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