The Scientific Study of Life Flashcards
What are the Characteristics of Life?
Organization, Energy Use, Homeostasis, Reproduction growth and development, and Evolution
Organization of Life
Atoms > Molecules > Organelles > Cells > Tissues > Organs > Organ Systems > Individual Organisms > Population > Communities > Ecosystems > Biosphere
Define Atom
a particle of matter; composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Define Molecule
two or more atoms joined by chemical bonds
Define Organelle
compartment of a eukaryotic cell that performs a specialized function
Define Cell
smallest unit of life that can function independently
Define Tissue
group of cells that interact and provide a specific function
Define Organ
two or more tissues that interact and function as an integrated unit
Define Organ System
two or more physically or functionally linked organs
Define Organism
a single living individual
Define Population
interbreeding members of the same species occupying the same region
Define Community
group of interacting populations that inhabit the same region
Define Ecosystem
a community and its nonliving environment
Define Biosphere
part of Earth where life can exist
Homeostasis
a state of internal constancy in the presence of changing external conditions
Emergent Property
quality that results from interactions of a system’s components
Producer
Extract energy from the nonliving environment
Consumers
Obtain energy and nutrients from eating other organisms
Decomposers
Are a type of consumer that obtains nutrients from dead organisms and organic waste
Asexual Reproduction
Only one parent is involved, and all offspring are genetically identical; Asexual reproduction is a successful strategy in unchanging environments
Sexual Reproduction
Two parents are involved, and the offspring are genetically different from the parent
A successful strategy in changing environments since offspring are unlike either parent
Growth
An increase in an organisms size
Development
Changes that occur as an organism matures, including growth, cell specialization, and other processes
Adaptation
inherited trait that permits an organism to survive and reproduce
Natural Selection
differential reproduction of organisms based on inherited traits
Evolution
descent with modification; change in allele frequencies in a population over time
Taxonomy
The science of naming and classifying organisims
Tree of Life includes what three branches? (Domain)
Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
Domain
broadest (most inclusive) taxonomic category
Kingdom
taxonomic category below domain
Species
a distinct type of organism; the basic unit of classification
Genus
taxonomic category that groups closely related species
The Scientific Method
Make an observation > Ask a question > Consult prior knowledge > Form a hypothesis > Make predictions > Collect and interpret data > Consult prior knowledge > Draw conclusions
Rules of a Hypothesis
Your hypothesis needs to be a FIRM statement, answer the question asked, and be testable.
What is a prediction?
An “If/then” statements and allows you to test the hypothesis in a controlled experiment
Components of Experiments
- Independent variable: What is manipulated
- Dependent Variable: What is measured
- Standardized variables: held constant for all subjects in an experiment
Scientific Theory
a broad explanation for a natural phenomenon, it is based off of years of testing that hasn’t been proven false
Sample Size
number of subjects in each experimental group
Statistically Significant
unlikely to be attributed to chance
Technology
the practical application of scientific knowledge
Law Vs. Theory
Law says what will happen, theory explains the WHY
