Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Convergent Evolution Definition Convergent evolution is the process in which organisms that are not closely related independently evolve similar features. Adaptions may take the form of similar body forms, colors, organs and other adaptions which make up the organism’s phenotype. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures or ’homoplasies’, those which have similar forms or functions between diverged species, but were […]

Definition A controlled variable is a commonly used term in the field of scientific research, where finding evidence to support a theory is rarely straightforward. In the case of the natural sciences, some research features are constant, but the majority of these have inconsistencies. These inconsistencies are known as variables. Overview For an experiment to […]

Controlled Experiment Definition A controlled experiment is a scientific test that is directly manipulated by a scientist, in order to test a single variable at a time. The variable being tested is the independent variable, and is adjusted to see the effects on the system being studied. The controlled variables are held constant to minimize or stabilize their […]

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 […]