Ch 1: The Science of Life Flashcards
Seven Characteristics of Life
- Cellular Organization
- Ordered Complexity
- Sensitivity
- Growth, Development, ad Reproduction
- Energy Utilization
- Homeostasis
- Evolutionary Adaptation
Hierarchical Organization of Living Systems
- The cellular level - atoms > molecules > organelles > cells.
- The organismal level - tissues > organs > organ systems.
- The populational level - population > species > biological community.
- The ecosystem level - (population + environment).
- The biosphere - entire planet (biosphere).
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a relatively stable internal physiological environment in an organism; usually involves some form of feedback self-regulation.
Atoms
The smallest unit of an element that contains all the characteristics of that element. Atoms are the building blocks of matter.
Molecules
Clusters of atoms
Organelles
Complex biological molecules that are assembled into tiny structures within a cell.
Cells
Basic unit of life. Holds organelles within a membrane bounded wall.
Tissues
A group of similar cells organized into a structural and functional unit.
Organs
A body structure composed of several different tissues grouped in a structural and functional unit.
Organ systems
Group of organs that comprise a whole system.
Population
Any group of individuals, usually of a single species, occupying a given area at the same time.
Deductive reasoning
The logical application of general principles to predict a specific result. In science, deductive reasoning is used to test the validity of general ideas.
Inductive reasoning
The logical application of specific observations to make a generalization. In science, inductive reasoning is used to formulate testable hypotheses.
Hypothesis
a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation
Experiment
A test of one or more hypotheses. Hypotheses make contrasting predictions that can be tested experimentally in control and test experiments where a single variable is altered.