Chapter 1-4: Scientific Models & Knowledge Model: a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept. Limitation of models is that they are different from the real things they are modeling.
Mathematical Model: a graph showing population growth Mathematical Model: a graph showing population growth. Conceptual Model: a method of classifying animal behavior. Physical Model: a dinosaur sculpture in a museum.
Scale: the relationship between the measurements on a model, map, or diagram and the actual measurement or distance. - the relationship b/t the distance b/t cities shown on a map and the actual distance b/t the cities.
Theory: a system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigation. - An explanation for a broad range of observations, facts, and tested hypotheses.
Scientific Laws: tell what will happen in a specific situation Scientific Laws: tell what will happen in a specific situation. Life science has few scientific laws b/c living organisms are very complex.