Category: Biology Dictionary C

Control Group Definition In scientific experiments, the control group is the group of subject that receive no treatment or a standardized treatment. Without the control group, there would be nothing to compare the treatment group to. When statistics refer to something being “X times more likely to happen” they are referring to the difference in […]

Definition Consumer is a category that belongs within the food chain of an ecosystem. It refers predominantly to animals. Consumers are unable to make their own energy, and instead rely on the consumption and digestion of producers or other consumers, or both, to survive. Consumer Explained Consumers are found in food chains, where they are […]

Conservation Biology Definition Conservation biology is a discipline that focuses on protecting and restoring the Earth’s biodiversity. It is a mission- or crisis-oriented science, where quick action is needed and failure can have devastating effects. Conservation biologists are concerned with understanding how life is distributed on the planet, what the threats to life are, and […]

Conditioned Stimulus Definition A conditioned stimulus is a substitute stimulus that triggers the same response in an organism as an unconditioned stimulus. Simply put, a conditioned stimulus makes an organism react to something because it is associated with something else. Conditioned stimuli begin as neutral stimuli that do not illicit a response until conditioning has […]

Condensation Definition Condensation has multiple meanings in the field of biology. A condensation reaction is when two smaller molecules join to form a larger one by removing functional groups that form a small molecule, often water. Condensation can also refer to a state change in water from gas to liquid, which is an important step […]

Definition A concentration gradient occurs when a solute is more concentrated in one area than another. A concentration gradient is alleviated through diffusion, though membranes can hinder diffusion and maintain a concentration gradient. Overview “Concentration” refers to how much of a solute is in a given amount of solvent. A corner of a water tank […]

Definition Complete metamorphosis refers to change in anatomical and physiological form through a series of life stages. This occurs in the animal world, more specifically the insect world. This set of four stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult – makes up the process of complete metamorphosis. Complete Metamorphosis Explained Complete metamorphosis must involve four […]

Complete Dominance Definition Complete dominance occurs when one allele – or “version” – of a gene completely masks another. The trait that is expressed is described as being “dominant” over the trait that is not expressed. Most organisms are diploid – that is, they get two copies of each gene, one from each of their […]

Competition Definition in Biology Competition is a relationship between organisms in which one is harmed when both are trying to use the same resource related to growth, reproduction, or survivability. Competition stems from the fact that resources are limited. There are simply not enough of some resources for all individuals to have equal access and […]

Compact Bone Definition Compact bone, also known as cortical bone, is a denser material used to create much of the hard structure of the skeleton. As seen in the image below, compact bone forms the cortex, or hard outer shell of most bones in the body. The remainder of the bone is formed by cancellous or spongy bone. Compact bone […]