Science is all about figuring out how the world works. It's like being a detective, using clues and evidence to solve mysteries in nature. Scientists follow a step-by-step process to ask questions, make guesses, and test their ideas.
Biology is a big part of science that looks at living things. It covers everything from tiny cells to whole ecosystems. Understanding biology helps us make sense of life and how all the pieces fit together in nature's puzzle.
The Nature of Science
Characteristics of natural sciences
- Study the physical and natural world (biology, chemistry, physics, Earth science)
- Rely on empirical evidence obtained through observation and experimentation
- Data gathered through senses or scientific instruments
- Utilize scientific method to investigate phenomena and acquire knowledge
- Systematic approach to research
- Aim to develop theories and laws that explain natural phenomena
- Theories are well-supported explanations for wide range of observations (evolution, atomic theory)
- Laws are concise descriptions of relationships between variables in nature (Newton's laws of motion)
- Require objectivity and reproducibility in research
- Objectivity minimizes bias and personal opinions
- Reproducibility allows other scientists to verify results by repeating experiments
Steps of scientific method
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Observation and question formulation
- Observe phenomenon and ask questions (Why do objects fall towards Earth?)
- Identify gaps in current knowledge and guide research
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Hypothesis development
- Propose tentative explanation for observed phenomenon
- Must be testable and falsifiable (Objects fall due to gravitational force)
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Experiment design and data collection
- Plan and conduct experiments to test hypothesis
- Collect data through observations and measurements (measure acceleration of falling objects)
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Data analysis and interpretation
- Analyze collected data using statistical methods
- Interpret results to determine if they support or refute hypothesis
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Conclusion and communication
- Draw conclusions based on evidence
- Communicate findings to scientific community through publications and presentations
- Provides systematic and unbiased approach to research
- Ensures conclusions are based on empirical evidence
- Allows for refinement and expansion of scientific knowledge over time
Inductive vs deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from specific observations
- Moves from specific instances to broad generalizations
- Observing all studied birds lay eggs and concluding all birds lay eggs
- Deductive reasoning uses general principles to predict specific outcomes
- Moves from broad generalizations to specific instances
- Using principle all mammals have hair to predict newly discovered mammal species will have hair
- Both types of reasoning are important in scientific inquiry
- Inductive reasoning helps generate hypotheses based on observations
- Deductive reasoning allows for testing hypotheses using existing knowledge
Basic vs applied science
- Basic science (pure science) aims to expand knowledge and understanding of natural world
- Driven by curiosity and desire to understand fundamental principles
- May not have immediate practical applications
- Research on structure of atoms or evolution of species
- Applied science focuses on solving specific problems or developing new technologies
- Builds upon knowledge gained from basic science
- Has direct practical applications (medicine, engineering, agriculture)
- Developing new vaccines or creating more efficient solar panels
- Basic science provides foundation for applied science
- Discoveries in basic science often lead to practical applications in applied science
- Applied science can generate new questions and challenges for basic science to address
Fundamental principles of biology
- Cell theory: all living organisms are composed of cells, and cells are the basic unit of life
- Homeostasis: living organisms maintain internal stability to survive in changing environments
- Natural selection: process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
- Genetics: study of heredity and variation in living organisms
- Metabolism: chemical processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life
- Ecosystems: communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment