Biology 2E - Chapter 1: The Study of Life Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering the introductory concepts of biology, the scientific process, the Feynman technique, and the levels of biological organization based on Chapter 1.

What is the definition of Biology according to the lecture?

Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments.

In the field of science, what is the 'first principle' mentioned by Richard Feynman?

"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself - and you are the easiest person to fool."

What are the four steps of the Feynman Technique for learning?

1. Identify the concept. 2. Write an explanation to an eight-year-old. 3. Reflect (avoid jargon or reciting definitions). 4. Apply the concept to a real-world application.

Define 'Observation' in a scientific context.

Perceptions of actual properties of the external world.

What is a 'Hypothesis'?

Possible explanations of observations or possible answers to questions.

How is a 'Theory' defined in science?

A collection of related hypotheses that, together, explain a broad range of observations.

What is an 'Assumption'?

A statement that is accepted as truth without evidence in order to make a hypothesis.

How should a 'Prediction' be formatted?

A statement of expected observations given that a hypothesis is true, always stated in an "if-then" format.

What is the relationship between science and supernatural explanations?

Science is restricted to natural explanations of phenomena and cannot use supernatural explanations (like god, magic, or space aliens) because they are not testable.

What is the difference between Inductive and Deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning uses multiple related observations to arrive at a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning uses a general principle or law to forecast specific results (predictions).

According to the lecture, can the scientific method ever 'prove' a theory to be correct?

No, it can only prove a theory as being wrong; a theory that has not been proven wrong is accepted as the most likely explanation.

What characterizes 'Pseudoscience'?

It uses the scientific method but results do not enable reliable predictions, it uses vague explanations to prohibit accurate testing, and it treats 'statistically significant' as strong scientific evidence.

What is the difference between Basic science and Applied science?

Basic science ("pure" science) seeks to expand knowledge regardless of short-term application, while applied science aims to use science to solve immediate problems.

List the typical sections of a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Literature Cited.

Identify the seven shared characteristics (properties) of all living things.

1. Order. 2. Sensitivity or response to stimuli. 3. Reproduction. 4. Adaptation. 5. Growth and development. 6. Regulation/Homeostasis. 7. Energy processing (Metabolism).

List the hierarchical organization of living systems from smallest to largest.

Atoms, Molecules, Macromolecules, Organelles, Cells, Tissues, Organs and organ systems, Organisms/Populations/Communities, Ecosystems, and Biosphere.

What are the two components of Metabolism mentioned in the notes?

Breakdown ($Catabolism$) and Building ($Anabolism$).

At what level of biological hierarchy does evolution occur?

Evolution only happens in populations or groups from one generation to the next, not in individuals.

What is the mechanism of evolution described as 'descent with modification' in nature?

Natural Selection (attributed to Darwin and Wallace).

Who constructed the phylogenetic tree showing the three domains of life?

Microbiologist Carl Woese.

What are the three domains of living organisms?

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What is the common name and scientific name of the 'sand striker' mentioned in the notes?

The bobbit worm, also known as $Eunice\,aphroditois$.