ASVAB - General Science

Kingdom

First and largest category used to classify organisms

Phylum

Second largest category. Divided by general characteristics

Class

Group of similar orders

Order

Group of similar families

Family

Group of genera that share many characteristics

Genus

A group of similar species

Species

Most specific category, similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring

Animals

Many-celled organisms that don't have cell walls, chlorophyll, or capacity to photosynthesize.

Plants

Organisms that can't move, don't have nervous or sensory systems, and possess cell walls made of cellulose.

Fungi

Don't photosynthesize, but do have cell walls made of a carbohydrate called chitlin.

Protists

One-celled organisms that do have a nucleus (protozoan).

Eubacteria

Single-celled organisms that don't have distinct nuclei or organelles.

Central nervous system

Brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Responds to physical stimuli.

Circulatory system (Cardiovascular system)

Heart, blood, and blood vessels. Delivers blood from the heart to the

rest of the body and returns to heart.

Digestive system

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus. Breaks down food into smaller substances that the body can absorb and process into energy and eliminates the resulting waste

Muscular system

Smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscles. Allows organs to contract and allows body movement.

Skeletal system

Bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage. Supports body's muscles and organs. Allows bones and joints to move.

Respiratory system

Nose, nasal cavity, trachea, lungs, and blood. Brings oxygen into the body. Gets rid of carbon dioxide.

Nucleus

Brains behind the cell, and it holds the cell's genetic material, such as DNA.

Cytoplasm

Contains many chemicals that carry out the life processes in the cell.

Cell membrane

Thin barrier around a cell; regulates what enters and leaves the cell

Plant cells vs Animal cells

Plant cells have a cell wall, animal cells do not. Plant cells have larger vacuoles, animal cells' are smaller. Plant cells contain chloroplasts, animal cells do not. Plant cells do not have centrioles and lysosomes.

Atom

Smallest part of an element that still retains the characteristics of that element

Atom nucleus

Contains protons and neutrons

Atomic number

Number of protons

Mercury moons

0

Venus moons

0

Earth moons

1

Mars moons

2

Jupiter moons

63

Saturn moons

61

Uranus moons

27

Neptune moons

13

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere.

0 to 5-9 miles.

Stratosphere

2nd layer of atmosphere; extends from 9 to 31 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation; temperature increases with altitude increase.

Mesosphere

31 to 53 miles. Most meteors burn up here.

Thermosphere

The uppermost layer of the atmosphere. 53 to 373 miles. ISS has a stable orbit here.

Exosphere

373 to 6,200 miles. Merges with outer space.

Scientific name

genus + species

Scientific method

1. Observe

2. Ask question

3. Develop hypothesis

4. Make prediction

5. Experiment

6. Use results to create new hypothesis

Endocrine system

Communicates through hormones

Lymphatic and immune system

Lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and lymph. Rids the body of waste and fights infections

Exocrine system

Skin, hair, nails, and glands. Protects body from damage.

Reproductive system

Production of offspring

Carbs

Main source of energy

Fats

Secondary energy source when carbs are limited or when needing long-term energy

Fiber

Get rid of waste

Minerals

Iron for red blood cells, calcium to keep bones strong, and potassium to regulate electrical activity.

Protein

Needed by the body for growth and repair

Vitamins

Regulates blood clotting, processing food, and regulating hormones

Water

Universal solvent for cells