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General Biology - Introduction and Scientific Inquiry

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is Biology?

    Biology is the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and interactions.

  • Name the 7 major properties of life.

    Reproduction, Growth and Development, Order, Response to Environment, Energy Processing, Regulation, Evolutionary Adaptation.

  • What is meant by 'Emergent Properties' in biological organization?

    Emergent properties are new characteristics that arise at each level of biological hierarchy due to interactions among components.

  • How does structure relate to function in biology?

    Biological structures are shaped to perform specific functions, e.g., bone structure supports and protects the body.

  • What role does DNA play in living organisms?

    DNA provides heritable genetic information essential for life processes and reproduction.

  • Explain the theme of Energy and Matter in biology.

    Life requires the transfer and transformation of energy and matter, such as plants converting light energy into chemical energy.

  • What is the importance of interactions in biological systems?

    Interactions occur at molecular, organismal, and ecosystem levels, influencing biological functions and environmental balance.

  • Define 'Scientific Inquiry' in biology.

    Scientific inquiry involves asking questions, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions to understand biological phenomena.

  • Differentiate between discovery-based and hypothesis-based inquiry.

    Discovery-based uses inductive reasoning to observe and describe; hypothesis-based uses deductive reasoning to test predictions.

  • What is a hypothesis?

    A hypothesis is a testable and falsifiable statement that explains an observation and predicts an outcome.

  • What makes a hypothesis testable and falsifiable?

    It must be possible to design experiments that can support or contradict the hypothesis.

  • Describe the components of a controlled experiment.

    Includes a control group, experimental group, independent variable (manipulated), and dependent variable (measured).

  • What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

    The independent variable is changed by the experimenter; the dependent variable responds to that change.

  • Define control group and experimental group.

    The control group is not exposed to the independent variable; the experimental group is exposed.

  • What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative data?

    Quantitative data is numerical; qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics.

  • How does a theory differ from a hypothesis?

    A theory is a well-supported explanation based on many tested hypotheses; a hypothesis is a single testable idea.

  • What is 'descent with modification'?

    It is the process by which species change over time, inheriting traits from common ancestors.

  • Explain natural selection.

    Individuals with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully, driving evolution.

  • What is negative feedback in biological systems?

    Negative feedback reduces a change, helping maintain homeostasis, e.g., insulin regulating blood glucose.

  • What is positive feedback?

    Positive feedback amplifies a change, often driving processes to completion, e.g., blood clotting.