Introduction to Biology: Glossary

A through G

abstract – A brief summary of a research paper that explains the purpose, methods, results, and main conclusions.

applied science – Science used to solve real-world problems, like developing medicines or improving crop yields.

atom – The smallest unit of matter that still has the properties of an element.

basicA solution with a pH above 7, having a lower concentration of H⁺ ions. science – Science done to gain knowledge for its own sake, not for immediate practical use.

biochemistry – The study of the chemical processes and substances that occur in living things.

biology – The scientific study of life and living organisms.

biosphere – All parts of Earth where life exists, including land, waterThe universal solvent essential for life., and air.

botany – The study of plants.

cell – The smallest unit of life; all living things are made of one or more cellsThe basic structural and functional units of life..

community – All the populations of different species living in the same area.

conclusion – The final interpretation of data in an experiment, stating whether the hypothesis was supported or not.

control – A part of an experiment that does not receive the treatment being tested, used for comparison.

deductive reasoning – Logical thinking that moves from a general principle to a specific prediction (“If… then…”).

descriptive science – Science that focuses on observing, describing, and cataloging phenomena without testing a hypothesis.

discussion – A section A cut or slice of the body or an organ for study. of a scientific paper where results are interpreted, compared to other studies, and placed in context.

ecosystem – A community of living things plus the nonliving environment interacting as a system.

eukaryote – A cell or organismA living individual made up of cells. with a nucleusThe control center of the cell that contains DNA and directs cellular activities. and membrane-bound organellestructures within a cell that perform specialized functions..

evolution – The change in the inherited traits of populations over generations.

falsifiable – Able to be proven false by evidence; an important quality of a scientific hypothesis.

H through O

homeostasisThe maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body. – The ability of living things to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

hypothesis – A testable and falsifiable explanation for an observation.

hypothesis-based science – Science that begins with a testable explanation and uses experiments or observations to evaluate it.

inductive reasoning – Logical thinking that uses specific observations to develop general ideas or theories.

introduction – The section of a paper that explains the background, purpose, and research question.

life science – Any branch of science that studies living things, such as biology or ecology.

macromolecule – A large molecule made up of smaller building blocks, such as proteinsLarge molecules made of amino acids with various functions in the body., nucleic acids, or carbohydrates.

materials and methods – The section of a paper that explains exactly how the research was conducted so it can be repeated.

microbiology – The study of microscopic life forms, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

molecular biology – The study of biological processes at the molecular level, especially involving DNA, RNA, and proteins.

molecule – Two or more atomsThe smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element. chemically bonded together.

natural science – A field of science that studies the natural world, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

neurobiology – The study of the nervous systemThe organ system that controls body functions using electrical and chemical signals. and how it functions.

organ – A structure made of different tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

organ system – A group of organs working together to carry out a major life function.

organelle – A specialized structure inside a cell that performs a specific job.

organism – An individual living thing.

P through Z

paleontology – The study of fossils and ancient life.

peer-reviewed manuscript – A scientific paper that has been evaluated by experts before publication to ensure quality and accuracy.

phylogenetic tree – A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species.

physical science – The study of nonliving matter and energyThe capacity to do work or cause change., like physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

plagiarism – Presenting someone else’s words, ideas, or data as your own without proper credit.

population – All members of the same species living in the same area.

prokaryote – A cell or organism without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).

results – The section of a paper that presents the data and findings of the research.

review article – A paper that summarizes and analyzes existing research on a topic instead of reporting new data.

science – A way of learning about the world using evidence, observation, and reasoning.

scientific methodA systematic approach to investigation using hypothesis testing. – A systematic process for answering questions, including observation, hypothesis, testing, and conclusion.

serendipity – A fortunate discovery made by accident.

theoryA well-tested and widely accepted explanation. – A well-supported explanation of natural phenomena that is based on evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.

tissue – A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

variable – Any factor in an experiment that can change; may be independent, dependent, or controlled.

zoology – The study of animals.

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