Biology: An Introduction to Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 1 of an introductory biology course, focusing on the principles of biology, levels of organization, evolution, taxonomy, and the scientific method.

Biology

The study of life. Investigations of living things can lead to discoveries with far-reaching benefits.

Cell Theory

A foundation of biology: all organisms are composed of one or more cells; cells are the smallest units of life; new cells come from pre-existing cells by cell division.

Homeostasis

The ability of living organisms to maintain a stable internal environment.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material that provides a blueprint for organisms to grow, develop, and reproduce.

Evolution

The process by which populations of organisms change from one generation to the next and are related by an evolutionary history.

Vertical Descent with Mutation

Transfer of genetic information from parents to offspring, where new species evolve from pre-existing species by the accumulation of mutations.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

A process where an organism incorporates genetic material from another organism without being the offspring of that organism.

Adaptation

A characteristic in a species that is the result of natural selection; adaptations affect survival and reproduction.

Artificial Selection

A human-driven form of selection, where humans choose desirable traits, leading to various breeds of organisms.

Taxonomy

The grouping and classification of species based on common ancestry.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life, containing unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes.

Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes are a group of organisms whose cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus

Scientific Method

The steps involved include: Observations are made regarding natural phenomena, These observations lead to a testable hypothesis that tries to explain the phenomena, Experiments are conducted to determine if the predictions are correct, The data are analyzed (involves use of statistical analysis), The hypothesis is supported or rejected based on the data

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon, based on previous observations or experiments; it must yield predictions that can be tested.

Theory

A broad explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is substantiated by a large body of evidence; it allows us to make many predictions and is viewed as knowledge.

Discovery-Based Science

Involves the collection and analysis of data without having a preconceived hypothesis; the goal is to gather information.

Model

A conceptual, mathematical, or physical depiction of a real-world phenomenon used to convey ideas, evaluate experiments, and make predictions.