AP BIO UNIT 1 Flashcards
Evolution
This process drives the diversity and unity of life.
Energetics
Biological systems use energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Information Storage & Transmission
Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
Systems Interactions
Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions exhibit complex properties.
Inquiry
Search for information and explanation.
Two Main Steps of Inquiry
- Making Observations
- Forming Hypotheses
Making Observations
Describes natural structures and processes through observation and analysis.
Data
Recorded observations.
Qualitative Data
Observations with senses.
Quantitative Date
Measured using instruments.
Inductive Reasoning
Derive generalizations based on a large number of specific observations. (Specific –> General)
Hypothesis
Predictions that can be tested by recording more observations or experiments. Often heard as “if…then…because” but does not need to be in this format. *NEVER say “the hypothesis is correct,” results can either support or refute the hypothesis.
Hypothesis - “If”
The manipulated variable
Hypothesis - “Then”
The responding variable
Hypothesis - “Because”
Optional explanation
Deductive Reasoning
Specific results are derived from general premises. (General –> Specific)
Null Hypothesis
A hypothesis which the researcher tries to disprove, reject, or nullify. The hypothesis states that there is no difference between the two groups of data, and the experimental observations are due to chance. (Example: H0: There will be no difference in headache relief between individuals)
Alternative Hypothesis
Start with H1, then continue listing (H2, H3, H4, etc.) As many as necessary for the experiment. (Example: H1: Tylenol will allow for relief when consumed by patients with headaches. H2: Tylenol will worsen symptoms when consumed by patients with headaches.)
Scientific Method
Most scientific inquiries do not follow a perfectly structured form. Scientists can be working with the wrong hypothesis and have to redirect research.
Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law - Hypothesis
Hypothesis: an explanation to a question. Tested by experiment or continued observation. Can be disproven, but cannot be proven true. *NEVER say “my hypothesis was correct” –> Instead say. “my data supports my hypothesis.”
Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law - Theory
Theory: summarizes a group of hypotheses. Broader in scope. New hypotheses can be generated from it. Supported by massive body of evidence. NEVER becomes a law.
Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law - Scientific Law
Scientific Law: statement of fact usually as a mathematical formula. Example: Newton’s Law of Gravity. Describes an observation - not “how” or “why.” Generally accepted to be true and universal. Basis for scientific method.
Experiments
Start with an observation and a hypothesis. Use control groups and experimental groups. Well designed experiments should include: independent variable, dependent variable, control group (+ and/or -), constants, # trials (minimum of 3).
Variable
Something that is changed in the experiment