BIOL 115: Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology Lecture Review

Flashcards testing knowledge of course expectations, field trip policies, scientific methodology, and fundamental concepts of biology from BIOL 115.

What is the deadline for turning in the introductory survey and completing the office hours quiz in BIOL 115?

September 4.

What are the four date options available for the optional Sneed Field Trip?

September 5, 6, 12, or 13, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

What is the minimum number of signed-up participants required for a Sneed Field Trip option to proceed?

At least $5\text{ people}$ must sign up; if fewer sign up, that trip will not go.

How much advance notice must a student give if they cannot attend a signed-up Sneed Field Trip to avoid losing participation points?

At least $24\text{ hours}$ prior to the field trip.

Where is the Sneed Prairie Environmental Research Area located and what is its size?

It covers $100\text{ acres}$ and is located adjacent to Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, $9\text{ miles}$ west of Sherman, an hour north of Dallas.

What do the field management codes F, C, and M stand for at Sneed Prairie?

F stands for fire, C stands for cattle, and M stands for mechanical management (hay, mow, lop, etc.).

How many schoolchildren have visited Sneed Prairie on field trips led by Austin College undergraduates?

About $12,000\text{ schoolchildren}$.

What photo-documentation application will students use to record species during the Sneed Field Trip?

iNaturalist.

What is the instructor's policy regarding email response times and business hours?

The instructor usually responds within $24\text{ hours}$ (except weekends) and does not reply outside of business hours.

What is the general guideline for outside study hours relative to lecture time?

Study $3\text{ hours}$ for every $1\text{ hour}$ of lecture.

Who conducts the Pre-Health Science Advising Meetings, and what are the scheduled dates and times?

Dr. Kelly Reed and Dr. Chris Goldsmith; held on Sunday, August 30 from 1-2 pm in IC 214 OR Tuesday, September 1 from 7-8 pm in IC 214.

How is Biology defined in the lecture transcript?

Biology is a branch of science that deals with life, living organisms, their vital processes, and their interactions with each other and their environment (over time).

What are the five major themes in biology identified in the lecture?

Organization (hierarchical), Information (and its transfer), Energy and matter, Interactions, and Evolution (of it all).

Besides genes and DNA, what additional mechanisms of biological information transfer are mentioned?

Epigenetics and Behavior/culture (such as in Blue Tits).

Which scientist is quoted as saying, 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution'?

Theodosius Dobzhansky.

What human anatomical structure identified in 2018 was cited to demonstrate ongoing biological discovery?

Interstitium.

What is the Latin derivation and original meaning of the word 'science'?

The word science is derived from Latin and means 'to know.'

What is a hypothesis as defined in the course notes?

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation, which leads to predictions that can be tested by additional observations or experiments.

How does deductive reasoning differ from inductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning uses a general principle or premise as grounds to draw specific conclusions, whereas inductive reasoning uses specific and limited observations to draw general conclusions.

What is the definition and function of a null hypothesis in scientific testing?

It assumes there is no real relationship or effect in the data being analyzed and that observed variations are due to random fluctuation; science works to disprove null hypotheses.

How does a scientific theory differ from a general assumption or hypothesis?

A scientific theory is one that has been tested rigorously and extensively for a long time by many people, whereas a hypothesis is an untested or initial testable explanation.

What scientific species name is given to the Oldfield Mouse used in the visual predation experiment?

Peromyscus polionotus.

What chemistry course should prospective biology majors be enrolled in during the fall semester alongside BIOL 115?

CHEM 111 (or have AP credit).

When and where are the Biology Department Seminars held?

Thursdays at 4:00 pm in IC 127.