Biological Concepts and Research Methods

Practice flashcards covering key concepts related to biological hierarchy, research methods, and chemical principles.

Peer-review process

To evaluate research for accuracy, bias, and reliability.

Population

Groups of individuals of the same species living together.

Analytical observational study

A study in which data is collected without changing any variables.

Independent variable in controlled experiment

The type of mucus trail followed by the snails in Davis-Berg's experiment.

Controlled experiments

They isolate one variable while keeping others constant to show cause-and-effect relationships.

Real science versus pseudoscience characteristic

Use of testable, reproducible experiments reviewed by scientists.

Correlation does not prove causation

Two related trends do not necessarily mean one causes the other, emphasized in the vaccine-autism debate.

Peer-reviewed scientific journals

Provide the highest level of confidence in scientific information.

Secondary literature

Gives a reliable overview and summary of existing research.

Anonymous online sources

Should be avoided in scientific research because they lack verified credentials and accountability.

Versatile solvent

Water is considered versatile because its polar nature allows it to dissolve many substances.

Oil and vinegar separation

Oil is nonpolar and hydrophobic, so it does not mix with water.

Ice floating on liquid water

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to its crystal lattice structure.

Small structural differences among opioid molecules

They alter how long the drug lasts, relieves pain, and affects addiction risk.

Covalent bond

A type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Main job of the plasma membrane

To separate the inside of the cell from the outside.

Hydrophobic part of phospholipid

The fatty acid tail.

Transport that does not require energy

Passive transport.

Diffusion

Movement from high to low concentration.

Effect of hypertonic solution on a cell

The cell loses water and shrinks.