NYS Living Environment / Biology Regents Review - Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the Living Environment/Biology Regents review notes.

Observation

What is seen or measured.

Inference

A conclusion based on observation or evidence.

Hypothesis

An untested prediction, often stated as an "If-then" statement.

Theory

A broad explanation of natural events supported by strong evidence.

Experimental Group

Group being tested or receiving treatment in an experiment.

Control Group

"Normal" group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

Placebo

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

Independent Variable

Variable being tested in an experiment, plotted on the X axis.

Dependent Variable

Variable that is measured at the end of an experiment, plotted on the Y axis.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment.

Metabolism

All life processes carried out by an organism.

Autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that eat other organisms for food.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants, algae, and blue-green bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

Stomates

Small holes in leaves that allow for gas exchange in plants.

Guard Cells

Cells that open and close the stomates in plants.

Respiration

Process by which organisms get energy by breaking the bonds of sugar molecules.

Aerobic Respiration

Respiration that requires oxygen and yields more ATP.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that does not require oxygen and yields less ATP.

Diffusion

Movement of molecules from high to low concentration, requiring no energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules from low to high concentration, requiring energy.

Osmosis

Diffusion of water into or out of a cell.

Regulation

Coordination and control of other life functions.

Stimulus

A change in the environment that you respond to.

Neuron

A nerve cell.

Impulse

Electrical signal carried by nerves.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that help carry nerve impulses.

Hormone

Chemical signal secreted by glands in the body.

Receptor Molecules

Proteins on the cell membrane that receive signals.

Carbohydrates

Sugars and starches used for energy.

Lipids

Store energy and include fats, oils, and waxes.

Proteins

Made from amino acids and essential for hormones and cell structures.

Enzymes

Affect the rates of chemical reactions.

pH Scale

Scale that measures the strength of acids and bases.

Cells

Basic unit of life.

Selective Permeability

Only some molecules can pass through, typically small molecules like water and oxygen.

Kingdoms

Group of related organisms.

Species

Able to successfully reproduce amongst its members.

Tissues

Groups of cells specialized to do certain jobs.

Organs

Groups of tissues working together.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs working together.

Digestive System

Breaks down food into smaller molecules.

Transport/Circulatory System

Moves materials through the body.

Immune System

Protects the body against pathogens.

Antigens

Cause an immune response.

Antibodies

Proteins made by white blood cells to attack antigens.

Vaccine

Injection of a dead or weakened pathogen to stimulate antibody production.

Antibiotics

Drugs used to stop infections by bacteria.

Respiratory System

Provides oxygen needed for chemical respiration.

Diaphragm

Muscle that allows breathing to occur.

Excretory System

Removes metabolic waste from the body.

Nervous System

Regulates the body along with the endocrine system.

Endocrine System

Regulates the body along with the nervous system; slower but with longer lasting effects.

Evolution

Modern species evolved from earlier species and share a common ancestor.

Natural Selection

Mechanism that causes species to change over time.

"Fit" Organisms

Organisms better adapted to their environment and able to reproduce successfully.

Gradualism

Change occurs slowly over time.

Punctuated Equilibrium

Evolution happens in quick spurts.

Creation of New Species

Usually requires geographic isolation, which eventually results in reproductive isolation.

Carrying Capacity

Maximum size of a population.

Niche

Role in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity

Variety of life on earth.

Producer

Organisms that make their own food.

Consumer

Organisms that eat other organisms.

Omnivore

Eats both plants and animals.

Herbivore

Eats only plants.

Carnivore

Eats only animals.

Predator

Hunts other animals for food.

Parasite

Lives on or in another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.

Habitat

Place where an organism lives.

Population

Group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.

Community

All the different populations that live together in an area.

Ecosystem

Community and its physical environment.

Biosphere

The part of Earth where life exists.

Pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

Renewable Resource

Resources that can be replenished.