Chapter 1: How to Survive a Mass Extinction and Scientific Method Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering mass extinction, the Sixth Extinction, the scientific method, variables in experiments, and conservation actions described in the notes.

There have been 5 mass extinctions due to…

climate change, volcanic eruptions, and sea level change.

Sixth Extinction

Scientists believe we are in the midst of a sixth extinction.

Scientific method

Practice that produces more scientific knowledge 1) gather observations 2) form hypothesis

Science

body of knowledge about the natural world. evidence-based process for acquiring said knowledge, based on evidence demonstrated through observations and experiments.

Scientific hypothesis must be…

Testable, falsifiable, and precise enough to make predictions expressed as “if..then.” hypotheses can be supported, but not proven.

Hypothesis

An informed, logical, and plausible explanation for observations of the natural world. It can be tested through observation or experimental studies (Descriptive or analytical).

Observation

a description, measurement, or record of any object or phenomenon.

Experiment

repeatable manipulation of one or more aspects of the natural world (designed to test a hypothesis).

Variables

characteristics of an object or individual organism that can change.

-in experiment, researcher will manipulate or change

Independent variable

from one group to another.

Dependent variable

Responds to changes in the independent variable. If the independent variable is the cause, the dependent variable is the effect.

Controlled experiments

carefully designed and includes control group:

-maintained under a standard set of conditions.

-independent variable not changed.

Treatment group(s): Experimental groups

maintained under the same set of conditions as the control group.

Scientific theory

hypothesis received substantial confirmation through diverse lines of investigation by independent researchers.

-often combines how many hypotheses

-different from how people use “theory” in everyday language to mean “unproven explanation”

-has a high level of uncertainty.

Scientific fact

direct and repeatable observation of the natural world.

Peer Review

Process in which the study is reviewed by several scientists who didn’t participate.

-If reviewers have concerns, ask and resub.

-main mechanism for policing personal or group bias and fraud in science.

Biological hierarchy

Refers to many levels at which life can be studied.

-The impact of losing one organism affects the whole system.

Intensive efforts to stop extinction of certain species have been succesful by implementing:..

-Bans on hunting (humpback whales and elephant seals).

-Bans on chemical DDT.

-Breeding programs (peregrine falcons and bald eagles in North America).

15 American and European zoo curators bred 11 species of what type of snails with the goal to reintroduce them into the world?

Partula Snails