Chapter 1 Vocabulary: Understanding Key Terms in Science Experiments

Adaptation is a gradual process that occurs over generations in response to environmental factors, not a sudden creation of a new species. It is not a behavior learned by individuals but rather an inherited characteristic. Mutations are random genetic changes, not adaptations specifically developed to survive in an environment.

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, focusing on various aspects of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.

A contrant is a factor that remains consistent and unchanged throughout an experiment, unlike independent and dependent variables which undergo changes.

The dependent variable is the factor that is being measured and changes in response to the manipulations of the independent variable. It is not the variable that remains constant, is manipulated, or is unaffected by other factors.

Development refers to the changes an organism goes through before reaching its adult form, encompassing various stages of growth and maturation.

Ethics refers to a set of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or how an activity is conducted. It is not a code of conduct, a type of law, or an organizational structure.

The experimental group is the group that is exposed to the factor being tested in order to compare it against the control group, which does not receive the factor. This helps determine the effect of the factor being studied.

Forensics is a multidisciplinary field that involves the application of various scientific principles to analyze evidence in legal investigations and other related areas. It is commonly associated with solving crimes, identifying human remains, and understanding past civilizations through archaeological studies.

Growth is a process that typically involves an increase in mass and size of an organism through the formation of new cells and structures. It is the opposite of a deduction or decrease in size, and it involves more than just replication of existing cells.

Homeostasis is a fundamental process in biology responsible for maintaining the stability of an organism's internal environment.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation or observation in order to support or refute it.

Inference refers to drawing conclusions or making assumptions based on existing information or prior experiences.

The metric system is a decimal system of measurement based on the meter, liter, and gram as units of length, volume, and mass respectively. Its divisions are all based on powers of ten, making conversions between units simple.

Observation involves orderly and direct information gathering about a natural phenomenon to draw conclusions or make inferences.

An organism is a living thing that displays all the characteristics of life, including growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and more. It can range from microscopic single-celled organisms to complex organisms like plants and animals.

Organization in biology refers to the orderly structure and arrangement displayed by living organisms.

Peer review is an essential part of the scientific process to validate research findings and maintain high standards in the academic community.

Reproduction is the biological process of producing offspring, which involves the creation of new individuals through genetic material.

The correct answer refers to the reaction of an organism to a stimulus, which is different from communication between organisms, chemical processes, or changes in the physical environment.

Safety symbols are used to communicate potential hazards in a clear and concise manner to individuals in a lab environment. They serve as warning signs to prevent accidents and ensure safety measures are followed.

Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Scientific methods involve a structured approach to problem-solving and experimentation, rather than relying on arbitrary rules, random guesses, or confirming existing beliefs.

Serendipity refers to fortunate outcomes that occur by chance or accident, not through deliberate planning.

SI stands for the International System of Units, which is globally recognized and used by scientists for standardized measurements in various fields.

A species is defined as a group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing viable fertile offspring. This is based on the biological species concept.

A stimulus refers to any changes in an organism's internal or external environment that causes the organism to react, such as responding to a loud noise or bright light.