Characteristics of Life and Scientific Method Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing experimental design variables, living characteristics, forms of reproduction, and biological organization based on the lecture notes.

Independent Variable

The variable that can be changed during an experiment; the variable that the scientist chooses to change.

Dependent Variable

The factor that is being measured in an experiment; may change because of the independent variable.

Constant

The variable that stays the same during an experiment; controlled by the scientist; not allowed to change.

Hypothesis

A possible answer to the problem or question (If…(IV)…then…(DV)…).

Quantitative Data

Uses numbers.

Qualitative Data

Uses description.

Organism

Any living thing that carries out all the characteristics of life.

Reproduction

The necessary act for a species to continue.

Sexual Reproduction

Two cells from different parents of the same species unite to produce the first cell of a new organism.

Asexual Reproduction

Only one parent and all offspring are genetically identical.

Stimulus

A signal to which an organism reacts to.

Internal Stimuli

Comes from within, such as blood sugar level or feeling thirsty.

External Stimuli

Happens on the outside like tempature and light.

Response

A reaction to a stimulus.

Evolution

A gradual change in a species through adaptations over time.

Scientific Method

The series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

Variable

A part of an investigation that can be changed.

Control

The standard for comparison.

Theory

An explination of a natural phenomenon that is supported by a large body of scientific evidence obtained by many different investigations and observations.

Homeostasis

An organisms ability to maintain and regulate its internal environment.

Multicellular Organism

Composed of multiple cells working together to carry out the functions of life (Ex: humans, animals, plants…).

Unicellular Organism

Composed of a single cell that carries out all of the functions of life (ex: amoeba).

Growth

Increase in the size of the organism and the number of cells.

Development

A change in shape or form.

Adaptation

An inherited structure, behavior, or internal process that enables an organism to respond to environmental factors.

Binary Fission

An example of asexual reproduction in bacteria where it multiplies its dna and elongates itself and separates to make two cells identical to itself.

Budding

An example of asexual reproduction in hydra where a piece grows off like a plant and eventually pinches off and goes to find somewhere to live and continue the cycle.

Regeneration

An example of asexual reproduction in sea stars when a body part grows back as long as the nerve ring is intact.

Once Living

Must have been alive at one time and it no longer has any of the 5 characteristics of living things.

Non-living

Must not have all of the 5 characteristics of living things, or was once living or dead and has been processed (e.g., paper, leather shoes/clothing, apple juice).

Potential for Life

Could have all the characteristics of a living thing if placed under the right conditions (Ex: Eggs, Seeds, Nuts).

Levels of Organization of Living Things

The five levels of organization: 1. Cells (red blood cells), 2. Tissue (muscle), 3. Organ (heart), 4. Organ system (digestive system), 5. Organism (animals).