Chapter 1: Human Biology, Science, and Society

True or false? The ability to grow and reproduce is a characteristic of life. True False True or false? The ability to grow and reproduce is a characteristic of life. True The ability to grow and reproduce is one of the characteristics of life, but an organism must satisfy all of the characteristics of life, not just one. A crystal can grow, but it is an inorganic substance and not alive. © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? The scientific method can be used to prove a hypothesis. True False © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? The scientific method can be used to prove a hypothesis. False The scientific method cannot be used to provide proof of a hypothesis since it is nearly impossible to test a hypothesis in all possible conditions. There may always be an improved technology and data that may disprove a current concept. The scientific method, through an experiment, may provide evidence to support a hypothesis, but not proof. © 2017 Education, Inc. What step in the scientific method involves making a tentative statement that explains an observation or answers a question? Observe and generalize Form a testable prediction Form a hypothesis Perform an experiment or conduct observations © 2017 Education, Inc. What step in the scientific method involves making a tentative statement that explains an observation or answers a question? Form a hypothesis If the hypothesis is worded simply and clearly, the protocol for the research project flows naturally. A good hypothesis leads to testable predictions based on the hypothesis. This allows experiments to be designed that can test the predictions and support or refute the hypothesis. © 2017 Education, Inc. Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of humans? Bipedalism Ability to vocalize Opposable thumbs Large brain © 2017 Education, Inc. Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of humans? Ability to vocalize Many animals can vocalize (produce sounds). Human language is much more than vocalization. Humans have developed both complex vocal language and a system of signs, symbols, and gestures for communication of concepts and emotions in spoken and written form. © 2017 Education, Inc. An anecdote is _____. a strong supporting fact an opinion held by an expert in the field a judgment based on verifiable facts a testimonial or short, unverified report © 2017 Education, Inc. An anecdote is _____. a testimonial or short, unverified report Strong supporting facts, testimonials, or opinions are inadequate data for support of a hypothesis. They do not provide enough data on which to base a judgment. © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? We need science to make most informed decisions. True False © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? We need science to make most informed decisions. True Science provides unbiased information concerning issues of personal and societal importance. Without this data, decisions are made based on inadequate information that may not apply to the situation being examined or to the whole population. © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? There isn’t a question that science cannot address. True False © 2017 Education, Inc. True or false? There isn’t a question that science cannot address. False Science is limited by technology and imagination. If a question cannot be imagined and tested, science cannot be used. For example, questions of morality cannot be tested; therefore, the scientific method cannot be used to address these issues. © 2017 Education, Inc.