Lecture 1 Introduction

Question 1

what is science?

Answer 1

• evidence based, logical process by which humans can uncover natural explanations for natural phenomena

Question 2

how is all life on earth related?

Answer 2

evolved from a common ancestor

Question 3

how has the earth diversified?

Answer 3

evolution

Question 4

what is the levels of biological organization?

Answer 4

molecules–> organelles–> cells–> tissues–> organs/organ systems–> organisms–> populations–> communities–> ecosystems–> the biosphere

Question 5

what are emergent properties?

Answer 5

the property where living things become more and more complex as it goes from cellular level (exp humans are made of cells) to organ system (exp humans are made of organ system composed of millions of cells).

It’s based on the concept that “the whole is greater than the composition of its parts.” Exp: heart is made of cells only, but if you just have heart cells (sum of its parts) it won’t do anything but if the whole heart is there, it will perform the function of pumping blood (the whole is greater).

Question 6

what is reductionism?

Answer 6

reduction of complex systems to simple components that are more manageable to study

Question 7

what are proximate questions?

Answer 7

questions that deal with mechanism and do not always require evolutionary thinking

Question 8

what are ultimate questions?

Answer 8

questions concerned with evolutionary origins and functions