Apologia Biology Module 1

WIP

Evidence

The collected body of data from experiments and observations

Observations (Include the different types)

Using your five senses to factually describe a situation. Quantitative observations involve numbers (like counting or measuring) and qualitative observations include descriptions that are not easily counted or measured (like color or texture)

inference

Logical interpretations based on prior knowledge, experience, or evidence

Hypothesis

A suggested, testable answer to a well-defined scientific question or a possible explanation for observations

Variable (Include the different types)

A variable is a factor that changes in an experiment. The independent variable is the one manipulated by the experimenter and the dependent variable responds to the manipulated variable

Experimental group

The group in an experiment that is manipulated

Control group

The group in an experiment that experiences no manipulation

Scientific theory

An explanation of some part of the natural world that has been thoroughly tested and is supported by a significant amount of evidence from observations and experiments

Scientific law

A description of a natural relationship or principle, often expressed in mathematical terms, and supported by a significant amount of evidence

Microorganisms

Living creatures that are too small to see with the naked eye

Abiogenesis

The idea that long ago, very simple life forms spontaneously appeared through chemical reactions

Metabolism

The sum total of all processes in an organism which convert energy and matter from outside sources and use that energy and matter to sustain the organism’s life functions

Anabolism

The sum total of all processes in an organism which use energy and simple chemicals building blocks to produce large chemicals and structures necessary for life

Catabolism

The sum total of all processes in an organism which break down chemicals to produce energy and simple chemicals to produce their own food

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use the energy of sunlight and simple chemicals to produce their own food

Autotrophs

Organisms that are able to make their own food

Heterotrophs

Organisms that depend on other organisms for their food

Herbivores

Organisms that eat only plants

Carnivores

Organisms that eat organisms other than plants

Omnivores

Organisms that eat both plants and other organisms

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions

Endotherm

Organism that is internally warmed by a heat-generating metabolic process

Ectotherm

Organism that lacks an internal mechanism for regulating body heat

Receptors

Special structures that allow living organisms to sense the conditions of their internal or external environment

Asexual reproduction

Process by which a single organism produces genetically identical offspring

Sexual reproduction

Process by which two parents produce genetically different offspring

Inheritance

The process by which physical and biological characteristics are transmitted from the parent (or parents) to the offspring

Mutation

An abrupt and marked change in the DNA of an organism compared to that of its parents

International System of Units

the metric system (abbreviated SI) is the most widely used system of measurement in science

Compound light microscope

A microscope that shines light through a specimen using two lenses to magnify an image

Transmission electron microscope

A microscope that transmits a beam of electrons through a thinly sliced specimen

Scanning electron microscope

A microscope that passes a beam of electrons over the surface of a specimen

What are the criteria for life?

All life is composed of cells, grow, require energy to power activities, maintain a stable internal environment, respond to their environment, contain hereditary information in their DNA

Why are cells considered the most basic unit of life?

They meet all the criteria for life

An organism has receptors on tentacles that come out of its head. If those tentacles were cut off in an accident, what life function would be most hampered?

They might not be able to sense and respond to changes in their environment

A parent and two offspring are studied. Although there are many similarities between the parent and the offspring, there are some differences. Do these organisms reproduce sexually or asexually?

Sexually

What is wrong with the statement: “Science has proven that energy must always be conserved.”

Science cannot prove anything.

Briefly explain the Scientific Method

Observation, hypothesis, experiment/test hypothesis, scientific theory, scientific law

Why does the story of spontaneous generation illustrate the limitations of science?

About 2000 years of scientific method resulted in an incorrect statement. Therefore, scientific theories are fallible.

Where does the wise person place his or her faith: Science or the Bible?

The Bible

Why is the theory of abiogenesis just another example of the idea of spontaneous generation?

It is still something from nothing, but with chemical reactions

What are some common tools scientists use in the study of Biology?

Balances to measure the mass of specimen, microscopes to see things too small for the naked eye, telescopes to see things too far for the naked eye, and computers and robots to work with data and DNA

Why do scientists use the metric system? Why do they use tables and graphs?

It’s easier to convert, and more people use it. They also use the metric system to compare results of replicated experiments

What is the difference between a compound light microscope, a transmission electron microscope, and a scanning electron microscope? What is one advantage of a light microscope and one advantage of electron microscopes?

Compound light microscope: Shines light through specimen using 2 lenses to magnify image

Transmission electron microscope: Sends beam of electrons through specimen

Scanning electron microscopes: Pass beam of electrons over surface of specimen.

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Compound light microscopes can be used on living specimen, and electron microscopes can see objects 1000 times smaller than objects seen with compound light microscopes

Why do scientists have procedures and protocols in the laboratory?

To ensure safety