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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?
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?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of pseudoscience?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of pseudoscience?
Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis formatted correctly using the "If, then, because" structure?
Which of the following is the best example of a hypothesis formatted correctly using the "If, then, because" structure?
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What does the term "protoscience" refer to?
What does the term "protoscience" refer to?
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Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?
Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?
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Which of the following statements about evolution is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about evolution is TRUE?
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What differentiates a scientific investigation from a scientific hypothesis?
What differentiates a scientific investigation from a scientific hypothesis?
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What is a key concept of evolution as described in the provided content?
What is a key concept of evolution as described in the provided content?
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Which phrase best describes differential reproduction in the context of evolution?
Which phrase best describes differential reproduction in the context of evolution?
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Which of these individuals is NOT associated with the early concepts of evolution?
Which of these individuals is NOT associated with the early concepts of evolution?
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Why did many individuals reject Darwin's theory of evolution?
Why did many individuals reject Darwin's theory of evolution?
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What is meant by 'overproduction' in the context of evolution?
What is meant by 'overproduction' in the context of evolution?
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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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Description
This quiz explores fundamental concepts in biology and the scientific method, including definitions of hypotheses, theories, and the distinction between science and pseudoscience. Assess your understanding of how scientific investigations are structured and the progression from protoscience to scientific law.
