Unit 1: Nature of Science / Exploring Science

Scientific Process (Method)

The process scientists go through to discover, learn, or test things, consisting of: Question, Hypothesis, Experiment/Test, Analyze/data, and Draw Conclusion.

Hypothesis

A testable educated best guess, explanation, or prediction of the answer to the question.

Theories

Scientific explanations that explain the why behind the laws, supported by lots of evidence.

Scientific Laws

Descriptions of observable phenomena that describe what you can observe or see around you.

Cell Theory

A core biological theory stating that cells make up all life, cells are the basic units of life, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-cellular cells that lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cells

Multicellular cells that contain a membrane-enclosed nucleus housing the cell's DNA along with other organelles.

Characteristics of Life

The shared traits of living organisms: Order (organized DNA), Evolve (change), Respond, Process energy (photosynthesis/cellular respiration), Grow (baby to adult), and Reproduce (asexual/sexual).

Hierarchy of Life

The organizational levels of life from largest to smallest: Biosphere, Ecosystems/Biomes, Communities, Populations, Organisms, Organ Systems, Organs, Tissue, Cells, Molecules, and Atoms.

Classification of Life

The hierarchical levels of biological classification from broadest to most specific: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Domains of Life

The top level of biological classification consisting of Archaea (Prokaryotic), Bacteria (Prokaryotic), and Eukarya (Eukaryotic).

Kingdoms of Life

Major biological kingdoms including Archaea Bacteria, Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.

Scientific Name

A two-part designation given as Genus — Species, which is underlined when handwritten and italicized when typed (e.g., Homo sapiens or Panthera tigris).

Dichotomous Keys

A step by step scientific tool used to identify and classify unknown organisms, objects, or materials based on their observable traits.

Domain Archaea

A major domain of single-celled prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus and are often found in extreme environments.

Domain Bacteria

A major domain of single-celled prokaryotic organisms that lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus.

Domain Eukarya

A major domain comprising all organisms made up of eukaryotic cells containing a membrane-bound nucleus.

Kingdom Archaea Bacteria

A kingdom of single-celled prokaryotes under Domain Archaea.

Kingdom Bacteria

A kingdom of single-celled prokaryotic organisms belonging to Domain Bacteria.

Kingdom Protista

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms within Domain Eukarya that are mostly single-celled and distinct from plants, animals, and fungi.

Kingdom Fungi

A kingdom within Domain Eukarya composed of eukaryotic heterotrophs such as mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.

Kingdom Plantae

A kingdom within Domain Eukarya consisting of multicellular eukaryotic organisms that generate energy through photosynthesis.

Kingdom Animalia

A kingdom within Domain Eukarya comprising multicellular eukaryotic organisms that ingest other organisms for energy.