BIOLOGY 2E CHAPTER 1 KEY TERMS

BIOLOGY 2E CHAPTER 1

Abstract

Opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions.

Applied Science

Form of science that aims to solve real-world problems.

Atom

Smallest and most fundamental unit of matter.

Basic Science

Science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge.

Biochemistry

Study of the chemistry of biological organisms.

Biology

The study of life.

Biosphere

Collection of all the ecosystems on Earth.

Botany

Study of plants.

Cell

Smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things.

Community

Set of populations inhabiting a particular area.

Conclusion

Section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings.

Control

Part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment.

Deductive Reasoning

Logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results.

Descriptive Science

Form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate.

Discussion

Section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question.

Ecosystem

All the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment.

Eukaryote

Organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.

Evolution

Process of gradual change in a population or species over time.

Falsifiable

Able to be disproven by experimental results.

Homeostasis

Ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.

Hypothesis

Suggested explanation for an observation, which one can test.

Hypothesis-based Science

Form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers.

Inductive Reasoning

Logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Introduction

Opening section of a scientific paper, providing background information about prior research.

Life Science

Field of science, such as biology, that studies living things.

Macromolecule

Large molecule, typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules.

Materials and Methods

Section of a scientific paper that describes the substances, methods, and techniques used to gather data.

Microbiology

Study of the structure and function of microorganisms.

Molecular Biology

Study of biological processes at the molecular level.

Molecule

Chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds.

Natural Science

Field of science related to the physical world and its phenomena.

Neurobiology

Study of the biology of the nervous system.

Organ

Collection of related tissues grouped together performing a common function.

Organ System

Level of organization consisting of functionally related interacting organs.

Organelle

Small structures within cells that carry out cellular functions.

Organism

Individual living entity.

Paleontology

Study of life’s history by means of fossils.

Peer-reviewed Manuscript

Scientific paper reviewed by experts in the field.

Phylogenetic Tree

Diagram showing evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Physical Science

Field of science that studies nonliving matter.

Plagiarism

Using other people’s work or ideas without proper citation.

Population

All individuals of a species living within a specific area.

Prokaryote

Single-celled organism that lacks organelles and does not have nuclei.

Results

Section of a scientific paper that narrates the experimental findings.

Review Article

Paper that summarizes and comments on findings from primary literature.

Science

Knowledge covering general truths or laws, acquired and tested by the scientific method.

Scientific Method

Research method with defined steps including observation, hypothesis formulation, testing, and confirming or falsifying the hypothesis.

Serendipity

Fortunate accident or a lucky surprise.

Theory

Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena.

Tissue

Group of similar cells carrying out related functions.

Variable

Part of an experiment that the experimenter can vary or change.

Zoology

Study of animals.