Vocabulary
Define homeostasis
Given an example in the human body.
a state of balance within the body's systems
You sweat when you are hot.
What is deforestation?
forest destruction that results from human activity
Define stimulus
Give an example
any change in the environment that causes an organism to react
drought-lack of rain
Dichotomous Key
a guide that compares pairs of observable traits to help the user identify an organism
What are guard cells?
specialized cells that control the openings and closing of the pores on the surface of a leaf
Define immunity.
What gives you immunity from certain diseases?
protection
vaccine
What is the pancreas?
an endocrine organ that secretes insulin
Dynamic Equilibrium
the constant small corrections that normally occur to keep an organism’s internal environment within the limits needed for survival
Biochemical Process
a chemical process that occurs in a living thing
What is an antigen
a molecule found on the outer surfaces of cells that the immune system recognizes as either part of the body or an outside invader
Define equilibrium
a state of balance
What describes the passing of traits from parent to offspring?
Heredity
Finite
A period of time that is limited; able to be used up; opposite of infinite
Electrophoresis
a tool that allows scientists to separate mixtures of molecules according to size
What is a bond?
the chemical link between atoms that hold molecules together
Define variable
Independent and Dependent Variable
a factor, trait, or condition which can exist in different amounts
Independent Variable- I change
Dependent Variable - stays the same
What is selective breeding?
the process of choosing a few organisms with desirable traits to serve as the parent of the next generation
an organism that invades the body causing disease
Stereoscope
a microscope that uses two eyepieces; often used for dissections; also called a dissecting microscope
What is a gamete?
an egg or sperm cell
Define permeable
allows liquids or gases to pass through it
What is adaptive value?
any trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce under a given set of environmental conditions
Meniscus
the curved surface at the top of a column of liquid
Chromatology
a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures of molecules
What is geologic time?
Earth’s history as revealed by layers of rock