Attributing: Science

adjective phrases for describing typicality

(is) unique (of / for)
In sexual reproduction every offspring is unique, while in asexual reproduction they are all the same.

(is) characteristic (of / for)
Animal cell shape is usually characteristic of its function.

(is) typical (of / for)
The image shows the typical features for a liquid-in-glass thermometer.

adjectives for describing importance

vital
Organisms need a transport system to get vital substances like water around the body and to the cells.

important
Oestrogen is important in the menstrual cycle from puberty until menopause.

major
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are the major components of our diet.

essential
Without oxygen, humus cannot be broken down into essential nutrients required for plant growth.

noun phrases for identifying attributes

trait
As the mother expresses the recessive trait, she must have two copies of that version.

constituent
The main constituent of natural gas is methane, but it also contains butane and propane.

part
Pyroclastic flow is the most dangerous part of a volcanic eruption.

component
Carbon monoxide is a component of cigarette smoke.

factor
Which factors affects the stability of an object?

example
Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide are examples of strong alkalis.

verb phrases for identifying characteristics

exhibit
The orientation of the magnetic poles will exhibit repulsive and attractive forces.

show
What colour change does phenolphthalein show in an alkaline solution?

illlustrate
We will look at oxygen, carbon and nitrogen to illustrate the natural processes of conversion and cycling.

represent
Make sure to write a word equation to represent the reaction that takes place.

be known as
Parasites live on or inside other living organisms which are known as their hosts.

verb phrases used for listing attributes

have
Why do soaps on the market have varied colours?

contain
Red blood cells contain no nucleus but they have a red pigment called haemoglobin.

include
Household drugs include caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.

consist of
The human respiratory system consists of the trachea, bronchi and lungs.

be made up of
All things on Earth are made up of tiny particles called atoms.