Term | Definition |
Domain | In a modern taxonomic system, the broadest category; the category that contains kingdoms. |
Kingdom | In a traditional taxonomic system, the highest taxation category , which contains a group of similar phyla. |
Ecology | The study of the interactions between organisms and the other living and nonliving components of their environment. |
Ecosystem | A community of organisms and their abiotic environment. |
Evolution | A heritable change in the characteristics within a population from one generation to the next; the development of new types of organisms from preexisting types of organisms over time. |
Natural Selection | The process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce successfully than less well adapted individuals do; a theory to explain the mechanism of evolution. |
Adaptation | The process of becoming adapted to an environment; and anatomical, physical, physiology, or behavioral trait that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. |
Scientific Method | The series of steps followed to solve problems, including collecting data, formulating hypothesis, and stating conclusions. |
Observation | The process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses. |
Hypothesis | In science, an idea or explanation that is based on observations and that can be tested. |
Prediction | A statement that is made in advance that express the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported; the expected outcome if a hypothesis is accurate. |
Experiment | A procedure that is carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, or general truth. |
Control Group | In an experiment, a group that serves as a standard of comparison with another group which the control group is identical. |
Experimental Group | In an experiment, a group that is identical to a control group except for one factor and that is compared with the control group. |
Independent Variable | In an experiment, the factor that is deliberately manipulated, also called the MANIPULATED VARIABLE. |
Dependent Variable | In an experiment, the factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more other factors; also called a RESPONDING VARIABLE. |
Theory | An expansion for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning; that is supported by large quantity of evidence; and that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations. |
Peer Review | The process in which experts in a given field examine the results and conclusions of a scientist's study before that study is accepted for publication. |