Chapter 1: The Nature of Science

Vocabulary flashcards covering core scientific concepts, the scientific method, the Tahitian snail case study, and the levels of the biological hierarchy.

Science

A body of knowledge (data) about the natural world that deals with aspects that can be detected, observed, and measured, based on evidence confirmed through observations and/or experiments.

Scientific method

The core practices and process that produce scientific knowledge, beginning with gathering observations and forming a hypothesis.

Observation

A description, measurement, or record of any object or phenomenon.

Hypothesis

An informed, logical, and plausible explanation for observations of the natural world that must be testable and refutable.

Prediction

A testable "if…then" statement generated from a hypothesis that can be clearly determined to be true or false.

Experiment

A repeatable, controlled manipulation of one or more variables or aspects of the natural world to test a hypothesis.

Analytical observational study

A scientific study in which data is collected and tracked without manipulating variables to look for patterns and address how or why they exist.

Scientific fact

A direct and repeatable observation of the natural world.

Atom

The fundamental building block of all matter, representing the foundational level of the biological hierarchy.

Molecule

A chemical structure formed when two or more atoms are held together by strong chemical bonds.

Cell

The basic unit of life, composed of molecules, that forms the structure of all single-celled and multicellular organisms.

Tissue

A group of specialized cells in a multicellular organism that performs a unique set of tasks in the body.

Organ

A body part composed of different types of tissues functioning together in a coordinated manner.

Organ system

A network of organs in animals that works together to perform a wide range of body functions.

Population

A group of individuals belonging to the same species living and interacting in a shared environment.

Ecological community

Populations of different species that live and interact with one another in a specific place.

Ecosystem

A particular physical environment combined with all the biological communities living within it.

Biome

A large region of the world defined by shared physical characteristics, especially climate, and a distinctive community of organisms.

Biosphere

The global system encompassing all of the world's living organisms and the physical locations where they live.