Chapter 1: Intro To Biology Flashcards
Basic Research
Extends the boundaries of what we know. Done at universities and the research is usually supported by grants from various agencies and foundations.
Applied Research
The information gathered by basic research contributes to the growing body of scientific knowledge, and it provides the scientific foundation utilized by this
Binomial naming system
Names species. Contains and genus and species name
Biology
Study of living things/the science of life
Cell
Most basic unit of life
Cell theory
- all organisms are composed of cells
- cells are the smallest living things
- cells arise only from pre-existing cells
Control experiment
Variable is left unaltered
Controlled variables
The variables held constant; ex. Light and temperature
Deductive reasoning
Uses general principles to make specific predictions
Dependent variable
Will vary depending upon the independent variable
Descriptive science
category of science that involves observing, recording, describing, and classifying phenomena.
Ecosystem
Together populations in environment constitute this
Biological community
Consist of all the populations of different species of living together in one place
Emergent properties
As you move up this hierarchy, the many interactions occurring at lower levels can produce novel properties and may not be predictable
Eukaryote
One or many cells; complex structure
Genotype
An organism’s genetic material
Hierarchical units
Atom-molecule-macromolecule-organelle-cell-population-community-ecosystem-biosphere
Systems biology
Focuses on how components work together
Homeostasis
A process where all organisms maintain relatively constant internal conditions that are different from their environment
Hypothesis
A possible explanation for an observation, makes a prediction that can be tested, may be revised
Hypothesis – driven science
Focused on testing a particular hypothesis by means of experimentation
Independent variable
The variable that is manipulated in an experiment
Inductive reasoning
Uses specific observations to develop general conclusions
Observation
The data measured, collected, perceived or noticed, especially during an experiment.
Organelle
Complex biological molecules assembled into tiny structures
Organism
an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
Phenotype
the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
Phylogenetic tree
Supporting evolutionary descent from common ancestor
Population
A group of organisms of the same species living in the same place
Prediction
The act of making an educated guess about the outcome of a situation
Prokaryote
One cell; simple structure
Pseudoscience
a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.
Reductionism
Whole into parts
Science
A systematic study of the natural world through observation and reasoning
Scientific method
Observation-question-hypothesis-prediction-experiment-conclusion
Scientific theory
Supported by substantial direct observation, experimental evidence, and scientific reasoning; not a guess
Taxonomic rank
Kingdom-phylum-class-order-family-genus-species
Test experiment
One variable is altered in a known way to test a particular hypothesis
