Science Terminology Quiz

Study Notes

Science Terminology

Many science terms are rooted in Greek and Latin, making them difficult to pronounce and understand.
Greek and Latin are used extensively in science because many pioneering scientists were Greek and Latin was the international language during the scientific revolution.
Greek and Latin terms are often combined with prefixes and suffixes, further complicating the understanding of scientific vocabulary.

Greek and Latin in Science

Genus species epithet: The scientific name given to all living organisms is in Latin.
- Example: Felis catus (House Cat)
- Example: Treponema pallidum (Bacteria that causes syphilis)
Gamma: A term used in chemistry, physics and biology, which refers to gamma rays.

Dissecting Science Vocabulary

Many scientific terms are created using prefixes, suffixes, and roots, which are often of Greek or Latin origin.
Apoptosis: A term used to describe cell death, derived from Greek and meaning "falling off."
- apo-: Separating
- -ptosis: Falling off

Common Science Terms

Centrifugal: This refers to the tendency to move away from the center of an object.
Biology: The study of life or living organisms.
Hydrocephalus: A medical condition where fluid is found in the brain.
Photosynthesis: The process by which plants use sunlight and water to produce nutrients.
Hydrogenation: The addition of hydrogen in a chemical reaction.
Ornithology: The study of birds.
Hypothesis: An educated explanation for a phenomenon.
Ecology: The study of the ecosystem or environment.
Heterotroph: An organism that relies on external sources of nutrients.
Autotroph: An organism that makes its own nutrients via chemical processes.

Morphemes of Common Science Terms

Morphemes: The basic units of meaning in a word.
Centrifugal:
- centri-: Center (from the Latin word "centrum")
- -fugal: To flee (from the Latin word "fugere")
Biology:
- bios: Life (Greek)
- -ology: The study of
Hydrocephalus:
- hydro-: Water
- -cephalus: Head (from the word "kephal" or "cephalo," meaning head)

Word Parts

Root: The base word.
Prefix: A word part attached to the beginning of a word.
Suffix: A word part attached to the end of a word.

Science: Root, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Phagocytosis:
- -cyt-: Cell
- phago-: To eat
- -osis: Abnormal condition

Unique Study Styles

Auditory/Verbal learners: Learn best by hearing information.
Visual learners: Learn best by seeing information.
Hands-on learners: Learn best by doing and experiencing.

Approaches to Learning and Studying

Holistic Learning: Connects new information to existing knowledge.
Analytical Learning: Breaks down information into smaller sections.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy: The science of classifying organisms.
Organisms are categorized into three domains, which are then broken down into kingdoms, phyla, and so on.

Description

Test your knowledge of scientific vocabulary rooted in Greek and Latin. This quiz covers key terms, their meanings, and examples from various scientific fields. Discover the significance of language in understanding science.