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Why is taxonomy important?

The rank on a taxon shows the similarities between the members. The lower the rank, the more similarities that exist between members. Every taxon has a special name. The ranks as well as the nomenclature of a taxon are standardized by international bureaus and congresses. This standardization is what makes it possible for biologists across the world to identify a particular organism. Common names of organisms may vary depending on where in the world they are found. This means that the name of an organism can be different from one country to the next. When an organism has one scientific name, ..

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Why are cells called the building blocks of life?

Cells are the smallest unit of life that can reproduce independently. Cells must come from preexisting cells, as scientists are not able to create or produce a live cell in a laboratory.\nAll cells are made with similar parts. For instance, there is a plasma membrane around each cell that allows nutrients and fluids to pass in and out of the cell. This membrane has channels and pores. The plasma membrane is like a wall that holds all parts of the cell in place. The tiny parts of each cell are called organelles, which means "little organs" in Latin.\nEach cell in the human body is a small and s..

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Why is Jupiter denser than Saturn?

Saturn is not only less dense than Jupiter; it is less dense than all of the other planets. In fact, the density of Saturn is approximately 0.687 grams per cubic centimeter. This is less dense than fresh water, meaning that Saturn would float on water. It is important to note that the density of a planet is not the same at all locations — some parts of Saturn are denser than others are, just like the density on Earth varies. Accordingly, when scientists describe the density of a planet, they are referring to the average density of the body.\nJupiter and Saturn are called gas giants because t..

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What does a hemoglobin A1C chart show?

The A1C test is used in diabetes management, explains the NIDDK. If the amount of sugar entering the bloodstream is consistently high, some of the glucose attaches to the hemoglobin. Because red blood cells have a life span of three months, the A1C test determines the average blood sugar reading over that time period; it is not useful for short-term glucose measurement. Generally, blood glucose levels are deemed normal if A1C levels fall below 5.7 percent, pre-diabetic if above 5.7 and below 6.4 percent, and diabetic if 6.5 percent and above.\nWhile useful in diagnosis, the A1C test has a marg..

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What are some water testing laboratories?

Babcock Laboratories provides testing for waste water, drinking water, groundwater and stormwater. They also provide food product and beverages biological testing. The facility provides test results in various formats. Clients can contact the laboratory for more information.\nNational Testing Labs have been serving homeowners for over 25 years. They offer packages for testing water from public water supplies and private wells. The facilities test water for bacteria and other contaminants, such as arsenic, that can cause illnesses. The laboratories also provide State Certified Analysis for comp..

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To which family does zirconium belong?

The name of zirconium is derived from the Persian word "zargun," which means "gold-like." The element is commonly recognized as part of the compound zircon (ZrSiO4). The clear gemstone form of zircon can be cut to resemble a diamond and is often found in jewelry. Other uses for zirconium and its compounds include high performance pumps, surgical tools and lotions to treat poison ivy. The element does not absorb neutrons easily, and is therefore used in nuclear reactors, the production of which accounts for up to 90 percent of the yearly production of zirconium. \n\nZirconium was discovered by ..

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What are the five steps in the scientific method?

The scientific method is an organized, unbiased process for proving the validity of a theory. Having already made observations about a particular topic, the experimenter asks a question about it. He then forms a prediction of how the question is answered. Next he conducts a proper experiment to show whether the prediction is true or not. Finally, the experimenter accepts or rejects the original hypothesis based on the outcome of the experiment.

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What is a male antelope called?

There are 91 species of antelope, most of which are indigenous to Africa. Antelope that live in forests, woodlands or bush tend to be sedentary, but antelope living in grasslands often migrate long distances. Antelopes travel in groups called herds. They can run up to 70 miles per hour, which is helpful for outrunning their predators, which include lions, cheetahs and crocodiles. They are herbivores and mainly eat grass, shoots and seeds.

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How do acids, bases and salts differ?

A salt is formed when an acid reacts with a base in the process of neutralization. This causes the positively charged hydrogen ion of the acid compound to be replaced by a metal ion. The product is a neutral compound with a related number of positive and negative ions. This product is a salt. Some salts are soluble in water, and others are not.

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What would happen if there was no friction?

A moving ball would stop if it hit a boulder, but without friction it would roll forever along a flat street. No matter how hard a driver jammed on the brakes, his car would not come to a stop, because brake pads rely on friction. Even the simple act of walking down the street would become dangerous. Without friction between the shoe and the street surface, walking would be much like trying to walk on an icy sidewalk. Trying to light a fire with a match would be ineffective, as striking a match relies on friction between the match head and the strike plate or another hard surface.\nOn the othe..

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