Biology Concepts and Investigations: Chapter 1

organism

a single living individual

organ

a structure consisting of tissues organized to interact and carry out specific functions (multicellular life only)

scientific method

a systematic approach to understanding the natural world based on evidence and testable hypothesis

experiment

a test of a hypothesis under controlled conditions

hypothesis

a testable, tentative explanation based on prior knowledge

community

all populations that occupy the same region

variable

any changeable element in an experiment

standardized variable

any factor held constant for all subjects in an experiment

reproduction, growth, & development (life)

reproduces and makes individuals similar to themselves; grow and develop over time

dependent variable

response that may be under the influence of an independent variable

predictions

say a specified thing will happen in the future

cell

the fundamental unit of life

biosphere

the global ecosystem; the parts of the planet and its atmosphere where life is possible

statistically significant

unlikely to be attributed to chance

control

untreated group used as a basis for comparison with a treated group in an experiment

theory

well-supported scientific explanation

evolution (life)

not into completely new creatures, but adapted versions of itself

sample size

number of subjects in each experimental group

Give examples of questions that you cannot answer using the scientific method.

-values -beauty -morals -honor -freedom -love -purpose

steps of scientific method

1. Observations and questions 2. Hypothesis and prediction 3. Data collection 4. Analysis and peer review

five characteristics of life

1. Organization 2. Energy use 3. Maintenance of internal constancy 4. Reproduction, growth, & development 5. Evolution

Why is a cell, and not an atom or a molecule, considered the basic unit of life?

A cell is the basic unit of life because it is applicable to the five characteristics of life, while atoms and molecules are not.

How does a home's air conditioning system illustrate homeostasis?

Whether the air conditioning or heat is on, a house will maintain its set temperature.

tissue

a collection of specialized cells that function in a coordinated fashion (multicellular life only)

species

a distinct type of organism

molecules

a group of joined atoms

population

a group of the same species of organism living in the same place and time

organelle

a membrane-bounded structure that has a specific function within a cell

domain

broadest (most inclusive) taxonomic category

evolution

descent with modification; change in allele frequencies in a population over time

natural selection

differential reproduction of organisms based on inherited traits

peer review

evaluation of scientific results by experts before publication in a journal

asexual reproduction

form of reproduction in which offspring arise from only one parent

independent variable

hypothesized influence on a dependent variable

placebo

inert substance used as an experimental control

adaptation

inherited trait that permits an organism to survive and reproduce

decomposers

organisms that consume wastes and dead organic matter, returning inorganic nutrients to the ecosystem

producers (autotrophs)

organisms that use inorganic sources of energy and carbon

consumers (heterotrophs)

organisms that use organic sources of energy and carbon

organ system

organs connected physically or chemically that function together (multicellular life only)

organization (life)

parts organize to make a functioning pattern

technology

practical application of scientific knowledge

emergent property

quality that results from interactions of a system's components

energy use (life)

reactions called metabolism allow organs to acquire and use energy

kingdoms

taxonomic category below domain

genus

taxonomic category that groups closely related species

homeostasis

the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment

sexual reproduction

the combination of genetic material from two individuals to create a third individual

maintenance of internal constancy (life)

the conditions inside the cells have to stay in a constant range

ecosystem

the living and nonliving components of an area

taxonomy

the science of describing, naming, and classifying organisms

atoms

the smallest chemical unit of a type of pure substance (element)