BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
SKILL CHECK: Breaking Down Scientific Terminology
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to promote the usage of root words to break down scientific jargon and
terminology into smaller, more digestible pieces. Scientific studies have shown that understanding root
words and applying them appropriately aids improves reading comprehension.
Rules:





Students will work independently to complete the table below. Working with a partner or as a
group is strictly prohibited.
Students may use online resources, textbooks, and personal notes to complete the assignment.
All responses in the table must be hand written.
Completed tables will be submitted through the course Canvas page.
Submitted files must be PDFs. Other file types will not be accepted.
Assignment:
SELF-EVALUATION

Before attempting to write in examples, read the leftmost column labeled word.
o In GREEN, highlight the root words, prefixes, and suffixes whose definitions you already
know.
o In YELLOW, highlight the root words, prefixes, and suffixes that you recognize, but do not
know the definition for.
o In RED, highlight the root words, prefixes, and suffixes that you do not recognize and do
not know the definition for.
COMPLETING THE ASSIGNMENT

After completing the self-evaluation phase of the assignment, fill in the example blanks in the
table below.
Grading:
Students that complete the Scientific Terminology assignment are eligible to earn UP TO 10 points of extra
credit. Extra credit points will be added to the student’s overall total score in the class.
For example, a student with 485 points in the class will earn a letter grade of C. By completing the extra
credit assignment, they will boost their total score to 485 points, earning a letter grade of C+.
1
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Scientific Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Word
a-, an-
Meaning
not, without, lacking
Examples
Amorphous (without shape)
-able
-aceous
adipaeroambiamylanteantiaqu-ase
autobacterbi-
(Latin)
bi-, bio-
(Greek)
-blast
brevcalorcarcincardicarpalcata-cellcenticentrcephal2
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Word
Meaning
Examples
cerebrchemchlorcocoelcollconicontracorpcort-, corticcountercrani-cul-, -cule
cuticyan-cyst
cyt-, -cyte
dedecadecidermdi-, dipldi-, diadu-, duoecto-emia
en-, endo-, ent3
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Word
Meaning
Examples
epierythroeugastr-gene-gestgluc-, glycgynhem-, hemohemiheterohexhistholohomo-
(Latin)
homo-
(Greek)
hydrhyperhypointerintraiso-ist
-karykilo-less
leuc-, leuk4
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Word
Meaning
Examples
-logist
-logy
-lys, -lyt, -lyst
macrmela-, melan-meter, -metry
micromillimismitomolemonomorphmultimutneonephroneurnonnucoctoligo-oma
omnioncoooxy5
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Word
Meaning
Examples
paleopath-, -pathy
pentpermeaphag-philphoto-phyll
pinoplasm-, -plastpleurpneumo-pod
porprepseudoquadrquinrerhag-, -rrhage
saccharsarc-scop-scribe, -script
semiseptsolv6
BIO 1010
Fall 2023
Name: __________________________
Word
Meaning
Examples
som-, -some
-spermspir-, -spire
stom-, -stome
subsuper-, sursym-, synteloterrtetrthermtranstri-trop-trophunixanthzo-, -zoa
zyg-
7