College Physics - Introduction to Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from an introductory biology lecture, including the scientific method, properties of life, levels of organization, and famous scientists.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Evolution

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Organism

An individual living entity.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a relatively stable internal environment in response to changing external conditions.

Adaptation

Inherited characteristics that increase an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Sensitivity/Response to Stimuli

The ability of an organism to respond to changes in its environment.

Growth and Development

The process of an organism changing over time, according to the instructions in their genes.

Energy Processing

The use of chemical energy from food or conversion of energy from the sun.

Atom

The smallest, most fundamental unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Molecule

At least two atoms held together by a chemical bond.

Organelle

A small structure within a cell that performs a specialized function.

Tissue

A group of similar cells carrying out the same function.

Organ

Collections of tissues grouped together based on a common function.

Organ System

Functionally related organs.

Population

All of the individuals of a species living within a specific area.

Community

The set of populations inhabiting a particular area.

Ecosystem

All the living things in a particular area together with the non-living parts of that environment.

Biosphere

The collection of all ecosystems.

Scientific Method

A method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

Hypothesis

A suggested explanation for an event that can be tested.

Scientific Theory

Thoroughly tested and confirmed explanations for a set of observations or phenomena.

Scientific Law

Often expressed in mathematical formulas, describing how elements of nature will behave under certain specific conditions.

Falsifiable

The capacity for a statement, theory or hypothesis to be proven wrong.

Control

A part of the experiment that does not change.

Variable

A part of the experiment that can change during the experiment.