1. The Science of Biology
Chapter 2

2. What is Science??
Science (“to know”) is a way to ask questions about the natural world
Science is testable or falsifiable; beliefs, opinions, and the supernatural are not testable
Science is supported with evidence that can be verified through repeated experiments

3. What is Science?? (continued)
Science is NOT a set of unchanging facts; it is an ongoing process that advances knowledge and understanding
Scientific knowledge is uncertain
Reality is complex
Explanations of reality are not absolutely true
Allows for alternative explanations to better explain observations
Scientists must be skeptical (question existing ideas) and open-minded (consider new hypotheses if the data supports it)

4. Discovery Science
Describes natural structures or processes through careful observation and data collection
Emphasizes inquiry and observation
Inquiry is about asking questions based on observations and actively seeking answers
Observation is the use of the senses or instruments to gather and record information about structures or processes
Observations are recorded as Data

5. Types of Data QUANTITATIVE A recorded measurement
Scientists worldwide use the metric system
QUALITATIVE
Descriptions, drawings, or photographs
Best data is documented, clearly organized, consistently recorded, and reliable

6. Inferences Logical conclusions based on observations Example:
In 1928, Alexander Fleming observed a mold contaminating a cultured of bacteria. He noticed no bacteria growing near the mold.
He inferred that the mold was killing the bacteria.

7. Practice making Inferences…

8. Inferences and Generalizations in Science
Inferences help refine general questions into specific questions that can be explored further
Ex: What substance produced by this mold is killing the bacteria?
Generalizations are conclusions formed from many specific observations that are related
Ex: Many molds have antibiotic properties that can be used to kill bacteria harmful to humans.

9. Hypothesis-based Science
Seeks explanations to specific questions by testing predictions
Ex: Poisonous snakes have bright colors and rings. Some non-poisonous snakes also have bright colors and rings.
Question: What is the function of such mimicry?
POISONOUS
NON-POISONOUS

10. Form a Hypothesis
Hypothesis: Mimics benefit because predators confuse them with the harmful species.
Restate the hypothesis in “IF, AND, and THEN” format:
If this idea is true, and I do this, then this will happen.
EX:
If predators confuse the mimics with the harmful species, and I expose predators to non-poisonous snakes with rings and without rings, then the predators will attack the species without the rings more often.

11. Design a Controlled Experiment
The experiment is designed to test the hypothesis
Can only test the effect of ONE variable!!
Ex: The presence of colored rings on the snakes body
The Control Group
The Experimental Group

12. Organize Data and Interpret Results
Quantitative data should be organized into charts and graphs
The results will either support the hypothesis or cause the scientist to revise his or her hypothesis and test again

13. Theories in Science
A theory is a well-tested explanation that makes sense out of a great variety of scientific observations
Supported by an extensive body of evidence
Provide framework for future research and predictions
Subject to modification as new evidence is uncovered

14. Models in Science
Models are physical, mental, or mathematical representations of how to understand a process or an idea
Can be drawings, graphs, 3D, computer programs, or equations

15. Communication and Technology in Science
Communication is necessary for cooperation and competition among scientists
Scientist communicate their ideas in published journals and the web
Technology is the result of applied scientific understanding
Ex: Structure of DNA = Science
Genetic Engineering = Technology

16. Science, Technology, and Society
Technology is not driven by the curiosity that drives basic science, but by the needs and wants of humans
Ethics in Science: Debated issues about technology ask “should it be done,” not “can it be done”
Good citizens make an effort to understand the technology before making lifestyle and democratic choices