Chapter 1 Biology Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential biology terms from Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology.

abstract

A brief summary of a research article or paper.

applied science

Science that uses knowledge to solve practical problems.

atom

The basic unit of matter; the smallest unit of an element that retains its properties.

basic science

Science aimed at expanding knowledge without immediate practical application.

biochemistry

The study of chemical processes within living organisms.

biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms and their interactions.

biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.

botany

The study of plants.

cell

The basic unit of life; the smallest unit capable of carrying out all life processes.

community

A group of interacting populations living in the same area.

conclusion

The final section of a scientific report summarizing results and implications.

control

In experiments, the standard for comparison that does not receive the treatment.

deductive reasoning

Reasoning from general principles to specific outcomes.

descriptive science

Science that describes phenomena rather than explains underlying mechanisms.

discussion

Section in a scientific paper interpreting results and their significance.

ecosystem

A biological community and its physical environment interacting as a system.

eukaryote

An organism with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

evolution

Change in allele frequencies in populations over generations, leading to biodiversity.

falsifiable

Capable of being disproven by evidence.

homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions despite external changes.

hypothesis

A testable explanation or educated guess about a phenomenon.

hypothesis-based science

Science where testing a hypothesis guides the design of experiments.

inductive reasoning

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions.

introduction

Opening section of a paper providing background and purpose.

life science

Branch of science dealing with living organisms and life processes.

macromolecule

A very large biological molecule such as a protein, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, or lipid.

materials and methods

Section detailing how experiments were conducted.

microbiology

Study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

molecular biology

Study of biological activity at the molecular level, especially DNA, RNA, and proteins.

molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

natural science

Sciences that study natural phenomena, including physics, chemistry, and biology.

neurobiology

Study of the nervous system and its functions.

organ

A tissue-structured unit performing a specific function.

organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform major functions.

organelle

A membrane-bound structure within a cell with a specific function.

organism

An individual living being; a unit of life.

paleontology

The science dealing with fossils and ancient life.

peer-reviewed manuscript

A research article evaluated by experts before publication.

phylogenetic tree

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species.

physical science

Sciences dealing with non-living matter and energy, mainly physics and chemistry.

plagiarism

Using others’ work or ideas without attribution.

population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a defined area.

prokaryote

An organism lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

results

The data and observations obtained from experiments.

review article

An article that summarizes current knowledge on a topic.

science

Systematic pursuit of knowledge about the natural world.

scientific method

A systematic process of inquiry with defined steps (e.g., observe, hypothesize, test, analyze).

serendipity

Unexpected, beneficial discoveries that occur by chance.

theory

A well-supported explanation of a natural phenomenon backed by a body of evidence.

tissue

A group of similar cells performing a common function.

variable

A factor that can change in an experiment.

zoology

The study of animals.