Lesson 1.1 Thinking Like a Biologist Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core biological principles, scientific reasoning, types of variables, the scientific method, paper structure, basic vs. applied science, and bioethics from Lesson 1.1.

Biology

The scientific study of life.

Reductionism

An approach to studying biological systems by breaking down complex systems into their simpler component parts.

Systems Biology

The exploration of a biological system by analyzing the interactions among its various component parts.

Emergent Properties

New characteristics or functions that arise as biological complexity increases, resulting from the interaction of component parts.

Stromatolites

Layered sedimentary structures formed by the trapping, binding, and cementation of sediment by photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

Science

Knowledge of general truths or laws acquired through the scientific method in order to comprehend the nature of the universe.

Scientific Method

A standardized research method involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis of results.

Hypothesis

A testable and falsifiable suggested explanation for an observation or event.

Scientific Theory

A tested and confirmed explanation for observations that is broad in context and supported by extensive evidence.

Inductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses related specific observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses general principles or laws to deduce specific results or predictions.

Sir Francis Bacon

The English thinker credited with first defining the scientific method.

Descriptive Science

A category of science that aims to observe, explore, and discover, relying predominantly on qualitative data and inductive reasoning.

Hypothesis-Based Science

A category of science that relies on deductive reasoning to test specific predictions derived from a general premise.

Independent Variable

The single factor or condition in an experiment that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that changes and is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

All factors and conditions in an experiment that must remain constant and unchanging across test groups.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that experiences every condition of the experiment except for the variable being tested.

Basic Science

Science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of short-term practical application.

Applied Science

Science that aims to use scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Serendipity

A fortunate accident or lucky surprise that leads to an unexpected scientific discovery, such as the discovery of penicillin.

Peer Review

A formal evaluation process where a scientist's work is reviewed by expert colleagues in the same field to ensure it is original, logical, and thorough.

Abstract (Scientific Paper)

A concise summary section placed at the beginning of a scientific paper.

Introduction (Scientific Paper)

The section of a scientific paper that provides background information, rationale, hypotheses, and citations of previous work.

Materials and Methods

The section of a scientific paper containing a complete description of the substances, equipment, and procedures used in research.

Results (Scientific Paper)

The section of a scientific paper that objectively presents experimental findings without subjective interpretation.

Discussion (Scientific Paper)

The section of a scientific paper where authors interpret results, explain relationships, and contextualize findings within existing literature.

Review Articles

Scientific publications that summarize, synthesize, and comment on primary literature published across a specific field over time.

Bioethics

A field of study concerning the ethical implications and considerations of medical, biological, and technological advances.

Henrietta Lacks

An African American woman whose cancer cells were harvested in 1951 without her consent or knowledge, establishing the HeLa cell line used extensively in medical research.