Introduction to Biology

These flashcards cover the key concepts from the introductory chapter of biology, including the definitions of important terms and principles related to the study of life.

Biology

The science that studies life.

Properties of Life

Characteristics shared by all living organisms, including order, sensitivity, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation/homeostasis, energy processing, and evolution.

Homeostasis

The relatively stable internal environment required to maintain life.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.

Adaptation

The fit of an organism to its environment; a result of evolution by natural selection.

Hierarchy of Organization

The structure of living organisms organized from smallest to largest: atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biosphere.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions.

Prokaryote

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

An organism with cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Scientific Method

A method of research involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis.

Hypothesis

A suggested explanation for an event, which can be tested.

Inductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process where specific results are predicted based on general principles.

Peer-Reviewed Article

A scientific paper that is reviewed by experts in the field before publication.

Evolution

The process of gradual change in organisms over time, leading to new species.

Macromolecule

A large molecule typically formed by joining smaller units called monomers.

Biotechnology

The application of biological techniques to create useful products.

Bioethics

The field that examines the implications of biological research and technologies for human beings and the environment.

Natural Science

A field of science that studies the physical world and its phenomena.

Basic Science

Research that seeks to expand knowledge without immediate application.

Applied Science

Research aimed at solving practical problems.

Phylogenetic Tree

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among biological species.