Questions and Answers
What is science?
Knowledge obtained through study, either by accidental observation or experimentation.
Which approaches are primarily used in biology?
Discovery science conclusions are made through deductive reasoning.
False
What is a hypothesis?
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What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?
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What does it mean for a hypothesis to be testable?
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What is an example of deductive reasoning from the content?
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What is necessary for an experiment testing a hypothesis?
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What is mimicry as described in the case study?
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In the case study, what was predicted about non-poisonous snakes?
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Study Notes
What is Science?
- Defined as knowledge gained through study, observation, or experimentation.
- Refers to both the process of acquiring knowledge and the body of knowledge amassed.
Scientific Approaches in Biology
- Two primary scientific approaches: Discovery Science and Hypothesis-Based Science.
Discovery Science
- Involves verifiable observations and measurements.
- Conclusions derived using inductive reasoning, which draws generalizations from specific observations.
- Example: All biological specimens observed over time contain cells, leading to the conclusion that all living things are composed of cells.
Hypothesis-Based Science
- Elicited from observations and questions about causes and explanations.
- Development of a hypothesis: a suggested explanation for observations.
- Hypotheses are tested through additional observations and designed experiments.
Deductive Reasoning
- Moves from generalizations to specific conclusions based on premises.
- Example:
- Premise #1: All living things are composed of cells.
- Premise #2: Human beings are living.
- Conclusion: Human beings must be composed of cells.
Theory vs Hypothesis
- A theory is broad, explaining multiple observations and supported by substantial evidence.
- Hypotheses are narrower and specific, requiring clear testing and potential falsification.
Example of Hypothesis-Based Science
- Scenario: A flashlight is not working.
- Hypotheses:
- Hypothesis #1: Batteries may be dead.
- Hypothesis #2: Bulb may be burnt out.
If-Then Logic
- Used in testing hypotheses to generate predictions.
- If batteries are dead, replacing them should restore function.
- If the bulb is burnt out, replacing it should also restore function.
Requirements for a Valid Hypothesis
- Must be testable: there should be a method to evaluate its correctness.
- Must be falsifiable: experiments must be able to prove it false.
- Hypotheses cannot be proven with absolute certainty but gain support if they survive attempts at disproval.
Case Study in Hypothesis-Based Science
- Observation: Many poisonous animals exhibit bright colors to warn predators, which may save them from being eaten.
- Hypothesis: Mimicry in non-poisonous animals reduces the likelihood of predation by resembling poisonous ones.
Testing the Hypothesis
- Predators are expected to avoid brightly colored snakes; the prediction is that non-poisonous snakes will be attacked more when poisonous snakes are absent.
- Experiment involves two snake types: brightly colored and plain brown fake snakes.
- Both types are placed in areas with varying presence of poisonous snakes to observe predator behavior.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of science as outlined in Chapter 1 of the textbook. This quiz covers the definitions, types of scientific approaches like discovery science and hypothesis-based science, and the importance of direct observation in scientific studies.
