Final answer:
Data structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash tables, and heaps are foundational elements of computer science, each with unique properties and usage scenarios.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the basic data structures used in computer science. An array is a collection of elements, identified by index or key, having the same data type. A linked list is a series of nodes, where each node contains data and a reference to the next node in the sequence. A stack is a collection that supports last-in, first-out (LIFO) access pattern - think of a pile of plates where you can only take the top one off. A queue operates on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, like people waiting in line where the first person in line is served first. A tree is a hierarchical structure with a single root value and subtrees of children with a parent node, represented as a set of linked nodes. A graph consists of a set of nodes (or vertices) connected by edges; it can be directed or undirected. A hash table stores key-value pairs and uses a hash function to compute the index into an array of buckets or slots, from which the desired value can be found. Lastly, a heap is a specialized tree-based data structure that satisfies the heap property: if P is a parent node of C, then the key (the value) of P is either greater than or equal to (in a max heap) or less than or equal to (in a min heap) the key of C.