Professional Documents
Culture Documents
#1 Science Processes Vocabulary #1 Science Processes
Scientific Method – a series of organized steps that scientists use Scientific Method – a series of organized steps that scientists use
as a guide for answering a question as a guide for answering a question
Hypothesis – a possible explanation to a question based on what Hypothesis – a possible explanation to a question based on what
is known and observed. The explanation MUST be testable. is known and observed. The explanation MUST be testable.
Observation – a part of the scientific method that uses the senses Observation – a part of the scientific method that uses the senses
to gather information to gather information
Inference – to make a deduction or assumption based on pre Inference – to make a deduction or assumption based on pre
experimental observations experimental observations
Independent Variable – the experimental variable that is changed Independent Variable – the experimental variable that is changed
Dependent Variable – the experimental variable that changes as a Dependent Variable – the experimental variable that changes as a
result of the independent variable result of the independent variable
Constant – a variable in an experiment that does not change Constant – a variable in an experiment that does not change
Control – the part of an experiment where no variables are Control – the part of an experiment where no variables are
changed changed
Analysis – the reviewing of all experimentation data and identifying Analysis – the reviewing of all experimentation data and identifying
patterns, trends or relationships patterns, trends or relationships
Conclusion – a statement made after the experiment is tested, Conclusion – a statement made after the experiment is tested,
analyzed and the observations are made analyzed and the observations are made
Mass – A measure of how much matter is in an object Mass – A measure of how much matter is in an object
Volume The amount of space an object occupies Volume The amount of space an object occupies
Vocabulary #2 Properties of Matter Vocabulary #2 Properties of Matter
Matter – anything that has mass and takes up space Matter – anything that has mass and takes up space
Physical Properties – a characteristic of matter such as size, Physical Properties – a characteristic of matter such as size,
shape, or state that can be observed and measured shape, or state that can be observed and measured
Chemical Properties – the properties of a substance that can be Chemical Properties – the properties of a substance that can be
used to identify it and that describes how the substance reacts with used to identify it and that describes how the substance reacts with
other substances resulting in a new substance other substances resulting in a new substance
Density – a physical property that describes the mass per unit Density – a physical property that describes the mass per unit
volume of a substance volume of a substance
Solubility – the measure of how much substance dissolves in a Solubility – the measure of how much substance dissolves in a
given amount of another substance given amount of another substance
Melting Point – the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid Melting Point – the temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid
Boiling Point – the temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas Boiling Point – the temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas
States of Matter – solid, liquid and gas States of Matter – solid, liquid and gas
Chemical Change – a change in a substance that results in a Chemical Change – a change in a substance that results in a
different kind of substance and that cannot be reversed different kind of substance and that cannot be reversed
Physical Change – a change in the property of a substance that Physical Change – a change in the property of a substance that
does not create a new kind of matter does not create a new kind of matter
Precipitate – a solid that forms from a chemical reaction that takes Precipitate – a solid that forms from a chemical reaction that takes
place in a solution place in a solution
Vocabulary #3 Atoms & Elements Vocabulary #3 Atoms & Elements
Atom – the smallest particle of an element that still has the Atom – the smallest particle of an element that still has the
properties of that element properties of that element
Protons – the positively charged particles located in the atom’s Protons – the positively charged particles located in the atom’s
nucleus, (have mass) nucleus, (have mass)
Electrons – the negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus of Electrons – the negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus of
the atom making up the electron cloud (almost no mass) the atom making up the electron cloud (almost no mass)
Neutrons – the neutral (no charge) particles located in the atom’s Neutrons – the neutral (no charge) particles located in the atom’s
nucleus, (have mass) nucleus, (have mass)
Element – a form of matter made up of only one kind of atom Element – a form of matter made up of only one kind of atom
Compound – a substance produced when elements combine and Compound – a substance produced when elements combine and
whose properties are different from each of the elements in it whose properties are different from each of the elements in it
Mixture – a combination of compounds and elements that has not Mixture – a combination of compounds and elements that has not
formed a new substance and whose proportions can be changed formed a new substance and whose proportions can be changed
without changing the mixture’s identity without changing the mixture’s identity
Molecule The smallest particle of a substance that retains the Molecule The smallest particle of a substance that retains the
chemical and physical properties of the substance chemical and physical properties of the substance
Substance (pure) – matter that has the same properties and Substance (pure) – matter that has the same properties and
composition throughout composition throughout
Atomic Number – number of protons in the nucleus of each atom Atomic Number – number of protons in the nucleus of each atom
of a given element of a given element
Atomic Mass – average mass of an atom of an element Atomic Mass – average mass of an atom of an element
Vocabulary #4 Periodic Table Vocabulary #4 Periodic Table
Metals – elements that are malleable, ductile, good conductors of Metals – elements that are malleable, ductile, good conductors of
electricity, and generally have a shiny or metallic luster electricity, and generally have a shiny or metallic luster
Nonmetals element that is usually a gas or a brittle solid at room Nonmetals element that is usually a gas or a brittle solid at room
temperature and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity temperature and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity
Metalloids – elements that share some properties with both metals Metalloids – elements that share some properties with both metals
and nonmetals and nonmetals
Ductile the ability of a metal to be drawn, stretched, or formed Ductile the ability of a metal to be drawn, stretched, or formed
without breaking without breaking
Malleable the ability of a metal to be shaped or formed, as by Malleable the ability of a metal to be shaped or formed, as by
hammering or pressure hammering or pressure
Insulator – a substance that does not easily transfer heat or Insulator – a substance that does not easily transfer heat or
electricity electricity
Conductor – a substance that easily transfers heat or electricity Conductor – a substance that easily transfers heat or electricity
Periodic Table a table in which elements are arranged in order of Periodic Table a table in which elements are arranged in order of
increasing atomic number increasing atomic number
Group family of elements in the periodic table that have similar Group family of elements in the periodic table that have similar
physical and/or chemical properties physical and/or chemical properties
Period – horizontal row of elements in the periodic table whose Period – horizontal row of elements in the periodic table whose
properties change gradually and predictably properties change gradually and predictably
Valence Electrons an electron in the outer shell of an atom which Valence Electrons an electron in the outer shell of an atom which
can combine with other atoms to form molecules can combine with other atoms to form molecules
Vocabulary #5 Chemical Reactions Vocabulary #5 Chemical Reactions
Law of Conservation – states that the mass of the Law of Conservation – states that the mass of the
products of a chemical change is always the same as the products of a chemical change is always the same as the
mass of the reactants mass of the reactants
Chemical Reaction – process that produces chemical Chemical Reaction – process that produces chemical
change, resulting in new substances that have properties change, resulting in new substances that have properties
different from those of the original substances different from those of the original substances
Chemical Equation – shorthand form of writing what Chemical Equation – shorthand form of writing what
reactants are used and what products are formed in a reactants are used and what products are formed in a
chemical reaction chemical reaction
Coefficient A number or symbol multiplied with a Coefficient A number or symbol multiplied with a
variable (in a chemical equation) variable (in a chemical equation)
Subscript – a number after and slightly below an element Subscript – a number after and slightly below an element
in a chemical formula (in H20, “2” is a subscript) in a chemical formula (in H20, “2” is a subscript)
Reactant – substance that exists before a chemical Reactant – substance that exists before a chemical
reaction begins reaction begins
Product – substance that forms as a result of a chemical Product – substance that forms as a result of a chemical
reaction reaction
Endothermic – chemical reaction in which thermal energy Endothermic – chemical reaction in which thermal energy
is absorbed is absorbed
Exothermic – chemical reaction in which thermal energy Exothermic – chemical reaction in which thermal energy
is released is released
Vocabulary # 6 Hydrosphere Vocabulary # 6 Hydrosphere
Universal Solvent – water is called the “universal solvent” because it dissolves Universal Solvent – water is called the “universal solvent” because it dissolves
more substances than any other solvent more substances than any other solvent
Polarity – the separation of electric charge leading a molecule to have a positive Polarity – the separation of electric charge leading a molecule to have a positive
and negative part and negative part
Cohesion – the force that causes molecules to stick to like molecules Cohesion – the force that causes molecules to stick to like molecules
Adhesion – the force that causes molecules to stick to different molecules Adhesion – the force that causes molecules to stick to different molecules
Surface Tension – the elastic like force existing on the surface of a body, Surface Tension – the elastic like force existing on the surface of a body,
especially a liquid especially a liquid
Density (H2O) – 1 g/ml Density (H2O) – 1 g/ml
Specific Heat – amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a Specific Heat – amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a
substance by 1° C substance by 1° C
River Basin – the land that water flows across or under on its way to a river River Basin – the land that water flows across or under on its way to a river
Watershed – all the land where water drains from streams to a river. Many Watershed – all the land where water drains from streams to a river. Many
watersheds make a river basin. watersheds make a river basin.
Hydrosphere – all the water on, above and under the Earth’s surface Hydrosphere – all the water on, above and under the Earth’s surface
Surface Water – water found at Earth’s surface Surface Water – water found at Earth’s surface
Ground Water – the water found in cracks and pores in sand, gravel and rocks Ground Water – the water found in cracks and pores in sand, gravel and rocks
below the Earth’s surface below the Earth’s surface
Aquifer – a porous rock layer underground that is a reservoir for water and that Aquifer – a porous rock layer underground that is a reservoir for water and that
can yield usable groundwater can yield usable groundwater
Transpiration – the part of the water cycle by which water vapor is released into Transpiration – the part of the water cycle by which water vapor is released into
the air by green plants the air by green plants
Infiltration – a part of the water cycle in which water filters slowly into porous Infiltration – a part of the water cycle in which water filters slowly into porous
sand or rock sand or rock
Vocabulary #7 Marine Ecosystems Vocabulary #7 Marine Ecosystems
Estuaries – areas where freshwater mixes with salt water Estuaries – areas where freshwater mixes with salt water
Marine Ecosystems – an ocean community of organisms Marine Ecosystems – an ocean community of organisms
and the nonliving factors that affect them and the nonliving factors that affect them
Upwelling – the movement of cold, nutrient rich waters Upwelling – the movement of cold, nutrient rich waters
from the deep ocean into shallow areas from the deep ocean into shallow areas
Photosynthesis – that process that plants use to make Photosynthesis – that process that plants use to make
food in which carbon dioxide and water are changed to food in which carbon dioxide and water are changed to
sugar and oxygen in the presence of sunlight. sugar and oxygen in the presence of sunlight.
Chemosynthesis – organisms that use sulfur and Chemosynthesis – organisms that use sulfur and
nitrogen compounds to produce food in the absence of nitrogen compounds to produce food in the absence of
sunlight sunlight
Hydrothermal Vent – a crack in the ocean crust that Hydrothermal Vent – a crack in the ocean crust that
releases mineral rich water that has been heated by the releases mineral rich water that has been heated by the
Earth’s interior Earth’s interior
Salinity – the concentration of salts in a liquid such as Salinity – the concentration of salts in a liquid such as
water water
Nekton – marine animals that can actively swim Nekton – marine animals that can actively swim
Benthos – marine plants and animals that live on or in Benthos – marine plants and animals that live on or in
the ocean floor the ocean floor
Plankton – marine organisms that float in ocean currents Plankton – marine organisms that float in ocean currents
Vocabulary 8 Water Treatment Vocabulary 8 Water Treatment
pH –a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, from 114, 7 is neutral pH –a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, from 114, 7 is neutral
Nitrates – an inorganic compound composed of one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of Nitrates – an inorganic compound composed of one atom of nitrogen and three atoms of
oxygen, used in fertilizer oxygen, used in fertilizer
Phosphates – an inorganic compound composed of one atom of phosphorus and four Phosphates – an inorganic compound composed of one atom of phosphorus and four
atoms of oxygen, used in fertilizer atoms of oxygen, used in fertilizer
Turbidity – The measure of cloudiness in water, as the result of suspended particles or Turbidity – The measure of cloudiness in water, as the result of suspended particles or
phytoplankton phytoplankton
Bioindicator – are species used to monitor the health of an environment or ecosystem Bioindicator – are species used to monitor the health of an environment or ecosystem
Temperature – the amount of heat in a substance or object Temperature – the amount of heat in a substance or object
Dissolved Oxygen – the amount of oxygen in a liquid sample Dissolved Oxygen – the amount of oxygen in a liquid sample
Sewage – waste water and excrement Sewage – waste water and excrement
Eutrophication – natural process that eventually turns a lake into dry land over time Eutrophication – natural process that eventually turns a lake into dry land over time
through an increase in sediment, nutrients and organisms. through an increase in sediment, nutrients and organisms.
Point Source – pollution that enters the water from a specific location and can be Point Source – pollution that enters the water from a specific location and can be
controlled or treated before it enters a body of water controlled or treated before it enters a body of water
Nonpoint Source – pollution that enters water from a large area and cannot be traced to Nonpoint Source – pollution that enters water from a large area and cannot be traced to
a single location a single location
Pollution – introduction of wastes to the environment, such as sewage and chemicals that Pollution – introduction of wastes to the environment, such as sewage and chemicals that
can damage organisms can damage organisms
Water Quality – physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water Water Quality – physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water
Pesticides – substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to Pesticides – substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to
cultivated plants or to animals cultivated plants or to animals
Herbicides – substance that is toxic to plants and is used to destroy unwanted vegetation Herbicides – substance that is toxic to plants and is used to destroy unwanted vegetation
Stewardship – the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose Stewardship – the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose
actions affect the environment actions affect the environment
Water Treatment describes those processes used to make water more acceptable for Water Treatment describes those processes used to make water more acceptable for
use, such as drinking use, such as drinking
Vocabulary # 9 Ecosystems Vocabulary # 9 Ecosystems
Producers – an organism that can make its own food through Producers – an organism that can make its own food through
photosynthesis or chemosynthesis photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
Consumers organism that gets its energy from eating other Consumers organism that gets its energy from eating other
organisms organisms
Decomposers – organism that breaks down tissue and releases Decomposers – organism that breaks down tissue and releases
nutrients back into the ecosystem nutrients back into the ecosystem
Abiotic Factor any nonliving part of the environment such as Abiotic Factor any nonliving part of the environment such as
water, temperature, sunlight, air and soil that are factors that water, temperature, sunlight, air and soil that are factors that
influence the living parts of the environment influence the living parts of the environment
Biotic Factor – any living or onceliving organism in the Biotic Factor – any living or onceliving organism in the
environment environment
Habitat the place where an organism lives Habitat the place where an organism lives
Limiting Factor any abiotic or biotic factor that limits the number of Limiting Factor any abiotic or biotic factor that limits the number of
individual organisms in a population individual organisms in a population
Ecosystem – all the communities of organisms in an area and the Ecosystem – all the communities of organisms in an area and the
abiotic factors they interact with abiotic factors they interact with
Community – the populations of different organisms that interact in Community – the populations of different organisms that interact in
the same area the same area
Population all the individuals of one species that live in the same Population all the individuals of one species that live in the same
area area
Species group of organisms that reproduces only with other Species group of organisms that reproduces only with other
members of the same group members of the same group
Population Density number of individuals in a population that Population Density number of individuals in a population that
occupies an area of limited size occupies an area of limited size
Vocabulary #10 Interactions of Organisms Vocabulary #10 Interactions of Organisms
Symbiotic Relationship – a close interaction between two or more different Symbiotic Relationship – a close interaction between two or more different
species species
Mutualism – a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit Mutualism – a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit
Parasitism – a symbiotic relationship between two species in which one species Parasitism – a symbiotic relationship between two species in which one species
is harmed is harmed
Commensalism – a symbiotic relationship that benefits one organism without Commensalism – a symbiotic relationship that benefits one organism without
affecting the other organism affecting the other organism
Predation – the act of one organism hunting, killing and feeding on another Predation – the act of one organism hunting, killing and feeding on another
organism organism
Competition – relationship between members of the same or different species Competition – relationship between members of the same or different species
interacting to acquire limited resources interacting to acquire limited resources
Food Web – model that describes how energy from food moves through a Food Web – model that describes how energy from food moves through a
community; a series of overlapping food chains community; a series of overlapping food chains
Aquatic Food Chain – a model describing the flow of food energy through an Aquatic Food Chain – a model describing the flow of food energy through an
aquatic (water) community aquatic (water) community
Terrestrial Food Chain – a model describing the flow of food energy through a Terrestrial Food Chain – a model describing the flow of food energy through a
terrestrial (land) community terrestrial (land) community
Nitrogen Cycle the movement and exchange of nitrogen atoms through living Nitrogen Cycle the movement and exchange of nitrogen atoms through living
and nonliving parts of the environment and nonliving parts of the environment
Carbon Cycle – the movement and exchange of carbon atoms through living Carbon Cycle – the movement and exchange of carbon atoms through living
and nonliving parts of the environment and nonliving parts of the environment
Autotroph organisms that use energy from the sun or energy stored in Autotroph organisms that use energy from the sun or energy stored in
chemical compounds to make their own food chemical compounds to make their own food
Heterotroph – organisms that cannot make their own food, and get their energy Heterotroph – organisms that cannot make their own food, and get their energy
from consuming other organisms from consuming other organisms
Ecological Pyramids A representation in the shape of a pyramid to show the Ecological Pyramids A representation in the shape of a pyramid to show the
feeding relationship of groups of organisms, and the flow of energy in an feeding relationship of groups of organisms, and the flow of energy in an
ecosystem. ecosystem.
Vocabulary #11 Energy Vocabulary #11 Energy
Energy the capacity of a physical system to do work Energy the capacity of a physical system to do work
Solar – renewable energy source that uses the sun to Solar – renewable energy source that uses the sun to
generate electricity generate electricity
Wind renewable energy source that uses wind power to Wind renewable energy source that uses wind power to
generate electricity generate electricity
Hydroelectric –renewable energy source that uses water Hydroelectric –renewable energy source that uses water
power and gravity to create electricity power and gravity to create electricity
Geothermal – renewable energy from the heat in the Geothermal – renewable energy from the heat in the
interior of the earth interior of the earth
Biomass – renewable energy source that can be burned Biomass – renewable energy source that can be burned
and used as a source of fuel and used as a source of fuel
Nuclear energy The energy released by the nucleus of Nuclear energy The energy released by the nucleus of
an atom as the result of nuclear fission or nuclear fusion an atom as the result of nuclear fission or nuclear fusion
Renewable energy sources that do not deplete, and are Renewable energy sources that do not deplete, and are
available indefinitely available indefinitely
Nonrenewable – energy sources that will eventually run Nonrenewable – energy sources that will eventually run
out and are not replaceable out and are not replaceable
Energy Conservation – reducing the amount of energy Energy Conservation – reducing the amount of energy
used used
Fossil Fuels energy sources from the decomposition of Fossil Fuels energy sources from the decomposition of
organisms millions of years ago organisms millions of years ago
Vocabulary #12 Geologic Time Vocabulary #12 Geologic Time
Fossils – remains, imprints, or traces of prehistoric Fossils – remains, imprints, or traces of prehistoric
organisms that can tell when and where organisms once organisms that can tell when and where organisms once
lived and how they lived lived and how they lived
Geologic Time Scale – division in Earth’s history into time Geologic Time Scale – division in Earth’s history into time
units based on the types of lifeforms that lived only units based on the types of lifeforms that lived only
during certain periods during certain periods
Precambrian Era – longest part of Earth’s history, lasting Precambrian Era – longest part of Earth’s history, lasting
from 4 billion years ago to 544 million years ago from 4 billion years ago to 544 million years ago
Paleozoic Era – era of ancient life, which began about Paleozoic Era – era of ancient life, which began about
544 million years ago, when organisms developed hard 544 million years ago, when organisms developed hard
parts, and ended with mass extinctions about 245 million parts, and ended with mass extinctions about 245 million
years ago years ago
Mesozoic Era – middles era of Earth’s history, during Mesozoic Era – middles era of Earth’s history, during
which Pangaea broke apart, dinosaurs appeared, and which Pangaea broke apart, dinosaurs appeared, and
reptiles and gymnosperms were dominant land lifeforms reptiles and gymnosperms were dominant land lifeforms
Cenozoic Era – era of recent life that began about 66 Cenozoic Era – era of recent life that began about 66
million years ago and continues today million years ago and continues today
Fossil Record the collective group of all fossils already Fossil Record the collective group of all fossils already
discovered discovered
Extinction no longer in existence, no members of the Extinction no longer in existence, no members of the
species still living species still living
Vocabulary #13 Geologic Layers Vocabulary #13 Geologic Layers
Relative Age – the age of something compared to other things Relative Age – the age of something compared to other things
Law of Superposition – states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest Law of Superposition – states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest
rocks are on the bottom and become progressively younger towards the rocks are on the bottom and become progressively younger towards the
top top
Index Fossils – remains of a species that existed on Earth for a relatively Index Fossils – remains of a species that existed on Earth for a relatively
short period of time, were abundant and geographically widespread, and short period of time, were abundant and geographically widespread, and
can be used by geologists to assign ages to rock layers can be used by geologists to assign ages to rock layers
Trilobites – organism with a threelobed exoskeleton that was abundant Trilobites – organism with a threelobed exoskeleton that was abundant
in Paleozoic oceans and is considered an index fossil in Paleozoic oceans and is considered an index fossil
Ice Cores a core sample that is typically removed from an ice sheet, Ice Cores a core sample that is typically removed from an ice sheet,
most commonly from polar ice most commonly from polar ice
Fault – a crack in the Earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one Fault – a crack in the Earth's crust resulting from the displacement of one
side with respect to the other side with respect to the other
Rock Cycle a continuous process by which rocks are created and Rock Cycle a continuous process by which rocks are created and
changed from one form to another changed from one form to another
Absolute Age – age, in years, of a rock or other object; can be Absolute Age – age, in years, of a rock or other object; can be
determined using properties of the atoms that make up the object determined using properties of the atoms that make up the object
HalfLife – time it takes for half the atoms of an isotope to decay HalfLife – time it takes for half the atoms of an isotope to decay
Radioactive Dating – process used to calculate the absolute age of rock Radioactive Dating – process used to calculate the absolute age of rock
by measuring the ratio of parent isotope to daughter product in a mineral by measuring the ratio of parent isotope to daughter product in a mineral
and knowing the halflife of the parent. and knowing the halflife of the parent.
Unconformity – a discontinuity in rock layers indicating layers Unconformity – a discontinuity in rock layers indicating layers
were deposited at different times, usually due to erosion were deposited at different times, usually due to erosion
Vocabulary 14 Evolution Vocabulary 14 Evolution
Biological Evolution is the change in the inherited traits of a population Biological Evolution is the change in the inherited traits of a population
of organisms of organisms
Natural Selection – process by which organisms that are better suited to Natural Selection – process by which organisms that are better suited to
an environment are better able to survive and reproduce than organisms an environment are better able to survive and reproduce than organisms
that are not that are not
Adaptation adjustment to environmental conditions Adaptation adjustment to environmental conditions
Genetic Variation – the differences that exist between members of the Genetic Variation – the differences that exist between members of the
same species same species
Mutation a change of the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome Mutation a change of the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome
of an of an
Species group of organisms that reproduces only with other members Species group of organisms that reproduces only with other members
of the same group of the same group
Taxonomy biological classification that helps precisely describe Taxonomy biological classification that helps precisely describe
organism, and helps show relation between organism, living and extinct organism, and helps show relation between organism, living and extinct
Biodiversity the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or Biodiversity the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or
ecosystem ecosystem
Analogous structures equivalent structures in different organisms that Analogous structures equivalent structures in different organisms that
do not come from a common ancestor, but perform the same function do not come from a common ancestor, but perform the same function
Homologous structures the same part in different organisms in a Homologous structures the same part in different organisms in a
variety of shapes and forms, showing a degree of relation between variety of shapes and forms, showing a degree of relation between
organisms organisms
Anatomy – the stdy of the bodily structure of humans, animals and other Anatomy – the stdy of the bodily structure of humans, animals and other
organisms organisms
Vestigial Structures – a structure or organ (body part) that is either Vestigial Structures – a structure or organ (body part) that is either
smaller in size or has no use left over from evolution smaller in size or has no use left over from evolution
Embryology – the studies of embryos and their development Embryology – the studies of embryos and their development
Vocabulary 15 Microbes Vocabulary 15 Microbes
Microbe microorganism Microbe microorganism
Pathogen bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can Pathogen bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can
cause disease cause disease
Virus strand of hereditary material surrounded by a protein Virus strand of hereditary material surrounded by a protein
coating that can infect and multiply in a host cell coating that can infect and multiply in a host cell
Host Cell living cell in which a virus can actively multiply or in Host Cell living cell in which a virus can actively multiply or in
which a virus can hide until activated by environmental stimuli which a virus can hide until activated by environmental stimuli
Bacteria very small, usually unicellular organisms, lacking Bacteria very small, usually unicellular organisms, lacking
chlorophyll chlorophyll
Fungi members of the kingdom Fungi, including molds, Fungi members of the kingdom Fungi, including molds,
mushrooms and some types of slime mushrooms and some types of slime
Parasite an organism that lives on or in an organism of another Parasite an organism that lives on or in an organism of another
species and negatively affects the hosts’ health species and negatively affects the hosts’ health
Protist freeliving or colonial organisms with a variety of Protist freeliving or colonial organisms with a variety of
reproductive and feeding methods reproductive and feeding methods
Protozoa comprises the singlecelled microscopic animals, which Protozoa comprises the singlecelled microscopic animals, which
include amoebas, flagellates, and ciliates; some can cause include amoebas, flagellates, and ciliates; some can cause
disease disease
Algae simple nonflowering plant of a large group that includes the Algae simple nonflowering plant of a large group that includes the
seaweeds and many singlecelled forms; contain chlorophyll seaweeds and many singlecelled forms; contain chlorophyll
Mutant an organism that has characteristics resulting from Mutant an organism that has characteristics resulting from
chromosomal alteration, a mutation chromosomal alteration, a mutation
Vocabulary 16 Treatment of Disease Vocabulary 16 Treatment of Disease
Epidemic An outbreak of a disease that affects a Epidemic An outbreak of a disease that affects a
disproportionately large number of individuals within a disproportionately large number of individuals within a
population, community or region at the same time population, community or region at the same time
Pandemic An epidemic of an infectious disease that is Pandemic An epidemic of an infectious disease that is
spreading through human populations across a large spreading through human populations across a large
region, continent or even worldwide region, continent or even worldwide
Antibiotic a drug that kills or prevents the growth of Antibiotic a drug that kills or prevents the growth of
bacteria bacteria
Vaccine A form of an antigen that gives you immunity Vaccine A form of an antigen that gives you immunity
against a disease against a disease
Infectious Disease one that can be passed from one Infectious Disease one that can be passed from one
generation to another. generation to another.
Contagion the communication of disease by direct or Contagion the communication of disease by direct or
indirect contact indirect contact
Vector mechanisms that spread disease without getting Vector mechanisms that spread disease without getting
sick itself sick itself
Carrier an organism that transfers disease to another Carrier an organism that transfers disease to another
organism organism
Vocabulary 17 Cell Structure Vocabulary 17 Cell Structure
Cell membrane – protective outer covering of all cells that Cell membrane – protective outer covering of all cells that
regulates the interaction between the cell and the environment regulates the interaction between the cell and the environment
Cell wall – rigid structure that encloses, supports, and protects the Cell wall – rigid structure that encloses, supports, and protects the
cells of plants, algae, fungi and most bacteria cells of plants, algae, fungi and most bacteria
Nucleus – organelle that controls all the activities of the cell and Nucleus – organelle that controls all the activities of the cell and
contains hereditary material made out of proteins and DNA contains hereditary material made out of proteins and DNA
Chloroplast – green, chlorophyll containing, plantcell organelle Chloroplast – green, chlorophyll containing, plantcell organelle
that uses light energy to produce sugar from carbon dioxide and that uses light energy to produce sugar from carbon dioxide and
water water
Mitochondria – cell organelle that breaks down food and releases Mitochondria – cell organelle that breaks down food and releases
energy energy
Ribosome – small cytoplasmic structure on which cells make their Ribosome – small cytoplasmic structure on which cells make their
own proteins own proteins
Cytoplasm – constantly moving gellike mixture inside the cell Cytoplasm – constantly moving gellike mixture inside the cell
membrane that contains hereditary material and is the location of membrane that contains hereditary material and is the location of
most of the cell’s life processes most of the cell’s life processes
Prokaryote – cells without membrane bound structures Prokaryote – cells without membrane bound structures
Eukaryote – cells with membrane bound structures Eukaryote – cells with membrane bound structures
Mitosis cell division that results in two daughter cells each the Mitosis cell division that results in two daughter cells each the
same as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth same as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth
Meiosis A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells Meiosis A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells
each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell, typical of each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell, typical of
reproduction reproduction
Vocabulary 18 Cellular Energy & Body Vocabulary 18 Cellular Energy & Body
Health Health
Glucose the main type of sugar in the blood and is the major source of Glucose the main type of sugar in the blood and is the major source of
energy for the body's cells energy for the body's cells
Protein essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of Protein essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of
tissue tissue
Sugar Any of a class of watersoluble crystalline carbohydrates, Sugar Any of a class of watersoluble crystalline carbohydrates,
including sucrose, lactose, and glucose including sucrose, lactose, and glucose
Carbohydrate Any of a large group of compounds (including sugars, Carbohydrate Any of a large group of compounds (including sugars,
starch, and cellulose) which contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen starch, and cellulose) which contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Lipid – organic compounds that contain the same elements as Lipid – organic compounds that contain the same elements as
carbohydrates but in different proportions; fats and oils carbohydrates but in different proportions; fats and oils
ATP adenosine triphosphate, transports chemical energy within cells for ATP adenosine triphosphate, transports chemical energy within cells for
metabolism metabolism
Cellular respiration – process by which producers and consumers Cellular respiration – process by which producers and consumers
release stored energy from food molecules release stored energy from food molecules
Photosynthesis – process by which plants and many other producers use Photosynthesis – process by which plants and many other producers use
light energy to produce a simple sugar from carbon dioxide and water light energy to produce a simple sugar from carbon dioxide and water
and give off oxygen and give off oxygen
Respiration The act or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing Respiration The act or process of inhaling and exhaling; breathing
Digestion The process by which food is converted into substances that Digestion The process by which food is converted into substances that
can be absorbed and assimilated by the body can be absorbed and assimilated by the body
Circulation The continuous motion by which the blood travels through Circulation The continuous motion by which the blood travels through
all parts of the body under the action of the heart all parts of the body under the action of the heart
Metabolism the total of all chemical reactions in an organism Metabolism the total of all chemical reactions in an organism
Homeostasis the tendency of a system, especially the physiological Homeostasis the tendency of a system, especially the physiological
system of higher animals, to maintain internal stability system of higher animals, to maintain internal stability