BIOL 112 1st Edition Exam 1 Study Guide Lectures 1 6 Lecture 1 January 14 2 questions from this section Epistemology the study of knowledges and its omits how do we know what we know and how do we learn more we get information from the universe using our senses Scientific Method A mental tool a way of thinking that allows us to build models of the universe to understand its actions and predict its behavior Assumptions are needed to do this Universe is material exists only as matter or energy No supernatural God ghosts angels etc doesn t mean it doesn t exist but science can t analyze these non material phenomena Universe is logical cause effect chains can be established The Universe can be analyzed Lecture 2 January 16 Hypothesis lower level of scientific model temporary model created to be tested in an experiment usually limited to a specific case phrased in an if then kind of style set up for a specific condition Theory higher level of scientific model reliable useful valid testable model of some aspect of the universe one single experiment usually doesn t invalidate a theory has good explanatory and predictive powers because it applies to many cases Paradigms large scale model encompassing theory which gives a major frame of reference major way of looking at the world i e quantum mechanics Mendelian genetics cell theory evolution Untestable Theory beyond our current ability to examine don t have the technology resources to test a theory Unfalsifiable Theory constructed so that any possible test is meaningless it s not that you don t have the resources technology it s not fathomable Lecture 3 January 21 Around 10 questions from this section The Scientific Method Two major aspects Observations facts what we see Interpretations theories what it means A good theory does two things Explains what happens shows how things work predicts what will happen if certain conditions are established not fortune telling or predicting the future but expected data from specified situations experiments Evolution A change in population of organisms over a long period of time basis of change change in genetic composition of population Genetic changes produce change in biochemistry change in morphology change in behavior any other aspects of organisms under genetic control Half life unaffected by normal ambient conditions temperature pressure chemicals etc in one half life half of the original sample of a material will have decayed in two half lives 3 4 of the original sample will have decayed etc Lecture 4 January 23 Potential of 29 questions from this section Homology fundamental identity of structure organization of structures in living creatures are similar in spite of possible differences in function in other words structures on organisms from common ancestors but have different function Concept of homology developed in 18th century before evolution was a concept Theory of Homology Theory that all vertebrates descended from an original ancestor with fundamental forelimb bone arrangement Difference in size function developed over time but all vertebrate forelimbs retain same common fundamental underlying pattern of organization concept supported by detailed fossil evidence Theory of Homology was further reinforced by molecular evidence sets of homologous genes used to develop homologous structures in different organisms Molecular Homologies organisms have homologies among their gene sequences and organization as well in their anatomy and development essentially having the same genetic code Vestigial Organs Features in an organism that exist but have no purpose They appear to be the remains of organs that were more developed and had a purpose in the past history of species or its ancestors but no longer are developed or used Theories of Evolution Attempts to explain observed facts we evaluate these models by scientific standard techniques Must meet same evolution criteria as any other theory explain predict Homeobox homology of arrangement of patterning genes Jean Baptiste Lamarck Theory of Inheritance Theory published in 1809 variations in organisms arise from use disuse of organs variations that develop during an organism s lifetime are heritable Lamarck s Theory was not a valid model because it did not stand up to tests and was eventually discarded but it was the first testable theory during the Enlightenment about evolution Charles Darwin 1809 1882 Father was a wealthy physician and sent him to Edinburgh University to study medicine Darwin didn t like medicine but did like natural science so he dropped out and returned home dad said he could now be either a military officer or Anglican clergyman Father then sent him to Cambridge to study theology but he wasn t enthusiastic about that so he spent all his time studying natural sciences Was given the opportunity to study on the H M S Beagle to explore the coast of South America managed to get money from his father to do so Lecture 5 January 28 8 10 questions come from this lecture H M S Beagle Darwin collected animals plants rocks and fossils all along coast Observed cultures and activities of peoples along coast Sent specimens and reports home won himself a growing reputation as a good scientist On the Galapagos Islands Darwin observed 13 different species of finches All had varying sizes and behaviors On the South American mainland though there was only 1 species of the finches seed eaters Why was there only 1 species on mainland and yet 13 distinct species crammed on small islands Developed a radical theory of evolution in the late 1830s after the voyage but didn t publish it Alfred Russel Wallace 1823 1913 Wallace was a scientist and professional collector in a biological field station in New Guinea in the 1850s had independently developed evolutionary theory nearly identical to that of Darwin In 1858 he wrote a short paper on evolution and sent it to Darwin asking for help getting it published Darwin was persuaded by a friend to publish a joint paper co authored with Wallace The Origin of Species 1859 20 years of thinking and evidence by Darwin assembled in this work Factors that affected Darwin Lamarck Evolution does occur new species do appear organisms change Charles Lyell 1797 1875 Geologist developed Theory of Uniformitarianism Geological activities can explain major features Lyell s work gave Darwin the geological time slow geological evolution within which slow biological evolution could occur Thomas Malthus 1766 1834 Gloomy