Download English Glossary

English Glossary
This glossary defines each key term that appears in bold type in the text. It also
shows the chapter, section, and page number where you can find the word(s) used.
English
Glossary
A
866
abiotic: nonliving, physical features of the
environment, including air, water, sunlight, soil, temperature, and climate.
(Chap. 25, Sec. 1, p. 720)
acid precipitation: precipitation with a
pH below 5.6 that can pollute water, kill
fish and plants, and damage soils; occurs
when air pollutants from the burning of
fossil fuels react with water in the atmosphere to form strong acids. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 2, p. 787)
active immunity: long-lasting immunity
that results when the body makes its own
antibodies in response to a specific antigen. (Chap. 23, Sec. 1, p. 661)
active transport: energy-requiring process
in which transport proteins bind with
particles and move them through a cell
membrane. (Chap. 3, Sec. 2, p. 77)
adaptation: any variation that makes an
organism better suited to its environment.
(Chap. 6, Sec. 1, p. 158)
aerobe (AY rohb): any organism that
uses oxygen for respiration. (Chap. 7,
Sec. 1, p. 190)
aggression: forceful behavior, such as
fighting, used by an animal to control
or dominate another animal in order
to protect their young, defend territory,
or get food. (Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 468)
algae (AL jee): chlorophyll-containing,
plantlike protists that produce oxygen
as a result of photosynthesis. (Chap. 8,
Sec. 1, p. 213)
allele (uh LEEL): an alternate form that a gene
may have for a single trait; can be dominant
or recessive. (Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 126)
allergen: substance that causes an allergic
reaction. (Chap. 23, Sec. 3, p. 673)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
allergy: overly strong reaction of the
immune system to a foreign substance.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 3, p. 672)
alveoli (al VEE uh li): tiny, thin-walled,
grapelike clusters at the end of each
bronchiole that are surrounded by
capillaries, where carbon dioxide and
oxygen exchange takes place. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 1, p. 577)
amino acid: building block of protein.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 519)
amniotic egg: egg covered with a leathery
shell that provides a complete environment for the embryo’s development;
for reptiles, a major adaptation for
living on land. (Chap. 14, Sec. 4,
p. 417)
amniotic (am nee AH tihk) sac: thin,
liquid-filled, protective membrane that
forms around the embryo. (Chap. 22,
Sec. 3, p. 641)
anaerobe (AN uh rohb): any organism
that is able to live without oxygen. (Chap.
7, Sec. 1, p. 190)
angiosperms: flowering vascular plants
that produce a fruit containing one or
more seeds; monocots and dicots.
(Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 259)
antibiotics: chemicals produced by some
bacteria that are used to limit the growth
of other bacteria. (Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 195)
antibody: a protein made in response to
a specific antigen that can attach to
the antigen and cause it to be useless.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 1, p. 660)
antigen (AN tih jun): complex molecule
that is foreign to your body. (Chap. 23,
Sec. 1, p. 660)
anus: opening at the end of the digestive
tract through which wastes leave the
body. (Chap. 12, Sec. 3, p. 351)
English Glossary
B
basidium (buh SIHD ee uhm): club-shaped,
reproductive structure in which club fungi
produce spores. (Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 226)
behavior: the way in which an organism
interacts with other organisms and its
environment; can be innate or learned.
(Chap. 16, Sec. 1, p. 460)
bilateral symmetry: body parts arranged
in a similar way on both sides of the
body, with each half being a mirror
image of the other half. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 1, p. 339)
binomial nomenclature (bi NOH mee ul •
NOH mun klay chur): two-word naming
system for organisms; first word is the
genus and second word is the species.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 4, p. 20)
biogenesis (bi oh JEN us suhs): theory that
living things can come only from other
living things. (Chap. 1, Sec. 3, p. 19)
biological vector: disease-carrying
organism, such as a rat, mosquito, or
fly, that spreads infectious disease.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 2, p. 667)
biomes (BI ohmz): large geographic
areas with similar climates and ecosystems; includes tundra, taiga, desert,
temperate deciduous forest, temperate
rain forest, tropical rain forest, and
grassland. (Chap. 26, Sec. 2, p. 752)
biosphere: part of Earth that supports
life, including the top portion of
Earth’s crust, the atmosphere, and all
the water on Earth’s surface. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 1, p. 692)
biotic (bi AHT ik): features of the environment that are alive or were once alive.
(Chap. 25, Sec. 1, p. 720)
bladder: elastic, muscular organ that holds
urine until it leaves the body through the
urethra. (Chap. 20, Sec. 2, p. 586)
brain stem: connects the brain to the
spinal cord and is made up of the
midbrain, the pons, and the medulla.
(Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 604)
bronchi (BRAHN ki): two short tubes that
branch off the lower end of the trachea
and carry air into the lungs. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 1, p. 577)
budding: form of asexual reproduction in
which a new, genetically identical organism forms on the side of its parent.
(Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 226)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
English
Glossary
appendages: jointed structures of arthropods, such as legs, wings, or antennae.
(Chap. 13, Sec. 3, p. 374)
artery: blood vessel that carries blood away
from the heart and has thick, elastic walls
made of connective tissue and smooth
muscle tissue. (Chap. 19, Sec. 1, p. 550)
ascus (AS kus): saclike, spore-producing
structure of sac fungi. (Chap. 8,
Sec. 2, p. 226)
asexual reproduction: a type of reproduction—fission, budding, and regeneration—in which a new organism is
produced from one parent and has
DNA identical to the parent organism.
(Chap. 4, Sec. 1, p. 101)
asthma: lung disorder in which the
bronchial tubes contract quickly and
cause shortness of breath, wheezing,
or coughing; may occur as an allergic
reaction. (Chap. 20, Sec. 1, p. 582)
atmosphere: air surrounding Earth; is made
up of gases, including 78 percent nitrogen,
21 percent oxygen, and 0.03 percent carbon dioxide. (Chap. 25, Sec. 1, p. 721)
atriums (AY tree umz): two upper
chambers of the heart that contract at
the same time during a heartbeat.
(Chap. 19, Sec. 1, p. 547)
auxin (AWK sun): plant hormone that
causes plant leaves and stems to
exhibit positive phototropisms.
(Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 316)
axon (AK sahn): neuron structure that
carries messages away from the cell body.
(Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 601)
867
English Glossary
English
Glossary
C
868
cambium (KAM bee um): vascular tissue
that produces xylem and phloem cells as a
plant grows. (Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 257)
capillary: microscopic blood vessel that connects arteries and veins; has walls one cell
thick, through which nutrients and oxygen
diffuse into body cells and waste materials
and carbon dioxide diffuse out. (Chap. 19,
Sec. 1, p. 551)
carbohydrate (kar boh HI drayt): nutrient
that usually is the body’s main source of
energy. (Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 520)
carbon cycle: model describing how
carbon molecules move between the
living and nonliving world. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 2, p. 733)
cardiac muscle: striated, involuntary
muscle found only in the heart. (Chap. 17,
Sec. 2, p. 499)
carnivore: animal that eats only other
animals or the remains of other animals.
(Chap. 12, Sec. 1, p. 335) (Chap. 15,
Sec. 2, p. 441)
carrying capacity: largest number of
individuals of a particular species that
an ecosystem can support over time.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 2, p. 699)
cartilage: tough, flexible tissue that joins
vertebrae and makes up all or part of
the vertebrate endoskeleton. (Chap. 14,
Sec. 1, p. 399) (Chap. 17, Sec. 1, p. 492)
cell: smallest unit of a living thing that can
perform the functions of life; has an
orderly structure and contains hereditary
material. (Chap. 1, Sec. 2, p. 10)
cell membrane: protective outer covering
of all cells that is made up of a double
layer of fatlike molecules and regulates
the interaction between the cell and the
environment. (Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 38)
cell theory: states that all organisms are
made up of one or more cells, the cell
is the basic unit of life, and all cells
come from other cells. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 2, p. 51)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
cellulose (SEL yuh lohs): chemical compound made out of sugar; forms tangled
fibers in the cell walls of many plants and
provides structure and support. (Chap. 9,
Sec. 1, p. 244)
cell wall: rigid structure that encloses,
supports, and protects the cells of plants,
algae, fungi, and most bacteria. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 39)
central nervous system: division of the
nervous system, made up of the brain
and spinal cord. (Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 603)
cerebellum (sur uh BEL um): part of the
brain that controls voluntary muscle movements, maintains muscle tone, and helps
maintain balance. (Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 604)
cerebrum (suh REE brum): largest part
of the brain, where memory is stored,
movements are controlled, and impulses
from the senses are interpreted. (Chap. 21,
Sec. 1, p. 604)
chemical digestion: occurs when enzymes
and other chemicals break down large
food molecules into smaller ones.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 2, p. 529)
chemosynthesis (kee moh SIN thuh sus):
process in which producers make energyrich nutrient molecules from chemicals.
(Chap. 25, Sec. 3, p. 735)
chemotherapy (kee moh THAYR uh pee):
use of chemicals to destroy cancer cells.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 3, p. 676)
chlorophyll (KLOR uh fihl): green, lighttrapping pigment in plant chloroplasts
that is important in photosynthesis.
(Chap. 11, Sec. 1, p. 306)
chloroplast: green, chlorophyll-containing,
plant-cell organelle that converts sunlight,
carbon dioxide, and water into sugar.
(Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 42)
chordate: animal that has a notochord, a
nerve cord, gill slits, and a postanal tail
present at some stage in its development.
(Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 398)
chromosome: structure in a cell’s nucleus
that contains genetic material. (Chap. 4,
Sec. 1, p. 98)
English Glossary
control: in an experiment, the standard to
which the outcome of the test will be compared. (Chap. 1, Sec. 1, p. 9)
coral reef: diverse ecosystem formed from
the calcium carbonate shells secreted by
corals. (Chap. 26, Sec. 3, p. 765)
coronary (KOR uh ner ee) circulation: flow
of blood to and from the tissues of the
heart. (Chap. 19, Sec. 1, p. 547)
courtship behavior: behavior that allows
males and females of the same species to
recognize each other and prepare to mate.
(Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 469)
crop: digestive system sac in which earthworms store ingested soil. (Chap. 13,
Sec. 2, p. 370)
cuticle (KYEWT ih kul): waxy, protective
layer that covers the stems, leaves, and
flowers of many plants and helps prevent
water loss. (Chap. 9, Sec. 1, p. 244)
cyclic behavior: behavior that occurs in
repeated patterns. (Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 472)
cytoplasm: constantly moving gel-like mixture inside the cell membrane that contains heredity material and is the location
of most of a cell’s life processes. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 38)
English
Glossary
chyme (KIME): liquid product of digestion.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 2, p. 533)
cilia (SIHL ee uh): short, threadlike structures that extend from the cell membrane
of a ciliate and allow the organism to
move quickly. (Chap. 8, Sec. 1, p. 217)
climate: average weather conditions of an
area over time, including wind, temperature, and rainfall or other types of precipitation such as snow or sleet. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 1, p. 725)
climax community: stable, end stage of
ecological succession in which the plants
and animals of a community use resources
efficiently and balance is maintained by
disturbances such as fire. (Chap. 26,
Sec. 1, p. 751)
closed circulatory system: blood
circulation system in which blood moves
through the body in closed vessels.
(Chap. 13, Sec. 1, p. 366)
cochlea (KOH klee uh): fluid-filled structure in the inner ear in which sound
vibrations are converted into nerve
impulses that are sent to the brain.
(Chap. 21, Sec. 2, p. 614)
commensalism: a type of symbiotic
relationship in which one organism benefits and the other organism is not affected.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 3, p. 706)
community: all the populations of
different species that live in an ecosystem.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 1, p. 694)
condensation: process that takes place
when a gas changes to a liquid. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 2, p. 729)
conditioning: occurs when the response to a
stimulus becomes associated with another
stimulus. (Chap. 16, Sec. 1, p. 464)
consumer: organism that cannot create
energy-rich molecules but obtains its
food by eating other organisms. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 3, p. 705)
contour feathers: strong, lightweight
feathers that give birds their coloring
and shape and that are used for flight.
(Chap. 15, Sec. 1, p. 434)
D
day-neutral plant: plant that doesn’t require
a specific photoperiod and can begin the
flowering process over a range of night
lengths. (Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 318)
dendrite: neuron structure that receives messages and sends them to the cell body.
(Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 601)
dermis: skin layer below the epidermis
that contains blood vessels, nerves, oil
and sweat glands, and other structures.
(Chap. 17, Sec. 3, p. 503)
desert: driest biome on Earth with less
than 25 cm of rain each year; has dunes
or thin soil with little organic matter and
plants and animals specially adapted to
survive extreme conditions. (Chap. 26,
Sec. 2, p. 758)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
869
English
Glossary
English Glossary
diaphragm (DI uh fram): muscle beneath
the lungs that contracts and relaxes to
move gases in and out of the body.
(Chap. 20, Sec. 1, p. 578)
dicot: angiosperm with two cotyledons
inside its seed, flower parts in multiples of
four or five, and vascular bundles in rings.
(Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 260)
diffusion: a type of passive transport in cells
in which molecules move from areas
where there are more of them to areas
where there are fewer of them. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 2, p. 75)
digestion: mechanical and chemical
breakdown of food into small molecules
that cells can absorb and use. (Chap. 18,
Sec. 2, p. 529)
diploid (DIH ployd): cell whose chromosomes
occur in pairs. (Chap. 4, Sec. 2, p. 104)
DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; the genetic
material of all organisms; made up of two
twisted strands of sugar-phosphate molecules and nitrogen bases. (Chap. 4, Sec. 3,
p. 110)
dominant (DAHM uh nunt): describes a
trait that covers over, or dominates,
another form of that trait. (Chap. 5,
Sec. 1, p. 128)
down feathers: soft, fluffy feathers that provide an insulating layer next to the skin of
adult birds and that cover the bodies of
young birds. (Chap. 15, Sec. 1, p. 434)
E
ecology: study of the interactions that take
place among organisms and their environment. (Chap. 24, Sec. 1, p. 693)
ecosystem: all the living organisms
that live in an area and the nonliving
features of their environment. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 1, p. 693)
ectotherm: vertebrate animal whose
internal temperature changes when the
temperature of its environment changes.
(Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 401)
870
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
egg: haploid sex cell formed in the
female reproductive organs. (Chap. 4,
Sec. 2, p. 104)
embryo: fertilized egg that has attached
to the wall of the uterus. (Chap. 22,
Sec. 3, p. 641)
embryology (em bree AHL uh jee): study of
embryos and their development. (Chap. 6,
Sec. 2, p. 167)
emphysema (em fuh SEE muh): lung disease
in which the alveoli enlarge. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 1, p. 581)
endocytosis (en duh si TOH sus): process
by which a cell takes in a substance by
surrounding it with the cell membrane.
(Chap. 3, Sec. 2, p. 78)
endoplasmic reticulum (ER): cytoplasmic
organelle that moves materials around
in a cell and is made up of a complex
series of folded membranes; can be rough
(with attached ribosomes) or smooth
(without attached ribosomes). (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 43)
endoskeleton: supportive framework of
bone and/or cartilage that provides an
internal place for muscle attachment and
protects a vertebrate’s internal organs.
(Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 399)
endospore: thick-walled, protective
structure produced by a pathogen when
conditions are unfavorable for survival.
(Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 199)
endotherm: vertebrate animal with a
constant internal temperature. (Chap. 14,
Sec. 1, p. 401)
energy pyramid: model that shows the
amount of energy available at each
feeding level in an ecosystem. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 3, p. 737)
enzyme: a type of protein that regulates
nearly all chemical reactions in cells. (Chap.
3, Sec. 1, p. 71) (Chap. 18, Sec. 2, p. 530)
epidermis: outer, thinnest skin layer that
constantly produces new cells to replace
the dead cells rubbed off its surface.
(Chap. 17, Sec. 3, p. 502)
English Glossary
F
fat: nutrient that stores energy, cushions
organs, and helps the body absorb vitamins. (Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 521)
fermentation: process by which oxygenlacking cells and some one-celled
organisms release small amounts of
energy from glucose molecules and
produce wastes such as alcohol, carbon
dioxide, and lactic acid. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 3, p. 84)
fertilization: in sexual reproduction,
the joining of a sperm and egg. (Chap. 4,
Sec. 2, p. 104)
fetal stress: can occur during the birth
process or after birth as an infant adjusts
from a watery, dark, constant-temperature
environment to its new environment.
(Chap. 22, Sec. 3, p. 644)
fetus: a developing baby after the first
two months of pregnancy until birth.
(Chap. 22, Sec. 3, p. 642)
fin: fanlike structure used by fish for
steering, balancing, and movement.
(Chap. 14, Sec. 2, p. 403)
fission: simplest form of asexual reproduction in which two new cells are produced
with genetic material identical to each
other and identical to the previous cell.
(Chap. 7, Sec. 1, p. 190)
flagellum: long, thin, whiplike structure
of some protists that helps them move
through moist or wet surroundings.
(Chap. 7, Sec. 1, p. 189) (Chap. 8,
Sec. 1, p. 214)
food group: group of foods—such as
bread, cereal, rice, and pasta—containing
the same type of nutrients. (Chap. 18,
Sec. 1, p. 526)
food web: model that shows the complex feeding relationships among
organisms in a community. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 3, p. 736)
fossil fuels: nonrenewable energy
resources—coal, oil, and natural gas—
that formed in Earth’s crust over
hundreds of millions of years. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 1, p. 780)
free-living organism: organism that
does not depend on another organism
for food or a place to live. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 3, p. 348)
frond: leaf of a fern that grows from the
rhizome. (Chap. 10, Sec. 2, p. 280)
English
Glossary
equilibrium: occurs when molecules
of one substance are spread evenly
throughout another substance. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 2, p. 75)
erosion: movement of soil from one place to
another. (Chap. 27, Sec. 2, p. 793)
estivation: inactivity in hot, dry months
during which amphibians hide in cooler
ground. (Chap. 14, Sec. 3, p. 411)
estuary: extremely fertile area where a river
meets an ocean; contains a mixture of
freshwater and salt water and serves as a
nursery for many species of fish.
(Chap. 26, Sec. 3, p. 766)
evaporation: process that takes place
when a liquid changes to a gas. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 2, p. 728)
evolution: change in inherited characteristics
over time. (Chap. 6, Sec. 1, p. 154)
exocytosis (ek soh si TOH sus): process by
which vesicles release their contents outside the cell. (Chap. 3, Sec. 2, p. 78)
exoskeleton: thick, hard, outer covering that
protects and supports arthropod bodies
and provides places for muscles to attach.
(Chap. 13, Sec. 3, p. 374)
G
gametophyte (guh MEE tuh fite) stage: plant
life cycle stage that begins when cells in
reproductive organs undergo meiosis and
produce haploid cells (spores). (Chap. 10,
Sec. 1, p. 277)
gene: section of DNA on a chromosome
that contains instructions for making
specific proteins. (Chap. 4, Sec. 3,
p. 112)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
871
English
Glossary
English Glossary
872
genetic engineering: biological and chemical
methods to change the arrangement of a
gene’s DNA to improve crop production,
produce large volumes of medicine, and
change how cells perform their normal
functions. (Chap. 5, Sec. 3, p. 141)
genetics (juh NET ihks): the study of how
traits are inherited through the actions of
alleles. (Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 126)
genotype (JEE nuh tipe): an organism’s
genetic makeup. (Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 130)
genus: a group of similar species. (Chap. 1,
Sec. 4, p. 24)
geothermal energy: heat energy within
Earth’s crust; available only where
natural geysers or volcanoes are located.
(Chap. 27, Sec. 1, p. 783)
germination: series of events that results
in the growth of a plant from a seed.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 3, p. 292)
gestation period: period during which an
embryo develops in the uterus; the length
of time varies among species. (Chap. 15,
Sec. 2, p. 445)
gills: organs that exchange carbon dioxide for
oxygen in water. (Chap. 13, Sec. 1, p. 364)
gill slits: in developing chordates, the
paired openings found in the area between
the mouth and digestive tube. (Chap. 14,
Sec. 1, p. 399)
gizzard: muscular digestive system structure
in which earthworms grind soil and
organic matter. (Chap. 13, Sec. 2, p. 370)
Golgi bodies: organelles that package cellular
materials and transport them within the
cell or out of the cell. (Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 43)
gradualism: model describing evolution as a
slow process by which one species changes
into a new species through a continuing
series of mutations and variations over
time. (Chap. 6, Sec. 1, p. 160)
grasslands: temperate and tropical regions
with 25 cm to 75 cm of precipitation
each year that are dominated by climax
communities of grasses; ideal for growing
crops and raising cattle and sheep.
(Chap. 26, Sec. 2, p. 759)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
greenhouse effect: heat-trapping feature of
the atmosphere that keeps Earth warm
enough to support life. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 2, p. 788)
guard cells: pairs of cells that surround
stomata and control their opening and
closing. (Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 255)
gymnosperms: vascular plants that do not
flower, generally have needlelike or scalelike leaves, and produce seeds that are not
protected by fruit; conifers, cycads,
ginkgoes, and gnetophytes. (Chap. 9,
Sec. 3, p. 258)
H
habitat: place where an organism lives and
that provides the types of food, shelter,
moisture, and temperature needed for
survival. (Chap. 24, Sec. 1, p. 695)
haploid (HA ployd): cell that has only
one of each type of chromosome.
(Chap. 4, Sec. 2, p. 105)
hazardous wastes: waste materials,
such as pesticides and leftover paints,
that are harmful to human health or poisonous to living organisms. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 2, p. 794)
hemoglobin (HEE muh gloh bun): chemical
in red blood cells that carries oxygen from
the lungs to body cells and carries some
carbon dioxide from body cells back to the
lungs. (Chap. 19, Sec. 2, p. 557)
herbivore: animal that eats only plants or
parts of plants. (Chap. 12, Sec. 1, p. 335)
(Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 441)
heredity (huh RED ut ee): the passing of
traits from parent to offspring. (Chap. 5,
Sec. 1, p. 126)
hermaphrodite (hur MA fruh dite):
animal that produces sperm and eggs
in the same body, but its sperm cannot
fertilize its own eggs. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 2, p. 342)
heterozygous (het uh roh ZI gus): describes
an organism with two different alleles for a
trait. (Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 130)
English Glossary
I
immune system: complex group of defenses
that protects the body against
pathogens—includes the skin and respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 1, p. 658)
imprinting: occurs when an animal
forms a social attachment to another
organism during a specific period
following birth or hatching. (Chap. 16,
Sec. 1, p. 463)
incomplete dominance: production of a
phenotype that is intermediate between
the two homozygous parents. (Chap. 5,
Sec. 2, p. 134)
infectious disease: disease caused by a
virus, bacterium, fungus, or protist that
is spread from an infected organism or
the environment to another organism.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 2, p. 667)
innate behavior: behavior that an organism
is born with and does not have to be
learned, such as a reflex or instinct.
(Chap. 16, Sec. 1, p. 461)
inorganic compound: compound, such as
H2O, that is made from elements other
than carbon and whose atoms usually can
be arranged only in one structure.
(Chap. 3, Sec. 1, p. 71)
insight: form of reasoning that allows animals to use past experiences to solve new
problems. (Chap. 16, Sec. 1, p. 465)
instinct: complex pattern of innate
behavior, such as spinning a web, that
can take weeks to complete. (Chap. 16,
Sec. 1, p. 462)
intertidal zone: part of the shoreline that
is underwater at high tide and exposed
to the air at low tide. (Chap. 26, Sec. 3,
p. 766)
invertebrate: animal without a backbone.
(Chap. 12, Sec. 1, p. 338)
involuntary muscle: muscle, such as heart
muscle, that cannot be controlled
consciously. (Chap. 17, Sec. 2, p. 497)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
English
Glossary
hibernation: cyclic response of inactivity
and slowed metabolism that occurs during
periods of cold temperatures and limited
food supplies. (Chap. 14, Sec. 3, p. 411)
(Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 473)
homeostasis: regulation of an organism’s
internal, life-maintaining conditions
despite changes in its environment.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 2, p. 15) (Chap. 21,
Sec. 1, p. 601)
hominid: humanlike primate that appeared
about 4 million to 6 million years ago, ate
both plants and meat, and walked upright
on two legs. (Chap. 6, Sec. 3, p. 171)
homologous (huh MAHL uh gus): body
parts that are similar in structure and
origin and can be similar in function.
(Chap. 6, Sec. 2, p. 168)
Homo sapiens: early humans that likely
evolved from Cro-Magnons. (Chap. 6,
Sec. 3, p. 173)
homozygous (hoh muh ZI gus): describes
an organism with two alleles that are the
same for a trait. (Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 130)
hormone (HOR mohn): chemical produced
by the endocrine system; released directly
into the bloodstream by ductless glands;
affects specific target tissues, and can
speed up or slow down cellular activities.
(Chap. 22, Sec. 1, p. 628)
host cell: living cell in which a virus can
actively reproduce or in which a virus can
hide until activated by environmental
stimuli. (Chap. 2, Sec. 3, p. 52)
hybrid (HI brud): an offspring that
was given different genetic information
for a trait from each parent. (Chap. 5,
Sec. 1, p. 128)
hydroelectric power: electricity produced
when the energy of falling water turns the
blades of a generator turbine. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 1, p. 781)
hyphae (HI fee): mass of many-celled,
threadlike tubes forming the body of a
fungus. (Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 224)
hypothesis: a prediction that can be tested.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 1, p. 8)
873
English Glossary
J
joint: any place where two or more bones
come together; can be movable or
immovable. (Chap. 17, Sec. 1, p. 493)
K
English
Glossary
kidney: bean-shaped urinary system organ
that is made up of about 1 million
nephrons and filters blood, producing
urine. (Chap. 20, Sec. 2, p. 584)
kingdom: first and largest category in the
scientific classification system of organisms; can be divided into smaller groups:
phylum, class, order, family, genus, and
species. (Chap. 1, Sec. 4, p. 23)
874
L
larynx: airway to which the vocal cords are
attached. (Chap. 20, Sec. 1, p. 577)
law: a scientific statement about how things
happen in nature and that seems to be
true at all times. (Chap. 1, Sec. 1, p. 10)
lichen (LI kun): organism made up of a
fungus and a green alga or a cyanobacterium. (Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 228)
ligament: tough band of tissue that holds bones
together at joints. (Chap. 17, Sec. 1, p. 493)
limiting factor: anything that can restrict
the size of a population, including living
and nonliving features of an ecosystem,
such as predators or drought. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 2, p. 698)
long-day plant: plant that generally requires
short nights—less than ten to 12 hours of
darkness—to begin the flowering process.
(Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 318)
lymph (LIHMF): tissue fluid that has diffused
into the capillaries. (Chap. 19, Sec. 3, p. 562)
lymphatic system: carries lymph though a
network of lymph capillaries and vessels
and drains it into large veins near the
heart; helps fight infections and diseases.
(Chap. 19, Sec. 3, p. 562)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
lymph node: bean-shaped organ found throughout the body that filters out microorganisms
and foreign materials taken up by the lymphocytes. (Chap. 19, Sec. 3, p. 563)
lymphocyte (LIHM fuh site): a type of white
blood cell that fights infection. (Chap. 19,
Sec. 3, p. 562)
M
mammals: endothermic vertebrates that
have hair, teeth specialized for eating certain foods, and whose females have mammary glands that produce milk for feeding
their young. (Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 440)
mammary glands: milk-producing glands of
female mammals used to feed their young.
(Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 440)
mantle: thin layer of tissue that covers a
mollusk’s body organs; secretes the shell
or protects the body of mollusks without
shells. (Chap. 13, Sec. 1, p. 364)
marsupial: a mammal with an external
pouch for the development of its immature young. (Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 444)
mechanical digestion: breakdown of food
through chewing, mixing, and churning.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 2, p. 529)
medusa (mih DEW suh): cnidarian
body type that is bell-shaped and freeswimming. (Chap. 12, Sec. 2, p. 343)
meiosis (mi OH sus): reproductive
process that produces four haploid sex
cells from one diploid cell and ensures
offspring will have the same number of
chromosomes as the parent organisms.
(Chap. 4, Sec. 2, p. 105)
melanin: pigment produced by the
epidermis that protects skin from Sun
damage and gives skin and eyes their
color. (Chap. 17, Sec. 3, p. 503)
menstrual cycle: hormone-controlled
monthly cycle of changes in the female
reproductive system that includes the maturation of an egg and preparation of the
uterus for possible pregnancy. (Chap. 22,
Sec. 2, p. 636)
English Glossary
mutation: any permanent change in a
gene or chromosome of a cell; may be
beneficial, harmful, or have little
effect on an organism. (Chap. 4,
Sec. 3, p. 114)
mutualism: a type of symbiotic relationship
in which both organisms benefit.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 3, p. 706)
mycorrhizae (mi kuh RI zee): network of
hyphae and plant roots that helps plants
absorb water and minerals from soil.
(Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 228)
N
natural resources: parts of Earth’s
environment that supply materials
useful or necessary for the survival
of living organisms. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 1, p. 778)
natural selection: organisms with traits
best suited to their environment are
more likely to survive and reproduce;
includes concepts of variation, overproduction, and competition. (Chap. 6,
Sec. 1, p. 157)
nephron (NEF rahn): tiny filtering
unit of the kidney. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 2, p. 585)
nerve cord: tubelike structure above
the notochord that in most chordates
develops into the brain and spinal cord.
(Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 399)
neuron (NOO rahn): basic functioning
unit of the nervous system; made up of a
cell body, dendrites, and axons. (Chap. 21,
Sec. 1, p. 601)
niche: in an ecosystem, refers to the unique
ways an organism survives, obtains food
and shelter, and avoids danger. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 3, p. 707)
nitrogen cycle: model describing how
nitrogen moves from the atmosphere
to the soil, to living organisms, and
then back to the atmosphere. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 2, p. 730)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
English
Glossary
menstruation (men STRAY shun): monthly
flow of blood and tissue cells that occurs
when the lining of the uterus breaks down
and is shed. (Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 636)
metabolism: the total of all chemical
reactions in an organism. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 3, p. 81)
metamorphosis: process in which
many insect species change their
body form to become adults; can be
complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult) or
incomplete (egg, nymph, adult).
(Chap. 13, Sec. 3, p. 376)
migration: instinctive seasonal movement of
animals to find food or to reproduce in
better conditions. (Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 474)
mineral: inorganic nutrient that regulates
many chemical reactions in the body.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 524)
mitochondrion: cell organelle that breaks
down lipids and carbohydrates and
releases energy. (Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 42)
mitosis (mi TOH sus): cell process in which
the nucleus divides to form two nuclei
identical to each other, and identical to the
original nucleus, in a series of steps
(prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and
telophase). (Chap. 4, Sec. 1, p. 98)
mixture: a combination of substances
in which the individual substances
do not change or combine chemically
but instead retain their own individual
properties; can be gases, solids, liquids,
or any combination of them. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 1, p. 69)
molting: shedding and replacing of an
arthropod’s exoskeleton. (Chap. 13,
Sec. 3, p. 374)
monocot: angiosperm with one cotyledon
inside its seed, flower parts arranged in
multiples of three, and vascular tissues in
bundles scattered throughout the stem.
(Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 260)
muscle: organ that can relax, contract, and
provide the force to move bones and body
parts. (Chap. 17, Sec. 2, p. 496)
875
English
Glossary
English Glossary
nitrogen fixation: process in which
some types of bacteria in the soil
change nitrogen gas into a form of
nitrogen that plants can use. (Chap. 25,
Sec. 2, p. 730)
nitrogen-fixing bacteria: bacteria that convert nitrogen in the air into forms that can
be used by plants and animals. (Chap. 7,
Sec. 2, p. 196)
noninfectious disease: disease, such as cancer, diabetes, or asthma, that is not spread
from one person to another. (Chap. 23,
Sec. 3, p. 672)
nonrenewable resources: natural resources,
such as petroleum, minerals, and metals,
that are used more quickly than they can
be replaced by natural processes. (Chap.
27, Sec. 1, p. 779)
nonvascular plant: plant that absorbs water
and other substances directly through its
cell walls instead of through tubelike
structures. (Chap. 9, Sec. 1, p. 247)
notochord: firm but flexible structure that
extends along the upper part of a chordate’s body. (Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 398)
nuclear energy: energy produced from
the splitting apart of billions of uranium
nuclei by a nuclear fission reaction.
(Chap. 27, Sec. 1, p. 782)
nucleus: organelle that controls all the activities of a cell and contains hereditary material made of proteins and DNA. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 40)
nutrients (NEW tree unts): substances
in foods—proteins, carbohydrates, fats,
vitamins, minerals, and water—that
provide energy and materials for cell
development, growth, and repair.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 518)
O
olfactory (ohl FAK tree) cell: nasal nerve
cell that becomes stimulated by molecules
in the air and sends impulses to the brain
for interpretation of odors. (Chap. 21,
Sec. 2, p. 615)
876
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
omnivore: animal that eats plants and
animals or animal flesh. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 1, p. 335) (Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 441)
open circulatory system: blood circulation
system in which blood moves through vessels and into open spaces around the body
organs. (Chap. 13, Sec. 1, p. 364)
organ: structure, such as the heart, made up
of different types of tissues that work
together. (Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 45)
organelle: structure in the cytoplasm of a
eukaryotic cell that can act as a storage
site, process energy, move materials, or
manufacture substances. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 40)
organic compounds: compounds that
always contain hydrogen and carbon;
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and
nucleic acids are organic compounds
found in living things. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 1, p. 70)
organism: any living thing; uses energy, is
made of cells, reproduces, responds, grows,
and develops. (Chap. 1, Sec. 2, p. 14)
osmosis: a type of passive transport
that occurs when water diffuses
through a cell membrane. (Chap. 3,
Sec. 2, p. 76)
ovary: female reproductive organ that produces eggs and is located in the lower part
of the body. (Chap. 10, Sec. 3, p. 287)
(Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 635)
ovulation (ahv yuh LAY shun): monthly
process in which an egg is released from
an ovary and enters the oviduct, where it
can become fertilized by sperm. (Chap. 22,
Sec. 2, p. 635)
ovule: in gymnosperms, the female
reproductive part that produces eggs
and food-storage tissues. (Chap. 10,
Sec. 3, p. 285)
ozone depletion: thinning of Earth’s
ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) leaking into the air
and reacting chemically with ozone,
breaking the ozone molecules apart.
(Chap. 27, Sec. 2, p. 789)
English Glossary
P
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
English
Glossary
parasitism: a type of symbiotic relationship
in which one organism benefits and the
other organism is harmed. (Chap. 24,
Sec. 3, p. 706)
passive immunity: immunity that results
when antibodies produced in one animal
are introduced into another’s body; does
not last as long as active immunity.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 1, p. 661)
passive transport: movement of substances
through a cell membrane without the use
of cellular energy; includes diffusion,
osmosis, and facilitated diffusion.
(Chap. 3, Sec. 2, p. 74)
pasteurization (pas chur ruh ZAY shun):
process in which a liquid is heated to a
temperature that kills most bacteria.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 2, p. 663)
pathogen: disease-producing organism.
(Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 199)
periosteum (pur ee AHS tee um): tough,
tight-fitting membrane that covers a
bone’s surface and contains blood vessels
that transport nutrients into the bone.
(Chap. 17, Sec. 1, p. 491)
peripheral nervous system: division of the
nervous system; made up of all the nerves
outside the CNS; connects the brain and
spinal cord to other body parts. (Chap. 21,
Sec. 1, p. 603)
peristalsis (per uh STAHL sus): waves of
muscular contractions that move food
through the digestive tract. (Chap. 18,
Sec. 2, p. 532)
petroleum: nonrenewable resource
formed over hundreds of millions of years,
mostly from the remains of microscopic
marine organisms buried in Earth’s crust.
(Chap. 27, Sec. 1, p. 779)
pharynx (FER ingks): tubelike passageway for food, liquid, and air. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 1, p. 576)
phenotype (FEE nuh tipe): outward physical
appearance and behavior of an organism.
(Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 130)
pheromone (FER uh mohn): powerful
chemical produced by an animal to influence the behavior of another animal of the
same species. (Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 469)
phloem (FLOH em): vascular tissue that
forms tubes that transport dissolved sugar
throughout a plant. (Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 257)
photoperiodism: a plant’s response to the
lengths of daylight and darkness each day.
(Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 318)
photosynthesis (foh toh SIHN thuh suhs):
food-making process by which plants and
many other producers use light energy to
produce glucose and oxygen from carbon
dioxide and water. (Chap. 3, Sec. 3, p.
82)(Chap. 11, Sec. 1, p. 307)
phylogeny (fi LAH juh nee): evolutionary
history of an organism; used by scientists
to group organisms into kingdoms.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 4, p. 23)
pioneer species: first organisms to grow in
new or disturbed areas; break down rock
and build soil. (Chap. 9, Sec. 2, p. 249)
(Chap. 26, Sec. 1, p. 748)
pistil: female reproductive organ inside the
flower of an angiosperm; consists of an
ovary and a sticky stigma, where pollen
grains land. (Chap. 10, Sec. 3, p. 287)
placenta: a saclike organ in which a
placental embryo develops; absorbs
oxygen and food from the mother’s
blood. (Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 445)
placental: a mammal whose offspring
develop inside a placenta in the female’s
uterus. (Chap. 15, Sec. 2, p. 445)
plasma: liquid part of blood, made mostly of
water, in which oxygen, nutrients, and minerals are dissolved. (Chap. 19, Sec. 2, p. 556)
platelet: irregularly shaped cell fragment that
helps clot blood and releases chemicals that
help form fibrin. (Chap. 19, Sec. 2, p. 557)
pollen grain: small structure produced by
the male reproductive organs of a seed
plant; has a water-resistant coat, can
develop from a spore, and contains gametophyte parts that will produce sperm.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 3, p. 283)
877
English
Glossary
English Glossary
878
pollination: transfer of pollen grains to the
female part of a seed plant by agents such
as gravity, water, wind, and animals.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 3, p. 283)
pollutant: substance that contaminates
any part of the environment. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 2, p. 786)
polygenic (pahl ih JEHN ihk) inheritance:
occurs when a group of gene pairs acts
together and produces a specific trait, such
as human eye color, skin color, or height.
(Chap. 5, Sec. 2, p. 136)
polyp (PAH lup): cnidarian body type that is
vase-shaped and is usually sessile. (Chap.
12, Sec. 2, p. 343)
population: all the organisms that belong to
the same species living in a community.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 1, p. 694)
postanal tail: muscular structure at the end
of a developing chordate. (Chap. 14, Sec.
1, p. 398)
preening: process in which a bird rubs oil
from an oil gland over its feathers to condition them and make them water repellent. (Chap. 15, Sec. 1, p. 434)
pregnancy: period of development—usually
about 38 or 39 weeks in humans—from
fertilized egg until birth. (Chap. 22, Sec. 3,
p. 640)
primates: group of mammals including
humans, monkeys, and apes that share
characteristics such as opposable thumbs,
binocular vision, and flexible shoulders.
(Chap. 6, Sec. 3, p. 170)
producer: organism, such as a green plant or
alga, that uses an outside source of energy
like the Sun to create energy-rich food
molecules. (Chap. 24, Sec. 3, p. 704)
protein: nutrient made up of amino acids
that is used by the body for growth and for
replacement and repair of body cells.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 1, p. 519)
prothallus (proh THA lus): small, green,
heart-shaped gametophyte plant form of a
fern that can make its own food and
absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 2, p. 280)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
protist: one- or many-celled eukaryotic organism that can be plantlike,
animal-like, or funguslike. (Chap. 8,
Sec. 1, p. 212)
protozoan: one-celled, animal-like
protist that can live in water, soil, and
living and dead organisms. (Chap. 8,
Sec. 1, p. 217)
pseudopods (SEWD uh pahdz): temporary
cytoplasmic extensions used by some
protists to move about and trap food.
(Chap. 8, Sec. 1, p. 218)
pulmonary circulation: flow of blood
through the heart to the lungs and back
to the heart. (Chap. 19, Sec. 1, p. 548)
punctuated equilibrium: model describing
the rapid evolution that occurs when
mutation of a few genes results in a species
suddenly changing into a new species.
(Chap. 6, Sec. 1, p. 160)
Punnett (PUN ut) square: a tool to
predict the probability of certain traits
in offspring that shows the different
ways alleles can combine. (Chap. 5,
Sec. 1, p. 130)
R
radial symmetry: body parts arranged in a
circle around a central point. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 1, p. 339)
radioactive element: element that gives off a
steady amount of radiation as it slowly
changes to a nonradioactive element.
(Chap. 6, Sec. 2, p. 165)
radula (RA juh luh): in gastropods, the
tonguelike organ with rows of teeth used
to scrape and tear food. (Chap. 13, Sec. 1,
p. 365)
recessive (rih SES ihv): describes a trait that
is covered over, or dominated, by another
form of that trait and seems to disappear.
(Chap. 5, Sec. 1, p. 129)
recycling: conservation method that is a
form of reuse and requires changing or
reprocessing an item or natural resource.
(Chap. 27, Sec. 3, p. 797)
English Glossary
S
saprophyte: organism that feeds on dead
or decaying tissues of other organisms.
(Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 196) (Chap. 8,
Sec. 2, p. 224)
scales: thin, hard plates that cover a fish’s
skin and protect its body. (Chap. 14,
Sec. 2, p. 403)
scientific method: problem-solving techniques used to investigate observations
that can be made about living and nonliving things; may include stating a
problem, gathering information, forming
and testing a hypothesis, analyzing
data, and drawing conclusions. (Chap 1,
Sec. 1, p. 7)
sedimentary rock: a type of rock, such as
limestone, that is most likely to contain
fossils and is formed when layers of sand,
silt, clay, or mud are cemented and compacted together or when minerals are
deposited from a solution. (Chap. 6,
Sec. 2, p. 164)
semen (SEE mun): mixture of sperm and a
fluid that helps sperm move and supplies
them with an energy source. (Chap. 22,
Sec. 2, p. 634)
sessile (SE sile): describes an organism that
remains attached to one place during its
lifetime. (Chap. 12, Sec. 2, p. 341)
setae (SEE tee): bristlelike structures on
the outside of each body segment that
helps segmented worms move. (Chap. 13,
Sec. 2, p. 369)
sex-linked gene: an allele inherited on a sex
chromosome; can cause human genetic
disorders such as color blindness and
hemophilia. (Chap. 5, Sec. 2, p. 139)
sexual reproduction: a type of reproduction
in which two sex cells, usually an egg and a
sperm, join to form a zygote, which will
develop into a new organism with a
unique identity. (Chap. 4, Sec. 2, p. 104)
sexually transmitted disease (STD): infectious disease, such as chlamydia, AIDS, or
genital herpes, that is passed from one
person to another during sexual contact.
(Chap. 23, Sec. 2, p. 668)
short-day plant: plant that generally requires
long nights—12 or more hours of darkness—to begin the flowering process.
(Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 318)
skeletal muscle: voluntary, striated muscle
that moves bones, works in pairs, and is
attached to bones by tendons. (Chap. 17,
Sec. 2, p. 499)
skeletal system: all the bones in the body;
forms an internal, living framework that
provides shape and support, protects
internal organs, moves bones, forms blood
cells, and stores calcium and phosphorus
compounds for later use. (Chap. 17,
Sec. 1, p. 490)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
English
Glossary
reflex: simple innate behavior, such as
yawning or blinking, that is an automatic response and does not involve
a message to the brain. (Chap. 16,
Sec. 1, p. 461) (Chap. 21, Sec. 1,
p. 607)
renewable resources: natural resources,
such as water, sunlight, and crops,
that are constantly being recycled
or replaced by nature. (Chap. 27,
Sec. 1, p. 778)
respiration: series of chemical reactions
used to release energy stored in food
molecules. (Chap. 3, Sec. 3, p. 83)
(Chap. 11, Sec. 1, p. 309)
retina: light-sensitive tissue at the back of
the eye; contains rods and cones.
(Chap. 21, Sec. 2, p. 611)
rhizoids (RI zoydz): threadlike structures
that anchor nonvascular plants to the
ground. (Chap. 9, Sec. 2, p. 248)
rhizome: underground stem of a fern.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 2, p. 280)
ribosome: small structure on which
cells make their own proteins. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 1, p. 42)
RNA: ribonucleic acid, which carries codes
for making proteins from the nucleus to
the ribosomes. (Chap. 4, Sec. 3, p. 112)
879
English
Glossary
English Glossary
880
smooth muscle: involuntary, nonstriated
muscle that controls movement of internal
organs. (Chap. 17, Sec. 2, p. 499)
social behavior: interactions among members of the same species, including
courtship and mating, getting food, caring
for young, and protecting each other.
(Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 466)
society: a group of animals of the same
species that live and work together in an
organized way, with each member doing a
specific job. (Chap. 16, Sec. 2, p. 467)
soil: mixture of mineral and rock particles,
the remains of dead organisms, air, and
water that forms the topmost layer of
Earth’s crust and supports plant growth.
(Chap. 25, Sec. 1, p. 722)
sori: fern structures in which spores are produced. (Chap. 10, Sec. 2, p. 280)
species: group of organisms that share
similar characteristics and can reproduce among themselves. (Chap. 6,
Sec. 1, p. 154)
sperm: haploid sex cells formed in the
male reproductive organs. (Chap. 4,
Sec. 2, p. 104) (Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 634)
spiracles (SPIHR ih kulz): openings in the
abdomen and thorax of insects through
which air enters and waste gases leave.
(Chap. 13, Sec. 3, p. 375)
spontaneous generation: theory that living
things can come from nonliving things.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 3, p. 19)
sporangium (spuh RAN jee uhm): round
spore case of a zygote fungus. (Chap. 8,
Sec. 2, p. 227)
spore: waterproof reproductive cell of a
fungus. (Chap. 8, Sec. 2, p. 225)
spores: haploid cells produced in the gametophyte stage of a plant that can divide by
mitosis and form structures or an entire
new plant or can develop into sex cells.
(Chap. 10, Sec. 1, p. 277)
sporophyte (SPOR uh fite) stage: plant
life cycle stage that begins when an egg
is fertilized by a sperm. (Chap. 10,
Sec. 1, p. 277)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
stamen: male reproductive organ inside
the flower of an angiosperm; consists
of an anther, where pollen grains
form, and a filament. (Chap. 10,
Sec. 3, p. 287)
stinging cells: capsules with coiled
triggerlike structures that help
cnidarians capture food. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 2, p. 344)
stomata (STOH muh tuh): small openings in
the surface of most plant leaves that allow
carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen to enter
and exit. (Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 255)
(Chap. 11, Sec, 1, p. 305)
succession: natural, gradual changes in
the types of species that live in an area;
can be primary or secondary. (Chap. 26,
Sec. 1, p. 748)
symbiosis: any close relationship
between species, including mutualism,
commensalism, and parasitism.
(Chap. 24, Sec. 3, p. 706)
synapse (SIHN aps): small space across
which an impulse moves from an axon to
the dendrites or cell body of another neuron. (Chap. 21, Sec. 1, p. 603)
systemic circulation: largest part of the circulatory system in which oxygen-rich
blood flows to all the organs and body
tissues, except the heart and lungs, and
oxygen-poor blood is returned to the
heart. (Chap. 19, Sec. 1, p. 549)
T
taiga (TI guh): world’s largest biome,
located south of the tundra between
50º N and 60º N latitude; has long, cold
winters, precipitation between 35 cm and
100 cm each year, cone-bearing evergreen
trees, and dense forests. (Chap. 26, Sec. 2,
p. 754)
taste bud: major sensory receptor
on the tongue; contains taste hairs
that send impulses to the brain for
interpretation of tastes. (Chap. 21,
Sec. 2, p. 616)
English Glossary
U
umbilical cord: connects the embryo to the
placenta; moves food and oxygen from
the placenta to the embryo and removes
the embryo’s waste products. (Chap. 15,
Sec. 2, p. 445)
ureter: tube that carries urine from each
kidney to the bladder. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 2, p. 586)
urethra (yoo REE thruh): tube that carries
urine from the bladder to the outside of
the body. (Chap. 20, Sec. 2, p. 586)
urinary system: system of excretory organs
that rids the blood of wastes, controls
blood volume by removing excess water,
and balances concentrations of salts and
water. (Chap. 20, Sec. 2, p. 583)
urine: wastewater that contains excess
water, salts, and other wastes that are
not reabsorbed by the body. (Chap. 20,
Sec. 2, p. 584)
uterus: hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ
where a fertilized egg develops into a baby.
(Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 635)
English
Glossary
temperate deciduous forest: biome usually
having four distinct seasons, annual precipitation between 75 cm and 150 cm, and
climax communities of deciduous trees.
(Chap. 26, Sec. 2, p. 755)
temperate rain forest: biome with 200 cm to
400 cm of precipitation each year, average
temperatures between 9ºC and 12ºC, and
forests dominated by trees with needlelike
leaves. (Chap. 26, Sec. 2, p. 755)
tendon: thick band of tissue that attaches
bones to muscles. (Chap. 17, Sec. 2, p. 499)
tentacles (TEN tih kulz): armlike structures
that have stinging cells and surround the
mouths of most cnidarians. (Chap. 12,
Sec. 2, p. 344)
testis: male organ that produces sperm and
testosterone. (Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 634)
theory: an explanation of events or things
based on scientific knowledge resulting
from repeated observations and tests.
(Chap. 1, Sec. 1, p. 10)
tissue: group of similar cells that work together to do one job. (Chap. 2, Sec. 1, p. 45)
toxin: poisonous substance produced by
some pathogens. (Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 199)
trachea (TRAY kee uh): air-conducting tube
that connects the larynx with the bronchi,
is lined with mucous membranes and
cilia, and contains strong cartilage rings.
(Chap. 20, Sec. 1, p. 577)
tropical rain forest: most biologically diverse
biome; has an average temperature of
25ºC and receives between 200 cm and
600 cm of precipitation each year. (Chap.
26, Sec. 2, p. 756)
tropism: positive or negative plant response
to an external stimulus such as touch,
light, or gravity. (Chap. 11, Sec. 2, p. 314)
tube feet: hydraulic, hollow, thin-walled tubes
that end in suction cups and enable echinoderms to move. (Chap. 13, Sec. 4, p. 384)
tundra: cold, dry, treeless biome with less
than 25 cm of precipitation each year, a
short growing season, permafrost, and
winters that can be six to nine months
long. (Chap. 26, Sec. 2, p. 753)
V
vaccination: process of giving a vaccine by
mouth or by injection to provide active
immunity against a disease. (Chap. 23,
Sec. 1, p. 661)
vaccine: preparation made from killed bacteria or damaged particles from bacterial cell
walls that can prevent some bacterial diseases. (Chap. 7, Sec. 2, p. 201)
vagina (vuh JI nuh): muscular tube that connects the lower end of the uterus to the
outside of the body; the birth canal
through which a baby travels when being
born. (Chap. 22, Sec. 2, p. 635)
variable: in an experiment, the one thing
that can change. (Chap. 1, Sec. 1, p. 9)
variation: inherited trait that makes an individual different from other members of the
same species and results from a mutation in
the organism’s genes. (Chap. 6, Sec. 1, p. 158)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
881
English
Glossary
English Glossary
882
vascular plant: plant with tubelike structures
that move minerals, water, and other substances throughout the plant. (Chap. 9,
Sec. 1, p. 247)
vein: blood vessel that carries blood back to
the heart and has one-way valves that keep
blood moving toward the heart. (Chap. 19,
Sec. 1, p. 550)
ventricles (VEN trih kulz): two lower
chambers of the heart that contract at the
same time during a heartbeat. (Chap. 19,
Sec. 1, p. 547)
vertebrae: backbones that are joined by flexible cartilage and protect a vertebrate’s
spinal nerve cord. (Chap. 14, Sec. 1, p. 399)
vertebrate: animal with a backbone.
(Chap. 12, Sec. 1, p. 338)
vestigial (veh STIHJ ee ul) structure: structure, such as the human appendix, that
doesn’t seem to have a function and may
once have functioned in the body of an
ancestor. (Chap. 6, Sec. 2, p. 168)
villi (VIHL I): fingerlike projections covering
the wall of the small intestine that increase
the surface area for food absorption.
(Chap. 18, Sec. 2, p. 534)
virus: extremely tiny piece of genetic material
that infects and multiplies in host cells;
surrounded by a protein coating. (Chap. 2,
Sec. 3, p. 52) (Chap. 23, Sec. 2, p. 664)
vitamin: water-soluble or fat-soluble organic
nutrient needed in small quantities for
growth, for preventing some diseases, and
for regulating body functions. (Chap. 18,
Sec. 1, p. 522)
voluntary muscle: muscle, such as a leg or
arm muscle, that can be consciously controlled. (Chap. 17, Sec. 2, p. 497)
ENGLISH GLOSSARY
W
water cycle: model describing how water
moves from Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back to the surface again
through evaporation, condensation, and
precipitation. (Chap. 25, Sec. 2, p. 729)
water-vascular system: network of waterfilled canals that allows echinoderms to
move, capture food, give off wastes, and
exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.
(Chap. 13, Sec. 4, p. 384)
wetland: a region that is wet most or all of
the year. (Chap. 26, Sec. 3, p. 763)
X
xylem (ZI lum): vascular tissue that forms
hollow vessels that transport substances,
other than sugar, throughout a plant.
(Chap. 9, Sec. 3, p. 257)
Z
zygote: new diploid cell formed when a
sperm fertilizes an egg; will divide by
mitosis and develop into a new organism.
(Chap. 4, Sec. 2, p. 104)