Scientific method and Evolution

Question 1

Feedback mechanism

Answer 1

Allows biological processes to self-regulate

Question 2

Negative Feedback

Answer 2

As more of a product accumulates, the process that creates it slows and less of the product is produced

Leads to balance

• Regulating body temperature
• Regulating metabolic proceses

Question 3

Positive Feedback

Answer 3

As more of a product accumulates, the process that created it speeds up and more of the product is produced

• Blood clots
• Milk production
• Child birth

Question 4

A striking unity underlies the diversity of life

Answer 4

• DNA is the universal genetic language common to all organisms
• Unity is evident in many features of cell structure

Question 5

Charles Darwin

Answer 5

published “On the origin of species by means of natural selection” in 1859

• Species showed evidence of “ descent with modification” from common ancestors
• Natural selection is the mechanism behind “descent with modification”

Darwin’s theory explained the duality of unity and diversity

Individuals in a population vary in their trains, many of which are heritable

More offspring are produced than survive and competition is inevitable

Species generally suit their environment

Individuals that are best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce

Over time, more individuals in a population have the advantageous traits

Evolution occurs as the unequal reproductive success of individuals

Question 6

Earth

Answer 6

Fossils and other evidence document the evolution of life on Earth over billions of years

Accepted age of Earth is 4.55 billion years

Question 7

Fossil

Answer 7

Trace of previous life

• Dinosaur bones
• Clam or snail shell
• Footprints
• Dung

Question 8

Data

Answer 8

Rcorded observations or items of info

Qualitative data = Descriptions rather than measurements

ex. Jane Goodall's observations of chimp behavior.
ex. color

Quantitative data = Recorded measurements which are sometimes organized into tables and graphs

Question 9

Hypothesis

Answer 9

Tentative answer to a well-framed question

Scientific hypothesis leads to predictions that can be tested by observation or experimentation

Must be testable and falsifiable

Question 10

Scientific method

Answer 10

Idealized process of inquiry

Hypothesis-based science is based on the “textbook” scientific method but rarely follows all ordered steps in order

Observations and experimental results must be repeatable

Question 11

Theory

Answer 11

Broader in scope and more well-defined than a hypothesis

Can lead to new testable hypotheses

Supported by a large body of evidence in comparison to a hypothesis