Chapter 1; Definition Questions

Question 1

A process of biological change in which species accumulate differences from their ancestors as they adapt to different environments over time.

Answer 1

Evolution

Question 2

The scientific study of life.

Answer 2

Biology

Question 3

A chemical structure consisting of two or more units called atoms.

Answer 3

Molecule

Question 4

The various functional comments present in cells.

Answer 4

Organelle

Question 5

Life’s fundamental unit of structure and function.

Answer 5

Cell

Question 6

A group whose members can only reproduce with other members of the group.

Answer 6

Species

Question 7

Consists of all the individuals of a species living within the bounds of a specified area.

Answer 7

Population

Question 8

Which consists of all life on earth and all the places where life exists: Land, Water, the Atmosphere to an altitude of several kilometers, and even Sediments far below the ocean floor.

Answer 8

Biosphere

Question 9

Modification of an organism or its parts that makes it more fit for existence under the conditions of its environment.

Answer 9

Adaptation

Question 10

Contains membrane-enclosed organelles.

Answer 10

Eukaryotic Cell

Question 11

Lacks a nucleus or other membrane-enclosed organelles.

Answer 11

Prokaryotic Cell

Question 12

The molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism.

Answer 12

DNA

Question 13

Are the units of inheritance.

Answer 13

Gene

Question 14

The entire “library” of genetic instructions that an organism inherits.

Answer 14

Genome

Question 15

Individuals with inherited traits that are better suited to the local environment are more likely to survive and reproduce than are less well-suited individuals.

Answer 15

Natural Selection

Question 16

Recorded observations.

Answer 16

Data

Question 17

An experiment, based on observations and assumptions, that leads to a testable prediction.

Answer 17

Hypothesis

Question 18

The factor manipulated by the researchers.

Answer 18

Independent Variable

Question 19

The factor being measured that is predicted to be affected by the independent variable.

Answer 19

Dependent Variable

Question 20

A feature or quantity that varies in an experiment.

Answer 20

Controlled Variables

Question 21

Is much broader in scope than a hypothesis, is general enough to spin off many new, testable hypotheses, is generally supported by a much greater body of evidence.

Answer 21

Scientific Theory