Everything you really, really need to know about…
Scientific Inquiry and Biological
Organization.
Scientific Method:
The scientific method is used to help explain how the world works. It is a pre-determined
set up of steps that is flexible enough to adapt to all circumstances. Those steps are…
1.
Determining a question or problem.
2.
Doing background research regarding the question to determine if any related
information already exists.
3.
Developing a hypothesis, which is used to predict the answer to the question or
problem. Typically this is done in an “if, then” format.
4.
Designing an experiment to test that hypothesis. The experiment must include a
control group and an experimental group. The manipulated or independent
variable is applied to the experimental group but not to the control group to
provide a basis for comparison. The data that is generated for the purpose of
comparison would be the responding or dependent variable. This is what you
measure. You must manipulate just one variable, therefore, all other variables must
be kept the same between the control group and the experimental group. These are
called controls or controlled variables.
5.
Collect and organize data into tables and graphs.
6.
Analyze data and draw a conclusion, referring back to the original hypothesis to do
so. Either the data “supports” the hypothesis, or the data “refutes” the hypothesis.
Characteristics of Living Things:
All living things…
1.
reproduce. (sexual or asexual)
6.
adapt. (change over time)
2.
are made of cells. (uni- or multicellular)
7.
respond to stimuli
3.
have DNA, the universal genetic code.
8.
have a source of energy.
(autotroph vs. heterotroph)
4.
are homeostatic. (stable internal environment)
5.
have a lifespan.
9.
grow.
To be considered a living thing, an organism must meet ALL of these qualifications.
Taxonomy:
Our modern system of classification contains the following categories starting with the
most BROAD and ending with the most SPECIFIC.
Domain
Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya
Kingdom
Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Similar species will be placed together into a common genus. Similar genera will be
placed together into a common family.
In order to correctly identify each living thing, a universally accepted scientific name is
given to each organism. The scientific name is constructed by using the genus name and
the species name for that organism. The scientific name for human is Homo sapien, because
we are in the genus, Homo, and the species, sapien. This is referred to as “binomial
nomenclature.”