Ch. 1 - Scientific Method and the Study of Life Flashcards
hypothesis
testable explanation for a set of observations based on available data
deduction
deductive reasoning is a type of logic in which specific results are predicted from a general premise
flashlight problem (2)
- hypo 1: batteries are dead
- hypo 2: bulb is dead
flashlight problem pt 2 (3)
-can “disprove” or falsify a hypothesis but one can never “prove” beyond a doubt a hypothesis
-there could always be other explanations
>so we repeat, if we always get the same result, we may form a theory that it’s the case
what makes a good hypothesis? (3)
- can be tested by experiment
- makes a logical prediction (if…then… statement)
- a bad hypothesis fails to make a logical prediction or makes untestable predictions
control groups
give you something to compare experimental groups to
experimental groups
has only one thing (variable) different than the control group
7 common properties of life
- order
- ability to reproduce
- growth and development (increase in complexity)
- ability to process energy/metabolize
- response to stimuli
- regulation (homeostasis)
- adaptation (long-term)
order
life is highly structured -> living cells are the basis of this complex organization
ability to reproduce
organisms reproduce their own kind or it doesn’t last very long
growth and development (2)
- inherited information in the form of DNA controls the pattern of growth and development of all organisms
- salt crystals grow but they don’t develop
ability to process energy/metabolize
will use chemical energy stored in raw materials to power its own activities and chemical reactions
response to stimuli
response to heat, cold, light, etc
regulation
many types of mechanisms regulate an organisms internal environment, keeping it within limits that sustain life
adaptation
adaptations evolve over many generations as individuals with traits best suited to their environment have greater reproductive success and pass their traits to offspring
toxicology (2)
M=2, N=2
>M+N=1 antagonistic result
>M+N=100 synergistic result
2 Laws of Thermodynamics (2)
- law of conservation of energy/mass:
- entropy law
law of conservation of energy/mass
energy cannot be created or destroyed, it may be transformed
entropy law (2)
- in all natural processes the entropy of the world always increases
- matter and energy in the universe tend to an ultimate state of inert uniformity (can be synonymous with disorder within the system)
homeostasis (3)
- ability to maintain a constant internal environment
- requires a sensitivity and appropriate response to even small changes
- mammals are homeothermic - capable of regulating their body temp within a small safe temp range
acclimation (2)
- a short term response to the environment
- wearing a jacket in the winter
adaptation (2)
- a long term, intergenerational change due to natural selection
- actual changes in genes - we grow more fur!
