Ch1 - The Science of Biology

Question 1

What is science?

Answer 1

organized way to study the natural world

Question 2

What is the goal of science?

Answer 2

1. Investigate & understand nature
2. Make predictions
3. Explain events

Question 3

What is biology?

Answer 3

Study of living organisms

Question 4

What are the steps in a scientific investigation?

Answer 4

1. Observation - use 5 senses
2. Research - reliable sources
3. Hypothesis - prediction of what will occur
4. Experiment - Collect data + test hypothesis
5. Conclusion: Result/Analyze & repeat if needed
6. Share results

Question 5

What is the scientific method?

Answer 5

Ask question
Make hypothesis
Set up controlled experiment

Question 6

What is a controlled experiment?

Answer 6

An experiment where independent variables are manipulated to test their effects on the dependent variable (only 1 variable is changed)

Question 7

What are the variables involved in a controlled experiment?

Answer 7

Manipulated/ Independent: variable that is changed
Responding/Dependent: variable that is affected

Question 8

What is a theory?

Answer 8

An investigation that is heavily proven & backed up with evidence – unifies broad range of observations

Question 9

What is a law?

Answer 9

statement that describes a phenomena of the natural world – collaborated with repeated experimental observations – not necessarily proven

Question 10

What is a phenomenon?

Answer 10

A fact or situation that is observed to have exist or happen whose cause or explanation is in question

Question 11

What is an observation?

Answer 11

gathering of information from 5 senses

Question 12

Quantitative vs Qualitative

Answer 12

Quantitative: using numerical values
Qualitative: describes using characteristics

Question 13

What is an inference?

Answer 13

explanation to an observation based on past knowledge

Question 14

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 14

A possible explanation to a scientific question that can be tested using controlled experiment

Question 15

When are bar graphs used?

Answer 15

data is grouped into categories

Question 16

When are pie charts used?

Answer 16

displaying data as parts of a whole

Question 17

When is line graph used?

Answer 17

To show a rate of change/ compare how a variable changes due to the change on another variable

Question 18

When are histograms used?

Answer 18

display distribution of data

Question 19

What is biodiversity?

Answer 19

total variety of all life on earth?

Question 20

List the characteristics of Living things?

Answer 20

1. Cellular organization
2. homeostasis
3. Heredity
4. Responsiveness
5. Reproduction
6. Growth & development
7. Metabolism
8. Adapt through evolution

Question 21

Expand on cellular organization

Answer 21

All living things are made of cells
Cells - basic unit of structure & function

Unicellular:
Entire organism made of 1 cell
Single cell - carries out all functions
Bacteria & protists

Multicellular:
Organism made up of many cells
Cells have specialized functions within organism

Prokaryotic: no cell nucleus
Eukaryotic: enclosed nucleus holding genetic material & organelles

Question 22

Expand on homeostasis

Answer 22

Maintenance of a stable internal environment regardless of changes outside
Ex. thermoregulation, gas exchange, hydration, blood-glucose levels

Question 23

Expand on heredity

Answer 23

All organisms pass on hereditary traits – children resemble their parents
Directions for inheritance are carried by DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) - determine the traits of every living organism

Question 24

Expand on reproduction

Answer 24

Process by which organisms produce new organisms like themselves

Sexual reproduction
Involves the fusion of gametes/ sex cells
Cells from 2 different parents unite to form the first cell of new organism

Asexual reproduction
A single parent produces offspring that are identical to itself
1. Involves the simple splitting of 1 organism into 2 - fission
2. Portion of an organism splits off/breaks to form new organism - budding

Question 25

Expand on responsiveness

Answer 25

Organisms react to stimuli: signal Ex. light, temperature, odor, sound, gravity, water, pressure

Question 26

Expand on growth & development

Answer 26

All living things grow (increase in size) Occurs through cell division/mitosis All living things develop - occurs through cell differentiation Cells look different from one another & perform different functions

Question 27

Expand on metabolism

Answer 27

Anabolism: building up complex substances from simpler substances Photosynthesis Catabolism: breaking down complex substances into simpler substances to release energy Digestion Cellular respiration Metabolism The combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials Leads to cycling of energy and matter

Question 28

Expand on Adaptation

Answer 28

Process allowing organisms to become better suited for their environment Through evolution over large periods of time

Question 29

What are the levels of organization?

Answer 29

atom --> molecule --> organelle --> cell --> tissue --> organ --> organ system --> organism --> species --> population --> community --> ecosystem --> biosphere

Question 30

What are microscopes?

Answer 30

device to observe/zoom in to specimen / see at a very detailed scale

Question 31

Difference between light & electron microscope

Answer 31

Light: transmits light in order to observe living things Electron: beams of electrons to observe dead things (due to vacuum)