Ch. 1 - Scientific Method and the Study of Life

testable explanation for a set of observations based on available data

deductive reasoning is a type of logic in which specific results are predicted from a general premise

• hypo 1: batteries are dead - hypo 2: bulb is dead

-can “disprove” or falsify a hypothesis but one can never “prove” beyond a doubt a hypothesis -there could always be other explanations >so we repeat, if we always get the same result, we may form a theory that it’s the case

• can be tested by experiment • makes a logical prediction (if…then… statement) • a bad hypothesis fails to make a logical prediction or makes untestable predictions

give you something to compare experimental groups to

has only one thing (variable) different than the control group

• order • ability to reproduce • growth and development (increase in complexity) • ability to process energy/metabolize • response to stimuli • regulation (homeostasis) • adaptation (long-term)

life is highly structured -> living cells are the basis of this complex organization

organisms reproduce their own kind or it doesn’t last very long

• inherited information in the form of DNA controls the pattern of growth and development of all organisms • salt crystals grow but they don’t develop

will use chemical energy stored in raw materials to power its own activities and chemical reactions

response to heat, cold, light, etc

many types of mechanisms regulate an organisms internal environment, keeping it within limits that sustain life

adaptations evolve over many generations as individuals with traits best suited to their environment have greater reproductive success and pass their traits to offspring

M=2, N=2 >M+N=1 antagonistic result >M+N=100 synergistic result

• law of conservation of energy/mass: - entropy law

energy cannot be created or destroyed, it may be transformed

• in all natural processes the entropy of the world always increases • matter and energy in the universe tend to an ultimate state of inert uniformity (can be synonymous with disorder within the system)

• ability to maintain a constant internal environment • requires a sensitivity and appropriate response to even small changes • mammals are homeothermic - capable of regulating their body temp within a small safe temp range

• a short term response to the environment - wearing a jacket in the winter

• a long term, intergenerational change due to natural selection • actual changes in genes - we grow more fur!