Chapter 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Evolution is
a. a belief
b. a scientific
c. a hypothesis
d. never observed in the modern world
b
Which of the following is not true of science?
a. Science is based on the premise that all events can be traced to natural causes.
b. Important science can be based on chance observations.
c. A hypothesis is basically a wild guess.
d. Scientific theories can potentially be disproved.
c
Which of the following statements about natural selection is not true?
a. Natural selection favors the same traits in all environments.
b. Natural selection produces adaptations.
c. Natural selection affects only traits that are inherited.
d. Natural selection acts on variation that is caused by mutations.
a
Viruses
a. have DNA confined in a nucleus.
b. are relatively rare compared to living organisms.
c. do not evolve.
d. require a host cell to reproduce.
d
Which one of the following is true?
a. The presence of a cell nucleus distinguishes
b. Bacteria from Archaea.
c. All cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane.
d. All members of Eukarya are multicellular.
Viruses are the simplest cells.
b
Organisms respond to ________. Organisms acquire and use_________ and________from the environment. Organisms are_______ composed of cells whose structure is both________ and_________. Populations of organisms_________over time.
stimuli, energy, materials, complex, organized and evolve
The smallest particle of an element that retains all the properties of that element is a(n)_________. The smallest unit of life is the ________. Cells of a specific type within multicellular organisms combine to form_________. A(n)_________consists of all the members of a species within a defined area. A(n)_________consists of all the interacting populations within the same area. A(n)_________consists of the community and its nonliving surroundings.
atom, cell, tissues, population, community, and ecosystem
A(n)______is a general explanation of natural phenomena supported by extensive, reproducible tests and observations. In contrast, a(n)________is a proposed explanation for observed events. To answer specific questions about life, biologists use a general process called the_________..
scientific theory, hypothesis, and scientific method
An important scientific theory that explains why organisms are at once so similar and so diverse is the theory of_________. This theory explains life’s diversity as having originated primarily through the process of________. .
evolution and natural selection
The molecule that guides the construction and operation of an organism’s body is called (complete term)_______, abbreviated as_______. This large molecule contains discrete segments with specific instructions; these segments are called________. .
Deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, and genes
What properties are shared by all forms of life?
Organisms acquire and use materials and energy; actively maintain organized complexity; perceive and respond to stimuli; grow; reproduce; and, collectively, have the capacity to evolve.
Why do organisms require energy? Where does the energy come from?
Living things must use energy continuously to maintain their organized complexity. The ultimate source of energy for life on Earth is sunlight.
Define evolution, and explain the process of natural selection.
Evolution is change over time as a result of descent with modification from a common ancestor. Evolution by natural selection is the inevitable outcome of: (1) differences among members of a population that arise as a result of mutations; (2) inheritance of these differences by offspring; and (3) increased survival and reproduction by individuals that inherit beneficial traits. As a result of this increased survival and reproduction, beneficial traits (and the genes that underlie them) become increasingly common in the population.
What are the three domains of life?
The domains are Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.
What are some differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? In which domain(s) is each found?
Eukaryotic cells of the domain Eukarya are complex and contain a variety of organelles, many surrounded by membranes. They contain a nucleus that encloses the cell’s DNA within a membrane. Prokaryotic cells are far simpler and generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells, and they lack organelles enclosed by membranes. The DNA of prokaryotic cells is not confined within a nucleus. The domains Bacteria and Archaea consist entirely of prokaryotic cells.
What basic principles underlie scientific inquiry?
The principles are the following: first, that all events have natural causes; second, that our universe is, and always has been, governed by natural laws; and third, that scientific data exist independently of subjective value systems.
What is the difference between a scientific theory and a hypothesis? Why do scientists refer to basic scientific principles as “theories” rather than “facts”?
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, based on preliminary evidence. In contrast, a scientific theory is more like a natural law or a basic principle derived from the study of nature that has never been disproven by scientific inquiry. Scientists describe these fundamental principles as “theories” rather than “facts” because science must be conducted with an open mind; if compelling evidence arises that renders a scientific theory invalid, that theory must be modified or discarded.
What factors did Redi control for in his open jar of meat? What factors did Andersson control for?
Redi’s controls were the same kind of meat and jar and the same length of time exposed to air at the same temperature and location. Andersson controlled for the season, weather, timing of the experiment, and general location of the observations (by performing the experiments simultaneously in the same area), as well as for handling the birds and modifying their tail feathers.
List the steps in the scientific method with a brief description of each step.
Scientific inquiry begins with an observation of a specific phenomenon, which leads to the question such as, “What caused this?” Then a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation for the phenomenon, is formed based on existing evidence. The hypothesis leads to a prediction, which is the expected outcome of testing if the hypothesis is correct. The prediction is tested by carefully designed additional observations or carefully controlled manipulations called experiments. Experiments produce results that either support or refute the hypothesis, allowing the scientist to reach a conclusion about whether the hypothesis is valid or not.
