BIO 1120 Week 1

Biology

The study of life.

Science

Knowledge of certain truths or general laws discovered through the scientific method.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step method to experiment, observe, and draw conclusions.

Hypothesis

A predicted and reasonable explanation that is testable and falsifiable.

Theory

A tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena.

Natural Sciences

Sciences that pertain to the world, phenomena, and processes.

Life Sciences

Studies of living things, including biology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics.

Hard Science

Science that relies on the use of numerical data.

Inductive Reasoning

The process of using observations to draw a logical conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

Using existing principles or laws to predict results.

Descriptive Science

Utilizes inductive reasoning.

Hypothesis-Based Science

Utilizes deductive reasoning and begins with a question and potential answer.

Variable

A factor within an experiment that can be changed.

Control Group

A group identical to the experimental group but without the variable being tested.

Basic/Pure Science

Aims to expand knowledge, even if it may be replaced with more accurate information.

Applied Science

Uses science to solve real-world problems.

Serendipity

Discoveries made due to accident or surprise.

Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts

Scientific papers reviewed by other scientists in the same field.

Abstract

A brief summary of a research paper appearing at the beginning.

Introduction

Provides background information on the topic being discussed.

Plagiarism

Using another person’s work/ideas without proper citation.

Results

Summarize the findings of the experiment.

Discussion

Describes findings, variable relationships, and explains observations.

Conclusion

Explains the importance of the results.

Ethical Considerations

Scientists must avoid harm to people, animals, and the environment.

Unethical Studies

Examples include the Tuskegee syphilis study and Henrietta Lacks case.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Order, response to environment, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, homeostasis, energy processing, evolution.

Biological Hierarchy

Atom → molecule → macromolecule → organelles → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism → population → community → ecosystem.

Tissues

Groups of cells that serve a similar function.

Organs

Groups of tissues performing a common function.

Organ Systems

Contain organs that are functionally related.

Population

All of the same organism in one area.

Communities

Populations within one area.

Ecosystem

All things within one area, including biotic and abiotic factors.

Biosphere

Encompasses all ecosystems.

Evolution

The process of gradual changes over time.

Phylogenies

Graphs showing how evolution has impacted life and relationships.

Biochemistry

Study of biological processes at the chemical level.

Microbiology

Study of microorganisms and unicellular organisms.

Neurobiology

Study of the nervous system.

Paleontology

Study of fossils to learn about life history.

Zoology

Study of animals.

Botany

Study of plants.

Characteristics of Life

Order, response to stimuli, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, homeostasis, energy processing, evolution.

Response to Stimuli

Examples include barred owl calling and firefly flashing light.

Viruses

Require a host cell to replicate; do not reproduce independently.

Parasites

Similar to viruses but can reproduce by themselves.

Adaptation Examples

Bioluminescence in deep-sea fish, no swim bladder, specialized eyes.

Homeostasis

Ability to maintain bodily functions and adjust appropriately.

Hierarchy of Biological Classification

Domain - Eukarya, Kingdom - Animalia, Phylum - Chordata, Class - Mammalia, Order - Carnivora, Family - Canidae, Genus - Canis, Species - Lupus.

Deductive Reasoning

Logical thinking using principles or laws to reach a conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

Uses observation to reach a conclusion; not always accurate.

Scientific Method Origin

Discovered by Francis Bacon in 1961.

Basic Science

Aims to advance knowledge.

Applied Science

Aims to solve a problem.

Scientific Process Steps

Research, develop experimental design, collect data, generate results, interpret data, form conclusion, peer review, and publication.