Chapter 1- unit 1

Question 1

What is the definition of biology?

Answer 1

The study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Biology encompasses various sub-disciplines and explores the characteristics that define life.

Question 2

What is a control variable?

Answer 2

A variable that is kept constant during an experiment to ensure accurate results.

Control variables are essential for isolating the effects of the independent variable.

Question 3

What does it mean for a hypothesis to be falsifiable?

Answer 3

It must be able to be proven false through experimentation or observation.

Falsifiability is a key criterion for scientific hypotheses.

Question 4

List 5 sub-disciplines of biology.

Answer 4

• Botany
• Zoology
• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Genetics

Each sub-discipline focuses on different aspects of biological study.

Question 5

Describe the characteristics that distinguish living things from non-living things.

Answer 5

• Growth
• Reproduction
• Metabolism
• Response to stimuli
• Homeostasis

These characteristics help define what constitutes life.

Question 6

What are the various levels of complexity at which living organisms are organized?

Answer 6

• Cells
• Tissues
• Organs
• Organ systems
• Organisms
• Populations
• Communities
• Ecosystems
• Biosphere

This hierarchy illustrates the organization of life from simplest to most complex.

Question 7

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Answer 7

• Hypothesis: A testable prediction
• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on evidence

The scientific use of ‘theory’ implies extensive evidence, unlike the common usage that suggests a guess.

Question 8

What are the similarities between a hypothesis and a theory?

Answer 8

• Both are used in scientific investigation
• Both can be tested and refined

Both concepts are fundamental to the scientific method.

Question 9

What is discovery science?

Answer 9

A method of scientific investigation that involves observing and describing phenomena without manipulating variables.

Discovery science often leads to the formulation of hypotheses.

Question 10

What is experimental science?

Answer 10

A method of scientific investigation that involves testing hypotheses through controlled experiments.

Experimental science relies on the manipulation of variables to determine relationships.

Question 11

List the four components of the process of scientific inquiry.

Answer 11

• Observation
• Hypothesis formulation
• Experimentation
• Analysis and conclusion

These components work together to investigate and solve scientific problems.