Nature of Science and Characteristics of Life

Flashcards covering the scientific method, experimental variables, data types, peer review, scientific theories and laws, ethics, biogenesis history, and the eight characteristics of living things based on the lecture notes.

How is science defined in simple terms?

Science is simply a logical way of thinking about the world.

What is an inference in scientific observation?

An inference is a logical guess or prediction made by scientists based on observations about the world around them.

What are the seven steps of the scientific method?

1. State the Problem or Question based on observations, 2. Gather information (research), 3. Form a hypothesis, 4. Test the hypothesis by making an experiment, 5. Collect & Analyze data, 6. Draw conclusions, 7. Share information with others (report findings).

What occurs during the scientific method if experimental data does not support the hypothesis?

A new hypothesis is made and the scientific method process starts again.

How does inductive reasoning differ from deductive reasoning in forming a hypothesis?

Inductive reasoning looks for patterns or rules in the natural world to develop a rule of nature, whereas deductive reasoning compares new things to existing rules of the natural world.

What is a controlled experiment?

A controlled experiment is an experiment that only changes one variable at a time.

What are the three core parts of a controlled experiment?

1. Controls (what is kept the same), 2. Independent variable (what is changed), and 3. Dependent variable (what is measured as a result).

What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?

Qualitative data consists of descriptions and words, while quantitative data consists of numbers and measurements.

On which axes of a graph are the independent and dependent variables placed?

The independent variable goes on the X axis, and the dependent variable goes on the Y axis.

Can a scientific experiment prove a hypothesis to be completely true?

No, science is not used to prove that something is true; experiments can only disprove a hypothesis or allow scientists to be fairly certain that a hypothesis is correct.

What is peer review and what is its primary purpose in science?

Peer review is the process where individuals at the same level of education or specialization review an experiment to determine if there are flaws, serving as one of the main ways the scientific community guards against faulty science.

What is a scientific theory?

A scientific theory is a broad explanation that applies to many situations, explains a phenomenon, and is supported by significant data from many different fields of evidence.

How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific law?

A scientific theory is a tested hypothesis that explains why a phenomenon occurs, whereas a scientific law describes a pattern in nature without generally explaining why it happens.

What are the three prevailing ethical world-views in science?

1. Anthropocentrism (places the most value on human populations and human welfare), 2. Biocentrism (places value on each and every organism, including humans), and 3. Ecocentrism (places value on the ecosystem or community as a whole rather than individuals).

What was the concept of spontaneous generation?

It was the belief held until 1668 that life arose from nonliving things, such as maggots appearing on meat or mice from grain.

How did Francesco Redi disprove spontaneous generation for maggots?

He placed meat in uncovered, sealed, and gauze-covered jars, showing that maggots only appeared in the uncovered jar where flies had contact with the meat.

What is biogenesis?

Biogenesis is the scientific theory stating that living things come from other living things.

How did Louis Pasteur validate Redi's results on biogenesis?

He sterilized broth in a swan-necked flask that trapped microorganisms, proving that microorganisms only grew in the broth after the curved neck was broken off.

How many characteristics must an entity exhibit to be classified as a living thing?

An entity must show all 8 shared characteristics of life to be considered living.

What are the 8 characteristics shared by all living things?

1. Made of cells, 2. Reproduce, 3. Have a universal genetic code, 4. Grow, 5. Require energy, 6. Respond to their environments, 7. Maintain an internal balance, and 8. Change over time.

How many cells make up an amoeba versus a human?

An amoeba is made of 1 cell, while a human is made of about $100\text{ trillion}$ cells.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the internal balance that living organisms maintain when their external environment changes.