BIO101: Lecture 1: Introduction to Biology

Biology is a broad topic, and studies life itself. Biology begins with the study of the non-living environment and how atoms and molecules combine to form something that is alive

true

In biology, there are "characteristics of life." These aspects of life make biology unique, compared to other sciences. Life _____.

• Is structured and organized.

• Grows and develops.

• Must obtain and utilize energy.

• Responds to the external environment.

• Reproduces.

These features, collectively, are called the "features of life."

true

All life lives in a "non-living" environment. This continually causes a struggle for existence. Which of the following is not part of this struggle?

All of these are important parts of this "struggle."

In biology:

• Atoms combine to form molecules.

• Molecules combine to form cells (which are alive).

  • Some creatures are single-celled.

  • Some creatures are multi-celled.

• In multi-cellular creatures, cells combine to form tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• Organ systems combine to form an individual organism.

• Organisms combine to form populations.

• Different populations can combine to form a community.

• Communities, in combination with their non-living environment, form ecosystems.

• All ecosystems on Earth combine to form the biome.

As you move "up" these levels, each level behaves a different way than the levels below it. This concept is called the "emergent properties" in biology - an important thing that distinguishes biology from physical sciences.

true

True or false: There are many things that people do that are "scientific" even if they are not "scientists." Also, there are many in the sciences who actually don't follow the scientific method. "Good science" compared to "bad science" must follow the scientific method, must be "repeatable," "falsifiable," and be as unbiased as possible.

true

Atoms have their own shape and behavior. The combine into molecules, which now have different shapes and behavior. As you move up through the "levels" within biology (from atoms to the biosphere), ____ ____ are essentially important in order to understand and comprehend these principles.

emergent properties

The ____ is the basic unit of life.

cell

Life struggles to live in a non-____ environment.

living

What is the first step in the scientific method?

observation

A(n) ____ is defined as a "testable prediction."

hypothesis

What is more "powerful" in science? Being able to "prove" or "disprove" a hypothesis?

disapprove

Yes or no: Is the definition of a hypothesis "an educated guess"?

no

List and describe the steps of the scientific method

• Observation

• Hypothesis

• Experiment

• Results

• Conclusion

compare a hypothesis and a theory. Give examples.

• A hypothesis:

  • This is a "testable prediction." This means that you have posed a question, are able to test it, and you are trying to predict its outcome.

  • It must be able to be tested. If you can't test it, it isn't science.

  • It must be able to be "rejected" (or disproved). This is one of the most powerful aspects of science - the ability to reject or prove a hypothesis false.

• A theory:

  • Theories are often misunderstood. These are powerful aspects of science (some of the most powerful "ideas" in science.

  • A theory is only formed after many experiments.

  • It is based on the best available evidence.

  • One interesting fact - a theory can be rejected with just one piece of evidence.

What is "confirmation bias" and how does this impact critical thinking?

It limits objectivity: You only pay attention to evidence that agrees with you, which prevents a balanced evaluation of all sides

How does the scientific method make science "different" than other aspects of human experience?

systematic, evidence-based, and testable