Bio

Defining Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is essential for life forms.
  • Life forms should reproduce, grow, and develop.
  • Evolution is a process that life forms undergo.

Viruses and Their Classification

• Viruses sit in a gray zone of biological classification.
  • They do reproduce when they have a host (similar to bacteria and parasites).
  • Without a host, viruses cannot grow or develop.
  • They lack the internal biochemical machinery necessary for metabolism.
  • They do not utilize oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon for energy metabolism as living organisms do.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is a standardized series of steps scientists use to answer questions.
  • Steps involve forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings.
• At the end of the method, if data supports the hypothesis convincingly, results are published in peer-reviewed journals.
  • PubMed and Google Scholar are platforms for accessing peer-reviewed research.

Types of Science

• Different approaches to testing hypotheses:
  • Observational Research:
  • Anyone can conduct this, no formal science degree needed.
  • Involves making random observations that can lead to further questions.
  • Example: Stumbling upon a red flower in a field of yellow flowers.
  • Controlled Experiments:
  • Conducted with a specific question and hypothesis in mind.
  • Involves collecting data through experimental trials to confirm or reject hypotheses.
  • Example: Testing different fertilizers on flower growth while controlling additional variables to isolate results.

Strengths & Weaknesses of Research Types

• Observational Research Strengths:
  • Accidental discoveries can provide valuable insights.
• Controlled Experiments Strengths:
  • Allows manipulation of specific variables to test hypotheses effectively.
• **Observational Research Weaknesses