Bio 111 – General Biology I: Chapter 1 – The Science of Biology, Scientific Method, Characteristics of Life, Unity and Diversity of Life

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1: The Science of Biology, the Scientific Method, Characteristics of Life, and the Unity and Diversity of Life.

Biology

The study of life (bio = life, -logy = to study).

Observation

Noticing and registering significant phenomena as part of the scientific method.

Question

The scientific mind asks 'why' to guide inquiry and research.

Hypothesis

An educated, testable guess about what is happening; may have multiple hypotheses.

Prediction

A testable statement of expected outcome written in an If… Then… format.

Experiment

A controlled test with a control group and an experimental group used to test predictions.

Control group

Group designed to mimic the normal state of things; baseline for comparison.

Experimental group

Group identical to control except for the variable being tested.

Results

Data collected from an experiment; numbers, graphs, tables; used for analysis.

Conclusion/Discussion

Assessment of whether data support the hypothesis; results reported and possibly peer reviewed; experiments may be repeated or revised.

Theory

A well-supported explanation comprising a related set of hypotheses that explain a natural phenomenon; examples include gravity, cell theory, germ theory, and evolution; theories can be refined.

Basic science

Science aimed at expanding knowledge regardless of immediate practical value.

Applied science

Science aimed at solving real-world problems (e.g., increasing crop yield, cures, conservation).

Order (Characteristics of Life)

Living things are organized; organization begins with atoms and progresses to molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Response to stimuli

Organisms react to environmental cues or changes in their surroundings.

Reproduction

Passing DNA/genes to the next generation; heredity.

Growth and Development

Growth in size and maturation; controlled by genes and environment.

Regulation (homeostasis)

Maintaining internal conditions within a stable range.

Energy Processing

Obtaining and transforming energy to power activities.

Evolution and Adaptation

Populations evolve and adapt to their environments over time through natural selection.

Levels of Organization

Biological organization from atoms to the biosphere, including organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

Organelles

Membrane-bound structures within a cell; the nucleus is an example.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle that houses DNA and controls cellular activities.

Cell

The basic unit of life; can be unicellular or multicellular.

Tissue

Group of similar cells performing a specific function (e.g., skin tissue).

Organ

Structure composed of tissues that performs a specific function (e.g., stomach).

Organ System

Group of organs working together to perform major bodily functions (e.g., digestive system).

Organism

An individual living being.

Population

Group of the same species living in a particular area.

Community

All plant and animal species in a given area.

Ecosystem

A community of organisms plus the physical environment with which they interact.

Biosphere

Encompasses all ecosystems on Earth; the global sum of living things and their environments.

Binomial nomenclature

Two-part naming system: Genus + species (e.g., Ursus maritimus).

Genus

The first part of a binomial name; capitalized.

Species

The second part of a binomial name; lowercase; identifies the species.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among organisms based on genetic information.

Domains

Highest taxonomic rank; three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Prokaryotic Cell

Very simple in structure; lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cell

Contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; more complex; can be unicellular or multicellular.

Autotroph

Self-feeder; can synthesize organic matter from inorganic sources.

Heterotroph

Relies on other organisms for food.

Unicellular

Organisms consisting of a single cell.

Multicellular

Organisms composed of many cells with specialized functions.

DNA

Genetic material that carries hereditary information and directs organismal function.

Unity of Life

All organisms share common features, including DNA, and trace ancestry to a common origin.

Diversity of Life

Evolution and adaptation have produced a vast array of species (millions; estimated around 8.7 million).