chapter 1 Into to Biology

Scientific Method and steps

Method of research with defined steps that include experiments and careful observation.

Steps:

1. Make an observation

2. Ask A Question

3. Form a hypothesis

4. Make prediction

5. Conduct experiment

6. Analyze results

7. Report results

What is science ?

Knowledge about the natural world

Who is Pasteur ? How did he disprove spontaneous generation ?

French chemist and microbiologist

Neck flask experiment, Left sterile broth in glass flask with long curved neck, dust collected in the bend of the neck preventing it from reaching the broth. The broth remained clear with no form of life. Once curved neck was removed, leaving broth exposed, the broth became cloudy and microorganisms started to form.

Hypothesis: living material comes from outside the flask

Living material comes from non living material

Conclusion: rejects spontaneous generations

Variables: curved neck, removing curved neck

Control: sterile broth

Characteristics of all living organisms

1. Order: organisms consists of one or more cells

2. Response to stimuli: organisms respond to diverse stimuli (touch, light )

3. Reproduction: can produce new organisms to pass down genetic material

4. Adaptation/evolution: Change over time, developing traits that help them survive and reproduce successfully in their environment. Diversity in organisms due to mutations.

5. Growth and development: organisms grow and develop according to specific instructions coded for by their genes.

6. Homeostasis: maintain a stable internal environment required to maintain life.

7. Energy processing: organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities. ( capture energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy in food)

What is Natural Law ?

Considered universal and invariable facts about nature

What is a theory?

Explanation of some aspect of nature that is supported by evidence

What is a hypothesis?

Suggested explanation for an event which can be tested.

What is discovery Science ?

Observational, collecting data and looking for patterns

What is experimental science ?

Hypothesis testing, conducting controlled experiments.

What is the hierarchical order of life ?

1. Atom

2. Molecule

3. Organelle

4. Cell

5. Tissue

6. Organ

7. Organism

8. Population

9. Community

10. Biosphere

Inductive reasoning

Form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses general principle or law to predict specific results

Spontaneous generation

Tried to explain that life was generated from non living material

Geocentric model

Tried to explain that the earth was the center of the universe

What is biology ?

The study of life

Eukaryote

An organism with cells that have a nuclei and membrane bound organelles

Prokargote

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus or any other membrane bound organelle.

Atom

Basic unit of matter that cannot be broken down by normal chemical reactions

Molecule

A chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by a chemical bond

Organelle

A membrane bound compartment or sac within a cell

Cell

The smallest fundamental unit of a structure and function in living things

Tissue

A group of similar cells carrying out the same function

Organ

A structure formed of tissues operating together to perform a common function

Organism

An individual living entity

Population

All individuals within a species living within a specific area

Community

A set of populations inhabiting a particular area

Biosphere

A collection of all ecosystems on earth

Control

A part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment

Variable

A part of the experiment that can vary or change

Falsifiable

Able to be disproven by experimental results