Chapter 1 Intro Vocab Flashcards
Biology
The scientific study of life
Adaptation
Inherited characteristic of an organism that enhances its survival and reproduction in a specific environment
Gene
A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence in DNA
DNA
Nucleic acid molecule, usually double helix, polynucleotide strand consist of nucleotide monomers ACGT
Homeostasis
The steadystate physiological condition of the body
Metabolism
The totality of an organism’s chemical reactions, consisting of catabolic and anabolic pathways, which manage the material and energy resources of the organism
Molecule
Two or more atoms held together by covalent bonds
Organelle
Any of several membrane-enclosed structures with specialized functions, suspended in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells
Cell
he smallest structural and functional unit of an organism
Tissue
Collection of specialized cells and cell products in special function
Organ
combination of tissues that perform complex functions
Organ system
A group of organs that work together to perform vital body function
Population
A group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area and interbreed, producing fertile offsprings
Community
Al the organisms that inhabit a particular area; populations of different species living close enough together for potential interaction
ecosystem
All the organisms in a given are as well as the abiotic factors with which they interact; one or more communities and the environment around them
Biosphere
The entire portion of Earth inhabited by life; the sum of all the planet’s ecosystems
Genome
The genetic material of an organism or virus; the complete complement of an organism’s or virus’s genes along with its noncoding nucleic acid sequence
Natural Selection
a process in which individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits
Science
An approach to understanding the natural world
Scientific Method
Control Group
In a controlled experiment, a set of subjects that lacks the specific factors being tested. Ideally, the control group should be identical to the experimental group in other respects
Controlled Variables
Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant
Hypothesis
A testable explanation for a set of observations based on the available data and guided by inductive reasoning. Narrower in scope than theory
Theory
An explanation that is broader in scope than a hypothesis, generates new hypotheses, and is supported by a large body of evidence
