The Metric System

The standard system of measurement used by scientists throughout the world is known as the International System of Units, abbreviated as SI (Système International d'Unités, in French). It is based on units of 10. Each unit is 10 times larger or 10 times smaller than the next unit. The table lists the prefixes used to name the most common SI units.

Table titled 'Common SI Prefixes' shows some common prefixes, their symbols, and meaning.dd

Commonly Used Metric Units

Length To measure length, or distance from one point to another, the unit of measure is a meter (m). A meter is slightly longer than a yard.

    Useful equivalents:

  • 1 meter = 1000 millimeters (mm)

  • 1 meter = 100 centimeters (cm)

  • 1000 meters = 1 kilometer (km)

A metric scale showing 100 millimeters and 1 centimeter.

Volume To measure the volume of a liquid, or the amount of space an object takes up, the unit of measure is a liter (L). A liter is slightly more than a quart.

    Useful equivalents:

  • 1 liter = 1000 milliliters (mL)

Mass To measure the mass, or the amount of matter in an object, the unit of measure is the gram (g). A paper clip has a mass equal to about one gram.

    Useful equivalents:

  • 1000 grams = 1 kilogram (kg)

A triple-beam balance with riders and beams.

Temperature To measure the hotness or coldness of an item, or its temperature, you use the unit degrees. The freezing point of water is 0°C (Celsius). The boiling point of water is 100°C.

Metric-English Equivalents

  • 2.54 centimeters (cm) = 1 inch (in.)

  • 1 meter (m) = 39.37 inches (in.)

  • 1 kilometer (km) = 0.62 miles (mi)

  • 1 liter (L) = 1.06 quarts (qt)

  • 236 milliliters (mL) = 1 cup (c)

  • 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lb)

  • 28.3 grams (g) = 1 ounce (oz)

  • °C = 5/9 × (°F–32)

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Table of Contents

Miller & Levine Biology
About the Authors
Changing the World of Biology Education
Contents
Diversity of Life: A Visual Guide DOL•1–DOL•64
Labs and Activities
Features
UNIT 1 The Nature of Life
1 The Science of Biology
2 The Chemistry of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 2 Ecology
3 The Biosphere
4 Ecosystems and Communities
5 Populations
6 Humans in the Biosphere
Unit Project
UNIT 3 Cells
7 Cell Structure and Function
8 Photosynthesis
9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
10 Cell Growth and Division
Unit Project
UNIT 4 Genetics
11 Introduction to Genetics
12 DNA
13 RNA and Protein Synthesis
14 Human Heredity
15 Genetic Engineering
Unit Project
UNIT 5 Evolution
16 Darwin's Theory of Evolution
17 Evolution of Populations
18 Classification
19 History of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 6 From Microorganisms to Plants
20 Viruses and Prokaryotes
21 Protists and Fungi
22 Introduction to Plants
23 Plant Structure and Function
24 Plant Reproduction and Response
Unit Project
UNIT 7 Animals
25 Introduction to Animals
26 Animal Evolution and Diversity
27 Animal Systems I
28 Animal Systems II
29 Animal Behavior
Unit Project
UNIT 8 The Human Body
30 Digestive and Excretory Systems
31 Nervous System
32 Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
33 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
34 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
35 Immune System and Disease
Unit Project
A Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
THE TREE OF LIFE
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Appendices
Appendix A Science Skills
Appendix B Lab Skills
Appendix C Technology & Design
Appendix D Math Skills
Appendix E Periodic Table
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q, R
S
T
U
V
W
X, Y, Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Credits
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