Chapter 1- Foundations of Biology Flashcards
What is biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is a carefully designed, carried out and reported experimental investigation (based on sound knowledge of what is already understood/ known) used by scientists and biologists to extend their understanding of biology.
What is a hypothesis?
A possible explanation/ educated guess based on observation/s used by scientists and biologists to make predictions that can be tested experimentally.
What is a controlled experiment?
An experiment where one factor is examined at a time.
List the key components of the scientific method.
1) Problem/ aim
2) Hypothesis
3) Procedure (for experiment)
4) Experiment
5) Observation
6) Conclusion
What is a theory/ principle?
Hypothesis that is supported by a great deal of evidence from a variety of sources.
A good scientist is…….. rather than……..
Objective (free of personal bias) rather than subjective (influenced by personal views)
What is a control group?
A second experiment set up with identical experimental conditions as the first, except that the variable is also kept constant.
What is an experimental group?
Experiment where controlled variables are kept constant and a single experimental variable is changed, and the dependent variable is measured.
What is the independent variable?
The variable that is changed on purpose by the scientist and the variable that the experimenter is testing.
What is the dependent variable?
The variable that changes because of the independent variable and what is measured.
State the cell theory.
1) All organisms are made of cells or cell products.
2) All cells come from pre-existing cells.
3) A cell is the smallest thing capable of independent reproduction.
List the characteristics of organisms.
All living organisms:
- are made of cells
- develop, grow & reproduce
- shows characteristics of evolution over time
- are able to sense and respond to their environment
- are able to exchange energy and matter with their environment
- are chemically complex and highly organised
What is evolution?
Evolution is the concept that life on Earth has changed over time.
What is natural selection/ adaptation?
Natural selection/ adaptation is the process in which species become structurally, physiologically and behaviorally adapted to the particular environment they live in, over time.
