Chapter 1 Flashcards
The Study of Life
Scientific Method
method of research with defined steps that include observation, formulation of a hypothesis, testing, and confirming or falsifying the hypothesis
Hypothesis
Explanation for an event, which can be tested.
Theory
Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena
Abstract
opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions
Applied science
form of science that aims to solve real world problems
Atom
smallest and most fundamental unit of matter
Basic science
science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge
Biochemistry
study of the chemistry of biological
organisms
Biosphere
collection of all the ecosystems on Earth
Cell
Cells are the lowest level of biological organization that can survive and reproduce.
•Many single cells, such as bacteria and protozoans, exist as unicellular organisms.
•Multicellular organisms, such as plants and animals, are made up of groups of interdependent cells.
smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things
Community
set of populations inhabiting a particular area
Conclusion
section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings
Control
part of an experiment that does not change during
the experiment
deductive reasoning
form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results
example:
Major premise: All mammals have backbones. Minor premise: Humans are mammals. Conclusion: Humans have backbones.
descriptive science
(also, discovery science) form of science
that aims to observe, explore, and investigate
Discussion
section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon
in question
Ecosystem
all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment
eukaryote
organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.
eukaryotic cells contain mitochondrial DNA in addition to nuclear DNA.
evolution
the process of gradual change in a population or species over time
homeostasis
ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions
hypothesis-based science
form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers
Inductive reasoning
form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion
Darwin’s theory of evolution by Natural Selection is an example of how inductive reasoning can be used to explain complex phenomena. Rather than drawing from general principles, Darwin made a generalization from many specific pieces of evidence including: Comparing the anatomy of different organisms.
macromolecule
large molecule, typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules