General Definitions

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

is a process of investigation where problems are identified and their explanations are tested by carrying out experiments

Question 2

Observation

Answer 2

An unbiased, accurate report of an event.

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

An educated guess based on observation

Question 4

Experiment

Answer 4

An experiment is designed to test a hypothesis.

Question 5

Data

Answer 5

Consists of measurements, observations/information gathered during an experiment.

Question 6

Replicate

Answer 6

A repeat of an experiment

Question 7

Control

Answer 7

A comparison used to provide a standard against which the actual experiment can be judged

Question 8

Theory

Answer 8

A hypothesis that has been supported by different experiments

Question 9

Principle/Law

Answer 9

A theory that has shown to be valid after long term testing

Question 10

Ethics

Answer 10

Refers to whether issues are right or wrong

Question 11

Continuity of life

Answer 11

Living things that arise from other living things of the same type (Biogenesis)

Question 12

Metabolism

Answer 12

Sum of all chemical reactions in the body

Question 13

Characteristics of life

Answer 13

The common features shared by living organisms

Question 14

Organisation

Answer 14

Living things are composed of cells, tissues,organs and organ systems.

Question 15

Nutrition

Answer 15

Process by which an organism obtain and uses food.

Question 16

Excretion

Answer 16

Removal of waste products of metabolism

Question 17

Response

Answer 17

The reaction of organisms to stimuli in their environment.

Question 18

Reproduction

Answer 18

The production of new individuals.

Question 19

Bio molecules

Answer 19

Molecules found in living things are composed of atoms where elements bonded together in different ratios to form biomolecules. Such as Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Vitamins.

Question 20

Organic compounds

Answer 20

Carbon atoms bonded together make up most of the chemical compounds in living things.

Question 21

Monosaccharides

Answer 21

Monosaccharides : Single sugar molecules such as Glucose.

Question 22

Disaccharides

Answer 22

Disaccharides : 2 sugar molecules bonded together such as Sucrose,Lacotse and Maltose.

Question 23

Polysaccharides

Answer 23

Polysaccharides : Made up of many sugar molecules bonded together. Eg - Starch, Glycogen and Cellulose

Question 24

Phospholipid

Answer 24

Fat-like substances where one of the fatty acids is replaced/added a phosphate group.

Question 25

Anabolic rxn

Answer 25

Convert smaller molecules into larger ones using energy

Question 26

Catabolic rxn

Answer 26

Complex molecule is broken down to simple molecules. (Releasing energy)

Question 27

Ecology

Answer 27

The study of the relationships of living organisms with one another and with the environment.

Question 28

Ecosystem

Answer 28

A community of organisms and their abiotic environment. .

Question 29

Habitat

Answer 29

Place in the environment where an organism lives.

Question 30

Population

Answer 30

All the member of the same species living in an area.

Question 31

Community

Answer 31

Plants and animals sharing the resources of a particular habitat.

Question 32

Niche

Answer 32

The functional role of an organism in an ecosystem. Eg – How it feeds, what it eats, who eats it etc.

Question 33

Abiotic factors

Answer 33

Non living factors

Question 34

Biotic factors

Answer 34

Living factors

Question 35

Climactic factors

Answer 35

Refers to weather over a long period of time

Question 36

Edaphic factors

Answer 36

Refers to the soil that influences an ecosystem eg: pH,type,moisture

Question 37

Producers

Answer 37

Autotrophs that carry out photosynthesis

Question 38

Consumers

Answer 38

Organisms that take in food from other organisms

Question 39

Primary consumer

Answer 39

Organisms which feed directly on producers

Question 40

Secondary consumers

Answer 40

Carnivores that feed on primary consumers

Question 41

Tertiary consumers

Answer 41

Carnivores that feed on secondary consumers

Question 42

Food chain.

Answer 42

The pathway along which energy is transferred in an ecosystem.

Question 43

Food web

Answer 43

Two or more interlinked food chains

Question 44

Trophies level

Answer 44

Is feeding stage/energy level in a food chain

Question 45

Pyramid of numbers

Answer 45

Based on numbers of organisms at each trophic level in a food chain.

Question 46

Nutrient recycling

Answer 46

The way in which elements (Carbon and Nitrogen) are exchanged between the living and non-living components of an ecosystem.

Question 47

Nitrogen fixation

Answer 47

Conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+) or nitrate ( NO3−)

Question 48

Nitrification

Answer 48

The ammonia is converted to nitrites and then to nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.

Question 49

Denitrification

Answer 49

Conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas. It is carried out by denitrifying bacteria in the soil.

Question 50

Pollution

Answer 50

Any harmful addition to the environment