1.1 The Science of Biology Flashcards
Biology
The study of life
Science
Knowledge that covers general truths
Scientific Method
Method of research with defined steps that include experiments
Hypothesis
Suggested explanation for an event, which can be tested
Theory
Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena
Natural Sciences
Fields of science related to the physical world
Life Sciences
Study of living things
Physical Sciences
Study of nonliving matter
Inductive Reasoning
Uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion
Deductive Reasoning
Uses a general principle or law to predict specific results
Descriptive Science
Observe, explore, and discover
Hypothesis-Based Science
Begins with a specific question and a potential answer that can be tested
Variable
Any part of the experiment that can vary/change during the experiment
Control Group
Contains every feature of the experiment, except that it is not manipulated by the hypothesized experiment
Basic Science
Expand knowledge regardless of short-term application
Applied Science
“Technology” Uses science to solve real-world problems
Serendipity
Discoveries made by lucky accidents
Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts
Scientific papers reviewed by a scientist’s peers
Abstract
Concise summary
Introduction
Brief, but broad, background on what is known in the field
Materials and Methods
Complete and accurate description of the substances and techniques used to gather data
Results
Narrates the findings
Discussion
Interpretation of the results, describes how the variables might be related, attempts to explain observations
Conclusion
Summarizes the importance of the experimental findings
