Biology Stage 6 NSW Syllabus – Key Vocabulary (Glossary and Concepts)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Biology Stage 6 NSW Syllabus, including glossary terms and core concepts used throughout the syllabus content.

abiotic

The non-living components of the environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

The diverse cultures and histories of Australia’s Indigenous peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

allele

A variant form of a gene.

biota (biotic)

All the living organisms in a particular region.

conclusion

A judgment based on the analysis of evidence.

controlled variable

A variable that is kept constant during an investigation.

dependent variable

The variable that changes in response to the independent variable.

digital technologies

Systems that handle digital data, including hardware and software.

environment

All surroundings, both living and non-living.

gene pool

The total collection of genes in an interbreeding population.

hypothesis

A tentative explanation or educated guess that can be tested.

independent variable

The variable deliberately changed to test its effect on the dependent variable.

Indigenous cultural and intellectual property

Resources and knowledge belonging to Indigenous groups, including cultural expressions and knowledge.

investigation

A scientific process to answer a question, including planning, data collection, analysis, and communication.

microevolution

A small-scale genetic change in a population over a short period.

model

A representation used to describe, explain or predict how a system works.

niche

The role or position of a species within its environment, including its adaptations and interactions.

Place

A space with boundaries that may have cultural and spiritual significance for Torres Strait Islander communities.

plan

A course of action or design for an investigation or experiment.

practical investigation

Hands-on investigations (lab work or fieldwork) that generate primary data.

primary sources/primary data

Original data or information created by those involved in a study.

protocol

Agreed methods of behaving, communicating and conducting research, including community protocols.

reliability

The extent to which results are consistent across repeated measurements or trials.

secondary-sourced investigation

Investigations based on data and information collected from sources other than the researcher.

symbiosis

Close ecological association between two different organisms, which can be mutualistic, commensal or parasitic.

technology

Human-made tools, devices, and systems that solve problems or meet needs.

theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can be tested and refined.

translation

The process by which the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide.

validity

The extent to which a test or measurement actually measures what it intends to measure.

variable

A factor that can be changed, controlled, or measured in an investigation.

vector

An organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another.

Working Scientifically

The set of processes used in scientific investigations (e.g., questioning, planning, conducting, processing, analysing, solving problems, communicating).

Depth Studies

Investigations that provide depth of understanding; require a minimum set of Working Scientifically skills and time commitments.

Inquiry question

A guiding question used to frame a module or investigation.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in all its forms, levels, and interactions within an ecosystem.

Ecosystem Dynamics

The study of how ecosystems change over time and how organisms interact within them.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Negative feedback loop

A control mechanism that reduces the original stimulus to restore balance.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that carries genetic information in most organisms.

inheritance

The transmission of genetic traits from parents to offspring.

mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can create genetic variation.

meiosis

Cell division that produces haploid gametes and increases genetic variation.

mitosis

Cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid cells.

polypeptide synthesis

The process of assembling amino acids into proteins via transcription and translation.

genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

phenotype

The observable traits of an organism resulting from the interaction of genotype with the environment.

diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

osmosis

Diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

enzyme

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions.

cell membrane

The phospholipid bilayer that encloses a cell and regulates entry and exit of substances.