Ecology and Evolution - FINAL - Unit 1

Hypothesis

Testable explanation for a phenomenon

Scientific theory

Explanation of a phenomenon (has underlying mechanisms)

Scientific law

Description of a phenomenon under certain conditions

inductive VS deductive reasoning

Inductive: Specific → General

Deductive: General → Specific

Explain the relationship between hypotheses and the two forms of reasoning

Inductive reasoning → creates hypotheses

Deductive reasoning → Tests hypotheses

Distinguish between 'absolute truth' and 'degrees of confidence’

Absolute Truth: 100% certain, unchanging fact. Science cannot claim this because new evidence or observations may always challenge ideas.

Degrees of Confidence: How sure scientists are in a conclusion based on evidence. Confidence grows with repeated testing and consistent results.

Why can science pursue absolute truth or degrees of confidence but not the other

Science pursues increasing confidence, not absolute truth, because all knowledge is provisional and open to revision.

Describe the major factors that affect global climate patterns

Seasonal variation
Sunlight intensity
Air circulation/precipitation patterns
Position of land masses
Mountains

potential vs. actual range

Potential: Where organisms COULD live

Actual: Where organisms DO live

Define population

Group of individuals of a same species in a same area

Distinguish between the three types of survivorship curves

exponential vs logistic population growth

Exponential: Growth increases over time

Logistic: Growth slows over time

Demographic transition

Transition from a type 3 to type 1 on a survivorship curve

Explain why humans are different than other organisms in terms of b and m 

Humans can control birth rates and reduce mortality