Process of Science and Levels of Biological Organization (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on the process of science, characteristics of living organisms, and levels of biological organization.

Cell

The basic unit of life; all living things are made up of one or more cells; cells contain proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Genetic information

Information stored in DNA that enables organisms to pass genetic material to their progeny.

Reproduction

The process by which living things produce offspring.

Metabolism

The set of chemical processes that extract energy from nutrients and transform it to perform work, sustaining life and growth.

Response to stimuli

The ability of living things to respond to their surroundings.

Homeostasis

Regulation of internal conditions (e.g., maintaining a stable internal temperature).

Evolution

Change in the genetic makeup of populations over time, leading to adaptation.

Levels of biological organization

Hierarchy from atoms to biosphere (e.g., atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere).

Atom

The fundamental unit of matter; the smallest unit of an element.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Organelle

Structures within a cell that perform specific functions (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts).

Tissue

Group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of different tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform broader functions.

Organism

A living being composed of multiple organ systems.

Population

All individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Community

All populations of plants, animals, and microorganisms that live and interact within a specific area.

Ecosystem

A community plus its nonliving environment (air, water, soil, etc.).

Biosphere

All living things on Earth and their physical environment.

Observation

Careful noticing and description of events used to prompt questions.

Question (Query)

A question derived from observations that guides investigation.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation or educated guess that can be tested; must be tested through experimentation.

Prediction

A statement of the expected outcome if the hypothesis is true; often uses if–then.

Guess

A simple, uneducated assumption with little or no supporting evidence.

Experimentation

Testing a hypothesis through controlled experiments.

Inference

Drawing conclusions from experimental results.

Theory

A well-supported body of facts and principles used to make predictions; may develop after repeated verification of related hypotheses (e.g., evolution).

Proof in science

Evidence cannot prove a hypothesis right; it can only support or refute it, and alternative explanations may exist.

Independent variable

The factor deliberately changed or manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The factor you are measuring in an experiment.

Control variable

Variables kept constant between the control and experimental groups.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment; serves as a baseline for comparison.

Experimental group

The group that receives the treatment or condition being tested.

Confounding variable

A variable not controlled or considered that could influence the results.

Sample size

The number of observations or subjects in a study; larger samples yield more reliable data.

Comparative experiment

An experiment that compares differences and similarities between samples or groups, often with fewer controlled variables.

Controlled experiment

An experiment in which variables are controlled and a control group is used for baseline comparison.

Growth and development

Growth is an increase in size; development refers to progression through life stages.