Scientific Literacy Answers - 1st Quarter

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering fundamental scientific literacy concepts for the 1st quarter, including scientific methods, chemistry basics, ecology, and biological levels of organization.

Hypothesis

A statement based on knowledge/observations that can be tested.

Experiment

A repeatable/verifiable test of a hypothesis.

Theory

A well tested, widely accepted scientific explanation.

Ecological Footprint

The amount of land/resources (necessary) to sustain an organism.

Half-life

How long it takes a substance to decrease by half.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Compound

Two or more elements bonded together.

pH

Potential of hydrogen - scale from acidic ($0$) to basic ($14$)

Photosynthesis

$$6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{sunlight} \rightarrow 6\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$$

Natural Selection

When a characteristic that promotes survival is passed on

Extinction

The disappearance of a species from the earth

Biosphere

All the planet's organisms and the abiotic environment with which they interact

Landscape

The visible features of a tract of land

Ecosystem

All organisms interacting in and with an environment at one time

Community

An identifiable assemblage of interacting species

Population

Members of a species interacting in a place

Organism

A Living thing

Predation

One organism kills and eats another to live

Herbivore

An organism that feeds on plants, algae, etc

Biome

A large naturally occurring ecological community