Biology chapter 1

List the eight steps (according to your notes) of the scientific method.

1 problem 2 information 3 make hypothesis 4 plan 5 experiment 6 record data 7 interpret results 8 Conclusion

List some fields in biology.

1. global ecology 2. biotechnology 3. building the tree of life (identifying and cataloging life forms) 4. ecology and evolution of infectious diseases 5. genomics and molecular biology

Domain Eukarya

4 kingdoms: protists, fungi, plants, animals. organisms that have cells with nuclei

eukaryotic

A cell characterized by the presence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes can be unicellular (protists) or multicellular (fungi, plants and animals).

What is a quantitative observation (QN)?

An observation you make using numbers and/or measurements, more accurate than a qualitative observation. Example: The circumference of the bean is 5mm.

What is a qualitative observation (QL)?

An observation you make using your senses. Example: The solution in the test tube has an odor.

Scientific methodology starts with observations and questions. What may inspire these observations and questions?

Scientific attitudes, practical problems (having to find a solution to an everyday problem), and new technology (new discoveries and technology may open up new possibilities)

What is biology?

The study of life.

Name 3 techniques to good graphing. (3 things good graphs should have)

Title (y vs x), independent/dependent variables marked out in clear units, should be large, clear and colorful

What is an inference?

a conclusion drawn from an observation; a logical interpretation based on what scientists already know. Example: The plant died due to a lack of water.

What is a control group?

a group that is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for the one independent variable.

What is bias?

a particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific

What is a hypothesis?

a scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested in ways that support or reject it.

What is scientific theory?

a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations and hypothesis and that enables scientists to make accurate predictions about new situations.

When graphing, which variable goes on the y-axis?

dependent

Key characteristics of plants

eukaryotic (has nucleus with membrane), cells have cell walls composed of cellulose. Autotrophs (make their own food) through photosynthesis. Mostly sexual reproduction (some exceptions). Some plants need fire to help germinate their seeds.

Key characteristics of protists

eukaryotic (has nucleus with membrane), generally single celled, diversity of cell organization: some have cell walls, some have chloroplasts (can make food through photosynthesis), most have mitochondria, those that are multicellular have little cell differentiation. Some move by cilia or flagella. most reproduce by cell division (ASEXUAL), some by conjugation (when genetic material moves from one cell to another by a "bridge") One type creates toxic red tides.

What is the base unit for mass in the SI system?

gram (g)

Key characteristics of fungi

heterotrophic (can't make their own food), eukaryotic (has nucleus with membrane), cells have cell walls, some are unicellular yeasts, but most multicellular. ASEXUAL through spores, budding or splitting.

What are some sources of error when collecting and analyzing data?

inaccurate tools/measurements or inappropriate use of tools, human error, larger sample sizes are more reliable than smaller ones

When graphing, which variable goes on the x-axis?

independent

Using this hypothesis find the independent and dependent variables: If the circumference of a round balloon reaches 40 cm, then the balloon will break.

independent variable: dependent variable:

What is data?

information gathered from experimental observations. 2 main types: qualitative and quantitative.

How is step 2 of the scientific method commonly done?

information is gathered from observation and research

What is the base unit for volume in the SI system?

liter (L)

What is the biosphere?

literally means "living planet". Refers to the relationships between the organisms and their environments

algae (green)

mostly single cell (few multicellular) plants that do not make embryos. Primarily aquatic.

Key characteristics of animals

multicellular, heterotrophic (can't make their own food, eukaryotic (has nucleus with membrane), cells lack cell walls Mostly sexual reproduction (some exceptions). One kind of animal (leech) has been used in medicine to prevent blood clotting.

What is the most important "driving force" in evolution?

natural selection

Key characteristics of archea

prokaryotes (no nuclear membrane), cells similar in appearance to bacteria, but differ in many details of structure and metabolism from bacteria; reproduce by binary fission (ASEXUAL) or conjugation. Many archea live in extreme environments like deep sea ocean vents, sulfur environments or frigid arctic waters.

Key characteristics of bacteria

prokaryotes (no nuclear membrane), many cell shapes:spherical, rod, spiral;most have cell walls, few have internal organelles, some have flagella for movement, reproduce by binary fission (ASEXUAL) or conjugation. One type of bacteria produce natural antibiotics.

Why is peer review important?

publishing peer reviewed articles in scientific journals allows researchers to share ideas and to test and evaluate each other's work. Sharing knowledge helps to create discussion and new ideas/questions.

What is science?

science is an organized way of gathering and analyzing evidence about the natural world. Means knowledge in Latin.

What are 2 other characteristics of a good hypothesis?

simple/clear, can be proved

Domain Bacteria (kingdom Eubacteria)

single celled, prokaryotic. ecologically diverse, from free-living soil organisms to deadly parasites.

Domain Archaea (kingdom Archaebacteria)

single celled, prokaryotic. live in extreme environments: volcanic hot springs, brine pools, black mud

What is an observation?

the act of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful orderly way.

What is metabolism?

the combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials

What is homeostasis?

the condition in which living organisms keep their internal environment stable, even when external conditions change. Example: maintaining a constant body temperature

What are the 10 central themes of biology?

the study of biology centers around these big ideas: 1. the cellular basis of life 2. information and heredity 3. matter and energy 4. growth, development and reproduction 5. homeostasis 6. evolution 7. structure and function 8. unity and diversity of life 9. interdependence in nature 10. science as a way of knowing

What is an independent variable?

the variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated.

What is a dependent variable?

the variable that is observed and that changes in response to the independent variable.

What do scientists do when they draw conclusions?

they use experimental data as evidence to support, refute (prove wrong), or revise the hypothesis being tested.

List 2 reasons why the SI system of measurement is used.

to have a common system of measurement 1. because researchers can replicate each other's experiments 2. because many experiments involve gathering quantitative data

What are the goals of science?

to provide natural explanations for events in the natural world, to understand patterns in nature and to make useful predictions about natural events.

What are some research tools scientists use?

tools may range from simple metersticks and calculators to more complex machines that measure nitrogen content in soil. Charts and graphs are tools that help scientists organize their data. ANYTHING USED TO OBSERVE OR MEASURE DATA.

Why are graphs often used in labs?

visually show results for quick, clear interpretation and show comparisons between variables

What is asexual reproduction?

when a single organism produces offspring identical to itself.

What is sexual reproduction?

when cells from two parents unite to form the first cell of a new organism.

prokaryotic

cells that do not enclose their DNA in nuclear membranes

What scientific attitudes help generate new ideas?

curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and creativity.

What format is usually used when writing a hypothesis?

If...then...

What are the characteristics of living things? (Properties of life)

Living things are: 1. made up of basic units called cells 2. based on a universal genetic code (DNA) 3. obtain and use materials and energy 4. grow and develop 5. reproduce 6. respond to their environment 7. maintain a stable internal environment 8. change over time/evolve

What is a controlled experiment?

an experiment designed to a hypothesis in which only one variable is changed. All other variables should be kept unchanged or controlled.

What is an adaptation? Give an example.

an inherited characteristic that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in an environment. Example: physical camouflage used to help animals hide

Define differentiation as it pertains to cells.

as cells in a multicellular organism differentiate, they copy over the nucleus, different cells in a multicellular organism have a different purpose, brain cells vs red blood cells etc.

What is the difference between an autotroph and a heterotroph?

autotrophs can make their own food/energy from simple substances (like plants do with photosythesis). hetrotrophs like animals cannot make their own food