Chapter 1 – The Science of Biology

What is Science? Science IS: A search for explanations about the natural world A body of knowledge A process, a method Methodological naturalism natural explanations for occurrences (No statements such as “Evil spirits cause diseases.”)

What Science Isn’t Science is NOT: Unchanging facts (new discoveries and evidence may change scientific ideas) The study of the supernatural (God, UFO’s, ghosts, astrology, psychics…Science can not address these things but it does not mean that they are wrong, they just are not testable.)

Evidence Based on Observations Using the 5 senses to gather information Data information gathered from observation Types of Data Quantitative observation - 29 students are in class. Qualitative observation - The table tops are orange

Interpreting Observations Inference Logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience

Explaining the Evidence Hypothesis- possible explanation for an observed phenomenon. Ex. Disease spread by humans? Disease spread by insect bites? Disease spread by contaminated food air or water? Test all possible hypotheses so the correct hypothesis remains standing

Science and Values Science can help one understand natural occurrences. Science can’t give answers or tell us how the world ought to be or the way we want it to be. Ethics, religion, societal customs and values are important considerations in decision making in out world.

Experimental Design State the Problem Form a Hypothesis Ex: How do living things come to be? Form a Hypothesis Ex: All living things arise from other living things Set up a controlled experiment Record and Analyze Results Data and Tables Report the Conclusion Explanation of why the hypothesis was correct or not. Experiment must be shared with others so that they can reproduce the same results.

Experiment Controlled Experiment Control Independent Variable An experiment that only tests one variable Control The subject in which no variables are changes Independent Variable The factor that is purposely changed Dependant Variable The factors that change because the Independent Variable was changed.

Theories Theory A hypothesis that has been supported by evidence from numerous investigations VERY WELL SUPPORTED

Characteristics of Living Things Made up of cells Able to reproduce Universal Genetic Code Grows and develops Obtains and uses energy Responds to the environment Homeostasis As a group, changes over time

Levels of Organization Biosphere Ecosystem Community Population Organism Groups of Cells Cells Molecules