Biology Chapter 1 - Midterm Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Biology Chapter 1 for midterm preparation.

Characteristics of Life

The seven attributes that define living organisms: feeding/nutrition, movement, respiration, excretion, growth, sensitivity, and reproduction.

Scientific Method

A systematic process that scientists use to answer questions through observation, inference, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple cells without a membrane-bound nucleus, with DNA located in a nucleoid area; examples include bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells that contain a true nucleus and numerous organelles; examples include plant cells, animal cells, fungi, and protists.

Unicellular Organisms

Organisms made up of a single cell that performs all necessary life functions.

Multicellular Organisms

Organisms composed of many cells that work together for overall function and survival.

Plant Cells vs Animal Cells

Plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts, while animal cells lack these and have centrioles.

Levels of Biological Organization

Systematic hierarchy of life: Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ System -> Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem -> Biome -> Biosphere.

Evolution

The gradual change in inherited traits of a population over generations, leading to the adaptation of species.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

Darwin's Theory

The idea that species evolve over time through natural processes and share common ancestors.

Lamarck's Idea

The erroneous belief that organisms could acquire traits during their lifetime through use and pass them on to offspring.

Evidence for Evolution

Fossils and structural comparisons that demonstrate the historical changes in species and their relationships.

Fossils

Remnants or traces of ancient organisms that provide information on past life forms and their evolutionary history.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is deliberately manipulated to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The factor that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.