Biology: Scientific Method, Levels of Life, and Characteristics of Living Organisms

What is the scientific method?

A foundational framework that scientists use to explore observations, answer questions, and solve problems systematically.

Steps of the scientific method?

Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion

What types of observations can scientists make?

Observations can be qualitative or quantitative, providing a basis for scientific inquiries.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable and falsifiable statement that offers a potential explanation for an observation.

What is the role of experimentation in the scientific method?

Experimentation tests hypotheses through controlled experiments, establishing cause-and-effect relationships.

What must experiments be to ensure reliable results?

Experiments must be repeatable and unbiased.

What happens after conducting experiments?

Scientists analyze the data to draw conclusions, determining if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.

What are atoms?

The smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element and are the building blocks of all substances.

What are molecules?

Formed by the combination of two or more atoms, essential for biological functions like DNA and protein formation.

What are organelles?

Specialized structures within cells that perform distinct functions, such as mitochondria generating energy.

What are cells?

The basic units of life capable of performing all vital biological processes, which can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

What are tissues?

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform specific functions, such as muscle or nervous tissue.

What are organs?

Composed of different tissues working together to perform complex functions, like the heart or lungs.

What are organ systems?

Groups of organs that collaborate to carry out broad biological functions, such as the digestive system.

What are organisms?

Individual living entities that can function independently, which can be unicellular or multicellular.

Levels of life

Atoms, Molecules, Organelles, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ systems, Organisms, Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Biomes, Biosphere

Characteristics of life

Regulation, Response to Environment, Growth and Development, Metabolism, Reproduction.

Evolutionary Biology

Natural selection, Artificial selection, Individual selection, Darwin’s contribution

Hypothesis science

This method involves formulating hypotheses and conducting experiments to test them, providing a structured approach to scientific inquiry.

Discovery science

Discovery science focuses on making observations and collecting extensive data without initially forming a hypothesis.

Molecular level

At the molecular level, the arrangement of atoms in a molecule determines its function.

Cellular Level

Cells exhibit structural features that are closely tied to their functions.

Organ Systems Level

Organ systems are composed of organs with specialized structures that work together to perform complex functions.