Chapter 1: Scientific Inquiry

Question 1

why are investigations used

Answer 1

to solve a problem, answer a question, or explore an idea

Question 2

list the steps of the scientific method

Answer 2

1. observe
2. question the observation
3. form a hypothesis
4. test the hypothesis using a reproducible procedure
5. record results
6. reproduce until no discrepancies
7. discuss and evaluate

Question 3

what are the things you need to think about in risk management

Answer 3

1. what are the risks to you, the property or environment
2. what is the likelihood of the risk
3. if the risk causes damage how severe will the consequence be

Question 4

what is an autoclave

Answer 4

a machine used to heat objects to high temperatures to kill pathogens

Question 5

what are the 3 r’s

Answer 5

reduction: find methods that produce comparable amounts of info while using fewer animals
refinement: methods that minimise pain or distress to the animal
replacement: using organisms that lack a nervous system (low sentience or non-sentient)

Question 6

name 5 abiotic factors

Answer 6

• temperature
• water temp
• soil temp
• soil texture
• soil colour
• soil pH
• light intensity
• depth of water

Question 7

what is a quadrat

Answer 7

a quadrat is a square, rectangular or circular frame used to measure biodiversity in an area

the size will depend on the area being measured

Question 8

what is electrofishing

Answer 8

stunning a fish with an electrical current so that they can be gathered by hand, measured and then re-released un harmed