Study of Life and Scientific Method

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering the characteristics of life, biological organization, energy transfer, homeostasis, reproduction, taxonomy, cellular classification, and the scientific method.

Biology

The scientific study of life, ranging from bacteria to fungi to plants to humans, including the interactions of life.

Cell

The basic or fundamental unit of life and starting point of life; all organisms are composed of cells.

DNA

The molecule possessed by all organisms that carries genetic information and is closely related to proteins.

Atom

The smallest chemical unit of a type of pure substance (element), such as Carbon.

Molecule

A group of joined atoms, such as $H_2O$ (two Hydrogen and one Oxygen).

Organelle

A membrane-bound structure that has a specific function within a cell, such as a Chloroplast.

Tissue

A collection of specialized cells that function in an organized fashion, such as the epidermis of a leaf.

Organ

A collection of specialized tissues that function in an organized fashion, such as a heart or leaf.

Organ System

Organs that function together to perform a specific task, such as the digestive system.

Organism

A single living individual, which may be multicellular or single-celled, such as a human or an ostrich.

Population

A group of the same species of organisms living in the same place at the same time, such as a classroom.

Community

A group of populations living in the same region, such as a school.

Ecosystem

A system where living things (biotic) and non-living things (abiotic) interact.

Biosphere

The global ecosystem, such as Earth.

Primary Producers

Organisms that convert energy from a non-living (non-organic) source, such as the sun.

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy from consuming other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms that obtain energy from dead organisms and waste products.

Homeostasis

Internal constancy, or the ability to regulate a condition at a certain state, such as body heat.

Negative Feedback Loop (NFL)

A regulatory mechanism where what you produce limits what you are producing (product limits production).

Positive Feedback Loop (PFL)

A regulatory mechanism where what you produce increases what you are producing (product boosts production).

Growth

An increase in size.

Development

The process of maturation.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving meiosis and fertilization that yields genetically unique offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving mitosis (cloning) that yields genetically identical offspring.

Taxonomy

The scientific system of organizing living organisms into domains and kingdoms.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells belonging to Domain Archaea and Domain Bacteria that lack membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells belonging to Domain Eukarya that possess membrane-bound organelles and a nucleus.

Domain Eukarya Kingdoms

The biological divisions within Domain Eukarya, comprising Fungi, Animalia, Plantae, and Protista (not always classified as a kingdom).

Hypothesis

A formulated proposed explanation in the scientific method that can be tested but cannot be proven true.

Scientific Method Steps

The sequential procedure: 1. Make observations, 2. Ask a question, 2.5. Consult prior knowledge, 3. Formulate a hypothesis, 4. Make predictions, 5. Design experiment, 6. Collect & interpret data, 6.5. Consult prior knowledge, 7. Draw conclusions (optional: peer review & publish a paper).