Combined Science key terms

A survey of a strip of habitat using quadrats placed along a line, either next to one another or at regular intervals.

A growth of abnormal cells contained in one area, usually within a membrane, which does not invade other tissues.

Radioactive decay in which a neutron changes into a proton and an electron is emitted from the nucleus.

A fast-moving electron emitted from an unstable nucleus.

A high-speed electron emitted from the nucleus when a neutron turns into a proton.

Radioactive decay in which a proton changes into a neutron and a positron is emitted from the nucleus.

An influence that favours a particular conclusion, for example by selecting supporting evidence while ignoring evidence that challenges it.

A disc shape with a depression on both sides, giving a thin centre and a large surface-area-to-volume ratio.

An alkaline fluid made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder that neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats.

The process by which a bacterial cell divides to produce two cells.

An ionic compound containing just two different elements.

A system giving each species a two-part scientific name consisting of its genus name followed by a species-identifying word.

Capable of being broken down by microorganisms.

The variety of different species of organisms in an ecosystem or on Earth.

A fuel made from recently living biological material, such as plants or their waste.

A fuel made from recently living biological material, such as crops.

A method of extracting metals using bacteria to produce a solution containing dissolved metal compounds from an ore.

The use of living organisms to control the population of a pest.

A replacement heart valve made from biological tissue, such as tissue from a pig or cow.

The biological material that makes up living organisms.

The living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals and microorganisms.

A living influence on organisms in a community, such as food availability, predators, pathogens or competitors.

Walking on two legs.

The removal of colour from a substance by a chemical reaction.

A tissue consisting of plasma with red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets suspended in it.

The amount of glucose dissolved in a given volume of blood.

The liquid component of blood in which blood cells and dissolved substances are carried.