Biology I Chapter 1 Quiz

abstract

Opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions.

applied science

Form of science that aims to solve real-world problems.

atom

Smallest and most fundamental unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

basic science

Science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge.

biochemistry

Study of the chemistry of biological organisms.

biology

The study of life.

biosphere

Collection of all the ecosystems on Earth.

botany

Study of plants.

cell

Smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things.

cell theory

All living organisms are composed of cells; cells only arise from previous cells and are not generated spontaneously.

community

Set of populations inhabiting a particular area.

conclusion

Section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings.

control

Part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment.

descriptive science

Form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate.

discussion

Section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question.

ecosystem

All the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment.

eukaryote

Organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles.

evolution

The process of gradual change in a population or species over time.

falsifiable

Able to be disproven by experimental results.

homeostasis

Ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.

hypothesis

Suggested explanation for an observation, which can be tested.

hypothesis-based science

Form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers.

introduction

Opening section of a scientific paper that provides background information about what was known in the field prior to the research reported in the paper.

life science

Field of science, such as biology, that studies living things.

macromolecule

Large molecule, typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules.

materials and methods

Section of a scientific paper that includes a complete description of the substances, methods, and techniques that the researchers used to gather data.

microbiology

Study of the structure and function of microorganisms.

molecular biology

Study of biological processes and their regulation at the molecular level, including interactions among molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.

molecule

Chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds.

natural science

Field of science related to the physical world and its phenomena and processes.

neurobiology

Study of the biology of the nervous system.

organ

Collection of related tissues grouped together performing a common function.

organ system

Level of organization that consists of functionally related interacting organs.

organelle

Small structures that exist within cells and carry out cellular functions.

organism

Individual living entity.

paleontology

Study of life’s history by means of fossils.

peer-reviewed manuscript

Scientific paper that a scientist’s colleagues review who are experts in the field of study.

phylogenetic tree

Diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in genetic or physical traits or both.

physical science

Field of science, such as geology, astronomy, physics, and chemistry, that studies nonliving matter.

plagiarism

Using other people’s work or ideas without proper citation, creating the false impression that those are the author’s original ideas.

population

All of the individuals of a species living within a specific area.

prokaryote

Single-celled organism that lacks organelles and does not have nuclei surrounded by a nuclear membrane.

results

Section of a scientific paper in which the author narrates the experimental findings and presents relevant figures, pictures, diagrams, graphs, and tables without any further interpretation.

review article

Paper that summarizes and comments on findings that were published as primary literature.

science

Knowledge that covers general truths or the operation of general laws, especially when acquired and tested by the scientific method.

scientific method

Method of research with defined steps that include observation, formulation of a hypothesis, testing, and confirming or falsifying the hypothesis.

theory

Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena.

tissue

Group of similar cells carrying out related functions.

variable

Part of an experiment that the experimenter can vary or change.

zoology

Study of animals.