BIOL 101 Exam Questions And Answers (Verified And Updated)

BIOL 101 Exam Questions And Answers (Verified And Updated) What is science? What is biology? Why is biological literacy essential in the modern world? - answerScience - collection of facts; process for understanding the world; involves objective observation and experimentation Biology - the study of living things Biological Literacy - use scientific inquiry; communicate ideas about biology to others; integrate ideas about biology into your decision making - Avoid being bamboozled What are the steps of the Scientific Method? Do these steps always need to be followed in sequential order? - answer1.) Make observations 2.) Formulate a hypothesis 3.) Devise a testable prediction 4.) Conduct a critical experiment 5.) Draw conclusions and make revisions Doesn't necessarily continue linerally What are some important characteristics of a hypothesis? Why is the experiment an important part of the Scientific process? - answerImportant characteristics - must accomplish: 1.) Clearly establish mutually exclusive alt. explanations. Be clear if the proposed explanation isn't supported by evidence or further observations, a different hypothesis is a more likely explanation. 2.) Generate testable predictions. Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis only by putting it to the test. A critical experiment makes it clear whether a hypothesis is correct What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory? What are some examples of scientific theories? - answer- Hypothesis - proposed explanation for a phenomenon/ observation - Thesis - working explanation for natural phenomenon that is exceptionally well-supported by the data - A hypothesis that has withstood the test of time and is unlikely to be altered by any new evidence - Cell Theory - organisms are composed of cells and all cells come from preexisting cells - Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection - species can change over time and all species are related to one another through common ancestry How do scientists define life? - answer2 Characteristics: 1.) Ability to replicate 2.) Ability to carry out some sort of metabolism What are the 3 phases or steps involved in making life possible? - answer1.) Formation of small molecules containing carbon and hydrogen 2.) Formation of self-replicating info-containing molecules 3.) Development of a membrane enabling metabolism and creating the 1st cells How do you define a species? - answer- Species - label different kinds of organisms