Biology Chapter 1 vocab terms

hypothesis

explanation for a question or a problem that can be formally tested

theory

explanation of natural phenomenon and supported by a large body of scientific evidence obtained from many different investigations and observations

independent variable

in an experiment, the condition that is tested because it affects the outcome of the experiment

dependent variable

in an experiment, the condition that results from changes in the independent variable

control

in an experiment, the standard against which results are compared

data

information obtained from experiments, some times called experimental results

organization

orderly structure of cells in an organism; a characteristic of all living things

experiment

procedure that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions

scientific method

procedures that biologists and other scientists use to gather information and answer questions: include observing and hypothesizing, experimenting, and gathering and interpreting results

homeostasis

regulation of an organism's internal environment to maintain conditions suitable for its survival

growth

results in an increase in the amount of living material and the formation of new structures

organism

anything that possesses all of the characteristics of life

technology

application of scientific research to society's needs and problems

species

a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature

response

a reaction to a stimulus

development

all the changes that take place during the life of an organism

adapatation

any inherited structure, behavior, or internal process that enables and organism to respond to environmental factors and live to produce offspring

stimulus

anything in an organism's

safety symbol

symbol that warns you about danger that may consist of chemicals, electricity, heat, or experimental procedures

energy

the ability to cause change

environment

the air, water, weather, temperature, any other organisms in the area and many other factors

evolution

the gradual change in species through adaptations over time

ethics

the moral principles and values held by humans

reproduction

the production of offspring

biology

the study of life