Ch. 1 - Scientific Method and the Study of Life

Question 1

hypothesis

Answer 1

testable explanation for a set of observations based on available data

Question 2

deduction

Answer 2

deductive reasoning is a type of logic in which specific results are predicted from a general premise

Question 3

flashlight problem (2)

Answer 3

• hypo 1: batteries are dead

- hypo 2: bulb is dead

Question 4

flashlight problem pt 2 (3)

Answer 4

-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

Question 5

what makes a good hypothesis? (3)

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

control groups

Answer 6

give you something to compare experimental groups to

Question 7

experimental groups

Answer 7

has only one thing (variable) different than the control group

Question 8

7 common properties of life

Answer 8

• order
• ability to reproduce
• growth and development (increase in complexity)
• ability to process energy/metabolize
• response to stimuli
• regulation (homeostasis)
• adaptation (long-term)

Question 9

order

Answer 9

life is highly structured -> living cells are the basis of this complex organization

Question 10

ability to reproduce

Answer 10

organisms reproduce their own kind or it doesn’t last very long

Question 11

growth and development (2)

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

ability to process energy/metabolize

Answer 12

will use chemical energy stored in raw materials to power its own activities and chemical reactions

Question 13

response to stimuli

Answer 13

response to heat, cold, light, etc

Question 14

regulation

Answer 14

many types of mechanisms regulate an organisms internal environment, keeping it within limits that sustain life

Question 15

adaptation

Answer 15

adaptations evolve over many generations as individuals with traits best suited to their environment have greater reproductive success and pass their traits to offspring

Question 16

toxicology (2)

Answer 16

M=2, N=2
>M+N=1 antagonistic result
>M+N=100 synergistic result

Question 17

2 Laws of Thermodynamics (2)

Answer 17

• law of conservation of energy/mass:

- entropy law

Question 18

law of conservation of energy/mass

Answer 18

energy cannot be created or destroyed, it may be transformed

Question 19

entropy law (2)

Answer 19

• 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)

Question 20

homeostasis (3)

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

acclimation (2)

Answer 21

• a short term response to the environment

- wearing a jacket in the winter

Question 22

adaptation (2)

Answer 22

• a long term, intergenerational change due to natural selection
• actual changes in genes - we grow more fur!