What is science?
A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding of it.
What does civilization depend on?
Science and technology.
Why is science essential?
To sort fact from fiction and develop solutions to the problems we face.
How do scientists test ideas?
By critically examining evidence.
What is observational (descriptive) science?
Information gathered about organisms, systems, processes, etc., that cannot be manipulated by experiments.
What is hypothesis-driven science?
Targeted research where experiments test hypotheses using the scientific method.
What is the scientific method?
A traditional approach to research that tests ideas.
What is a hypothesis?
A statement that tries to explain a question and generates predictions.
What is a variable?
A condition that can change.
What is an independent variable?
A variable that can be manipulated.
What is a dependent variable?
A variable that depends on the independent variable.
What is a controlled experiment?
An experiment where the effects of all variables are controlled except the independent variable.
What is quantitative data?
Information that uses numbers.
What is qualitative data?
Information that does not use numbers.
What are manipulative experiments?
Experiments that yield the strongest evidence by controlling independent variables.
What are natural experiments?
Experiments that show real-world complexity using existing conditions to test predictions.
What does the scientific process guard against?
Faulty research through checks like peer review and publication in scientific journals.
What is a theory?
A well-tested and widely accepted explanation that consolidates related hypotheses.
What is a paradigm shift?
A dramatic upheaval in thought that changes the dominant viewpoint.
What are wicked problems?
Complex problems with no simple solution, such as environmental issues.
What is sustainability?
The idea that we must live within our planet’s means to sustain all life for the future.
What does sustainability involve?
Conserving resources, developing long-term solutions, and keeping fully functioning ecosystems.
What is biotic potential?
An organism’s capacity to produce offspring.
What are K-selected species?
Species with long gestation periods, few offspring, and strong parental care, stabilizing at or near carrying capacity.
