Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to evolution, biological themes, and scientific inquiry as outlined in the lecture notes.

Natural Selection

The process through which species adapt to their environments over time, leading to evolution.

Emergent Properties

Novel properties that emerge at each level of biological organization, not present at lower levels.

Reductionism

An approach in biology that reduces complex systems to simpler components for easier study.

Genomics

The study of sets of genes in one or more species, which provides insights into their functions and relationships.

Theory of Evolution

A scientific explanation for the unity and diversity of organisms, primarily articulated by Charles Darwin.

Feedback Regulation

The process by which the output or product of a process regulates that very process, common in biological systems.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world, encompassing species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have membrane-enclosed organelles and a nucleus, found in organisms such as plants and animals.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler cells lacking a nucleus and membrane-enclosed organelles, found in bacteria and archaea.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in food.

Energy Flow

The one-way flow of energy through an ecosystem, typically from sunlight to producers to consumers.

Chemical Cycling

The recycling of chemical elements within an ecosystem, as materials are used and returned to the environment.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction based on observations, used as a starting point for scientific inquiry.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to investigate natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis.

Peer Review

A process in scientific research where other experts evaluate and validate the research findings before publication.

Ecosystem

A biological community interacting with its physical environment, including all living and nonliving components.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.