Unit 1 Test Review
Complete this test review and bring it on test day for extra credit on the test.
1. What is biology? What is a biologist?
Biology is the study of living things and the ways they interaction with the environment. A biology is a person who uses the scientific method to study biology.
2. List and explain each of the characteristics of life.
a. Made of Cells- some organisms are made of one cell (unicellular) some are made of many (multicellular) but all are made of cells
b. Use and Obtain Energy- all organisms need energy to carry out life functions
c. Reproduce- not every organism needs to reproduce, but the species must; can be asexual (one parent) or sexual (two parents)
d. Grow and develop- Grow is increasing in size, develop is change during growth
e. Respond to environment- Organisms respond as an individual (homeostasis and behavior) and as a species (through evolution)
3. What is homeostasis and why is it important?
Homeostasis is the process of an organism keeping its internal conditions (water level, chemical balance, temperature etc) the same despite changes in the environment. It is the balancing that all living things must do to stay alive.
4. Compare unicellular and multicellular organisms.
Multicellular organisms have many cells that work together and make up the living things that we can see with our eyes alone. Unicellular organisms are made of only one cell that carries out all the functions of life and they make up the ‘unseen’ microscopic world (bacteria, protists, etc)
5. Compare heterotrophs and autotrophs.
Heterotrophs get their energy from other organisms (decomposing or consuming). Autotrophs are organisms that make their own food (usually by photosynthesis), such as plants.
6. What are the levels of organization?
(from smallest to largest) Molecules, Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organisms, Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Biosphere
7. What is scientific collaboration?
When scientists work together and build on each other’s work. Scientists don’t learn everything by themselves, and so they share their findings and information with others.
8. Where are you most likely to find recent, accurate scientific information?
Scientific journals, which are periodicals (magazines) filled with research scientific research from around the world
9. What is the scientific method? What are the steps?
In this class we learned the steps as: Observe and State a Problem, Form a Hypothesis, Experiment to Test the Hypothesis, Record and Analyze Data, Form a Conclusion, Repeat and Report Work
10. Compare and explain observations, inferences and predictions?
a. Observation- Something you notice with your senses
b. Inference- Connecting an observation to previous knowledge to make a statement
c. Prediction- Using observations and inferences to make a guess about a similar situation or event
11. What is the difference between observations in the field and in the lab?
Observations in the field are made in ‘everyday life’ as they happen in nature; in the lab is under controlled situations in research.
12. Define Independent Variable
The manipulated variable; ‘what I change’
13. Define Dependent Variable
The responding variable, what changes because of the IV; ‘what gets measured in the end’
14. What is a hypothesis? What two key parts of the experimental design (variables) does it relate to each other?
A scientific prediction that relates the variables; it is relating the IV and DV with an If-then statement.
15. Why does a good hypothesis need to come from research and observation?
Because observations are what usually lead to the experiment, and they may already suggest a possible prediction to you. Research is important because you must know the background of your topic well before you can really make a proper hypothesis, or else your observations may be misleading.
16. What is a control? Why do you need one?
The control is a group without the Independent Variable applied to it. You use it for reference. How do you know if the fertilizer made the plant taller if you don’t know how tall the plant is without it?
17. What is the difference between quantitative data and qualitative data?
Quantitative data uses numbers and amounts; Qualitative data uses languages, words and descriptions.
18. What is error in an experiment? What are common ways sources of error are introduced?
Error is questionable data because of bad experimental design or mistakes carrying out the experiment. Common sources of error are lack of control, not having correct constants and not having enough trials.
19. What are the steps to making a good conclusion from a set of data? What must a good conclusion refer back to?
Don’t Touch Stinky Hair
1. Look at the Data
2. Look for Trends and Themes in the data
3. Make simple Statements describing the data
4. Reword the statements in terms of the Hypothesis
A good conclusion must refer to the hypothesis; “My hypothesis was supported or rejected because….”
20. What is a meniscus? Why is it important for measuring water volume?
When water is in a small container, like a graduated cylinder, it makes a curve (this is the meniscus). You should make your measurement, from eye level, from the bottom of the meniscus.