Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology - Themes, Concepts, and the Process of Science

Vocabulary flashcards based on Chapter 1 of Introduction to Biology, covering the properties of life, levels of organization, unifying themes, and scientific methods.

Order

A property of life characterized by complex organization, with the cell serving as the smallest living unit.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Evolutionary Adaptation

A property of life resulting in organisms that are suited to their environment and successful in passing traits to offspring.

Atom

The basic unit of matter that makes up elements, composed of neutrons, protons, and electrons.

Molecule

A chemical structure consisting of two or more atoms bound together.

Organelle

A specialized structure that performs specific functions within a cell.

Cell

The fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Tissue

A collection of interconnected cells that perform a similar function within an organism.

Organ

A group of tissues that perform a specific function or group of functions within an organism.

Organ System

A group of functionally-related organs that work together to perform body functions.

Organism

An individual living system.

Population

All of the organisms of a single species living within a specified area.

Community

All of the living organisms belonging to various species in a specified area.

Ecosystem

A biological community together with its non-living, physical environment.

Biosphere

The portion of the Earth's atmosphere and surface that supports life.

Evolutionary Conservation

The biological unity shared by all organisms, including cell structure, genetic coding via DNA (A, T, C, G), usage of 20 amino acids, matter and energy exchange, and ATP usage.

Evolutionary Change

The biological diversity that accounts for differences in cellular complexity, unique DNA sequences, and an estimated $10\text{--}100\text{ million}$ species.

Domain Bacteria

A domain of life comprising single-celled prokaryotic microbes that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Domain Archaea

A domain of life comprising single-celled prokaryotic microbes without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, distinct from Bacteria.

Domain Eukarya

A domain of life containing organisms with nucleated cells, encompassing protists, plants, fungi, and animals.

Carl Woese

The microbiologist who constructed the phylogenetic tree of life using genetic relationships to divide organisms into three domains.

Skeptical Thinking

A logical approach designed to minimize the chance of incorrectly accepting a false claim through accurate data analysis, relevance of facts, and Ockham's Razor.

Ockham's Razor

Also known as the Principle of Parsimony; the rule stating that if something can be explained simply and in a familiar way, exotic explanations should be avoided.

Discovery Science

A form of scientific inquiry aimed at describing natural structures and processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and data analysis.

Hypothesis-Based Science

A form of scientific inquiry that seeks natural causes and explanations for observations gathered in discovery science.

Qualitative Data

Recorded observations in the form of descriptions, such as photographs, videos, or written notes.

Quantitative Data

Recorded observations expressed as numerical measurements.

Inductive Reasoning

The logical process of deriving broad generalizations based on a large number of specific observations.

Hypothesis

A tentative answer to a well-framed question that must be both testable and falsifiable.

Deductive Reasoning

The logical process where a general observation or premise leads to a specific conclusion.

Scientific Theory

A comprehensive explanation that has not been disproved after years of rigorous testing and is used to interpret a wide variety of data and observations.

Independent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is deliberately manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is measured to observe the effect of the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Experimental factors that are kept identical across test groups to ensure a fair test.