The Scientific Study of Life

Question 1

What are the Characteristics of Life?

Answer 1

Organization, Energy Use, Homeostasis, Reproduction growth and development, and Evolution

Question 2

Organization of Life

Answer 2

Atoms > Molecules > Organelles > Cells > Tissues > Organs > Organ Systems > Individual Organisms > Population > Communities > Ecosystems > Biosphere

Question 3

Define Atom

Answer 3

a particle of matter; composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Question 4

Define Molecule

Answer 4

two or more atoms joined by chemical bonds

Question 5

Define Organelle

Answer 5

compartment of a eukaryotic cell that performs a specialized function

Question 6

Define Cell

Answer 6

smallest unit of life that can function independently

Question 7

Define Tissue

Answer 7

group of cells that interact and provide a specific function

Question 8

Define Organ

Answer 8

two or more tissues that interact and function as an integrated unit

Question 9

Define Organ System

Answer 9

two or more physically or functionally linked organs

Question 10

Define Organism

Answer 10

a single living individual

Question 11

Define Population

Answer 11

interbreeding members of the same species occupying the same region

Question 12

Define Community

Answer 12

group of interacting populations that inhabit the same region

Question 13

Define Ecosystem

Answer 13

a community and its nonliving environment

Question 14

Define Biosphere

Answer 14

part of Earth where life can exist

Question 15

Homeostasis

Answer 15

a state of internal constancy in the presence of changing external conditions

Question 16

Emergent Property

Answer 16

quality that results from interactions of a system’s components

Question 17

Producer

Answer 17

Extract energy from the nonliving environment

Question 18

Consumers

Answer 18

Obtain energy and nutrients from eating other organisms

Question 19

Decomposers

Answer 19

Are a type of consumer that obtains nutrients from dead organisms and organic waste

Question 20

Asexual Reproduction

Answer 20

Only one parent is involved, and all offspring are genetically identical; Asexual reproduction is a successful strategy in unchanging environments

Question 21

Sexual Reproduction

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Growth

Answer 22

An increase in an organisms size

Question 23

Development

Answer 23

Changes that occur as an organism matures, including growth, cell specialization, and other processes

Question 24

Adaptation

Answer 24

inherited trait that permits an organism to survive and reproduce

Question 25

Natural Selection

Answer 25

differential reproduction of organisms based on inherited traits

Question 26

Evolution

Answer 26

descent with modification; change in allele frequencies in a population over time

Question 27

Taxonomy

Answer 27

The science of naming and classifying organisims

Question 28

Tree of Life includes what three branches? (Domain)

Answer 28

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya

Question 29

Domain

Answer 29

broadest (most inclusive) taxonomic category

Question 30

Kingdom

Answer 30

taxonomic category below domain

Question 31

Species

Answer 31

a distinct type of organism; the basic unit of classification

Question 32

Genus

Answer 32

taxonomic category that groups closely related species

Question 33

The Scientific Method

Answer 33

Make an observation > Ask a question > Consult prior knowledge > Form a hypothesis > Make predictions > Collect and interpret data > Consult prior knowledge > Draw conclusions

Question 34

Rules of a Hypothesis

Answer 34

Your hypothesis needs to be a FIRM statement, answer the question asked, and be testable.

Question 35

What is a prediction?

Answer 35

An “If/then” statements and allows you to test the hypothesis in a controlled experiment

Question 36

Components of Experiments

Answer 36

• Independent variable: What is manipulated
• Dependent Variable: What is measured
• Standardized variables: held constant for all subjects in an experiment

Question 37

Scientific Theory

Answer 37

a broad explanation for a natural phenomenon, it is based off of years of testing that hasn’t been proven false

Question 38

Sample Size

Answer 38

number of subjects in each experimental group

Question 39

Statistically Significant

Answer 39

unlikely to be attributed to chance

Question 40

Technology

Answer 40

the practical application of scientific knowledge

Question 41

Law Vs. Theory

Answer 41

Law says what will happen, theory explains the WHY