Chapter 1 Flashcards
Vocab
Atom
The atom is the smallest and most fundamental unit of matter. It consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.
Authotroph
Organisms that are capable of making their own chemical energy are
referred to as autotrophs.
Biology
The science that studies life
Biosphere
is the collection of all ecosystems on planet Earth.
Cell
is the smallest fundamental unit found in living organisms.
Community
is the set of populations inhabiting a particular area.
Control
the independent variable is absent or set to some predetermined standard.
Deductive Reasoning
a form of logical thinking that uses a general statement to forecast results.
Dependent Variable
the variable that will change when the independent variable is altered; this
is what the researcher will measure or observe during the experiment.
Domain
the highest level of the taxonomic hierarchy; includes the Eukarya, Archaea, and
Bacteria.
Ecosystem
all living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that
environment.
Eukaryote
an organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.
Evolution
the process of gradual change in a population that can also lead to new species arising from older species.
Experimental Group
in an experiment receive varying types or amounts of the independent variable
Falsifiable
the hypothesis can be incorrect if data that is collected refutes the hypothesis
Heterotroph
an organism that cannot make its own food and must consume other organisms to
obtain its energy.
Homeostasis
the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.
Hypothesis
a suggested explanation for a scientific question or an observation, which can be tested.
Independent Variable
is the variable that is being altered or changed by the researcher
Inductive reasoning
is a form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a
general conclusion.
Macromolecule
a large molecule typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules
Molecule
a chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by a chemical bond
Organ
a structure formed of tissues operating together to perform a common function
Organelle
a membrane-bound compartment or sac within a cell
Organism
an individual living entity
Phylogenetic tree
a diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among biological species
based on similarities and differences in genetic or physical traits or both
Predictions
statements that describe what should happen if the hypothesis
is correct and supported.
Prokaryote
a unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelle.
Pseudoscience
is claims or beliefs that are represented as scientific fact but cannot be evaluated using the scientific method.
Qualitative Data
which is descriptive or categorical
Scientific Method
Scientific Theory
a well-tested and consistently verified explanation for a set of observations or
phenomena
Standardized Variables
variables that must be kept consistent among all test groups
Tissue
a group of similar cells carrying out the same function