MDCPS Biology Unit 1 Vocab

What is an experimental control?

• The unchanged variable for comparison

• The variable that is manipulated

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is ignored

Answer explanation

An experimental control is the unchanged variable for comparison. It helps to isolate the effect of the manipulated variable by providing a baseline, ensuring that any observed changes are due to the experimental treatment.

Carrying capacity

• The minimum number of organisms an environment can support

• The maximum number of organisms an environment can support

• The average number of organisms an environment can support

• The number of organisms that can survive in extreme conditions

Answer explanation

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms an environment can support sustainably. This concept is crucial for understanding population dynamics and resource management.

What is the independent variable?

• The part the scientist changes

• The part that remains constant

• The part that is measured

• The part that is observed

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the part the scientist changes in an experiment. This variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, making it crucial for testing hypotheses.

What is a primary consumer?

• An organism that eats producers

• An organism that produces its own food

• An organism that decomposes organic material

• An organism that eats other consumers

Answer explanation

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers, such as plants. This distinguishes them from other types of consumers, like carnivores that eat meat or decomposers that break down waste.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Biomass

• Total mass of living organisms in an area

• Total energy produced by plants

• Total number of species in an ecosystem

• Total volume of water in a habitat

Answer explanation

Biomass refers to the total mass of living organisms in an area, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is a key concept in ecology and energy production, distinguishing it from other options like pollution or energy in rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is a carbon sink?

• An area that absorbs more carbon than it releases

• An area that releases more carbon than it absorbs

• An area that has no impact on carbon levels

• An area that stores carbon in the form of fossil fuels

Answer explanation

A carbon sink is defined as an area that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases, helping to mitigate climate change. This distinguishes it from sources of emissions and other options listed.

Urbanization

• Growth and spread of cities and development

• Decline of rural areas

• Increase in agricultural production

• Reduction of population density

Answer explanation

Urbanization refers to the growth and spread of cities and development, indicating an increase in urban areas and population density, rather than a decrease in human development or an increase in farmland.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

What is the nitrogen cycle?

• Movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere and organisms

• A process of photosynthesis in plants

• The conversion of nitrogen into ammonia

• The cycle of water in the environment

Answer explanation

The nitrogen cycle describes the movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. It includes processes like nitrogen fixation and decomposition, making the correct choice about nitrogen's movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is replication in science?

• Repeating an experiment for validity

• Conducting a single experiment

• Analyzing data from previous studies

• Formulating a hypothesis

Answer explanation

Replication in science refers to repeating an experiment to confirm its validity. This process ensures that results are reliable and not due to chance, making it essential for scientific rigor.

What is a trial in experimentation?

• A type of hypothesis

• One repetition of an experiment

• A method of data analysis

• A conclusion drawn from results

Answer explanation

A trial in experimentation refers to one repetition of an experiment. It is essential for testing the hypothesis and ensuring reliable results by allowing for multiple observations and comparisons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2