(Chapter 1: Learning About Life) Exam Class Notes
The Process of Science
Science is the study of the natural world. Biology is the study of life
Hypothesis – A tentative explanation for some specific phenomena that can be tested
with an experiment. Scientists submit their work for publication after peer review.
A theory is an explanation for a major phenomenon. It is the result of testing many
hypotheses with many experiments.
Controlled experiments are performed to help scientists make sure that everything in an
experiment is working as it should. Scientists know what the result of a controlled
experiment should be and use it to compare to the results of the actual experiment.
Themes in Biology
Living things display certain properties – order, growth, evolution, etc. Non-living things
display some of these properties.
Structure is related to function
Information flows within living things
Life involved transformations between energy and matter. * Energy flows through and
ecosystem (or organism) but matter (nutrients) are recycled.
There is a hierarchy of interactions in living things, from the biosphere down to atoms
and molecules.
Living things evolve. Living things pass on information to the next generation. If there
are any changes (mistakes) in that information, that is evolution.
The Process of Science
Science is the study of the natural world. Biology is the study of life
Hypothesis – A tentative explanation for some specific phenomena that can be tested
with an experiment. Scientists submit their work for publication after peer review.
A theory is an explanation for a major phenomenon. It is the result of testing many
hypotheses with many experiments.
Controlled experiments are performed to help scientists make sure that everything in an
experiment is working as it should. Scientists know what the result of a controlled
experiment should be and use it to compare to the results of the actual experiment.
Themes in Biology
Living things display certain properties – order, growth, evolution, etc. Non-living things
display some of these properties.
Structure is related to function
Information flows within living things
Life involved transformations between energy and matter. * Energy flows through and
ecosystem (or organism) but matter (nutrients) are recycled.
There is a hierarchy of interactions in living things, from the biosphere down to atoms
and molecules.
Living things evolve. Living things pass on information to the next generation. If there
are any changes (mistakes) in that information, that is evolution.
