Biology Ch.1 (The Study of Life)

Life

An organized genetic unit capable of metabolism, reproduction, and evolution

Natural Selection

Some aspect of the environment selects which traits are more apt to be passed on to the next generation.

Domain Archaea

A domain of single-celled organisms that are prokaryotes, often found in extreme environments and characterized by unique chemical characteristics.

Domain Bacteria

A domain of single-celled prokaryotic organisms that adapt to all environments and are characterized by unique chemical characteristics.

Domain Eukarya

A domain of organisms that are multicellular or unicellular eukaryotes, characterized by complex cells with a nucleus and organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Kingdom Protista

Complex single cell which is able to absorb, photosynthesize, or ingest food, such as slime molds and algae.

Kingdom Plantae

Multicellular, usually with specialized tissues containing complex cells which is able to photosynthesize food, such as mosses and flowering plants.

Kingdom Fungi

Mostly multicellular filaments with specialized, complex cells that absorb food such as molds, mushrooms, and ringworms.

Kingdom Animalia

Multicellular with specialized tissues containing complex cells that ingest food such as worms, insects, and fishes.

Scientific Method

A standard series of steps used in gaining new knowledge through research which poses and test hypotheses.

Observation

Scientists using their senses to gather information about a phenomenon or natural event.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for what was observed; is testable and falsifiable.

Experiment

A series of procedures designed to test a hypothesis; examines the influence of a single variable.

Prediction

Follows the formulation of a hypothesis and assists in creating the experimental design; uses “If, then” statements.

Experimental Design

Methodology by which an experiment will seek to support the hypothesis.

Independent Variable

Factor of an experiment that is being tested to see its contribution to an observation.

Dependent/Responding Variable

Result or change that occurs when an experimental variable is utilized in an experiment.

Control Group

Sample that goes through all the steps of an experiment but does not contain the variable being tested.

Test Group

Sample that goes through the steps of an experiment and is exposed to the experimental variable.

Atoms

Smallest particle of an element that displays the properties of the element; the basic unit of matter

Molecules

Union of two or more atoms of the same element

Cell

The smallest, most basic unit of life that displays all the properties of life

Tissue

A group of cells with a common structure and function; 2nd Level of Biological Organization

Organ

Composed of tissues functioning together for a specific task/function; 3rd Level of Biological Organization

Organ System

Composed of several organs working together; 4th Level of Biological Organization

Organism

Complex individuals containing organ systems; 5th Level of Biological Organization

Population

Organisms of the same species in a given area; 6th Level of Biological Organization

Species

Group of similarly constructed organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring; 7th Level of Biological Organization

Community

Assemblage of species interacting with one another in a particular area; 8th Level of Biological Organization

Ecosystem

A community plus the physical environment; 9th Level of Biological Organization

Biosphere

Regions of the Earth’s crust, waters, and atmosphere in habited by living organisms; 10th Level of Biological Organization

Multicellular

Organism composed of more than one cell; usually has organized tissues, organs, and organ systems; 1st Level of Biological Organization