Living Environment Regent

Observation

What is seen or measured.

Inference

A conclusion based on observation or evidence.

Hypothesis

An untested prediction. A good hypothesis states both cause and effect (“If then” statement).

Theory

A broad explanation of natural events that is supported by strong evidence.

Controlled Experiment

Compares the results of an experiment between two groups.

Experimental group

Group being tested or receiving treatment.

Control group

“Normal” group. Should be identical to experimental group in every way except one.

Placebo

A sugar pill or other “fake” treatment given to the control group.

Independent Variable

Variable that is being tested.

Dependent Variable

Variable that is measured at the end of an experiment.

Characteristics of a good experiment

Criteria for a reliable scientific experiment.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions in living organisms.

Metabolism

All life processes that occur within an organism.

Nutrition

Process of obtaining and using food for energy and growth.

Respiration

Process of releasing energy from food molecules.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules requiring energy.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water into or out of a cell.

Regulation

Coordination and control of life functions.

Chemistry

Study of matter and its properties.

pH

Measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Cells

Basic unit of life in living organisms.

Classification

Organizing organisms based on evolutionary relationships.

Kingdoms

Large groups of related organisms.

Species

Group of organisms capable of reproducing among themselves.

Scientific name

Binomial nomenclature for organisms.