Introduction to Biology & the Scientific Method - Chapter $$1$$

Vocabulary-style flashcards based on the Chapter $$1$$ lecture notes on Biology and the Scientific Method, including definitions for biological domains, nomenclature, and experimental variables.

Biology

The study of life, derived from $Bio$ meaning life and $logy$ meaning study of.

Properties of Life

A set of characteristics consisting of growth and development, reproduction, organization, regulation, energy processing, response to environment, and evolutionary adaptation.

Organization

The hierarchical biological levels defined as: Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ system, and Organism.

Cells

The structural and functional units of life; all organisms are composed of them.

Unicellular organisms

Organisms composed of $1$ cell.

Multicellular organisms

Organisms composed of multiple cells.

Domain Bacteria

A domain of life consisting of unicellular organisms, some of which cause disease while many are helpful.

Domain Archaea

A domain of life that consists of unicellular organisms.

Domain Eukarya

A domain of life including unicellular and multicellular organisms such as Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.

Binomial nomenclature

The system where each organism is given $2$ names: a capitalized Genus and a lowercase species (e.g., Escherichia coli or Homo sapiens).

Scientific method

A series of steps to guide scientific investigations, relying on observations, questions, testing, and evidence.

Hypothesis

A proposed answer to a scientific question.

Scientific Theory

A concept that is thoroughly tested and supported by multiple lines of evidence.

Independent variable

In an experiment, the component that the investigator changes.

Dependent variable

In an experiment, the component that the investigator measures.

Experimental group

The group in a controlled experiment that receives the treatment.

Control group

The group in a controlled experiment that receives no treatment.

Natural experiment

An experimental type where one observes the results of a pre-existing, natural setup.

Qualitative data

Data recorded as descriptions.

Quantitative data

Data recorded as measurements.