BackGeneral Biology Key Concepts
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Terms in this set (32)
The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment; it changes in response to the independent variable.
The variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated in an experiment.
A standard for comparison in an experiment where the independent variable is not changed.
A testable prediction about the relationship between variables in an experiment.
The process by which populations of organisms change over generations through genetic variation and natural selection.
The mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
A heritable trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection as the main mechanism of evolution.
Alfred Russel Wallace independently conceived the theory of natural selection alongside Darwin.
Early evolutionist who proposed that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to offspring (inheritance of acquired characteristics).
A position an organism occupies in a food chain, such as producer, consumer, or decomposer.
Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms used to study past life and evolutionary history.
Body parts that are similar in structure but may have different functions, indicating common ancestry.
Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution but remain as remnants.
The process by which new species arise from existing species.
Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically separated.
Speciation that occurs without geographic separation, often through genetic or behavioral isolation.
An offspring resulting from the mating of two different species or genetically distinct populations.
Scientist who developed the system of taxonomy using hierarchical classification and binomial nomenclature.
The science of classifying organisms into groups such as genus and species based on shared characteristics.
A taxonomic rank above species grouping closely related species.
The basic unit of classification, defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.
A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
All the populations of different species living and interacting in a particular area.
A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
An individual living thing that can carry out life processes independently.
The variety of life in all its forms, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
Organisms, like plants, that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms.
Organisms that break down dead material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Factors in an experiment that can change; includes independent, dependent, and controlled variables.