biology
the study of life
scientific method
1.) Make observations
2.) Ask questions
3.) Perform research
4.) Create hypothesis
5.) Test your hypothesis (by conducting an experiment)
6.) Analyze results and draw conclusion
7.) Present findings
quantitative data
numbers (quantity)
Easily measured
qualitative reasoning
observation that can not be measured, for ex.) texture, color, shape, etc. (quality)
Not easily measured
SI units/metric system
Length = meters (m)
Volume = liters (L)
Mass = grams (g)
Time = seconds (s)
Temperature = degrees Celsius (℃)
metric system vs. English system
The metric system operates in units of 10, making it more precise and more accurate
metric conversions - both ways
Kilo/ K
I
Hecto/h
I
Deca/ da
I
Base Unit
m/g/L
I
Deci/d
I
Centi/c
I
Milli/m
Examples)
1.) 15.8 dm = 0.158 dam
2.) 5.67 mL = 0.00567 L
3.) 1,862 hg = 1,862,000 dg
observation vs. inference
Observation = use senses to gather
Info gathered = data
Inference = created from your data and observations based on what you see
hypothesis
possible explanation for observations gathered and tested through a controlled experiment
If..., then
controlled experiment
How we test our hypothesis
Only change one variable
control vs. experimental group
Control group - exposed to all of the same conditions except for the independent variable
"Normal" conditions
"Placebo"
ex.) plant exposed to sunlight
Experimental group - being observed and changes in response to the independent variable
ex.) groups exposed to different colored lights
independent variable
what is changed/ manipulated
being tested
ex.) light color on flowers
dependent variable
what changes in response to the independent variable
what is measured
usually last sentence of description
ex.) plant height
variables vs. constants
Variables - any characteristics that can take on different values, such as height, age, temperature, or test scores
Controlled - only change one variable
Constant - a variable that remains the same across all groups
conclusion
summary of results saying what they found that they then share to the rest of the science community
Graphing Data/ Placement of independent and dependent variables on graph
Independent variable - x axis
Dependent variable - y axis
Microscope Types
Compound light microscope (what we use) - can see bother living and non-living things
requires a stain
Electron Microscopes - only can observe non-living things
Transmission electron microscope - can see internal structure of a cell
Scanning electron microscope - produces 3D images
homeostasis
maintaining stable internal conditions
ex.) sweating, shivering
evolution/adaptation
occur over multiple generations
ex.) Darwin's finches/ rattlesnakes and feral hogs
metabolism
the chemical reactions in the body's cells that change food into energy
Characteristics of all living things
1.) Cells
2.) Maintain homeostasis
3.) Adapt or evolve over time
4.) Reproduction
5.) Growth and development
6.) Genetic material
7.) Require energy
8.) Respond to stimuli
9.) Organization
Levels of organization in biology
1.) Atom
2.) Molecule
3.) Organelles
4.) Cells
5.) Tissues
6.) Organ
7.) Organ system
8.) Organism
Parts and charge of an atom
Protons = positive charge (+)/ located in the nucleus
Neutrons = neutral (no charge)/ located in the nucleus
Electrons = negative charge (-)/ located on the outer orbits
Determine the number of p,n.e of a neutral atom or an ion
Equal number of protons and electrons
the number of neutrons does not matter