Biology 111 Exam 1 TAMU Questions and Answers Graded A

Biology 111 Exam 1 TAMU Questions and Answers Graded A What is Ntural science? The field of science that is related to the physical world and its phenomena and processes. Basic Science Science done simply to gain knowledge regardless of application Ex. Wondering how the body makes cholesterol Applied Science Science defines by real world problems Ex. Using scientific discoveries to solve practical problems Inductive Reasoning Describes natural structures and processes as accurately as possible through careful observation and analysis of data Observation -> pattern -> tentative hypothesis -> theory Deductive Reasoning Inquiry that asks specific questions and tests a hypothesis; a tentative answer to a well-framed question or observation Theory -> hypothesis -> observation -> observation -> confirmation The Scientific Method 1. Make observations 2. Develop hypothesis 3. Design experiment 4. Collect data 5. Analyze data 6. Refine/ repeat experiment 7. Communicate results Why is Communication of results so important? It allows others in the scientific community to critique and analyze what you have found. Independent Variable (IV) What is changing? Ex. Time, density, temperature Dependent Variable (DV) What are you measuring? Ex. Weight, height, behaviour Control Variable What is constant? Hypothesis 1. It must be testable 2. It must be falsifiable Theory A hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and not yet falsified. Tenets of the Cell Theory - All living organisms are made of one or more cells - Chemical reactions necessary for life take place within cells - All cells come from pre-existing cells - Cells contain hereditary information in the form of DNA The Gene Theory - Genes are basic units of inheritance and are comprised of DNA - Provides the foundation for the field of Genetics Book analogy: 'Letters' = nucleotides 'Words' = codon 'Sentences' = gene ' Chapters' = chromosome The Theory of Heredity - Gregor Mendel - Genes are passed from parent to offspring - Mutations during reproduction also cause variation Emergent Properties of Life - life's fundamental characteristics is having a high degree of order - biological organization is based on a hierarchy of structural levels What does it mean that the total is greater than a sum of its part? A cell is more than many molecules...it does more with all of the molecules together than individually is the molecules are just a clump Natural Order of Life Atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, biosphere What key functions to all organisms have? 1. Order