Ch.1 Test Flashcards
What is an inference and how does it play a part in forming a hypothesis?
Inferences are logical interpretations based on what is already known. It helps form a hypothesis by leading them to questions that can be tested.
What is the difference between a control and a variable?
Variables is changed or altered while a control remains the same.
What is the difference between an independent and dependent variable?
Independent variables are deliberately changed, while dependent variables are observed and that changes in response to the independent variable
What is a control group?
They are exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for one independent variable
What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?
Quantitative data involves numbers obtained by counting or measuring, while qualitative data is descriptive and involve characteristics that cannot usually be counted
What are the characteristics of a good scientist?
Curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, creative
What is a theory, and how does it differ from a hypothesis?
A theory is a well tested explanation that unites observations and hypotheses. A hypothesis is an explanation that can be tested in ways that supports or reject it. A theory has already been tested.
What is peer review and why is it important?
Peer review is when scientists share their findings with the scientific community by publishing articles. It is important because it eliminated errors that might have been overlooked and creates more correct data.
What are the characteristics of living things?
Are composed of cells Have a universal genetic code (DNA) Obtain/use energy Grow and develop Reproduce Maintain homeostasis Response to a stimulus Change (evolve) over time
What are the central themes in biology?
Cellular basis of life Information and heredity Matter and energy Growth and reproduction Homeostasis Evolution Structure and function Unity and diversity of life Interdependence in nature Science as a way of knowing
What is homeostasis, and what would happen to an organism if it could not maintain it?
Homeostasis is when living things maintain a relatively stable internal environment. If they do not maintain it, it can result in death or serious illness.
What is the biosphere?
Earth
The different types of living things; increases as we move toward the equator
Biodiversity
What are the goals of science?
To provide natural explanations for events in the natural world and to use those explanations to understand patters in nature and make useful predictions about natural events.
What is science?
An organized way of gathering and analyzing evidence about the natural world.
What is biology?
The study of life.
What does science aim for?
The best understanding of the natural world that current methods can reveal.
What is scientific methodology?
When scientists collect and organize info. in an orderly way, looking for patterns and connections.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
- Observation
- Hypothesis
- Experiment
- Collect and analyze data
- Draw conclusions
What is an observation and what does it lead to?
The act of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way. It leads to asking questions
Why are controlled experiments important?
If more than one variable is changed, you do not know what variable effected the results.
Why is a large sample size important?
It makes results more accurate.
When would it be necessary to revise a hypothesis?
When new data may indicate that the researchers have the right general idea but are wrong about a few particulars
What is bias?
Particular preferences or point of view that is personal rather than scientific
What is a cell?
A basic unit of life
Why is DNA important, and what characteristics of life does DNA play a role in?
Is important because all living things have it and it determines who you are. It plays a role in influencing everything about you.
Why do living organisms need energy?
Need energy because we need to build body structures and fuel processes.
How are structure and function related in terms of body plan?
Relate in terms of body plan by having certain parts that have specific functions. For example, ducks have webbed feet to help them swim.
How does science influence our world?
By revealing rules and patterns that can explain and predict some events in nature.
