Themes in the Study of Life

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Ideally, only the variable of interest (the color pattern of the artificial snakes) differs between the control and experimental groups

A controlled experiment means that control groups are used to cancel the effects of unwanted variables

A controlled experiment does not mean that all unwanted variables are kept constant

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Limitations of Science

In science, observations and experimental results must be repeatable

Science cannot support or falsify supernatural explanations, which are outside the bounds of science

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Theories in Science

In the context of science, a theory is:

Broader in scope than a hypothesis

General, and can lead to new testable hypotheses

Supported by a large body of evidence in comparison to a hypothesis

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Model Building in Science

Models are representations of natural phenomena and can take the form of:

Diagrams

Three-dimensional objects

Computer programs

Mathematical equations

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Fig. 1-28

From

body

From

lungs

Right

atrium

Left

atrium

Left

ventricle

Right

ventricle

To lungs

To body

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The Culture of Science

Most scientists work in teams, which often include graduate and undergraduate students

Good communication is important in order to share results through seminars, publications, and websites

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Fig. 1-29

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Science, Technology, and Society

The goal of science is to understand natural phenomena

The goal of technology is to apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose

Science and technology are interdependent

Biology is marked by “discoveries,” while technology is marked by “inventions”

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The combination of science and technology has dramatic effects on society

For example, the discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick allowed for advances in DNA technology such as testing for hereditary diseases

Ethical issues can arise from new technology, but have as much to do with politics, economics, and cultural values as with science and technology

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