Biology 1610 Notes

Scientific Method

Scientific Method

1. Observation: Problems, questions, research.

2. Hypothesis: Must be testable, can be proven incorrect, but never correct with absolute certainty

3. Experiment: An experiment must be designed to test the hypothesis. Must be repeatable; one variable, experimental group, and control group.

4. Collection of Data: Type of data collected determined before experiment is designed. Once all data is collected decide if hypothesis is supported.

A tool for skeptical thinking

Common use of Scientific Method: Leaky water faucet

Observation: You notice leaky water faucet

Hypothesis: If i tighten valve, it will stop leaking.

Experiment: You tighten valve

Collection of Data: Faucet did, or did not stop leaking.

Limitations: Peer Review or Challenge

• Good science or good work will withstand the test of time

• Constructive criticism will always improve the success rate

Limitations: Serendipity

• Making fortunate discoveries by chance

• Penicillin, Teflon, microwave oven, and post it note

Limitations: Obsession

• The biased nature of thoughts, beliefs, and opinions.

• Results in a loss of creativity

Limitations: Beliefs, Superstition, and Magic

• The hypotheses are not testable

• This does not imply that they are wrong

All Properties of Life

1. Ordered Biological Structure

2. Metabolism

3. Homeostasis

4. Reproduction

5. Growth and Development

6. Evolutionary Adaptation

7. Response to the Environment

Properties of Life: Ordered Biological Structure

Based on genetic material: everything that is living technically has DNA.

• Viruses people agree 50/50 on

Properties of Life: Metabolism

Everything living requires food/ energy to work.

• The physical and chemical process required for life.

Properties of Life: Homeostasis

Maintenance of internal equilibrium within tolerable limits.

• ex. body temp, blood sugar, pH levels.

Properties of Life: Reproduction

Life comes from preexisting life

Properties of Life: Growth and Development

Production, reproduction, and differentiation of cells.

Properties of Life: Evolutionary Adaptation

Due to environmental interaction.

• Populations evolve NOT individuals

Subatomic Particles

Protons, Neutrons, Electrons

Atom

The smallest unit of an element

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together

Organelles

Small compartments in cells that separate metabolic reactions

Cell

The smallest unit of life

Tissue

A group of cells that perform a common function

Tissue System:

A group of tissues that perform a common function, found in plants only.

Organ

A group of tissues that perform a common function

Organ System

A group of organs that perform a common function

Organism

A single or multi-celled individual that exhibits the properties of life.

Species

A group of organisms that are capable of producing and reproducing fertile offspring

Population

A group of the same species living in the same geographic area

Community

A group of populations, living in the same geographic area

Ecosystem

A community and it’s associated physical environment

Biosphere

All the regions of Earth, where life exists.

Number of Species

Approximately 1,500,000 described species, estimated 8,700,000

Latitude

Diversity Highest at the equator, and decreases north and south

Elevation

Diversity highest at mid-elevations, and decreases up or down

Viruses

• Single or colonial, simple

• DNA or RNA, never both

  • Viruses, viroid (RNA, in plants), and prions

Classification of Life

• Domain Archaea

• Domain Bacteria

• Domain Eukarya