SOL Review Packet Questions and Answers Set 1

How are scientific problems and issues in the life sciences examined? The scientific problems and issues in the life sciences are examined by using systematic procedures such as observation, hypothesizing, inferring, defining, controlling, and manipulating variables, constructing models, and interpreting and analyzing data in conducting observations.

What are important tools used in the study of biology? Important tools used in the study of biology are probeware interfaced to graphing calculators or computers, microscopes, video microscopes, and digital cameras.

3. What is the role of experimental design? It is important to account and control for variables used to test hypotheses. It is a systematic approach to solving problems that scientists all over the world can relate to. It involves observation, hypothesizing, inferring, defining, controlling, and manipulating variables; constructing models, and interpreting and analyzing data in conducting investigations.

4. What are useful data types and how are they analyzed? Quantitative data: numerical information Qualitative data: non numerical information The range is determined by subtracting the smallest data from the largest data. The mean is determined by adding all the data and dividing by how many there are. The mode is determined by the data value that occurs most often.

4. (continued) What are useful data types and how are they analyzed? Data is graphed by placing the independent variable on the X axis, the dependent variable on the Y axis. Data is drawn by sketching it inside of a field of view circle, extending lines to the outside of the circle without crossing them, and labeling the parts

5. What are the distinguishing chemical and physical characteristics of water ? Cohesion - results in surface tension on ponds to allow tiny organisms like water striders to skid across the water Adhesion - results in capillary action to allow trees to soak up water from the ground High Heat Capacity - allows lakes and oceans to stabilize air and land temperatures

5. *Continued* What are the distinguishing chemical and physical characteristics of water ? Bonding Angle/ Expands when Freezing - allows ice to float to prevent lakes and oceans from freezing Polar - makes it a Universal Solvent Exists in 3 states - solid, liquid, gas forms have many uses

5b. Why is water essential to life? Water makes up 2/3 of living organisms.

6. What are the major groups of organic compounds and how do they function in living things? Carbohydrates (starches and sugars) – store energy and provide shape to organisms Lipids (fats, oils, waxes) – provide long term energy storage and repel water Proteins (meat and meat products) – aid in movement, structure, regulation, transport, nutrition, and defense Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) - contain hereditary information

THE END