question

technology

answer

the application of science through the use of special procedures or devices

question

dependent variable

answer

a variable that is not under the expirementer's control

question

constant

answer

not changing or varying

question

meter

answer

a standard of measurement equal to a little over a yard

question

metric

answer

a standard of measurement

question

millimeter

answer

a standard of measurement equal to one thousandth of a meter

question

centimeter

answer

a standard of measurement equal to one hundredth of a meter

question

decimeter

answer

a standard of measurement equal to one tenth of a meter

question

kilometer

answer

a standard of measurement equal to one thousand meters

question

Celsius

answer

metric temperature scale on which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees

question

Farenheit

answer

tempurature scale on which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees

question

law

answer

a statement of scientific fact

question

theory

answer

an idea based on speculation

question

hypothesis

answer

a theory which needs further investigation

question

volume

answer

the space inside of an object

question

mass

answer

the amount of matter an object contains

question

property

answer

a trait or attribute

question

control

answer

the standard against which experimental test results are compared

question

density

answer

a measure of a quantity of mass per unit of volume

question

lipid

answer

any group of organic compunds consisting of fats, oils, and related substances; a part of the structural components of a living cell

question

monomer

answer

a single organic molecule that can join in long chains with other molecules

question

amino acid

answer

nitrogen-containing organic molecules that from the basic buliding units of proteins

question

nucleic acid

answer

a complex acid found in living cells

question

aromatic

answer

a class of organic chemical compounds that contains one or more rings of carbon atoms

question

polymer

answer

a compound with repeating small molecules such as starch and nylon

question

petroleum

answer

crude oil found in sedimentary rocks and consisting mainly of hydrocarbons

question

synthetic

answer

a substance made by a chemical process

question

hydrocarbon

answer

an organic chemical containing only hydrogen and carbon

question

organic compound

answer

elements that exist together naturally without synthetic chemicals

question

saturated

answer

containing the maximum amount of absorbed solvent

question

unsaturated

answer

having double or triple carbon atoms

question

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

answer

substance carrying an organism's genetic information

question

density

answer

a measure of quantity such as mass or electric charge per unit volume

question

solvent

answer

a substance in which other substances are dissoloved

question

freezing point

answer

the temperature at which a liquid becomes a solid

question

alloy

answer

any mixture of two or more materials

question

antifreeze

answer

a liquid that lowers the freezing point

question

solubility

answer

the capacity for one substance to dissolve another

question

supersaturated

answer

a chemical solution that contains a greater amount of solute than normally possible, often as a result of cooling

question

electrolyte

answer

a chemical compound which separates into ions in a solution

question

ionization

answer

a process in which an atom or molecule loses or gains electrons

question

dissociation

answer

the process by which an ionic solid will separate into its ions in a solution

question

ion

answer

an electrically charged atom or atom group

question

positive ion

answer

an atom missing one or more of its electrons

question

covalent

answer

a chemical bond between two atoms created by sharing a pair of electrons

question

neutral

answer

with zero electric charge

question

formula

answer

a set of symbols representing chemical composition

question

oxidation number

answer

the number of associated electrons in a compound

question

polar molecule

answer

chemical compund with an unequally distributed electric charge

question

nonpolar

answer

chemical compunds with an equally distributed electric charge

question

hydrate

answer

a compound containing water molecules

question

bond

answer

an attractive force that binds atoms and ions in a molecule

question

ductile

answer

moldable, as in the characteristic of metals

question

radioactive

answer

the emission of energy in the form of streaming particles by substances such and uranium or plutonium

question

transition element

answer

an element in groups of three through twelve of the periodic table

question

semiconductors

answer

a partially conductive solid

question

transuranium

answer

having an atomic number over 92

question

allotropes

answer

one of several different forms in which a chemical element occurs, each with different physical properties but the same atomic compostion

question

sublimation

answer

a chemical process in which a solid is directly converted to a gas

question

diatomic

answer

having two atoms per molecule

question

ionic

answer

relating to matter in the form of charged atoms or groups of atoms

question

metallic

answer

containing or made of metal

question

alkali

answer

a chemical substance that is water soluble, neutralizes acid, and forms salts with them

question

noble gas

answer

a chemically non-reactive gas

question

distillation

answer

the process of separating a mixture by evaporation and condensation

question

colloid

answer

a suspension of small particles dispersed in another substance

question

solution

answer

the state of one substance being dissolved in another substance

question

mixture

answer

a substance containing several ingredients which have been blended together

question

Tyndall effect

answer

the scattering of light by minute particles in its path, such as dust in the air

question

compound

answer

a substance made by combining two or more different elements

question

suspension

answer

a dispersion of fine solid particles in a liquid

question

heterogenous

answer

a chemical substance consisting of different and distinguishable materials

question

element

answer

a substance that can not be broken down into a simpler one by a chemical reaction

question

tungsten

answer

a specific metallic chemical element with a very high melting point

question

proton

answer

a stable, elementary particle that is a component of all atomic nuclei; carries a positve charge equal to that of the electron's negative charge

question

atomic number

answer

the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of an element

question

isotope

answer

a form of an element with the same atomic number

question

periodic table

answer

a table of chemical elemetns arranged according to their atomic numbers

question

neutron

answer

an elementary particle without an electric charge

question

electron

answer

a stable, negatively charged elementary particle with a small mass that is a basic ingredient of matter and orbits the nucleus of an atom

question

quark

answer

a basic component of particles

question

metalloid

answer

a nonmetallic element that had properties between those of a metal and a nonmetal

question

particle

answer

a basic unit of matter; a molecule, atom, or electron

question

nitrogen

answer

an element common in the Earth's atmosphere

question

metal

answer

a chemical element that is usually a shiny solid and conducts heat or electricity

question

machine

answer

a device that makes work easier to preform

question

simple machine

answer

any device that only requires the application of a single force to work

question

Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

answer

the factor by which a machine multiplies the force put into it

question

device

answer

a tool or machine which perfroms a particular task or function

question

gear

answer

a toothed wheel that enagages another toothed mechanism in order to transmit motioin from one rotating body to another

question

efficiency

answer

the measure of a machine's energy effectiveness

question

wheel and axel

answer

a simple machine consisting of a large wheel rigidly secured to a smaller wheel or shaft, called an axel

question

ramp

answer

a sloped surface used to move from one level to another

question

screw

answer

a simple machine of the inclined-plane mtype consisting of a spirally threaded, cylindrical rod that engages into a similarily threaded hole

question

James Watt

answer

engineer and inventor whose improvements of the steam engine led to its wide use in industry

question

lever

answer

a rigid bar that pivots around a fulcrum and is used to move or lift a heavy load at one end by applying force to the other

question

wedge

answer

a block that is thick at one end and thinner at the other, used to secure or separate two objects

question

pulley

answer

a wheel with a grooved rim over which a belt or chain or chain can move to change the direction of a pulling force

question

fulcrum

answer

th point about which a lever turns

question

inclined plane

answer

slanted surface used to raise or lower an object

question

pivot

answer

an object on which a larger object turns

question

output force

answer

energy or power produced by a system

question

input force

answer

power or energy that enters a device and is recovered in the form of work or some other output effect

question

applied force

answer

a force which is applied to an object by a person or another object

question

expand

answer

to cause something to increase in size or volume as a result of a rise in temperature or a decrease in pressure

question

buoyant force

answer

a force that causes objects in a liquid to float or rise to the surface or upward in gas

question

Archimedes

answer

Greek mathemetician, physicist, and inventor, best known for the lever and the pulley

question

viscosity

answer

the property orf a fluid that resists flowind

question

diffusion

answer

the random movement of atoms, molecules, or ions, from one site in a medium to another, resulting in complete mixing

question

sublimation

answer

the change of ice to vapor or vapor to ice without a liquid stage

question

kilocalorie

answer

a unit of energy equal to a nutritional calorie

question

boiling point

answer

the degree of temperature at which a liquid turns to gas

question

heat of fusion

answer

the heat released when liquid water freezes to solid ice

question

plasma

answer

a hot ionized gas made up of ions and electronsfound in the sun, stars, and fusion reactors

question

pascal

answer

a unit of pressure equal to one newton per square meter

question

SI unit

answer

a unit of measure in the International System of Units

question

compressed

answer

redused in volume by pressure

question

solid

answer

a substance that retains its shape

question

liquid

answer

a substance whose shape can change but whose volume cannot

question

gas

answer

a substance that is neither a solid nor a liquid and that has the ability to expand

question

redox

answer

an abbreviation for oxidation-reduction, a process in which there is an electron transfer

question

precipitate

answer

a suspension of small solid particles formed in a solution as the result of a chemical reaction

question

reactant

answer

a substance undergoing a chemical reaction

question

Antoine Lavoisier

answer

French chemist know as the "father" of modern chemistry

question

exothermic

answer

a reaction that produces heat

question

endothermic

answer

a reation that abosorbs heat

question

decompostion

answer

chamical change in which a substance is broken down into two or more simpler substances

question

combustion

answer

process in which a substance reacts forcefully with oxygen to produce heat and light

question

catalyst

answer

a chemical that increases the rate of a chemical reaction

question

corrosion

answer

process in which a substance, such as metal, is destroyed gradually by a chemical action

question

reduction

answer

a chemical reaction which brings about a grain in hydrogen, a loss in oxygen, or an increase in electrons

question

synthesis

answer

the process of forming a complex compound from a chemical reaction involving two or more simpler elements

question

endergonic

answer

a chemical reaction in which energy is abosorbed

question

acid

answer

a corrosive substance with a pH less than seven; turns blue litmus paper red

question

ammonia

answer

a colorless, pungent, water soluble gas made up of nitrogen and hydrogen

question

indicator

answer

an organic compund that changes color in acid or base

question

titration

answer

a way of determining the concentration of a solution

question

base

answer

a chemical compound having pH between eight and fourteen; reacts with acids to form salts

question

pH

answer

a measure of acidity or alkalinity

question

buffer system

answer

a substance that minimizes a change in the pH of a soluton by neutralizing added acids and bases

question

polyester

answer

a synthetic polymer used in making textile fibers

question

detergent

answer

a cleansing substance, especially a synthetic liquid that dissolves dirt and oil

question

hydronium

answer

the positive ion containing three hydrogen and one oxygen formed when an acid dissolves in water

question

saponification

answer

the reaction of an ester with metallic base and water which produces soap

question

neutralization

answer

the addition of substances to neutralize water so that it is neither acidic nor alkaline

question

compressional wave

answer

a wave that moves in the same direction as the periodic motion of the medium

question

frequency

answer

the number of wavelengths that passes a fixed pont every second

question

amplitude

answer

the measurement of the height of a transverse wave

question

transverse wave

answer

a wave that cause the crosswise disturbance of a medium

question

interference

answer

process in which two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave

question

rarefaction

answer

the less dense region of a compressional wave

question

refraction

answer

the change in direction that occurs when a light wave passes from medium to another of a different density

question

standing wave

answer

a stationary wave which occurs when two waves of equal frequency and intensity traveling in oppostite directions combine

question

acoustics

answer

the scientific study of sound

question

decibel

answer

a unit of relative loudness

question

resonator

answer

a hollow chamber filled with air that amplifies sound

question

echolocation

answer

a way of locating an object using an emitted sound and the reflection back from it

question

overtone

answer

frequencies which are multiples of the lowest or main frequency

question

oscilloscope

answer

a device that uses a cathode ray tube to show waveforms

question

diffuse reflection

answer

1light that scatters in all directions when it strikes a rough surface

question

pigment

answer

colored material used to change the colors of other substances

question

reflecting telescope

answer

a telescope in which light from the object is initially focused by a concave mirror

question

opague

answer

not allowing light to pass into or through something

question

prism

answer

a glass object that can separate white light into a spectrum

question

optical axis

answer

an imaginary line passing horizontally through the center of a compound lens system

question

cone cells

answer

the cells in the retina which only function in relatively bright light

question

polarize

answer

to cause light to vibrate within certain planes

question

astigmatism

answer

an optical lens defect in which light rays are prevented from meeting at a single pont, producing an imperfect image

question

incandescent

answer

a light emitted as a result of being heated to a high temperature

question

focal point

answer

the point where rays from a lens converge

question

retina

answer

a light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye that receives an image from the lens and sends it to the brain

question

coherent light

answer

light waves that vibrate with constant phase relationships that are produces by a laser or a combination of two prisms

question

laser

answer

a device which emits a focused beam of light

question

parallel circut

answer

a closed circut in which the current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circut

question

resistance

answer

the tendancy for a material to oppose the flow of electrons

question

electroscope

answer

a device used to detect and measure an electric charge

question

ampere

answer

the SI unit of electric charge

question

ohm

answer

the SI unit of electrical current

question

watt

answer

the SI unit of power

question

volt

answer

the unit of electromotive force and electric potential

question

filament

answer

a thin wire conductor in a light bulb

question

series circut

answer

a circut through which the electrical current flows in a single continuous path.

question

kilowatt

answer

a unit of electricity equal to 1,000 watts

question

static electricity

answer

a stationary electric charge that builds up on an insulated object

question

conductor

answer

a substance or medium that allows heat, electricity, light, or sound to pass along it or through it

question

kinetic energy

answer

energy that a body possesses becasue of its motion

question

transformer

answer

a device that changes electrical energy from one alternating circut to another

question

electromagnetic

answer

a soft metal core made into a magnet by the passage of electricity through a coil surrounding it

question

solenoid

answer

a type of electromagnetic constructed so that the core moves, usually linearly, when electricity is passed through it

question

magnetic field

answer

a space surrounding a magnetized body or current-carrying circut

question

aurora

answer

a phenomenon occuring in the night sky around the polar regions, caused by gases in the atmosphere which interact with solar particles

question

compass

answer

a device for finding direction which uses a magnetized needle that automatically swings to the magnetic north

question

magnetic domain

answer

a small, magnetized region of a magnetic surface

question

galvanometer

answer

an instrument used to measure electric current by means of a coil in a magnetic field that moves a pointer or light

question

polarity

answer

the quality or having two oppositely charges poles, one positive and one negative

question

magnet

answer

a piece of metal that has the power to draw iron or steel objects toward it and to hold or move them

question

transmutation

answer

the process that changes one element into another through nuclear delay

question

srong force

answer

the force that holds particles together in a nucleus

question

alpha particle

answer

a positive particle consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons; the nucleus of a helium atom

question

alpha radiation

answer

the least-penetrating type of radiation; can be stopped by a sheet of paper

question

cloud chamber

answer

a device used to detect the movement of high energy particles as they pass through a chamber of supersaturated vapor

question

Geiger counter

answer

a device used to detect and measure radiation

question

beta particle

answer

an electron created by radioactive emission

question

tracer

answer

a radioactive isotope that can be detected by the radiation it emits

question

bubble chamber

answer

a chamber in which the trail of a particle can be observed as a line of bubbles created by a particle

question

chain reaction

answer

a series of nuclear reactions in which neutrons produced by a fission cause more friction

question

displacement

answer

the amount of movement in a particular direction

question

force

answer

a physical influence that tends to change the postion of an object with mass

question

inertia

answer

the tendancy for a body at rest to stay at rest, or a body in motion to stay at motion, unless acted upon by a force

question

friction

answer

resistance encountered by a moving object

question

static friction

answer

resistance between two objects that are in contact but are not moving

question

sliding friction

answer

the frictional resistance an object in motion experiences

question

velocity

answer

the speed at which something moves or happens

question

acceleration

answer

the rate at which something increases in velocity

question

centripetal

answer

moving or pulling toward a center or axis

question

gravity

answer

the force that tends to pull all bodies in Earth's sphere toward the center of the Earth

question

calculus

answer

a branch of mathematics that studies continuously changing quantities

question

air resistance

answer

the force of air pushing against a moving object

question

weight

answer

the gravitational force exerted on a mass

question

momentum

answer

the motion of a body and its resistance to slowing down

question

matter

answer

a substance or material of a particular kind

question

photovoltaic

answer

a photoelectric cell that detects and measure light intensity

question

solar thermal

answer

the use of radiation from the sun to produce heat energy

question

renewable

answer

an unlimited supply or resource

question

fractional distillation

answer

the separation of components from a volatile liquid that have different boiling points

question

turbine

answer

a machine which uses steam or another fluid in motion to move rotation blades; the rotay motion is then turned into electrical or mechanical power

question

generator

answer

a device that converts mechanical energy into electricity

question

biomass

answer

the mass or organisms in the ecosystem, measured in terms of weight per unit of area

question

sedimentary

answer

used to describe ricks formed from eroded material

question

geothermal energy

answer

the heat energy found below the earth's surface

question

fossil fuel

answer

fuel made from decomposed remains of prehistoric plants and animals

question

gamma radiation

answer

high-energy electromagnetic raditation

question

mechanical advantage

answer

the ratio output force to input force for a machine

question

law of conservation of mass

answer

the scientific law which states that mass can be neither created nor destoyed during a chemical reaction, only changed from one form to another

question

decay

answer

to undergo spontaneous disintergration

question

copper

answer

a reddish brown metallic chemical element that bends easily and is a good conductor of electricty and heat

question

aluminum

answer

a light metallic element that is ductile, malleable, and resistant to corrosion

question

focal length

answer

the distance from the center of a lens to the focal point

question

specific heat

answer

the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of substance by one degree

question

photosynthesis

answer

process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food; also produces a large part of the oxygen in the atmosphere

question

Linnaeus

answer

system of naming plants and animals

question

nucleus

answer

the part of a cell which contains genetic material

question

carbon dioxide

answer

a nonpoisonous gas created by respiration and by the decomposition of living organisms

question

chloroplasts

answer

structures in the cells of leaves contain chlorophyll

question

endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

answer

a net-like system within the cytoplasm involved in the synthesis, modification, and transportation of cellular materials

question

virus

answer

an organism that causes an infectious disease

question

species

answer

a group of related organisms sharing common characteristics

question

kingdom

answer

the scientific classifications into which organisms are grouped

question

organelles

answer

compartments within cells that perform specific functions; the nucleus, for example

question

mitiosis

answer

the process by which a cell divides

question

meiosis cell

answer

division that produces reproductive cells

question

metaphase

answer

stage of mitosis when the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell

question

anaphase

answer

stage of mitiosis in which the chromosomes begin to separate

question

Punnett square

answer

tool used to show the potential offspring of two parents

question

chromosomes

answer

a structure in the nucleus of a cell composed of DNA and protein

question

phenotype

answer

the observable characteristics of a cell or organism

question

dominent

answer

gene that determines the characteristics in the organism

question

homozygous

answer

having two identical versions of a specific gene

question

heterozygous

answer

possessing two different forms of a specific gene

question

zoologist

answer

a person who specializes in animal life

question

flagellum

answer

a whip-like structure of a cell responsible for cell movement

question

pigment

answer

a naturally occuring substance in a plant thta gives the plant its color

question

bacillus

answer

a rod-shaped bacterium

question

bioremediation

answer

process used to clean up contaminated land using bacteria and organisms to neutralize soil contaminants

question

coccus

answer

a kind of bacterium with a spherical shape

question

fission

answer

the division of a single-celled organism into two equal parts

question

anaerobes

answer

a microorganism that does not require oxygen for growth

question

capsule

answer

structure that allows bacteria to stick to surfaces

question

spirillum

answer

a spiral-shaped bacterium

question

ribosome

answer

an organelle that produces protein in cells

question

cytoplasm

answer

cellular substance which surrounds the nucleus and holds genetic material

question

dinoflagellate

answer

a single-celled organism found in fresh and marine waters with characteristics of both plants and animals

question

fungus

answer

a plant-like organism which does not make chlorophyll

question

protozoan

answer

a single-celled organism that can move and feed on organic compounds

question

mycology

answer

the specialty of studying fungi

question

zygosphere

answer

a plant spore formed by meiosis

question

lichen

answer

a plant that is a combination of a fungus and an agla; commonly grows on trees or rocks

question

protist

answer

single-celled organism which has an eukarotic cell but is not a member of the plant, fungal, or animal kingdoms

question

spore

answer

an asexual reproductive structure which can produce a new organism; fungi, algae, and many other organisms produce spores rather than seeds

question

algae

answer

simple. rootless plants tha grow in water in proportion of availible nutrients

question

chlorophyll

answer

green pigment found in plants, algae, and some bacteria; needed to aid in the process of photosynthesis

question

African sleeping sickness

answer

disease transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly

question

vascular

answer

relating to plants with tissues that have the ability to carry fluid

question

dicot

answer

flowering plant whose seedlings have two seed leaves; for example, a bean

question

gymnosperm

answer

a plant with bare seeds, as with the pines, where the seeds are attached at the base of the scales in the cone

question

xylem

answer

a type of plant tissue that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots through the stem and leaves

question

angiosperm

answer

a flowering plant whose seeds have a covering of some kind, such as a pod or a fruit

question

phloem

answer

food-transporting tissue of a plant; also know as the inner bark

question

cone

answer

the seed-bearing part of pines and firs

question

monocot

answer

a flowering plant whose seedling has only one seed leaf; for example, grass

question

cuticle

answer

the waxy, protective layer which covers the stem, leaves, and flowers of many plants and helps provent water loss

question

moss

answer

small, leafy flowerless plant that grows in moist, shaded areas

question

fertilization

answer

the process of reproduction by pollination

question

ovule

answer

small structure in a seed plant that contains the eggs and, when fertilised by pollen , develpoes into seeds

question

stigma

answer

the part of the flower's female reproductive system taht receives the male pollen grains

question

germination

answer

the beginning growth of a seed or spore

question

symbiotic

answer

a close association between two different species in which both species benefit

question

anther

answer

the part of the flower which produces pollen

question

frond

answer

refers to the leaf structure of ferns or palms

question

endosperm

answer

the tissue of a seed containing the nutrients

question

sporophyte

answer

the spore-producing stage in the life cycle of a plant

question

ovary

answer

the lower part of the pistil that contains immature seeds

question

stomata

answer

tiny pore in the outer layer of a plant leaf that regulates the movement of gases(water vapor and others) between the plant and the atmosphere

question

respiration

answer

process by which energy is released by food

question

producer

answer

an organism which makes its own food

question

epidermis

answer

the outside layer of cells on a plant which helps prevent injury

question

mitochondrion

answer

energy-producing cellular organelles found outside the nucleus that convert food to energy

question

tropism

answer

plant growth toward or away from an environmental stimulus such as heat or light

question

stimulus

answer

the cause of physical response in an organism

question

hormones

answer

a regulating chemical in plants

question

vacuole

answer

a space in the cytoplasm of a cell which stores food and fluid

question

cell wall

answer

a tough, rigid structure outside of the cell membrance in plant cells

question

cnidarian

answer

invertebrate water animal which has tentacles

question

omnivores

answer

an animal whose food source consists of both plants and animals

question

herbivores

answer

an animal which feeds only on grass and other plants

question

vertebrate

answer

an animal with a backbone

question

carnivore

answer

an animal that eats other animals

question

polyp

answer

a cnidarian with a cylindrical body

question

medusa

answer

a cnidarian with a transparent, umbrella-shaped body

question

mimicry

answer

plants and animals which closely resemble another species as a form of protection

question

parasite

answer

an organism that lives and feeds on another living organism for competion of its life cycle, and which is typically detrimental to the host

question

symmetry

answer

the characteristic of being the same on both sides of a central dividing line

question

sea anemone

answer

colorful sea animal of the cnidarian family which attaches to rock or other nonliving material

question

sponge

answer

a sessile marine organism with a porous, fiberous skeleton

question

athropods

answer

invertebrate animals that have jointed bodies and jointed limbs

question

metamorphosis

answer

the change which takes place as an animal developes into an adult (tadpole to frog, caterpillar to butterfly)

question

radula

answer

a band of tissue containing rows of small teeth in the mouths of some mollusks

question

echinoderms

answer

a marine invertebrate animal with tube feet and five-part radially symmetrical bodies

question

molting

answer

an athropod's process of shedding an old exoskeleton

question

setae

answer

rigid, bristle-like structures in worms that assist in movement

question

mollusk

answer

an invertebrate with a soft, unsegmented body; usually has a shell

question

spiracles

answer

small opening in an insect along the side of the thorax or abdomen controlling the flow of air into and out of the body

question

appendage

answer

a body part that sticks out from the main part of the body

question

bivalve

answer

a mollusk with a hinged shell; oysters, mussels, and clams are examples

question

gizzard

answer

structure in invertebrates and fish where digestion occurs

question

crop

answer

a pouch in athe digestive tract of an insect or earthworm

question

exoskeleton

answer

gard, protective outer covering of an organism

question

reptile

answer

a cold-blooded animal which breathes air and lays eggs

question

amphibian

answer

a cold-blooded animal that spends time on land but breeds in water

question

endoskeleton

answer

the internal skeleton of an animal

question

cartilage

answer

the tough, elastic tissue in the body

question

mammal

answer

warm-blooded animals who are equipped to nurse their young

question

endotherm

answer

warm-blooded animal which can maintain its body temperature regardless of temperature changes in its environment

question

ectotherm

answer

cold-blooded animal which maintains its body temperature by taking in heat from its environment

question

venom

answer

a poisonous fluid produced and injected by an animal to protect itself or to subdue its prey

question

hibernation

answer

a dormant, sleeplike state accompanied by a very low body temperature and metabolic rate; certain animals fall into this during winter

question

notochord

answer

a rod of cells that supports the body of a chordate

question

scales

answer

bony plates on fish, some reptiles, and mammals

question

larva

answer

immature or early form of an insect, amphibian, or fish

question

down

answer

a covering of soft hair or fluffy feathers

question

manatee

answer

a very large, plant-eating mammal that lives in warm coastal waters

question

monotremes

answer

an egg-laying mammal

question

marsupial

answer

a mammal with a pouch used to carry their immature young

question

gestation

answer

the period of time when the embryo develops in the uterus

question

keratin

answer

fibrous protein found in hair, nails, feathers, and hooves

question

placenta

answer

vascular organ that supplies food and oxygen to the fetus inside the uterus of a pregnant mammal

question

preen

answer

the process birds go through to clean and to rub oil over their feathers

question

circulatory

answer

the body's blood-pumping system

question

contour

answer

contour feathers are the tail and wing feathers, the strong and stiff ones adapted for aerodynamics and speed

question

cyclic

answer

occuring repeatedly during specific intervals of time

question

social

answer

behavior of a species living together in a group

question

imprinting

answer

the early social attachment of animals that results in strong behavioral patterns specific to its own species

question

migration

answer

a cyclical behavior in which a group of animals move together from one region to another

question

pheromone

answer

a scent which is secreted by an animal, influencing behavior and development of other members of the same species

question

instinctive

answer

behavior in which an animal reacts out of a strong natural impulse

question

innate

answer

qualities which are present at birth

question

insight

answer

a learned behavior which allows animals to use past experiences to solve new problems

question

aggression

answer

a territorial behavior exhibited by the threatening actions of one animal to another

question

bioluminescence

answer

the light given off by some organisms such as fireflies

question

territorial

answer

animal tendency to protect an area from intruders of the same species, especially other males

question

tendons

answer

a connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone or other body part

question

dermis

answer

the layer of skin under the epidermis which contains blood, lymph vessels, sweat glands, and nerve endings

question

skeletal system

answer

the system of bones supporting the soft tissue and protecting the internal organs of the body

question

muscle

answer

an elastic tissue that functions to produce movement of body parts and body fluids

question

periosteum

answer

the connective tissue surrounding all bones of the body except those at the joints

question

ligaments

answer

the bands of tough tissue that connect bones or cartilage at a joint or that support an organ or muscle

question

melanin

answer

a dark brown or black pigment found in skin, hair, eyes, fur, or feathers of people, animals, and plants

question

joint

answer

the point at which two or more bones in the body come together

question

bruise

answer

a discoloration of the skin caused by injury to blood vessels

question

voluntary

answer

a controlled response

question

involuntary

answer

an uncontrolled response

question

nutrient

answer

a substance that provides nourishment for the body

question

digestion

answer

the breaking down of food in the body so that it can be used or excreted

question

salivary glands

answer

glands that producce and release digestive juices (saliva) in the mouth

question

carbohydrate

answer

food energy source for humans and animals such as sugar and starch

question

villus

answer

part of the small intestine

question

esophagus

answer

the pathway in the throat through which food moves between the throat and the stomach

question

enzyme

answer

a protein controlling biochemical reactions

question

chyme

answer

a mass of partially digested food and gastric secretions passed from the stomach to the small intestine

question

protein

answer

a food source rich in amino acids

question

peristalsis

answer

involuntary muscle contractions that transport food and waste through a tube-shaped organ such as the intestine

question

calorie

answer

a unit of energy equal to the heat needed to raise the temperature of one kg of pure water by one degree Calcius

question

atrium

answer

one of the upper chambers of the heart

question

ventricles

answer

the lower chambers of the heart

question

lymph

answer

fluid containing the white blood cells

question

pulmonary circulation

answer

the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart

question

plasma

answer

the clear, yellow fluid part of blood

question

tricuspid

answer

a heart valve with three flaps; prevents blood from flowing back into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts

question

mitral

answer

a heart valve that lies between the left atrium and left ventricle; prevents blood from flowing back into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts

question

lymphatic

answer

a vessel that transports or contains lymph

question

platelets

answer

colorless cells whose main function is to control bleeding

question

cardiovascular system

answer

the system made up of heart, blood vessels, and blood

question

microscopic

answer

unable to be seen without the aid of a microscope

question

capillaries

answer

the thin blood vessels that connect small arteries with small veins

question

systemic circulation

answer

the circulation of the blood throughout the body

question

hypertension

answer

elevated blood pressure

question

coronary

answer

the arteries and veins that supply blood to and from the muscle tissue of the heart

question

diffusion

answer

the process of distributing nutrients to the cells

question

aorta

answer

the main artery leaving the heart

question

vena cava

answer

main veins leading into the heart

question

blood vessels

answer

tubes that carry blood throughout the body

question

bronchi

answer

the two main air passages leading from the trachea which allow air to move in and out of the lungs

question

urine

answer

the liquid waste product of vertebrates

question

cellular respiration

answer

the process by which glucose is converted into energy

question

alveoli

answer

air sacs in the lung

question

respiratory system

answer

the system of organs that process air in the body, including the nose, throat and lungs

question

asthma

answer

respiratory disease characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath

question

kidneys

answer

the pair of organs responsible for filtering waste liquid in the body

question

trachea

answer

the airway that leads from the larynx to the lungs

question

diaphragm

answer

muscular wall below the rib cage which expands the chest for breathing

question

emphysema

answer

lung disease in which the air sacs are dilated resulting in breathing impairment

question

excretory system

answer

the organs that elimate waste from the body

question

nephrons

answer

small tubes in the kidneys

question

urethra

answer

the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

question

glucose

answer

a simple sugar which is the main source of energy for the body

question

lobe

answer

a rounded part of an organ, as in the lungs, brain, or liver

question

dialysis

answer

the mechanical filtering of waste products from the blood of a patient whose kidneys are not working properly

question

nervous system

answer

the body system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action; consists of the central nervous system ( brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord)

question

neurons

answer

cells that transmit nerve impulses and are the basic units of the nervous system

question

axons

answer

the extensions of a nerve cell that transmit impulses outward or away from the cell body

question

dendrites

answer

extensions of a nerve cell that receive electrical signals

question

central nervous system

answer

the control network for the human body; is composed of the brain and spinal cord; one of the two major divisions of the nervous system

question

cerebellum

answer

part of the brain which controls and coordinates muscular activity and balance

question

retina

answer

a light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye which receives an image from the lens and sends it to the brain

question

hammer

answer

tiny bone located in the inner ear

question

brain stem

answer

the part of the brain closest to the spinal cord that controls involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate

question

saliva

answer

liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands which moistens food and begins the breakdown of starches

question

peripheral nervous system

answer

the nerves in the body that lie outside of the brain and spinal cord

question

concave

answer

curved inward

question

convex

answer

curved outward

question

cranial

answer

relating to the skull

question

somatic system

answer

system that controls all voluntary systems within the body with the exception of reflex arcs

question

autonomic system

answer

the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary activity such as the action of the heart, lungs, and intestines

question

olfactory cells

answer

relating to the sense of smell

question

rods

answer

cells in the retina used to detect shape and movement

question

homeostasis

answer

the natural regulatory mechanism of the body

question

taste buds

answer

receptors primarily on the tongue that enable us to detect sweet, salty, sour and bitter

question

endocrine system

answer

the system of glands in the human body which is responsible for producing hormones

question

fraternal

answer

relating to twins that developed from two seperate ova, rather than a single ovum

question

identical

answer

relating to twins that developed from a single ovum in a single placental sac; these twins closely resemble one another

question

amniotic sac

answer

the sac which holds the baby in the uterus; contains the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid

question

reproduction

answer

the production of offspring

question

hormones

answer

produced by the endocrine glands, these substances act as messengers to cells and organs in the body

question

puberty

answer

the state of physical development when sexual reproduction first becomes possible

question

fetus

answer

in mammals, a stage of development in which all organs have formed, from the eighth week after conception until the moment of birth

question

embryo

answer

in mammals, the stage of development from conception to eight weeks

question

thyroid gland

answer

the gland which helps regulate growth and metabolism

question

thymus gland

answer

a gland involved in the development of cells of the immune system

question

pituitary gland

answer

the main gland of the endocrine system

question

pineal gland

answer

small gland responsible for production of melatonin

question

uterus

answer

the organ which holds and nourishes the embryo during development

question

immune system

answer

system that works to seek and kill invaders of the body

question

menstrual cycle

answer

monthly cycle of female hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next

question

ovulation

answer

the ripening and release of an egg or eggs from the ovary for possible fertilization

question

scrotum

answer

the pouch of skin and muscle containing the testicles

question

umbilical cord

answer

the cord that carries blood, oxygen, and nutrients from the plancenta to the baby during pregnancy

question

gland

answer

an organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body

question

tonsils

answer

organs at the back of the throat that help the body figh toff viral and bacterial infections

question

antibody

answer

a protein that combines with an antigen and counteracts in its effects

question

allergens

answer

any substance that triggers an allergic reaction

question

immunity

answer

a body's ability to resist a specific disease

question

communicable

answer

easily transmitted from one person to another

question

vector

answer

carrier of an infectious agent; capable of transmitting infection from one host to another

question

antigens

answer

a substance that simulates the production of antibodies

question

chronic illness

answer

a recurring ilness

question

asbestos

answer

a mineral fiber used in the past for fireproofing and insulation; banned by EPA because it was found to cause caner when inhaled

question

the molecules

answer

the smallest parts of matter

question

pathogens

answer

a disease-producing organism

question

chemotherapy

answer

the use of chemical agents to treat cancer and other diseases

question

abiotic

answer

nonliving

question

biotic

answer

living

question

chemosynthesis

answer

the process by which some bacteria use chemicals to provide the energy they need for life

question

evaporation

answer

the process in which a liquid is changed to a vapor without its temperature reaching the boiling point

question

condensation

answer

water droplets that form on cold surface when warmer air comes in contact with it

question

transpiration

answer

the loss of water vapor from a plant's surface

question

precipitaion

answer

the formation of rain, snow, or hail from moisture in the air

question

ecosystems

answer

a community of different species interacting with one another and their environment

question

biomes

answer

an ecological community of organisms and environments

question

taiga

answer

sub-arctic forests located south of a tundra

question

tundra

answer

treeless plain between the ice cap and the timber line that had permanently frozen subsoil

question

wetlands

answer

an area of land, marsh or swamp, where the soil near the surface is covered with water

question

acid rain

answer

rain that has becom acidic from mixing with industrial pollutants in the atmosphere (like oxidated sulphur and nitrogen)

question

recycling

answer

the processing of waste for reuse

question

solar energy

answer

using the sun as an energy source

question

nuclear energy

answer

energy released by nuclear fission or fusion

question

nitrogen cycle

answer

nitrogen circulation between air and plants

question

smog

answer

a mixture of fog and smoke which creates a type of pollution

question

energy pyramid

answer

a pyramid diagram showing the loss of useful energy at each steop in a food chain

question

covalent bonds

answer

chemical bonding where some atoms share electrons to hold a molecule together

question

molecule

answer

term used to describe a group of atoms connected by covalent bonds

question

compound

answer

substance made up of more than one element

question

states of matter

answer

solids, gases, liquids, and plasmas

question

element

answer

substance composed of only one type of atom

question

crystals

answer

solids in which the atoms are arranged in a repeating, orderly pattern

question

streak

answer

property revealed by rubbing a mineral on an unglazed seramic tile to determine the color of the mineral in powdered form

question

luster

answer

term used to describe how a mineral reflects light

question

halite

answer

salt or sodium cholride; colorless or white mineral occuring as cubic crystals

question

mineral properties

answer

luster, streak, hardness, and fracture

question

hardness

answer

strength of the structure of the mineral compared to the strength of its chemical bonds, tested through scratching

question

fracture

answer

one way that a mineral can break; smoothly curved, irregular, jagged, or splintery

question

silicon

answer

nonmetallic element found only as a compound with other elements in nature

question

clevage

answer

another way that a mineral can break; found mainly in crystalline minerals like diamonds which can break in straight planes when struck

question

sediment

answer

particles of eroded rock or other plant or animal matter that are transported and deposited by water, wind, ice, or gravity

question

foliated rock

answer

rock that has a layered appearance, formed or composed of separable layers

question

igneous rock

answer

type of rock formed by intense heat or from solidification of molten magma

question

sedimentary

answer

type of rock formed from eroded material or sediment

question

metamorphic

answer

type of rock characterized by a change in physical form, appearance, or character

question

lava

answer

type of molten rock that comes from a volcano; magma that has reached the surface of earth

question

intrusive rock

answer

type of rock that is formed by being forced into the holes, cracks, or layers of preexisting rocks while in a molten state

question

obsidian

answer

volcanic glass that is formed by rapid cooling of lava and usually black in color; used by early civilizations to make tools and special objects

question

magma

answer

molten rock that is in a liquid state under the earth's crust; forms igneous rock when cooled at earth's surface

question

coal

answer

black or dark brown sedimentary rock used as a fuel; formed by the decompostition of plant material

question

latitude

answer

how far north or south of the equarot a point id on earth's surface

question

prime meridian

answer

imaginary line that runs from north to south though Greenwich, England; at 0 degrees longitude, all other longitudes are figured from this one

question

longitude

answer

the east or west distance between a point on the earth and the prime meridian

question

map projection

answer

a flat map that shows our three-dimensional eath

question

cartography

answer

the study and creation of maps

question

elevation

answer

height of an area, object, or land form on the earth's surface above sea level

question

topographic map

answer

map showing the physical features and elevation of an area

question

coastal plain

answer

flat. low-lying land next to a sea coast

question

plateau

answer

an elevated, mostly level or flat area of land

question

volcano

answer

vent or opening in earth's surface through which molten magma (lava), ash, and gases are released

question

fault-black

answer

mountain formed by the uplift of land between faults or the lowering of land outside of the faults

question

equator

answer

imaginary circle around the surface of earth halfway between the North and South Poles

question

horizons

answer

layers of soil visible in a vertical cross section

question

oxidation

answer

chemical reaction where oxygen is combined with another element or compound to yield a different compund (example: iron + oxygen + rust)

question

carbonation

answer

process where dissolved carbon dioxide in rainwater creates carbonic acid and reacts with minerals in a rock to break it down

question

hydrolysis

answer

process where hydrogen in rainwater reacts with minerals in a rock to break it down

question

abraision

answer

form of weathering that occurs when sand or other small particles transported by air collide with surfaces and break them down

question

chemical weathering

answer

process in which rocks decompose or disintergrate by chemical processes such as oxidation, carbonation, or hydrolysis

question

mechanical weathering

answer

process where rocks are broken down into smaller pieces and their edges are rounded by abrasion, gravity, and freezing water

question

erosion

answer

the wearing away of land surface (soil) or rocks by wind, water, or ice

question

leaching

answer

process by which soil nutrients are carried away by water or washed deeper into the soil

question

limestone

answer

sedimentary rock formed mostly from the calcium carbonate remains of marine animals such as shells; used to make cement and lime

question

terrace farming

answer

transformation of a cary steep slope into usable farmland by creating a series of level steps or terraces; these terraces or steps retain water and keep plants and seeds from washing downhill

question

glacier

answer

very large mass of ice and snow that moves slowly downhill because of its own weight; is an agent of erosion; formed in areas where sonw falls faster than it melts

question

mass movement

answer

downhill movement of earth materials due to gravity

question

creep

answer

form of erosion caused by gravity where uphill particles fall downhill very slowly; form of mass movement

question

mudflow

answer

rapid downward movement of wet soil; form of mass movement

question

slump

answer

mass movement or lanslide where moving earth moves downward in a block or multiple blocks and can create a small upslope in the process

question

subsidence

answer

downward movement of earth

question

beach erosion

answer

the wearing away of a beach by tides, currents, and waves

question

wind erosion

answer

wind action primarily known for smoothing and rounding landscapes as sand and dust carried by wind wear away rocks and land surface

question

loess

answer

windblown, dusty, chalky soil or silt; usually yellowish-brown

question

striatioin

answer

scratch or groove on a rock formed by a glacier or stream

question

deposition

answer

opposite of erosion; also known as sedimentation; sediment which eroded from another location, was transported by wind,water, or ice, and deposited

question

deflation

answer

wind erosion where sand, clay, and silt particles are removed from the land's surface

question

eskers

answer

long, winding ridges of sand and gravel deposited by streams that flows in or under glaciers

question

glacial till

answer

rocks and material left behind by a glacier

question

moraine

answer

new landform crated by the accumulation of rocks, soil, and other debris carried and deposited by a glacier (glacial till)

question

cirque

answer

bowl-shaped valley with steep walls on a mountain eroded by a glacier

question

crust

answer

very thin outer layer of the earth (25 miles under the continents, two to three miles under the oceans); broken into pieces called plates

question

mantle

answer

thickest layer of the earth (about 1800 miles thick); made of hot, dense rock that flows and moves due to temperature differences in the mantle

question

outer core

answer

1800 miles beneath the crust; composed of nickel and iron in a liquid state due to high temperatures

question

inner core

answer

very hot (4,000 to 9,000 degrees F) solid center of the earth composed mainly of nickel and iron; solid due to extremely high pressure; about 3200 miles below the earth's surface and about 800 miles thick.

question

epicenter

answer

point on the earth's surface directly above the source of an earthquake

question

seismograph

answer

device that detects, measures, and records earthquake vibrations

question

seismologist

answer

scientist who measures and studies earthquakes

question

Richter Scale

answer

collection of mathematical formulas that measure the strength of an earthquake; developed by Charles Richter in 1935

question

tsunami

answer

huge ocean waves generated after an earthquake at sea where there is a sudden drop or rise of a large section of the ocean floor

question

surface wave

answer

vibration from an earthquake that travels along the surface of the earth and can topple buildings during an earthquake

question

body waves

answer

vibration from an earthquake that travels deep within the earth; two types are primary and secondary waves

question

primary wave

answer

type of body wave that compresses and expands rock as it travels through the earth

question

secondary wave

answer

type of body wave that shakes and twists the earth sideways as it travels; moves at about half the speed of the primary wave

question

magnitude

answer

measure of the size or energy of an earthquake

question

elasticity

answer

property that alllows a material to bend and change shape

question

seismic wave

answer

vibration that travels through the earth, usually due to an earthquake

question

liquefaction

answer

process of changing a solid or gas into a liquid

question

normal fault

answer

break in the earth's crust where a block of rocks shifts downwards

question

strike-flip fault

answer

break in the earth's crust where rocks on either side of the fault split and slide past each other

question

plate boundaries

answer

edges of the plates that make up the broken surface of the earth

question

volcanic eruption

answer

violent discharge of steam, lava, and ash from a volcano; usually occurs on or near the continental plate boundaries; produces ash, granite and basalt

question

sill

answer

flat mass of igneous rock between two layers of older, existing sedimentary rock; mass is usually horizontal

question

volcanic neck

answer

massive, crudely cylindrical pillar of rock that was the inside (neck) of a volcano which filled with magma and hardened many years ago; is now exposed due to surface area erosion around the projection

question

batholith

answer

huge mass of igneous rock (greater than 40 square miles) with no known bottom; believed to have solidified deep within the earth

question

caldera

answer

large bowl-shaped volcanic depression formed at the top of a volcano when the vent collapsed; sometimes filled with water

question

Krakatoa

answer

volcano on the Indonesian island of Rakata; has erupted many times throughout history with disastrous consequences

question

Hawaiian Islands

answer

islands in the Pacific Ocean; formed in a nearly straight line because the Pacific plate moved very slowly over a hot spot in the Earth's mantle layer

question

La Soufriere

answer

volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat known for its high levels of silica, a substance potentially hazardous to humans

question

Kilauea

answer

youngest volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii; possibly the world's most active volcano with continuous eruptive activity since 1983

question

tephra

answer

bits of solidified lava that fall from the air and can be as small as ash or as large as rocks

question

Mt. St. Helens

answer

active volcano in Washington state that had a massive eruption in 1980 which produced tremendous amounts of ash

question

composite volcanos

answer

tall, symmetrical, steep-sided volcanoes, also known as stratovolcanoes

question

shield volcano

answer

flat, broad volcano such as Mauna Loa in Hawaii

question

Paricutin Volcano

answer

Mexican volcano that appeared first as a crack in a cornfield then eventually produced 10 square miles of lava and buried most of Paracutin and nearby San Juan

question

cinder cone

answer

volcanic cone that forms above ground around a vent; is made of cinders (loose volcanic fragments) and bombs (ashes and blobs of congealed lava)

question

Pangaea

answer

name given to ancient super-continent consisting of all of earth's masses; theory was proposed by German meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1915

question

continental drift

answer

the gradual movement and formation of continents; idea supported by fossil evidence of same unique plants/animals on multiple continents

question

plate tectonics

answer

theory that the earth's surface is broken into plates the size and position of which change over time; this theory supports the continental drift theory

question

subduction zone

answer

an area on earth where two tectonic plates meet; one plate slides underneath the other, moves down into the mantle and melts

question

fossils

answer

traces or remains of animals or plants from long ago

question

lithosphere

answer

crust and the uppermost part of the earth's mantle

question

asthenosphere

answer

lower layer of the mantle that flows and moves the plates of the earth

question

ropy lava

answer

long trails of lava that form spirals

question

magnetic reversals

answer

changes in earth's magnetism (evidenced in rods) due to slow movements in earth's liquid outer core; this phenomenon supports the idea that the sea floor is changing and spreading

question

convection

answer

material movement in gases and liquids due to density or concentration differences which are often a result of heat

question

fossil formation

answer

accomplished by permineralization, carbon film, or molds

question

permineralization

answer

the process in which minerals are deposited into a bony fossil

question

carbon film

answer

a type of fossil formation normally involving plants where a plant's oils leach out and only a black carbon film remains

question

mold

answer

a type of fossil formation where an organism is buried in mud, clay, or another material which hardens, the organism decays, and an imprint of the organism is left in the hardened material

question

rock record

answer

ancient history recorded in rock layers

question

unconfomity

answer

a boundary seperating two or more rocks of markedly different ages, marking a gap in the geologic period

question

index fossils

answer

fossils that existed during limited periods of time; used to determine the age of the rocks in which they are preserved

question

carbon dating

answer

dating method that uses carbon-14 to determine the age of the materials

question

uniformitarianism

answer

principle which states that sediments formed in ancient sedimentary rocks were deposited in the same way sediments are deposited today

question

superposition

answer

principle stating that in undisturbed situations, the oldest layers of rock are on the bottom

question

fossilized footprints

answer

evidence of early human ancestors found by Mary Leakey in Africa

question

trilobite

answer

extinct marine organism that lived in earth's oceans for more than 200 million years; thought to be ancestor of today's joint-footed organisms; crabs, centipedes, spiders, etc.

question

eon

answer

longest block of time in geology

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era

answer

period of time that is a sundivisioin of an eon

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period

answer

divisioin of an era into smaller time frames

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epoch

answer

division of a period into smaller time blocks

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Precambrian Eon

answer

time period from the formation of earth up until about 600 million years ago

question

Phanerozoic Eon

answer

time period from 600 million years ago until now

question

Paleozoic Era

answer

time period from about 600 million years ago to 245 million years ago when the super continent pangaea is thought to have been formed and the first fish, land plants, amphibians, and reptiles firs appeared; first era of the Phanerozoic Eon

question

Mesozoic Era

answer

time period from between 245 million years ago to 5 million years ago when dinosaurs, the first birds, and mammals appeared; period ended by mass extinction; second era of the Phanerozoic Eon

question

Cenozoic Era

answer

time period that spans from 65 million years ago until now; the Age of Mammals; the third era of the Phanerozoic Eon

question

cyanobacteria

answer

organism from the Precambrian Eon that contained chlorophyll and contributed oxygen to earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis; created our oldest fossils

question

Charles Darwin

answer

English scientist who wrote the book The Origin of Species (1859) and achieved lastingn fame for his theory of evolution

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evolution

answer

process of change over time

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Tyrannosaurus

answer

mobile, meat-eating dinosaur from the Jurassic period

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species

answer

group of organisms that normally breed only among themselves

question

troposphere

answer

lowest layer of earth's atmosphere; extends from earth's surface up to about 8 miles high

question

stratosphere

answer

atmospheric layer above the troposphere; 9 to 31 miles above the earth

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mesosphere

answer

layer above the stratosphere; about 31 to 50 miles above the earth

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thermosphere

answer

outermost layer of earth's atmosphere where gas molecules split apart into ions

question

ionosphere

answer

lower part of the thermosphere; reflects radio waves

question

sea breeze

answer

a breeze that forms when warmer air over the land rises and cooler costal air rushes in to replace it

question

atmospheric pressure

answer

force exerted by the weight of the air; as altitude (height above earth's surface) increases, atmospheric pressure decreases because air is less dense, and vice versa (altitude decreases, pressure increases)

question

water cycle

answer

continuous process of moving water from the earth to the atmosphere and back again; evaporation, condesation, precipitation

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ozone layer

answer

exists in the stratosphere; atmospheric layer of oxygen that exists as ozone and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation

question

jet stream

answer

fast moving river of air that flows from east to west over North America and directs our weather systems

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trade winds

answer

strong tropical winds blowing toward low pressure regioins at the equator; the blow from east to west in the Northern Hemisphere

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prevailing westerlies

answer

winds in the middle latitudes that generally blow opposite the trade winds; primarily responsible for blowing weather patterns across the United States

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doldrums

answer

areas near the equator where the is little or no wind

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conduction

answer

transfer of heat through materials

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convection

answer

heat transfer by circulation through a gas or liquid

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radiation

answer

energy or heat carried in waves or rays

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coriolis effect

answer

curving motion of wind or water caused by the earth's rotation

question

chlorofluorocarbons

answer

also know as CFC's; chemical substances once used in refridgeratiors and air conditioners that destroy the ozone layer when they break down

question

weather

answer

state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place

question

humidity

answer

water vapor in the air

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tornado

answer

severe storm with a violent, rotating column of air that can have wind speeds greater than 150 miles per hour

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tropical storm

answer

organized thunderstorm over tropical waters with winds from 39 to 74 miles per hour; storm winds spin due to earth's rotation

question

hurricane

answer

severe tropical storm with sustained winds of 75 miles per hour or more; starts over the ocean and is the most powerful type of storm on earth

question

cirrus clouds

answer

high, thin, featherlike clouds of ice crystals

question

altocumulus clouds

answer

white or gray medium altitude clouds that usually occur in layers or patches of wavy rounded masses or rolls

question

stratus clouds

answer

low, gray, uniform cloud layer that usually covers the sky

question

cumulonimbus clouds

answer

thunderstorm cloud that is extremely dense and tall, associated with lightning, thunder, hail and sometimes tornadoes

question

dew point

answer

specific temperature when water vapor in the air condenses

question

precipitation

answer

water that falls to earth as rain, snow, hail or sleet

question

climate

answer

average weather pattern of a region that occurs over many years and is influenced by latitude, ocean currents, mountains, and large bodies of water

question

deforestation

answer

destruction of forests

question

greenhouse effect

answer

warming of the earth's atmosphere due primarily to heat trapped by gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor; deforestation adds to this problem because it removes trees that would have removed carbon dioxide from the air and reduced the greenhouse effect

question

El Nino

answer

weather pattern usually occurring every 3 to 5 years when abnormally warm surface waters occur in the Pacific Ocean near Peru

question

Gulf Stream

answer

warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the east coast of the U.S. and northeast across the Atlantic Ocean

question

desalinization

answer

process of removing salt from water

question

upwelling

answer

upward motion of cold, dense, nutrient-rich water toward the surface

question

continental shelf

answer

shallow bottom just offshore of most continents between the beach (edge of the water) and a sharp underwater drop-off where the bottom plunges steeply

question

wavelength

answer

distance from crest to crest of a wave

question

current

answer

stream of water that moves horizontally in the ocean

question

ocean pollution

answer

major causes include: 1) toxic (poisonous) trash and chemicals that get into our food chain, 2) oil, primarily occurring as runoff from the land, and 3) dangerous debris like plastics that can entangle animals and harm marine life when eaten

question

tides

answer

the daily, regular rise and fall of the ocean waters due to the moon's gravitational pull on the earth

question

benthic organisms

answer

bottom-dwellers in a body of water

question

plankton

answer

minute animals and plants that are free-floating and unable to swim against currents

question

nekton

answer

water animals that are active swimmers and capable of swimming against a current; not plankton

question

estuary

answer

wide part of a river where it joins the sea; fresh and salt water mix here

question

food chain

answer

a hierarchy of living things (animals and plants) where each level is dependent on the next for its nourishment

question

ocean waves

answer

as water molecules in a wave move up and down in a circular pattern, the energy of the wave moves toward the shore; friction with the bottom slows the wave as it nears the shore

question

sting ray

answer

fish with a flattened body and a long, narrow whip-like tail with a venomous stinger; can inflict severe wounds

question

jellyfish

answer

free-swimming sea animal with a bell-shaped, jelly-like body and stinging tenticles

question

pH

answer

a measure of acidity or alkalinity

question

acidity

answer

acidity of a water sample is determined by titrating it with a strong base (eg, NaOH) to a defined pH; pH less than 7

question

alkalinity

answer

a pH of more than 7; the solution is considered base or alkali

question

neutral

answer

a pH of about 7

question

detergent

answer

a man-made chemical cleanser

question

sewage

answer

filthy waste from household or industrial sources that is carried away in drains

question

scrubber

answer

a filter or purifier that removes impurities (particles and contaminants) from the air

question

pollution

answer

something that contaminates our environment; can even be clean water that is too warm if it is drained into cool water and changes the habitat of animals there

question

acid rain

answer

rain drops that have a pH of less than 5.6 because they have mixed with pollutants such as sulfur or nitrogen; can affect animals such as snails and birds by removing calcium from their habitat (calcium is needed to make snail shells and bird eggs)

question

particulates

answer

tiny, solid particles such as dust, ash, soot, or pollen that are released into and move around in the air

question

smog

answer

polluted or dirty fog caused mainly by cars

question

photochemical smog

answer

brown haze that contains ozone and blankets a city when car and truck exhaust react with sunlight

question

fertilizer

answer

natural or man-made plant nutrient added to enhance plant growth; can cause problems (such as excessive algae growth) in streams or ponds if too much fertilizer runs off of yards or farms

question

Clean Water Act of 1977

answer

Federal government regulation to restore and maintain the health and integrity of our nation's waters; requires communities to treat sewage before releasing it into a river

question

sulfur dioxide

answer

air pollutant formed when fuel containing sulfur is burned; a colorless, irritating gas that contributes to formation of acid rain

question

inversion

answer

thermal inversion: when a layer of warm air lies over cooler air near the ground, trapping pollutants

question

electrostatic separator

answer

a machine used to separate substances by using electrical charges

question

Cuyahoga River

answer

river located in northeast Ohio; when a layer of oil and debris (pollution) on its surface caught fire in 1969, our nation pain attention; concern over pollution causing the fire led to the Clean Water Act of 1977

question

carrying capacity

answer

maximum population that the environment can support without negative effects

question

sanitary landfill

answer

environmentally safe method of waste disposal where a landfill has a waterproof liner and is covered daily to keep harmful materials from entering the air and soil

question

recycle

answer

to use a resource again

question

20th century

answer

1900 through 1999

question

world population

answer

total number of humans alive on the planet earth at a given time; the last 70 years of the 20th century saw the biggest increase in the world's population in human history

question

hazardous waste

answer

solid, liquid, or gaseous material that is discarded and can harm people, animals or the environment; requires special disposal

question

phytoremediation

answer

use of plants to clean up polluted sites, usually by absorbing contaminants through their roots

question

compost

answer

way to recycle organic matter; by using natural processes, organic matter decomposes and becomes nutrient-rich soil builder

question

pollutant

answer

any substance that harms the environment when it mixes with soil, water or air

question

per capita

answer

per person

question

telescope

answer

an astronomical tool used to see distant objects such as those in space; first invented by Galileo in 1610

question

Sputnik

answer

first artificial satellite; put into Earth's orbit in 1957 by the Soviets; led to creation of NASA and the race to the moon

question

Hubble Space Telescope

answer

a telescope orbiting the Earth; its position outside the earth's atmosphere allows it to take sharp optical images of very faint objects

question

satellite

answer

object that revolves around a planet

question

moon

answer

natural satellite of Earth

question

orbit

answer

the path that an object makes around another object

question

Apollo

answer

U.S. space program that included 6 piloted moon landings between 1969 and 1972

question

Saturn rocket

answer

rockets developed for the Apollo program to launch heavy payloads to Earth's orbit and beyond

question

Voyager space probes

answer

two unmanned space probes: Voyager I and Voyager 2; launched in 1977; sent to study Jupiter and Saturn, went on to Uranus and Neptune, and then into the outer solar system

question

Spirit & Opportunity

answer

twin robotic exploration rovers developed by NASA and sent to Mars in January 2003; these computers on wheels make observations and report them to NASA

question

Yuri Gagarin

answer

Soviet cosmonaut (astronaut) who was the first human in space (1961)

question

John Glenn

answer

first U.S. man to orbit Earth (1962)

question

Neil Armstrong

answer

first man to walk on the moon (1969); an American

question

electromagnetic spectrum

answer

entire range of electromagnetic radiation including: radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma ray radiation

question

space shuttle

answer

reusable spacecraft that can carry a payload into orbit then return to Earth with its crew

question

space station

answer

permanent laboratory and exploration platform in space

question

solar eclipse

answer

the name of the event when the moon comes directly in between Earth and the sun and interrupts the light from the sun

question

elliptical

answer

having an oval shape, rounded like an egg

question

meteor

answer

a piece of rock or metal that enters Earth's atmosphere but usually burns up before reaching Earth's surface

question

Gibbous moon

answer

descriptive name for the moon when it is between a full moon and a half moon (more than half of the moon's surface is visible)

question

equinox

answer

either of two days, usually March 21st or September 23rd, when daylight and darkness are about equal because the sun is directly over the Earth's equator

question

axis

answer

an imaginary straight line about which Earth rotates

question

solstice

answer

one of two times during the year when the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equator during Earth's orbit, yielding the longest and shortest days of the year

question

SOHO mission

answer

joint project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA (US space agency) to investigate the sun

question

penumbra

answer

term used to describe the partial shadow that occurs during a lunar eclipse

question

North Pole

answer

region of Earth that is a magnetic field because of Earth's rotation; magnetism causes a compass to point north

question

asteroids

answer

chunks of rock, pieces of planets, or small planets that primarily orbit the sun in an "asteroid belt" between Mars and Jupiter

question

Johannes Kepler

answer

German astronomer best known for his laws of planetary motion

question

Mercury

answer

planet nearest the sun; smallest of the inner planets with no atmosphere and no moons

question

Venus

answer

2nd planet from the sun; its atmosphere of mostly carbon dioxide traps heat from the surface, producing very high temperatures that lead to the Greenhouse effect on that planet

question

Earth

answer

3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

question

Mars

answer

4th planet from the sun, appears red due to iron oxide (rust) on its soil

question

Jupiter

answer

5th planet from the sun, largest in our solar system with a Great Red Spot; has faint dust rings (that Voyager found) and many moons that include Europa, Ganymede, Callisto and Lo; Lo has active volcanoes

question

Saturn

answer

6th planet from the sun with large rings made mainly of ice and rock

question

Uranus

answer

7th planet from the sun, unusual because its axis is parallel to the plane of its orbit, not perpendicular like other planets

question

Neptune

answer

8th planet from the sun; methane gives Neptune its blue cloud color

question

Pluto

answer

9th planet from the sun; recently reclassified as a dwarf planet; Pluto is unusual in its orbit, some parts of Pluto's orbit are inside of Neptune's

question

planet

answer

a body in orbit around the sun

question

inner planets

answer

the small, rocky planets that orbit closest to the sun including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

question

outer planets

answer

planets that orbit far from the sun including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto

question

light year

answer

the distance traveled by a ray of light in one year

question

nebula

answer

a cloud of gas and/or dust in space

question

Sun

answer

medium size star that is at the center of our solar system; innermost layer is the core, then the photosphere, the chromosphere, and the corona

question

sunspot

answer

cooler dark spots on the photosphere of the sun; created when magnetic fields stop the circulation of gases

question

solar prominence

answer

a large bright feature in the solar corona also influenced by magnetic fields

question

magnitude

answer

term used to describe the measure of a star's brightness

question

absolute magnitude

answer

measurement of the brightness of a star as if it were a set distance away; allows overall brightness of objects to be compared without regard to distance from the earth

question

Milky Way

answer

the spiral galaxy to which our sun and solar system belong

question

supernova

answer

explosion caused when a massive star dies and collapses; rare, short-lived phenomenon that throws out vast amounts of energy into space; some so bright that they could be seen even in the middle of the day

question

fusion

answer

star's energy source (in its core) where fusion of hydrogen to helium occurs

question

black hole

answer

a completely collapsed dead star with a massive gravitational field so powerful that not even light can escape it

question

white dwarf

answer

a "tiny" collapsed star about the size of a planet near the end of its nuclear fusion period; white and very hot

question

neutron star

answer

a dense ball made up almost entirely of neutrons that remains after a supernova has exploded the rest of the star; extremely dense and more massive than our sun

question

Big Bang Theory

answer

a theory of universe creation that assumes our universe began about 20 billion years ago with a super-powerful explosion

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