BIO 103 Human Biology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts in human biology as discussed in the lecture, including definitions of essential terms related to the scientific method, characteristics of life, and the principles of evolution.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry that includes making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Null Hypothesis

A statement that there is no effect or no difference, often used as a default position in statistical testing.

Alternate Hypothesis

A statement that indicates the presence of an effect or a difference in a statistical hypothesis test.

Homeostasis

The ability of a living organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from sunlight or chemicals; examples include plants and some bacteria.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain food by consuming other organisms; examples include animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living organisms are composed of cells, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Evolution

A change in the frequency of genetic traits in a population over time, often leading to the emergence of new species.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.