Chapter 1 - Introduction to Organismal Biology

Question 1

Organismal Biology

Answer 1

The study of structure, function, ecology, and evolution at the level of the organism

Question 2

Homeostasis

Answer 2

ability to maintain relativity stable internal conditions even if external conditions change.

Question 3

Eukaryote

Answer 3

True nucleus, organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles

Question 4

Organelle

Answer 4

compartment of the membrane, organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

Question 5

Tissue

Answer 5

group or made up of cells

Question 6

Ecosystem

Answer 6

includes living and non-living things

Question 7

Community

Answer 7

group of living things

Question 8

Reductionism

Answer 8

Study smaller components of larger complex systems

Question 9

Emergent Properties

Answer 9

New properties emerge at successive levels of organization

Question 10

Inductive reasoning

Answer 10

uses specific observations to develop general conclusions/principles.

Question 11

Deductive reasoning

Answer 11

uses general principles to make specific predictions.

Question 12

Scientific Method

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Hypothesis

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

Experiment

Answer 14

• tests the hypothesis
• tests one variable at a time
• consists of one (or more) test group and a control group

Question 15

Control group

Answer 15

the independent variable is “controlled” or held constant

Question 16

Test group

Answer 16

the name given to the entire group of users who will be analyzed as part of a study.

Question 17

Scientific Theory

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

Good science is OBJECTIVE:

Answer 18

• 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.

Question 19

The Flexibility of the Scientific Process

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

The Nature of Science

Answer 21

• 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