Chapter 1: The Study of Life

The study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environment.

The process of acquiring knowledge about general truths or the operation of general laws.

A suggested explanation for an event, which can be tested.

a tested and confirmed explanation that fits all of the observations or phenomena in a given field of study.

Posing questions about a subject and seeking verifiable responses.

Make an observation, ask a question, form a hypothesis that answers the question, make a prediction based on the hypothesis, do an experiment to test the results, analyze the results. If hypothesis is correct, report results. If hypothesis is incorrect, form another hypothesis and try again.

able to be disproven by experimental results.

any part of an experiment that can vary or change during the experiment.

a variable that remains constant in all parts of an experiment

A variable that is changed during the course of an experiment

A variable that may or may not be influenced by an independent variable, depending on the outcome of an experiment.

A variable that may or may not influence a dependent variable, depending on the outcome of an experiment.

Scientific papers that are reviewed by a scientist's colleagues, or peers.

order, sensitivity or response to environment, reproduction, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, energy processing, adaptation, and evolution.

Organisms are highly organized, coordinated structures that consist of one or more cells.

Organisms respond to diverse stimuli. Movement towards a stimulus is considered a positive response. Movement away from a stimulus is considered a negative response.

The process by which an organism or species produces new individuals, to ensure a continuation of its DNA.

The process/processes by which an organism experiences cellular growth and thrives according to specific instructions coded in it's genes.

The process by which mechanism in an organism coordinate internal functions, respond to stimuli, and cope with environmental stress.

"Steady state," the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions, including temperature, ph, and concentration of diverse chemicals.

The process by which organisms utilize energy to fuel metabolic activities. Energy can be sourced from food or sunlight, depending on the nature of the organism.

The ability of an organism to change in response to it's environment.

The process by which a species changes over time in order to adapt to its environment, ultimately leading to new species. Manifested by random genetic mutations that may or may not give an organism an advantage within it's environment. If the mutation is advantages, the organism is more likely to survive, and pass the mutation on to its offspring.

Atoms, molecules, macromolecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, the biosphere.

The smallest and most fundamental unit of matter. Consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

A chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds.

Large molecules that are typically formed from repeating units. DNA is an example.

Small structures that exist within cells, surrounded by membranes.

The smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. Some organisms consist of a single cell, others are multicellular.

Groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions.

Collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function.

A group of organs that are functionally related.

An individual living entity.

All the individuals of a species living within a specific area.

The sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. Can include various species.

All the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil and rain water.

The collection of all ecosystems on earth, including the land, water, and atmosphere.

Single celled or colonial organisms that do not have membrane bound nuclei.

Any organism containing cells that have membrane bound organelles and a distinct, membrane bound nucleus.

All living things are made of cells. Cells are the basic unit of life. Cells come from pre-existing cells. All cells have the same basic structure of a gel-like cytoplasm enclosed by a double layer of lipid molecules called the plasma membrane. All cells contain DNA as the genetic material.

Chromosomes carry the genetic material.

Since not all members of a species can survive, the ones that are most fit will survive and reproduce at a higher rate and will therefore be more likely to pass on their traits. Therefore, over time, the characteristics that are present in a population will change. As populations change, new species come into existence. Requires variation and selective pressure.

Variations arise through changes in DNA, which lead to changes in the traits of individuals.

An environmental factor that facilitates natural selection. Examples include shortage of food, a predator, or a mating preference.

An organism ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.

Evolution driven by human selections of traits within domestic animals.

Includes bacteria, archaea, and eukarya