Introduction to Scientific Concepts

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Questions and Answers

If a scientist discovers that a new type of plant can withstand extreme temperatures, what step of the scientific method would this discovery be categorized under?

  • Formulating a Hypothesis
  • Drawing Conclusions
  • Making Observations (correct)
  • Asking a Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

  • A scientific law is a proven theory, while a scientific theory is an unproven hypothesis.
  • A scientific theory explains why something occurs, while a scientific law describes what happens. (correct)
  • A scientific law explains why something occurs, while a scientific theory describes what happens.
  • A scientific law can be changed with new evidence, while a scientific theory is immutable.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of pseudoscience?

  • Misinterpreting or misusing evidence
  • Research that can be repeated (correct)
  • Using testimonials and personal stories as evidence
  • Research that cannot be repeated

Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis formatted correctly using the "If, then, because" structure?

<p>If plants are given more water, then they will grow taller because water is essential for plant growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "protoscience" refer to?

<p>A field of study that is emerging and undergoing rigorous testing to gain scientific validity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

<p>Seeking approval from scientific authorities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about evolution is TRUE?

<p>Evolution is a theory that explains how life changes over time, driven by natural selection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a scientific investigation from a scientific hypothesis?

<p>A hypothesis is a proposed explanation, while an investigation is a plan to test that explanation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key concept of evolution as described in the provided content?

<p>Evolution refers to adaptations over long periods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes differential reproduction in the context of evolution?

<p>Some individuals reproduce more successfully than others. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these individuals is NOT associated with the early concepts of evolution?

<p>Gregor Mendel (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did many individuals reject Darwin's theory of evolution?

<p>They found the concept of gradual changes difficult to accept. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'overproduction' in the context of evolution?

<p>More individuals are produced than can survive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biology

The study of living things.

Scientific Method

A structured step-by-step process used to answer questions.

Hypothesis

A possible answer to a question based on evidence, skills, and knowledge.

Pseudoscience

A science mimic that doesn't meet the standards of true science.

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Scientific Theory

An explanation of how nature works, based on evidence from repeated successful hypotheses.

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Scientific Law

Describes how nature reacts under specific circumstances. Less dynamic and simpler compared to a theory.

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Evolution

Change in a living thing over long periods of time.

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Scientific Investigation

A plan for how to solve scientific questions.

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Overproduction

The idea that more offspring are produced than can survive, leading to competition for resources.

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Genetic Variation

Differences in traits within a population due to variations in genes.

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Struggle to Survive

Organisms compete for resources like food, water, and space.

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Differential Reproduction

Organisms with traits that make them better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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Study Notes

Definitions

  • Biology: The scientific study of living organisms.
  • Science: A systematic approach to understanding the natural world using logic and reasoning.
  • Scientific Method: A structured process for answering questions systematically.
  • Scientific Investigation: A plan to address a question using the scientific method.
  • Hypothesis: A testable explanation (possible answer) to a question based on prior knowledge and evidence.
  • Pseudoscience: A field that mimics science but lacks the rigorous standards of true scientific study.
  • Protoscience: A nascent area of study that hasn't been rigorously tested; often precedes a true scientific discipline.
  • Scientific Theory: A well-supported explanation of how nature works, based on repeated successful hypotheses.
  • Scientific Law: A description of how nature behaves under specific circumstances; less complex than a theory and focuses on observable patterns, not underlying explanations.
  • Fact: An observation.
  • Evolution: Changes in organisms over long periods of time.

Scientific Method

  • Step 1: Observations: Identifying something interesting to study.
  • Step 2: Question: Formulating clear questions about observed phenomena.
  • Step 3: Hypothesis: Proposing a possible answer (testable explanation.)
  • Step 4: Testing: Designing experiments or collecting data to evaluate the hypothesis.
  • Step 5: Conclusion: Analyzing the results and determining if the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
  • Step 6: Communication: Sharing findings with others.

Hypothesis Format

  • Class Hypothesis Format: “If, then, because” statements are used in this class.
  • Example: If the type of vehicle is changed, then a car will have a higher mpg rating than a truck, because lighter vehicles use less gas per mile than heavier vehicles

Pseudo vs. Real Science

Feature Pseudoscience Real Science
Evidence Testimonials, personal stories Research meeting scientific standards
Evidence Use Misinterpretations, misuse Context-appropriate use
Repeatability Cannot be repeated Can be repeated by others

Laws vs. Theories

  • Laws: Describe phenomena (what happens).
  • Theories: Explain phenomena (why it happens).
  • Relationship between the two: Theories do not evolve into laws as new evidence is collected.

Darwin and Evolution

  • Key figure: Charles Darwin.
  • Landmark work: On the Origin of Species (1859)
  • Core concept: Evolution is the process of adaptation in living things over time. More fit members of a species are more likely to reproduce and pass on their traits.
  • Other contributors: Alfred Wallace had similar ideas around the same time.

Parts of Evolution

  • Overproduction: Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
  • Genetic Variation: Individuals within a population have different traits.
  • Struggle for Survival: Organisms compete for resources and face environmental challenges.
  • Differential Reproduction: Individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Important Names in Evolutionary Thought

  • Carolus Linnaeus
  • Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon
  • Erasmus Darwin
  • Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
  • Georges Cuvier
  • James Hutton
  • Charles Lyell
  • Charles Darwin
  • Gregor Mendel
  • Alfred Russel Wallace

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