Chapter 1 – Introduction to life on earth
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What is the science of biology?
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The study of life
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Principles underlying all science
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All events can be attributed to natural causes
Explanations don’t invoke supernatural powers
Do not specifically exclude them; they just can’t be studied using science.
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Natural laws apply at all places and all times.
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People perceive events in similar ways.
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Misconceptions about science
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Scientists “prove” things
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“It is just a theory”
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Science vs. religion
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The scientific method
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Observation – something unexpected happens
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Hypothesis – explanation; if/then prediction
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Experiment – controlled test; challenge prediction
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Conclusion – supports or doesn’t support hypothesis; if conclusion doesn’t
support hypothesis you go back and modify hypothesis and start over.
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Penicillin
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Fleming, 1920
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Culture dish became contaminated
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Bacteria wouldn’t grow near Penicillium mold
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Extracted fluid from mold
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- Fall '08
- Minor
- Biology, RNA, Evolution, homeostasis Homeostasis, Homeostasis o Homeostasis
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