LESSON-1 Flashcards
What is science?
Science is the field of human knowledge concerned with facts that are explained logically by principles to understand events in the natural world. It can be defined as an idea, intellectual activity, and social.
Example: The study of biology, physics, and earth science are all examples of different branches of science.
What are the branches of science?
The branches of science include natural science (biological, physical, earth science) and social science (psychology, sociology). These branches can be intertwined.
Example: The study of how human behavior is influenced by biological processes is an example of the intersection of biological and social science.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method involves a series of steps used to investigate a natural occurrence to objectively establish facts. It is the backbone of science.
Example: Conducting an experiment to test a hypothesis about the effects of temperature on plant growth is an application of the scientific method.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
The steps of the scientific method include observation, formulating a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting and analyzing results, drawing a conclusion, and communicating the results.
Example: Scientists studying climate change may follow the steps of the scientific method to gather data on temperature patterns and their impact on the environment.
What is technology?
Technology is the systematic treatment of material products, which are the results of scientific investigation. It involves the application of scientific expertise, laws, and principles to develop services, products, instruments, and machines to solve real problems.
Example: The development of smartphones, medical devices, and industrial machinery are all examples of technology.
What is society?
Society is a broad social grouping occupying the same geographical or social territory, subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. It is a complex of mutual relationships and classes communicating with each other. Society allows human organisms to carry out their life activities and help each person.
Example: Different societies may have unique cultural norms, traditions, and social structures that shape the behavior and interactions of their members.
What is science, technology, and society?
Science, technology, and society is a field interested in the nature of science and its place in society. Technology is the use or application of scientific knowledge for a specific goal or purpose.
Example: Studying how advancements in medical technology impact healthcare delivery and societal well-being is an example of the intersection of science, technology, and society.
What is prehistoric time?
Prehistoric time refers to a period in human history where much of the human story remains a mystery due to the lack of written records. Primary resources of information about prehistoric times include artifacts, fossils, and environmental data. Interpreting prehistoric artifacts can be challenging and often based on assumptions.
Example: Archaeologists uncovering ancient tools and cave paintings are studying aspects of prehistoric time.
What are hominids?
Hominids are a group consisting of all modern and extinct great apes, including humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and their ancestors. Hominids are known for sharpening objects with silicon rocks and mastering the use of their hands and fingers.
Example: Comparing the skeletal remains of hominids to modern human anatomy helps scientists understand the evolution of bipedalism and tool use.
What are hominins?
Hominins are a type of hominid consisting of modern humans, extinct human species, and all their immediate ancestors. Hominins include Homo, Australopithecus, Paranthropus, and Ardipithecus.
Example: Studying the fossil record of hominins provides insights into the evolutionary relationships between different human species and their adaptations to changing environments.
What is Australopithecus afarensis?
Australopithecus afarensis lived approximately 3.85 to 2.95 million years ago and exhibited both ape-like and human-like features. They had face proportions similar to apes, small braincases, long, strong arms, and fingers adapted for tree climbing.
Example: Studies of the diet of Australopithecus afarensis based on dental microwear analysis provide insights into their food preferences and foraging behavior.
What is Australopithecus africanus?
Australopithecus africanus had a slightly larger braincase than Australopithecus afarensis and exhibited bipedalism while retaining adaptations for climbing. They primarily had a plant-based diet but also consumed small animal-based food.
Example: Analysis of Australopithecus africanus skeletal remains reveals a mix of arboreal and terrestrial adaptations, reflecting their habitat and lifestyle.
What is Homo habilis?
Homo habilis, known as the ‘handy man,’ lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago. They were the first of the Homo genus and were characterized by their stone tool-making abilities.
Example: Discoveries of Homo habilis tools and fossils provide evidence of early human technological advancements and cultural developments.
What are the main components of the diet of Australopithecus africanus?
Mainly plant-based diet, but also includes small animal-based food.
Example sentence: Au. africanus are mainly in a plant-based diet, but also have small animal-based food.
What did Homo habilis create using flaking?
Simple stone tools.
Additional information: H. habilis ate a variety of foods, including some tougher foods like some animal tissues.
