1. A gene is a segment of DNA that carries the information needed for traits to be passed from parents to offspring. Genes play a crucial role in heredity and biological functions.

What does the root "gene" signify?

1. The word "vestig" is related to tracking or finding evidence, as seen in the word "investigation." Scientists investigate to trace or discover patterns.

The root "vestig" in "investigation" refers to:

1. The word "scope" relates to viewing or observing, especially in scientific tools like microscopes, which allow us to see very small objects.

The root "scope" in "microscope" means:

1. In biology, an organ is a specialized structure within a living thing, like a heart or lungs, that performs a vital function.

The root "organ" in "organism" means:

1. To select means to choose, often based on specific criteria. For example, in natural selection, traits that help organisms survive are chosen and passed on to future generations.

The root "select" means:

1. in-

The prefix "in-" can mean "into," as in "investigation," where someone looks deeply into a topic to uncover information. Scientists use investigations to study and learn about the natural world.

1. -ics

The suffix "-ics" refers to a field of study, as in "genetics," which is the study of genes and heredity. For example, genetics helps us understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

The suffix "-ics" in "genetics" signifies:

1. -tion / -ation

The suffix "-tion" indicates the state or result of an action, as in "observation," where someone carefully watches to learn. For instance, scientists use observation to collect data about living things.

The suffix "-tion" in "observation" indicates:

1. -ism

The suffix "-ism" refers to a process or state, as in "organism," meaning a living thing with organs and structures. For example, humans and trees are organisms with specific structures that support life.

The suffix "-ism" in "organism" refers to: