Ch. 1

Scientific Theory

A well tested explanation for an observable phenomena based on data. (evolution, Newtonian physics, quantum theory, etc) Does not become a law.

Negative (experimental) control

Absence of an independent variable (ex something that gets the placebo)

Domains

All the species on our planet grouped into three broad categories

Independent Research

Are able to verify the observations and experimental results.

Hierarchy of Biology (smallest to largest)

Atoms--> Compounds-->Biomolecules/Macromolecules-> Organelles-->Cells-->Tissues-->Organs-->Organ Systems-->Organisms-->Populations--> Communities--> Ecosystems

Chemicals

Chemicals are Cycled

Archea

Prokaryotes that often live in earths extreme environments. Evolutionally closer to Eukaryotes

Theory

Reliable explanation of a broad set of observable phenomena. Supported by consillience. The "why." Testable and falsifiable.

Positive (experimental) control

Something about which you know the outcome (for example if Advil was used but not what was being tested)

Hypothesis

Tentative, testable and falsifiable explanation about an observable natural phenomenon.

Peer Review

assessment by experts who have no direct involvement in the research

Biomolecules

molecules found in all living cells and generally contain carbon

All Cells

-Enclosed by a membrane -Use DNA -Have Ribosomes

Prokaryotic Cell

-First to evolve -Usually smaller and simpler -no nucleus -No membrane-enclosed organelles -Ex. Bacteria

Natural Selection

-Individuals in a population vary in their traits -Traits are passed form parents to offspring (undesirable traits eventually die out) -A population can produce far more offspring than the environment can support

Eukaryotic Cell

-Membrane enclosed organelles -Nucleus Containing DNA -Ex. is humans

3 Domains

-Bacteria -Archea -Eukarya

Characteristics of Living organisms

-Composed of one or more cells -Reproduce using DNA -Obtain energy from their environment to support metabolism -Sense their environment and respond to it (adaptation) -Maintain a constant internal environment (homeostasis) -Can evolve as groups -Organized

Scientific Method

A natural Phenomenon (observation)--> A question--> Hypothesis (plausible explanation, testable and falsifiable)--> Experimental plan to test hypothesis--> Predicted result of experiment (if (hypothesis) then when I test it I will see X)--> Experiment--> Comparison of predicted and actual results--> Conclustion--> Hypothesis was correct or hypothesis was incorrect--> communicate results.

Atoms

Building blocks of matter, which compose the universe

Law

Description of, generalizations, or rules based on empirical observations. Confirmed and accepted over many years through hypothesis testing. Accepted as "true" by the scientific community. The "what."

Energy

Energy is transferred

Eukarya

Have eukaryotic cells and include single-celled protists and multicellular fungi, animals, and plants

Bacteria

Most diverse and widespread prokaryotes

Consillience

Multiple independent sources of evidence in agreement.

Biology

The scientific study of living things

Dependent Variable

What changes in reaction to the independent variable-- what you measure.

Controlled Variable

What remains the same and does no change during your experiment (ex food, light etc.)

Prediction

What should happen in the experiment as a result of your hypothesis. If (hypothesis) then when I test it I will get X.

Independent Variable

What you manipulate

Molecule

created when 2 or more atoms are held together by chemical bonds