BIOL1113 Introductory Biology - Vocabulary Flashcards

30 vocabulary flashcards covering life, the scientific method, data interpretation, experimental design, graphs, hypotheses, and science vs pseudoscience.

Life

A system that is organized, uses energy, maintains internal homeostasis, reproduces/grows/develops, and evolves.

The Scientific Method

A standard, interrelated sequence of steps for scientific inquiry: observations, hypothesis, predictions, experiments, data analysis, conclusions, and publication.

Observation

Noticing and recording information using the senses or instruments; the starting point for questions.

Question

A query that arises from observations and guides hypothesis formation.

Hypothesis

A tentative, testable explanation for observations that can be tested by experiments.

Prediction

A testable statement derived from a hypothesis describing expected results under certain conditions.

Data

Evidence collected from experiments or observations used to evaluate a hypothesis.

Conclusions

Inferences drawn from data about whether the hypothesis is supported or falsified.

Publish and review

Submitting a manuscript to a peer‑reviewed journal where experts evaluate the work before publication.

Observational Research (Discovery science)

Research that studies natural phenomena by observing without manipulating variables.

Controlled experiments

Experiments that manipulate an independent variable while keeping other factors constant to test effects.

Independent variable

The variable deliberately changed or tested in an experiment; typically plotted on the x-axis.

Dependent variable

The variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable; typically plotted on the y-axis.

Standardized variable

A variable kept constant across all subjects to prevent confounding results.

Control group

Baseline group used for comparison that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Experimental group

Group that receives the treatment or manipulation being tested.

Replicates

Multiple units or individuals in the same treatment to account for natural variation and represent a population.

Figure/Graph

A visual summary of data used to identify patterns, test predictions, and illustrate results.

Bar graph

A graph type where the independent variable has discrete treatments; shows means/medians with variation.

Regression

A statistical method that assesses the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable, often with a trend line.

Independent variable on x-axis

The manipulated variable, located on the horizontal axis of a graph.

Dependent variable on y-axis

The measured variable, located on the vertical axis of a graph.

Null hypothesis

A statement that there is no effect or relationship between the tested variables.

Alternative hypothesis

A statement that there is an effect or relationship between the tested variables.

Pseudoscience

Claims or practices that resemble science but are not testable or not supported by reliable evidence; not open to criticism or revision.

Science

A systematic, evidence-based pursuit of knowledge that is testable, falsifiable, and open to revision.

Dowsing

A classic pseudoscientific practice using rods to locate water; not supported by rigorous trials and no better than chance.

Cryptozoology

The study of animals (often legendary or unverified) to evaluate their existence; often considered outside mainstream science.

Virus

An infectious microbe consisting of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat; cannot replicate without a host cell.

Ant caste types

Ant colony worker/male roles and sizes, including minor, medium, major, and male castes.