Nature Of Science (E1)

Question 1

Natural history

Answer 1

The facts of life; makes observations: who, what, when, where, how

Question 2

Dogma

Answer 2

Official system of principles concerning faith, morals, behavior (religion/church)

Question 3

Scientific method

Answer 3

Observation, questions, hypotheses, test hypothesis/predictions/gather data, develop theory, repeat as needed

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A possible explanation for an observation (based on observations or questions)

Question 5

Theory

Answer 5

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on knowledge that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation

Question 6

Proximate vs Ultimate causation

Answer 6

The how and why

Question 7

Proximate causation

Answer 7

Asks how things work

Question 8

Ultimate causation

Answer 8

Asks why things evolve

Question 9

Russell’s teapot

Answer 9

An exaggerated claim that cannot be disapproved but also doesn’t provide evidence of proof

Question 10

What are the major goals of evolutionary biology?

Answer 10

Reconstruct the ancestor/descendent relationship of all life; determine origins of key traits and innovations during evolution of various taxa; understand the process that generate and maintain diverse species and adaptations

Question 11

Four pillars of science

Answer 11

1)science is guided by natural law
2)it is testable (to some degree)
3)it is falsifiable
4)conclusions are tentative and not necessarily final