Lecture 3 - Scientific Method and Evolution Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What percentage of papers are typically rejected by the best journals even after revisions?

  • 70%
  • 90%
  • 60%
  • 80% (correct)

Which mechanism is NOT one of the three main mechanisms of evolution as outlined?

  • Genetic mutation (correct)
  • Gene flow
  • Genetic drift
  • Natural selection

What was Darwin's conclusion about the variations he observed during his research?

  • They indicated multiple species.
  • They were irrelevant to species classification.
  • They were purely environmental adaptations.
  • They were variants of a single species. (correct)

What aspect of reproduction does Darwin emphasize in his theory of natural selection?

<p>Reproduction is not random, but selected by nature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which expedition did Darwin make significant observations that contributed to his theory of evolution?

<p>The voyage of the HMS Beagle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key conclusion is emphasized regarding scientific knowledge?

<p>Scientific knowledge is provisional and can be altered by new observations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary contribution of Alhazan to the scientific method?

<p>He insisted on experimental support for hypotheses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Occam’s Razor principle suggest scientists should do?

<p>Proceed with the simplest explanation consistent with all the data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process follows the compiling of data in scientific study?

<p>Peer review and publication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the 2011 comparison of genomes and proteins?

<p>Similarities between eukaryotes and TACK archaea. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does inductive reasoning allow scientists to do?

<p>Draw conclusions based on existing data and knowledge. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critique do scientists anticipate after publishing their research?

<p>Expert peer review of their methods and findings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the 2016 study by Hug and colleagues compare?

<p>The sequences of ribosomal proteins across various domains of life. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion was drawn from the comparison of eukaryotic genomes to TACK archaea?

<p>They share similarities in cytokinesis, cell shape determination, and membrane remodeling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key takeaway from Hug et al.’s (2016) study comparing 16 ribosomal proteins?

<p>Science is provisional and subject to change with new data. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered one of the earliest good scientists, pioneering the scientific method?

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

What principle does Occam’s Razor promote in scientific inquiry?

<p>Choosing the simplest explanation consistent with all the data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of inductive reasoning in scientific research?

<p>It allows conclusions to be drawn based on incomplete data and existing knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the scientific method emphasize about uncertainty?

<p>Science inherently accepts uncertainty in its conclusions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

<p>Microevolution is the change in allele frequencies over time; macroevolution is evolutionary change at or above the species level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What influenced Darwin’s theory of evolution during his voyage on the HMS Beagle?

<p>Observations of variation in nature and the work of ornithologist John Gould. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which postulate is NOT part of Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

<p>All variation is heritable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the six steps in scientific inquiry outlined in the lecture?

<p>They provide a rational and systematic approach to understanding the natural world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason scientists publish their work in peer-reviewed journals?

<p>To ensure validity, design, and relevance through expert evaluation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Darwin’s hypothesis about the finches he observed during his voyage?

<p>They were variants of a single species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "provisional" mean in the context of scientific knowledge?

<p>Scientific knowledge is temporary and subject to revision with new evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism of evolution is driven by random changes in allele frequencies?

<p>Genetic drift (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observation did Darwin use to propose "survival of the fittest"?

<p>Heritable variation among individuals, with favorable traits increasing reproductive success (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of Darwin’s understanding of evolution?

<p>He lacked knowledge about the genetic mechanisms of inheritance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Mythos and Logos in ancient Greek thought?

<p>Mythos focuses on myths and stories, while Logos is rational and logical. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "natural selection" depend on?

<p>Individuals with favorable traits reproducing more successfully (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of microevolution?

<p>Genetic changes in allele frequencies within a population (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do scientists accept uncertainty in their work?

<p>It acknowledges the provisional nature of scientific theories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did ornithologist John Gould play in Darwin’s work?

<p>He identified Darwin’s finches as different species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "gene flow" refer to in evolutionary biology?

<p>Transfer of alleles between populations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Microevolution

Changes in allele frequencies within a population over time, resulting in evolution within a species.

Macroevolution

Evolutionary changes above the level of a species, leading to the emergence of new species.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring.

Genetic Drift

Changes in allele frequencies due to random chance events, particularly in small populations.

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Gene flow

The transfer of genetic material between populations, leading to changes in allele frequencies.

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Provisional Nature of Science

The scientific understanding of the world is constantly evolving and subject to change.

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Rational Naturalistic Framework

A scientific method where a hypothesis is supported by experiments and observations.

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Occam's Razor

The simplest explanation is usually the best, when all the evidence supports it.

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Inductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning based on observations and existing knowledge to draw conclusions.

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Peer Review

Examining scientific data in detail to check for errors or inconsistencies.

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Genome Comparison

Comparing DNA sequences of different organisms to see their evolutionary relationships.

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Scientific Revolution

Changes in the scientific understanding of the world, often as a result of new discoveries or technologies.

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Experimental Support

The process of obtaining evidence through experiments and observations to support a scientific theory.

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Study Notes

Scientific Method

  • Science is a process, not a set of facts
  • Scientific stories are provisional and can change
  • Observations and data can lead to new knowledge
  • All scientific explanations are subject to change with new data

Evolution

  • The scientific study of the history of life on Earth
  • Evolution is the change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations
  • Evolution is based on the idea that all life on Earth shares a common ancestor

Darwin's Theory

  • Evolution occurs through natural selection
  • The key findings of the theory:
    • Variation exists within populations
    • Some variation is heritable
    • Reproduction is not random; those with traits better suited to the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
  • Variation in traits and reproduction affect the genetic makeup of a population

Scientific Process

  • The process of doing science involves six steps:
    • Science is performed within a rational and naturalistic framework
    • Experimental and observational support is required for explanations
    • Choose the simplest explanation consistent with the data (Occam's Razor)
    • Compile and test data repeatedly
    • Compile and disseminate scientific knowledge
    • Accept the uncertainty of scientific knowledge

Evolutionary Processes

  • Microevolution: changes in allele frequencies in populations over time, driven by natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow
  • Macroevolution: changes above the level of a species, often resulting in new species and diversification throughout a lineage

Prior Knowledge and Influences

  • Prior knowledge, including observations and theories, can influence scientific discoveries
  • Population growth and food limitations, ideas about variation in nature, natural history research, and prior theories influenced Darwin's research
  • Darwin's work on natural selection built upon existing scientific thought and observations

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Lecture 3: How We Do Science & Evolution PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the scientific method, evolution, and Darwin's theory of natural selection. Explore how observations and data contribute to our understanding of life's history on Earth. This quiz covers key concepts and processes that define scientific inquiry and evolutionary biology.

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