Characteristics of Life and Scientific Method

Stimuli

Changes in the environment that provoke a response from an organism.

Response

The reaction of an organism to a stimulus, which can involve movement, growth, or other changes in behavior.

Growth

The process in which organisms increase size or mass.

Development

The process in which an organism changes certain functions.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, essential for growth and repair in organisms.

Miosis

The process in which a signel cell divides into two haploid daughter cells also known as gametes.

Asexual reproduction

The process in which a single organism splits into two genetically identical offspring. Usually occurs in single celled organisms.

Sexual reproduction

The process in which two organisms produce a genetically unique offspring. Involves the fusion of male and female gametes.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. Required for most biological processes to function effectively.

Evolution / Adaptation

The process through which populations of organisms change over generations through variations and natural selection, leading to the development of new species.

Natural selection

The mechanism by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.

Metabolism

The process in which organisms obtain or use energy either threw anabolism or catabolism.

Anabolisms

Anabolism (reverse of catabolism) is when an organism makes complex molecules from simple ones like a plant converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose through photosynthesis.

Catabolism

Catabolism (reverse of anabolism) is when an organism makes simple molecules from complex ones like a wolf eating a rabbit.

Autotrophs (Producers)

Organisms that use energy from sunlight or chemicals to make their own food (example: Plants)

Heterotrophs (Consumers)

Organisms that get energy by consuming other organisms (example: Animals)

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate: Chemical energy (from cellular respiration) which is used to carry out all life processes.

Observe

Step #1 of the scientific method: The process of gathering information.

Hypothesize

Step #2 of the scientific method where a testable prediction is made based on observations. Usually follows the If _, Then structure

Experiment

Step #3 of the scientific method where variables are tested to support or disprove the hypothesis.

Conclude

Step #4 of the scientific method where results are analyzed and a determination is made regarding the hypothesis based on the experimental data.

Depend Variable

The variable in an experiment that is measured.

Independent Variable

The variable in a experiment that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Control

A standard non changed blank sleet in a experiment to compare with the results of the experimental group.