TXST BIO 1321 Vargas Test #1

Science

Observation and explanation of the natural world.

Scientific Method

Testing hypotheses through experimentation and observation.

Hypothesis

Proposed explanation for a phenomenon.

Prediction

Expected outcome if hypothesis is correct.

Experiment

Procedure to test the hypothesis.

Conclusion

Result interpretation based on experimental outcomes.

Peer Review

Evaluation of research by other scientists.

Variable

Changeable characteristic in an experiment.

Confound

Testing multiple variables simultaneously, causing confusion.

Controls

Conditions kept constant to avoid confounding variables.

Placebo

Fake treatment to assess real treatment effects.

Repeatability

Experiments must yield same results when repeated.

Bias

Subjectivity that can distort scientific findings.

Scientific Theory

Well-tested explanation of natural phenomena.

Facts

Observations that describe the natural world.

Laws

Statements that describe natural phenomena without explanation.

Pseudoscience

Claims lacking real scientific backing.

Andrew Wakefield

Discredited researcher who falsely linked vaccines to autism. Claimed treatment for autism based on fraudulent data.

Experimental Accident

Unintended errors affecting study results.

Leading Questions

Questions that suggest a particular answer.

Biology

Scientific study of living organisms.

Homeostasis

Internal stability of an organism's environment.

Naturalist

Observer and cataloger of living species.

Geologist

Studies Earth's structure and fossils.

Principle of Superposition

New rock layers overlie older rock layers.

Darwin

Naturalist who proposed natural selection.

Wallace

Naturalist who co-developed natural selection theory.

Fossils

Remains of organisms showing evolutionary changes.

Comparative Anatomy

Study of similarities in different species' bodies.

Embryonic Similarity

Similar early development in related organisms.

Biochemistry

Study of chemical processes in living organisms.

Homologous Structures

Similar structures from a common ancestor.

Vestigial Structure

Non-functional structures from evolutionary history.

Analogous Structures

Different origins but similar functions.

Convergent Evolution

Unrelated species evolve similar traits.

Artificial Selection

Selective breeding for desired traits.

Fitness

Reproductive success in changing environments.

Genotype

Genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

Physical expression of a trait.

Dominant Allele

Allele that masks recessive traits.

Recessive Allele

Allele expressed only in homozygous condition.

Gene Pool

Total genetic diversity within a population.

Allele Frequency

Proportion of a specific allele in a population.

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

Conditions for genetic equilibrium in a population.

Mutations

Changes in DNA sequence affecting traits.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies.

Population Bottleneck

Drastic population reduction affecting genetic diversity.

Founder Effect

New population starts with limited genetic variation.

Coevolution

Mutual influence between species over time.

Sexual Selection

Selection based on mate attraction traits.

Directional Selection

Favors extreme traits over others.

Stabilizing Selection

Favors average traits, reduces extremes.

Disruptive Selection

Favors extreme traits, splits population.

Science is NOT

not only a collection of facts but rather something that is done, does not measure immeasurable things ( ethics, religion, morals etc)

How does sickle cell affect red blood cells?

A mutation in the gene that codes for a hemoglobin that bring oxygen to red blood cells

The mutation causes the hemoglobin to stick together and change its shape to a crescent shape and stops them from moving properly

Who is the main doctor/ scientist interviewed?

Dr. Tony Allison

What big pattern did he notice about sickle cell and malaria ?

High frequencies of sickle cell in areas where malaria bugs were common

How are sickle cell & malaria connected?

Having the sickle cell trait was an advantage to fighting malaria because malaria feeds on hemoglobins, and sickled blood has almost none

Why are sickle cells more prevalent in Africans than other populations?

Lots of malaria in Africa

How can you predict whether a population is low or high prone to sickle cell based on whether it's a malaria prone area?

High prone malaria = high sickle cell trait and vice versa

What is the selective force driving the fur color of rock pocket mice?

Predators when the mice can't camouflage

Are the rock pocket mice perfect and done evolving now?

No there is no optimal goal in evolution as environment is ever changing and never ending a

What led the researchers to their conclusion about the rock pocket mouse that they developed black fur through convergent evolution instead of having a shared ancestor ( homologous) ?

They have different genetics that code for the fur colour