BIOL2010: Exam #1 Study Guide (Chapters 1-3)
Chapter One:
*Definitions:
1. Inductive Reasoning: Scientists make a number of observations and based on the
recorded data the scientist infers conclusions (inductions).
a. (From in to out)
b. Uses related observations to arrive a general conclusions
i. Example: My math teacher is bald, my previous math teacher was also
bald, so that must mean all my math teachers will be bald
2. Deductive Reasoning: Uses a general principle or law to predict specific results
a. (From out to in)
b. Begins with a specific question or problem and a potential answer that can be
tested
i. Example: Quadrilaterals have four sides. A general principle that you
would deduce is that a square is a quadrilateral.
ii. All birds have feathers → A robin has feathers, a robin is a bird.
3. Scientific Method: A process of experimentation that is used to explore observations and
answer questions.
a. First documented by Sir Francis Bacon
b. *Broken down into specific steps*
c. When testing an experiment, there are a lot of variables to consider.
4. Controlled Experiment: An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a
time.
5. Biology: The study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their
environments.
6. Control: A control group is a group of specimens that does not receive the treatment
7. Hypothesis: A testable prediction, often implied by a theory. Little data and testing.
8. Natural Science: Field of science that is related to the physical world and its phenomena
and processes.
9. Theory: Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena.
a. A hypothesis that has been tested thoroughly with significant data to back up the
conclusion.
10. Variable: Part of an experiment that the experimenter can vary or change
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the steps of the scientific method?
a. Make an observation
b. Ask a question
c. Form a hypothesis that answers the question
, d. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis
e. DO an experiment to test the prediction
f. Analyze results
i. Hypothesis is Correct or Incorrect
g. Report Results
h. Try again
2. Can you distinguish the difference between statements based on inductive and
deductive reasoning?
a. The difference between statements based on inductive and deductive reasoning is
that inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related
observations to arrive at a general conclusion. Deductive reason is a form of
logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results.
3. Be able to identify the difference between a testable hypothesis and one that cannot
be tested.
4. What are the characteristics of all living things?
a. Order: Inside each cell, atoms make up molecules; these in turn make up cell
organelles and other cellular inclusions. In multicellular organisms, similar cells
form tissues. Tissues, in turn, collaborate to create organs (body structures with a
distinct function). Organs work together to form organ systems.
b. Sensitivity or Response to Environment/Stimuli: The ability for organisms to
respond to diverse stimuli. For example, change in temperature, environment,
response to touch, etc.
c. Reproduction: When reproduction occurs, genes containing DNA are passed
along to an organism’s offspring. These genes ensure that the offspring will
belong to the same species and will have similar characteristics, such as size and
shape.
d. Adaptation: Organisms adapting to new surroundings, temperatures,
environments, and more is crucial for survival.
e. Growth and Development: Ensures that a species young will grow up to exhibit
many of the same characteristics as its parents.
f. Regulation: Regulation helps coordinate internal functions, response to stimuli,
and helps organisms cope with environmental stresses.
g. Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.
h. Energy Processing: All organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic
activities.
i. Evolution: Process of gradual change during which new species arise from older
species and some species become extinct.
5. Why is it important to include a control group in an experiment?
Chapter One:
*Definitions:
1. Inductive Reasoning: Scientists make a number of observations and based on the
recorded data the scientist infers conclusions (inductions).
a. (From in to out)
b. Uses related observations to arrive a general conclusions
i. Example: My math teacher is bald, my previous math teacher was also
bald, so that must mean all my math teachers will be bald
2. Deductive Reasoning: Uses a general principle or law to predict specific results
a. (From out to in)
b. Begins with a specific question or problem and a potential answer that can be
tested
i. Example: Quadrilaterals have four sides. A general principle that you
would deduce is that a square is a quadrilateral.
ii. All birds have feathers → A robin has feathers, a robin is a bird.
3. Scientific Method: A process of experimentation that is used to explore observations and
answer questions.
a. First documented by Sir Francis Bacon
b. *Broken down into specific steps*
c. When testing an experiment, there are a lot of variables to consider.
4. Controlled Experiment: An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a
time.
5. Biology: The study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their
environments.
6. Control: A control group is a group of specimens that does not receive the treatment
7. Hypothesis: A testable prediction, often implied by a theory. Little data and testing.
8. Natural Science: Field of science that is related to the physical world and its phenomena
and processes.
9. Theory: Tested and confirmed explanation for observations or phenomena.
a. A hypothesis that has been tested thoroughly with significant data to back up the
conclusion.
10. Variable: Part of an experiment that the experimenter can vary or change
Discussion Questions:
1. What are the steps of the scientific method?
a. Make an observation
b. Ask a question
c. Form a hypothesis that answers the question
, d. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis
e. DO an experiment to test the prediction
f. Analyze results
i. Hypothesis is Correct or Incorrect
g. Report Results
h. Try again
2. Can you distinguish the difference between statements based on inductive and
deductive reasoning?
a. The difference between statements based on inductive and deductive reasoning is
that inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related
observations to arrive at a general conclusion. Deductive reason is a form of
logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results.
3. Be able to identify the difference between a testable hypothesis and one that cannot
be tested.
4. What are the characteristics of all living things?
a. Order: Inside each cell, atoms make up molecules; these in turn make up cell
organelles and other cellular inclusions. In multicellular organisms, similar cells
form tissues. Tissues, in turn, collaborate to create organs (body structures with a
distinct function). Organs work together to form organ systems.
b. Sensitivity or Response to Environment/Stimuli: The ability for organisms to
respond to diverse stimuli. For example, change in temperature, environment,
response to touch, etc.
c. Reproduction: When reproduction occurs, genes containing DNA are passed
along to an organism’s offspring. These genes ensure that the offspring will
belong to the same species and will have similar characteristics, such as size and
shape.
d. Adaptation: Organisms adapting to new surroundings, temperatures,
environments, and more is crucial for survival.
e. Growth and Development: Ensures that a species young will grow up to exhibit
many of the same characteristics as its parents.
f. Regulation: Regulation helps coordinate internal functions, response to stimuli,
and helps organisms cope with environmental stresses.
g. Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions.
h. Energy Processing: All organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic
activities.
i. Evolution: Process of gradual change during which new species arise from older
species and some species become extinct.
5. Why is it important to include a control group in an experiment?
