Chapter 1: Exploring Life and the Process of Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering key biology concepts from Chapter 1: science, the scientific method, variables, biology themes, evolution, genotype/phenotype, DNA/genes, and biological classification.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used to investigate phenomena, typically including observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, data analysis, and drawing conclusions.

Observation

Noticing and describing phenomena to expand knowledge.

Question

A defined, investigable inquiry arising from observations.

Hypothesis

A testable and falsifiable proposed explanation for an observation.

Experiment

A controlled test designed to test the hypothesis.

Data Analysis

The process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to draw conclusions.

Conclusions

Judgments about whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected by the results.

Independent Variable

The variable deliberately manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable measured to determine the outcome.

Control

The treatment not applied; used for comparison to identify cause‑and‑effect.

Standardized Variable

A variable kept constant across treatments to prevent confounding effects.

Levels of Treatment

The number of different values of the independent variable tested (e.g., dosage levels).

Hypotheses vs Theories

Hypothesis is a testable explanation; Theory is a robust, widely supported explanatory concept.

Theory of Evolution

A broad, well-supported explanation for the origin and diversification of life.

Replication

Repeating experiments or measurements to verify results.

Sample Size

The number of subjects or observations; larger samples improve reliability.

Correlation does not imply causation

A relationship between variables does not prove that one causes the other.

Five Unifying Themes of Biology

The core ideas: evolution is central; information flow; structure-function; energy transfer and transformation; interactions within and between systems.

Evolution Misconceptions

Common misunderstandings: individuals do not evolve in a lifetime; evolution is not deliberate; most changes occur at the population level; evolution can produce new species.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism; the DNA information that influences phenotype.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism resulting from genotype and environment.

DNA

The molecule that stores genetic information and codes for proteins.

Genes

DNA segments that code for specific proteins and influence traits.

Cell

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

Cell Theory

All living things are made of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; new cells arise from existing cells.

Biosphere

The global sum of ecosystems; the zone of Earth's surface, atmosphere, and water inhabited by life.

Ecosystem

All living organisms in a given area plus the nonliving environment with which they interact in a dynamic balance.

Community

All of the organisms living and interacting in a given area, excluding the nonliving environment.

Population

A group of interbreeding individuals of the same species occupying the same area and sharing a gene pool.

Organism

A single living individual.

Organ System

A group of related organs that work together to perform vital functions.

Organ

A specialized structure composed of several tissues that performs a specific function.

What are the biological hierarchy terms ?

Biosphere, Ecosystem, Community, Population, Organism, Organ system, Organ tissue, Tissue, Cell, Molecule, Atom