Chapter 1; Vocab Questions

Question 1

Evolution

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Biology

Answer 2

The scientific study of life.

Question 3

Molecule

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Organelle

Answer 4

The various functional comments present in cells.

Question 5

Cell

Answer 5

Life’s fundamental unit of structure and function.

Question 6

Species

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Population

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Biosphere

Answer 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.

Question 9

Adaptation

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Eukaryotic Cell

Answer 10

Contains membrane-enclosed organelles.

Question 11

Prokaryotic Cell

Answer 11

Lacks a nucleus or other membrane-enclosed organelles.

Question 12

DNA

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Gene

Answer 13

Are the units of inheritance.

Question 14

Genome

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Natural Selection

Answer 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.

Question 16

Data

Answer 16

Recorded observations.

Question 17

Hypothesis

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Independent Variable

Answer 18

The factor manipulated by the researchers.

Question 19

Dependent Variable

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Controlled Variables

Answer 20

A feature or quantity that varies in an experiment.

Question 21

Scientific Theory

Answer 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.