Intro to Bio and the Nature of Science Flashcards
Biology
the scientific study of organisms, living and fossil
Common features of life
common set of chemical compounds
composed of cells
use molecules from environment to synthesize new molecules
extract and use energy from environment
contain genetic info that enables development, function, and reproduction
use a universal genetic code to build proteins
regulate internal environments
exist in populations that evolve over time
Hypothesis
an educated guess; a testable prediction
Experiment
scientific test carried out under controlled conditions
Controlled experiments
manipulate one factor while holding other variables constant
Comparative experiments
compare data gathered from populations that differ in multiple ways
Data
recorded observations
Quantitative data
expressed as numerical measurement, organized into tables and graphs
Qualitative data
recorded descriptions; descriptive, can be based on physical characteristics
Model systems
using one type of organism to understand others
Common characteristics of model organisms
short generation time
production of numerous progeny
ability to carry out controlled genetic crosses
ability to be reared in a lab environment
availability of numerous genetic variants
accumulated body of knowledge about their genetic systems
NOS
Nature of Science; rethinking the way that science is perceived and taught to actively engage students
How many core NOS ideas are there?
9 core ideas
NOS #1
science demands and relies on empirical evidence
NOS #2
there is no single, step-by-step approach to science (it varies)
