| A | B |
|---|
| dependent variable | variable that is affected by another variable |
| evidence | any type of data that may be used to test a hypothesis |
| experiment | special type of scientific investigation that is performed under controlled conditions |
| hypothesis | possible answer to a scientific question; must be testable |
| observation | anything that is detected with the senses |
| scientific investigation | plan for asking questions and testing possible answers |
| scientific theory | broad explanation that is widely accepted as true because it is supported by a great deal of evidence |
| biology | science of life, study of life |
| cell | basic unit of structure and function of living things |
| independent variable | variable that is changed or tested to see its effect on another variable |
| prediction | statement that tells what will happen under certain conditions |
| scientific law | statement describing what always happens under certain conditions in nature |
| cell theory | theory that all living things are made up of cells, all life functions occur within cells, and all cells come from already existing cells |
| homeostasis | process of maintaining a stable environment inside a cell or an entire organism |
| model | representation of part of the real world |
| science | distinctive way of gaining knowledge about the natural world that tries to answer questions with evidence and logic |
| scientific method | the process of a scientific investigation |
| Archaebacteria | one of two prokaryote domains that includes organisms that live in extreme environments |
| binomial nomenclature | method of naming species with two names, consisting of the genus name and species name |
| cladogram | a branching treelike diagram used to illustrate evolutionary relationships among organisms |
| class | taxonomic group between phylum and order |
| dichotomous key | a tool that allows the user to determine the identity of items in the natural world |
| Eubacteria | known as "true bacteria" |
| eukaryote | organism that has cells containing a nucleus and other organelles |
| family | taxonomic group between order and genus |
| genus | taxonomic group between family and species |
| kingdom | largest and most inclusive taxon in the original Linnaean classification system |
| Linnaean Classification System | system of classifying organisms based on observable physical traits; consists of a hierarchy of taxa, fro the kingdom to the species |
| order | taxonomic group between class and family |
| phylum | taxonomic group between kingdom and class |
| prokaryote | single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus |
| species | group of organisms that are similar enough to mate together and produce fertile offspring |
| taxonomy | science of classifying organisms |
