Units 1-3: Life Science Flash Cards

Front

What do biologists study?

Back

Living organisms.

Front

What is the process of the scientific method?

Back

A scientist or student develops a question regarding observations made about anything. The question is formulated into a testable hypothesis, then experimentation begins to test the hypothesis. As data is collected during experimentation, it is analyzed to test whether the data proves the hypothesis True or False. If the data supports the hypothesis, further experiments are designed and carried out to test the hypothesis more. If the hypothesis is not supported by the data, the hypothesis must either be reformulated or thrown out altogether, and a new hypothesis statement made. If a hypothesis holds up over many years and experiments, it is considered a theory.

Front

True or False? The experimental group is exposed to the variable in a controlled experiment.

Back

True.

Front

What is the difference between a measured and a derived unit?

Back

Measured units can be measured directly using some measuring device; derived units must be calculated because they represent mathematical relationships between two or more measured or other derived units.

Front

List at least five ways data can be obtained during an experiment.

Back

Light microscopy, electron microscopy, thermometer, scales, speedometers, cameras, unaided vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell, CT scanning, MRI, and x ray (to name a few).

Front

True or False? In order to study life, one must know what is alive and what is not.

Back

True. Establishing common criteria to define life allows for accurate study and discussion of the experimentation process.

Front

True or False? A multicellular organism is made up of two or more cells.

Back

True.

Front

True or False? Unicellular organisms are not alive because they only contain one cell.

Back

False. Unicellular organisms are every bit as alive as multicellular organisms.

Front

Why is DNA called the 'blueprint of life'?

Back

DNA contains the genetic information that codes for, or controls, the development of every aspect of an organism's appearance and function.

Front

What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?

Back

Sexual reproduction occurs by the DNA of two organisms combining to form a new organism. Asexual reproduction occurs without combining genetic information. Sexual reproduction forms organisms that are genetically different than either parent, but asexual reproduction leads to organisms that are genetically identical to the parent cell.