Chapter 1 - Introduction to Organismal Biology Flashcards
Organismal Biology
The study of structure, function, ecology, and evolution at the level of the organism
Homeostasis
ability to maintain relativity stable internal conditions even if external conditions change.
Eukaryote
True nucleus, organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles
Organelle
compartment of the membrane, organized or specialized structures within a living cell.
Tissue
group or made up of cells
Ecosystem
includes living and non-living things
Community
group of living things
Reductionism
Study smaller components of larger complex systems
Emergent Properties
New properties emerge at successive levels of organization
Inductive reasoning
uses specific observations to develop general conclusions/principles.
Deductive reasoning
uses general principles to make specific predictions.
Scientific Method
is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science. It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation.
Hypothesis
- must be testable to determine its validity
- allows for predictions to be made and tested
- scientists must attempt to FALSIFY a hypothesis (we
- trust ideas that have withstood strongest hits)
- often tested in many different ways
Experiment
- tests the hypothesis
- tests one variable at a time
- consists of one (or more) test group and a control group
Control group
the independent variable is “controlled” or held constant
Test group
the name given to the entire group of users who will be analyzed as part of a study.
Scientific Theory
- a generalization based on many observations and experiments.
- a well-tested, verified, general hypothesis.
- fits existing data and explains how processes are thought to occur
- a basis for predicting future events/discoveries
- expresses ideas of which we are most certain
may be modified
Good science is OBJECTIVE:
- Experiments designed to eliminate bias
Bias is a prejudiced presentation of material or a consistent error in estimating a value
Avoid sample bias (size and selection of sample) - Quality control by the scientific community
Independent duplication of results
Peer-reviewed journals
o E.g., Science, Nature, Journal of Developmental Biology, etc.
The Flexibility of the Scientific Process
- The scientific method is an idealized process of inquiry
- However, very few scientific inquiries adhere rigidly to this approach
- Backtracking and “rethinking” may be necessary partway through the process
Characteristics of Living Organisms
• are composed of one or more cells
- Unicellular or multicellular
- Prokaryote or eukaryote
• are complex and ordered
- Cellular level
- Organismal level (multicellular)
• Interact at different levels in ecosystems
• respond to their environment
• can grow and reproduce
• obtain and use energy
• maintain homeostasis (regulation)
• allow for evolutionary adaptation
in the population over time
The Nature of Science
- Systematic approach is used to gain an understanding of the natural world.
- Aims to understand the natural world through observation and reasoning.
Accumulation of evidence
o measurable/observable
o repeatable
o testable
