Section 1 Bio 1010

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about the scientific method, uncertainty, and properties of life.

Scientific Method

A systematic study of the universe and the knowledge obtained from it.

Uncertainty

What we don't know, the inevitable result of the human condition.

Ignorance

We don't know, what we don't know.

Scientific Investigation

what, when, where, why, how questions

Aristotle

Observation combined with abstract thought.

Rodger Bacon

Believed that thought should be a repeating cycle of observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and independent verification.

Galileo Galilee

Used quantitative experimentation.

Sir Francis Bacon - The Gathering of Wits

If all the facts are collected, the correct results will emerge.

Rene Descartes - Four Precepts to Scientific thought

Avoid prejudice and doubt the truth, Divide the problem into manageable parts, Construct the solution in ascending order of simplicity, Review to ensure completeness and prevent omission.

Albert Einstein - Black box

You put material into an experiment, and you get material out, what happens in between, in where science resides.

The scientific method

All of the historical figures and philosophy about thinking has generated a set of steps.

Observation

Problems, questions, measurements, research, literature reviews

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation, that occurs for the observations. I must be testable.

Experiment

Designed to test the hypothesis and must be repeatable. Includes a variable, experimental group, and control group.

Collection of Data

The type of data to be collected, must be determined before the experiment is designed.Data results either accept or reject the hypothesis.

Deductive Reasoning

Premise 1: If, A = B, Premise 2: And, B = C. Deduction: Then, A = C

Experimental Group

The group set up to test the variable.

Setting up a proper experiment

The experiment must control as many variables as possible

Variable

An inconsistent or unpredictable characteristic of interest. If designed correctly, the effect of the variable can be determined.

Control Group

The group set up to eliminate the variable.

Spontaneous Generation

Life arose from nothing.

Hypothesis (Evolution of an Idea)

A tentative explanation, that accounts for the observations.

Theory

A time-tested set of principles, based on experimental evidence or conceptual analysis, that explains a set of natural phenomena.

Principle or Law

A set of natural phenomena that appears to be invariable, absolute, or unquestionable for all cases in which a set of conditions is met.

Peer review or challenge

Good science or good work will withstand the test of time, constructive criticism will always improve the success rate.

Serendipity

Making fortunate discoveries by chance, like penicillin, teflon, microwave oven, and a post it note

Obsession

The biased nature of thoughts, beliefs, and opinions which results in a loss of creativity.

Beliefs, superstition, and magic

Not a testable hypothesis, but doesn’t imply that they are wrong.

Ordered Biological Structure

Based on genetic material and DNA organized in a way.

Metabolism

The physical & Chemical process required for life.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of internal equilibrium within tolerable limits.

Reproduction

Life comes from pre-existing life.

Growth and Development

Production, reproduction, & differentiation of cells.

Evolutionary Adaptation

Due to environmental interaction, populations evolve.

Response to the Environment

Life responds to external Stimuli.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, Neutrons, Elections

Atom

Smallest unit of an element, determining what element we have and how much is there.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Organelles

Little organs, Small compartments in cells, that separate metabolic reactions.

Cell

The smallest unit of life. Smallest living organism.

Tissue

A group of cells that perform a common function.

Tissue System

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

Organ

A group of tissues that performs a common function, plants and animals

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 is capable of, reproducing & producing fertile off Spring.

Population

A group of the Same species living in the same area.

Community

A group of populations living in the same area.

Ecosystem

A community & its associated environment.

Biosphere

All the regions of Earth where life EXISTS.

Number of species

1,500,000 known species, 8,700,000 estimated species

Morphology of Species

Archaea, bacteria, slime molds, algae, protozoans, fungi and lichens, plants, and animals, both extant and extinct.

Distribution

Tropical Rainforest, Temperate Deciduous Forest, chaparral, Savanna, Desert, Northern Coniferous Forrest, Tundra, Polar Ice Caps, Mountains, Riparian Zones, Estuaries, Kelp Beds, Coral Reefs, Open Oceans, Deep Seas, and Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vents.