Chapter 1 Flashcards
Cell
A membrane-bound structure that is the basic unit of life
Biology
Science of life
Molecule
A chemical structure composed of one or more atoms
Organelle
One of the several formed bodies with a specialized function that is suspended in the cytoplasm and found in eukaryotic cells
Homeostasis
The stable internal conditions of a living thing
Gene
Segment of DNA that contains coding for a polypeptide or protein; a unit of heredity information
Natural selection
The process by which organisms with favorable variations reproduce at higher rates than ode without such variations
Species
Group of organisms of a single type that are capable of producing fertile offspring in the natural environment
Ecology
Study of the relationship between organisms and their environment
Hypothesis
Statement that can be tested experimentally
Observation
Action that typically employs one or more of the five senses to perceive objects or events
Theory
Broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true
Inference
Conclusion made on the basis of facts or premises rather than on direct observation
If you see smoke, you will probably infer that it’s source is a fire, even if you can’t see the fire is an example of a
Inference
Experiment
Hypothesis is often tested by carrying out an experiment
Experimenting
Process of testing a hypothesis or prediction by gathering data under controlled conditions
What is a controlled experiment based on
A comparison of a control group with an experimental group
Control group and experimental group are designed to be
Identical except for one factor
The factor that is different between a control group and an experimental group is called
The independent variable
The factor in both the control group and experimental group is called
The dependent variable
Analyzing data
Process of determining whether data are reliable and whether hey support or do not support a hypothesis or prediction
7 characteristics of life
Composed of cells Organized Use energy Grow Reproduce Adapt to their environment
Name the order of an organism
Cell Tissue Organ Organ system Organism
Definition of characteristics of life
Characteristics that organisms need to survive
What is the scientific method
Series of steps that followed to answer questions and/or solve problems
What are the steps of the scientific method
Observation
Hypothesizing
Experimenting
Analyzing Data
What do controlled experiments allow
A comparison of a control and experimental group
What’s the independent variable
Factor that’s being tested or manipulated
What is the dependent variable called
Responding variable
Observation
Pathetic use of one or more senses to perceive objects or events
What is data collection in observation
Gathering and recording or specific information based on observations
What is sampling in observation
Collecting a small representation portion of the population
Theory
Created when a hypothesis explains why things occur and continue to be supported by evidence gathered from other experiments
Conclusion
Final determination of the problem based on the results of all the findings
Law
Created when a hypothesis describes how things happen is continually supported by the data of other experiments