Science Terminology Quiz

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.