Scientific Method and Evolution Review

Flashcards for Scientific Method and Evolution Review

What is a hypothesis?

A proposed explanation for a pattern identified in nature.

In the relationship A -> B, what does 'A' represent?

Independent variable.

In the relationship A -> B, what does 'B' represent?

Dependent variable.

What is a prediction?

A hypothesis with direction.

What is a manipulative approach in experimental design?

Isolating variables to determine causation by influencing the environment through manipulation; manipulating A and recording the response in B.

What is a correlational approach?

Examining natural variation in A and correlating it with variation in B.

Examples of descriptive statistics?

Mean, standard deviation, median, range.

Examples of inferential statistics?

T-test (numerical data) and X² (categorical data).

What should be done in the conclusion of a scientific study?

Use the outcomes of the analysis to either support or reject the original hypothesis; if the hypothesis is rejected, propose a new hypothesis.

Give examples of proximate explanations (how) to scientific questions?

Physiology, neurobiology.

Give examples of ultimate explanations (why) to scientific questions?

Evolution, ecology.

What is evolution?

Change over time.

What is biological (organic) evolution or narrow-sense evolution?

Change in the genetic composition of a population over time.

What is broad-sense evolution?

Descent with modification.

What is homology?

Similar characters due to shared ancestry.

What are vestigial structures?

Non-functional characters inherited from ancestors (that were functional).

What does the fossil record show?

Shows patterns of evolution; direct evidence.

What is artificial selection?

Selective breeding of other species by humans to increase the occurrence of desired traits.

Name other ways that evolution can happen apart from artificial selection

Natural selection, sexual selection, mutation, genetic drift, gene flow.

What is evolution?

Change over time.

What is biological (organic) evolution or narrow-sense evolution?

Change in the genetic composition of a population over time.

What is broad-sense evolution?

Descent with modification.

What is homology?

Similar characters due to shared ancestry.

What are vestigial structures?

Non-functional characters inherited from ancestors (that were functional).

What does the fossil record show?

Shows patterns of evolution; direct evidence.

What is artificial selection?

Selective breeding of other species by humans to increase the occurrence of desired traits.

Name other ways that evolution can happen apart from artificial selection

Natural selection, sexual selection, mutation, genetic drift, gene flow.

What is natural selection?

Differential reproductive success based on heritable characteristics.

What is fitness?

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

What are adaptations?

Traits that increase fitness.

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence.

What is genetic drift?

Random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events.

What

The transfer of genetic material from one population to another.