Biology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Goals of Science

• Provides natural explanations for events in the natural world.
• Understands patterns in nature and makes predictions about natural events.

Definition of Science

• An organized method for gathering and analyzing evidence about the natural environment.

Core of Scientific Methodology

• Involves observing, questioning, forming hypotheses, conducting controlled experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Key Terms in Biology

• Observation: Noticing and describing events systematically.
• Inference: Logical interpretation based on existing knowledge.
• Hypothesis: Testable scientific explanation for observations.
• Controlled Experiment: Only one variable is changed; others are kept constant.

Experiment Variables

• Independent Variable: Deliberately changed in an experiment.
• Dependent Variable: Observed and altered in response to the independent variable.
• Control Group: Exposed to all conditions of the experimental group except one independent variable.

Data Types

• Data: Detailed experimental observations.
• Quantitative Data: Numbers from counting or measuring.
• Qualitative Data: Descriptive characteristics that cannot be easily counted.

Scientific Attitudes

• Curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, and creativity are essential for generating new ideas in science.

Importance of Peer Review

• Ensures the quality and validity of scientific research by allowing ideas and work to be evaluated by other researchers.

Definition of a Scientific Theory

• A well-tested explanation bringing together a broad range of observations and hypotheses, allowing predictions of new situations.

Relationship Between Science and Society

• Science must be understood within its social context and limitations.

Bias in Science

• A personal preference or viewpoint that can affect scientific interpretation.

Characteristics of Living Things

• Composed of cells, based on genetic code, obtain energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, and evolve over time.

Definition of Biology

• The scientific study of life.

DNA

• The molecule containing the genetic code necessary for an organism's growth, reproduction, and function.

Reproduction Types

• Sexual Reproduction: Offspring form from the union of cells from two parents.
• Asexual Reproduction: Organism produces identical offspring.

Homeostasis

• The effort by organisms to maintain stable internal conditions regardless of external changes.

Metabolism

• The total of all chemical reactions enabling organisms to build up or break down materials.

Central Themes of Biology

• Includes cellular basis of life, heredity, growth and reproduction, homeostasis, evolution, structure and function, unity and diversity of life, interdependence, and the methodology of science.

Biosphere

• The global ecological system integrating all forms of life on Earth.

Fields of Biology

• Encompasses various fields that study life from molecular levels to ecosystems.

Metric System in Science

• Predominantly utilized by scientists for data collection and experimentation.

Basic Units in the Metric System

• Length: Meter (m)
• Mass: Gram (g)
• Volume: Liter (L)
• Temperature: Degrees Celsius (°C)

Explore the fundamental goals and processes of science with these flashcards from Chapter 1 of Biology. Learn how science seeks to explain, analyze, and predict natural events through organized methodologies. Perfect for a quick review of key concepts.