials…'

New page

An '''organism''' is a [[life|living]] [[creature]] that arose through a process of natural [[evolve|evolution]] by [[natural selection]] and is composed of [[organic]] materials, or which may have originated through other means but bears [[anatomy|anatomical]] and [[histology|histological]] similarities to such naturally evolved creatures. The common [[florum|flora]] and [[faunum|fauna]] of most [[terrestrial world]]s consist entirely of organisms; many [[intelligence|intelligent]] [[race]]s are also organisms, including [[human]]s.

The study of organisms is called [[biology]]. Sometimes "biology" is used to refer to the study of life in general (more usually called [[etory]]), and the study of organisms in particular is called "eubiology", but this usage, already in the minority, has been declining.

==Classification==
All organisms belong to the [[universe (taxonomy)|universe]] of Asceuastoe (pronounced {{IPA|/æsˈkjuːəsti/}}), and accordingly are sometimes called Asceuastans (pronounced {{IPA|/æsˈkjuːəstən/}})—though quite rarely, and generally only when the intent is to make it perfectly explicit that only true organisms are under discussion (as, particularly on [[world]]s where other forms of life are nonexistent or unrecognized, the word "organism" is sometimes used more broadly to also refer to other life forms, if only hypothetically). Within that universe are different [[alliance]]s based mostly on [[chemistry|chemical]] composition and in particular on the nature of the [[genetics|genetic code]]. Humans, for instance, along with all other [[Earth|Terran]] organisms, belong to the alliance of [[Spirileges]]. The alliances are further subdivided into [[empire (taxonomy)|empire]]s according to independent developments of life; usually this means one empire per [[mound]], though it's possible for life to spread from one world to another leading to the same empire being represented on both, or (rarely) life may arise twice independently on the same world. Sometimes Asceuastoe is classed with the (dubious) universe of [[hathron|Hathroa]] (perhaps along with other universes even more dubious) into the [[superuniverse]] of [[Autoctista]].

==Anatomy==
Though there is much variation in the anatomy of organisms, there are some common threads. Most macroscopic organisms are characterized by a division into [[cell]]s—essentially smaller organisms that have formed colonies that compose the whole organism. (Microscopic organisms consisting of independent single cells also exist in all known empires of Asceuastoe.) The makeup of cells varies between empires (and to a lesser degree within an empire), but most consist of some sort of [[protoplasm]] held within some kind of shell or [[membrane]], and containing various smaller structures called [[organelle]]s, as well as the cell's genetic code (which may or may not be sequestered within a [[nucleus]].)

Above the level of cells, similar cells are organized into suites called [[tissue]]s, which often occur in sheets. Several tissues may compose an [[organ]], a more or less discrete part of the organism which performs a particular function, such as the [[heart]] or the [[brain]]. Finally, the organism itself comprises a number of organs—although the philosophy of [[hathroics]] holds that this is not in fact the top level, but that organisms themselves can in turn be components of living structures called hathra.

==Life cycle and reproduction==
Most living creatures reproduce through either [[binary fission]] or sexual [[procreation]]. The former is more typical of small, single-celled organisms and the latter of the more complex organisms, though this distinction certainly is not universal. Other forms of reproduction such as [[parthenogenesis]] do exist, though usually as secondary abilities of creatures that also reproduce sexually. It is not uncommon for an organism's offspring to be very different from its parent, but to in turn give rise to an organism similar to the parent it disresembles, a phenomenon known as [[alternation of generations]].

In any case, except in the case of the reproduction by replication of multicellular organisms, most organisms begin as a single cell, which then gradually divides and differentiates as the organism ages. Many organisms at one or more points in their life cycles undergo a dramatic change in form, a process called [[metamorphosis]].

With the exception of some simple organisms that, roughly speaking, have few parts to wear out, most organisms eventually pass their physical peak and degenerate, a condition often called "old age" but more technically known as [[senescence]]. This may occur due to a variety of processes, most involving either depletion of necessary parts or substances, or overaccumulation of substances harmful in excessive quantities. While senescence may not be a direct cause of death, it may weaken an organism enough to leave it vulnerable to other conditions that would be easily withstood by a younger, healthier body. Although senescence can be arrested or even reversed by advanced [[magic]]al or [[medicine|medical]] means, it is not trivial to do so, and on the majority of worlds most or all organisms are doomed to "die of old age".

==See also==
*[[Wikipedia:Organism|Organism]] on Wikipedia
[[Category:Organisms|Organisms]][[Category:Biology]]