The Scientific Process in Ecology and Evolution

Lecture 3

Science is not just facts

It is a process

Observation

Notice and ask questions about something

Question

Ask a specific, testable, question about what I observed

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for an observation

Example: Sunlight increases plant growth

Prediction

State what I expect to see if the hypothesis is correct

often “If then statements”

Testing

Design a way to test the hypothesis

Observe and experiment

Fact

A stated observation

Example: Plants I sunlight grow taller than the plants in the shade

Theory

An explanation based on extensive evidence

Example: Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, which drives their growth

Controlled Experiments

Involve deliberately altering variables to determine their effects

Having a control group and at least an experimental group

Example: One group studying with music and another group studies without music

Variable

Characteristics of an object or organisms that can change

Independent Variable

Variable that can change

Example: Amount of water

Dependent Variable

Variable affected by change

Example: Size of plant, number of leaves, living or dead

Science is

Repetitive

Non linear

Collaborative

Interdisciplinary