Questions and Answers
Which method of dissemination prioritizes the reliability of findings?
What is NOT a characteristic of life?
Which of the following molecules is NOT considered a molecule of life?
Which of the following is true about autotrophs?
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Which example represents a heterotroph?
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Which statement about living things and DNA is correct?
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What is the primary role of carbohydrates in living organisms?
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Which of the following should be considered a reliable source of scientific information?
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What is the first step of the scientific method?
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Which statement best describes the outcome of disproving a hypothesis?
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Why is random sampling crucial in experiments?
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What is the result of a hypothesis having broad support over time?
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What characterizes a well-formulated general hypothesis?
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What does the term 'confounded experiments' refer to?
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Which is NOT a characteristic that defines life?
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What is a general hypothesis based on observations about smokers and lung cancer?
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What is the main purpose of the control group in an experimental study?
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What does the null hypothesis state in the context of lung cancer incidence between smokers and non-smokers?
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Why might cigarette companies be skeptical of the study results indicating that smoking causes lung cancer?
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Which of the following statistical criteria would lead to rejecting the null hypothesis?
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What was the incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers based on the observational study results?
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How many mice were used in the experimental study to test the hypothesis?
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What does the alternate hypothesis propose regarding lung cancer incidence?
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In the experimental study, what was the incidence of lung cancer among the smoking group?
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What is the role of homeostasis in living organisms?
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Which process allows an organism to produce an offspring that is genetically identical to itself?
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What describes the phenomenon when animals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?
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What is a characteristic of living things that involves perceiving and reacting to external stimuli?
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In multicellular organisms, which type of cells are involved in sexual reproduction?
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What type of reproduction occurs when a unicellular organism divides into two identical individuals?
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What is the result of evolution in a population of organisms?
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Which of the following is an example of a response to environmental stimuli by living organisms?
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What factor contributed to the increase in the black moth population in industrialized areas during the 1800s?
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What characteristic of humans is closely associated with their ability to use tools effectively?
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Which feature is considered a key evolutionary innovation for humans?
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What is one possible consequence of the decline of industrial pollution on moth populations?
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What unique characteristic do humans possess that facilitates the transmission of information between generations?
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Which animal has a brain size relative to its body size that is smaller than that of humans?
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How did the gene frequencies within the moth population change over time?
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What does bipedalism in humans allow that is crucial for tool making?
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Study Notes
Instructor Background
- Dr. Aaron Bartholomew holds a BSc in Marine Science/Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Miami, with a GPA of 3.99.
- He earned a PhD in Marine Ecology from The College of William and Mary, achieving a GPA of 3.94.
- He has been teaching at American University of Sharjah (AUS) since 2002 and has authored 31 papers cited over 2,500 times.
Course Essentials
- Read the syllabus on iLearn and lecture material before attending classes.
- Note-taking is crucial during lectures.
- Optional homework questions available on iLearn can enhance grades.
- Contact Dr. Bartholomew via office or email for assistance.
- Statistics lab data sheet submission due date is January 25th.
Chapter 1: Learning About Human Biology
- Understand the scientific method and its role in advancing knowledge.
- Acquaintance with the characteristics of life and human traits is necessary.
Scientific Method Overview
- Cannot prove ideas; can only disprove false ones.
- Steps include observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, results evaluation, and publication.
- A hypothesis, if well-supported, may evolve into a theory over time.
Example Hypothesis Testing: Smoking and Lung Cancer
- General observation: High health issues in smokers.
- Hypothesis: Smokers are more prone to lung cancer.
- Test through observational studies comparing smokers and non-smokers in the UAE.
- Smokers: 60 lung cancer cases per 100,000.
- Non-smokers: 2 lung cancer cases per 100,000.
- Results support the claim with a significant difference leading to rejection of the null hypothesis at p < 0.05.
Experimental Study with Mice
- Two groups of 100,000 mice exposed to cigarette smoke versus a control group.
- Results: 210 lung cancer cases in smokers versus 4 in non-smokers, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis again.
- Accumulation of evidence is essential; definitive proof is challenging.
Ways to Disseminate Findings
- Peer-reviewed journals provide reliable information.
- Presenting findings at scientific meetings is common but may not be peer-reviewed.
- Be cautious of information from popular press; verify credentials of sources.
Characteristics of Life
- Living organisms consume energy and raw materials, display chemical diversity, are cellular, maintain homeostasis, respond to stimuli, grow, reproduce, and have the ability to evolve.
- Distinctions include autotrophs (produce own energy, e.g., plants) & heterotrophs (consume others for energy).
Specific Characteristics
- Homeostasis: Maintenance of internal balance, like regulating human body temperature around 37°C.
- Sensitivity: Ability to react to external stimuli, essential for survival.
- Reproductive methods include sexual (genetic mix) and asexual reproduction (identical offspring).
Evolution Concepts
- Evolution results in changes in genetic traits and can lead to new species.
- Example: The peppered moth evolved in response to industrial pollution, showing natural selection's impact over time.
Defining Features of Humans
- Bipedalism enables hands to be free for tool use.
- Opposable thumbs allow for fine motor skills.
- Humans possess large brains relative to body size, facilitating complex thought and language, aligning with our high intelligence.
Conclusion
- The study of human biology encompasses understanding life characteristics, applying scientific methods, and recognizing the significance of evolution and human-specific traits.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts in Human Biology as taught in BIO 103 at AUS. This quiz covers essential topics that Dr. Aaron Bartholomew emphasizes throughout the course. Make sure to read the syllabus, slides, and textbook before attempting the quiz.
