CH# 2. SOLVING A BIOLOGICAL PROBLEM
Biological
Method
ü Recognition of a biological problem.
ü Observations and previous research.
ü Hypothesis.
ü Dedication.
ü Experiments.
ü Conclusions and reporting.
1.
Recognition of a biological problem:
Recognition
of a biological problem involves identifying and understanding issues or
challenges within the field of biology. This could include issues related to
diseases, genetic abnormalities, environmental impact, or other aspects of
living organisms. Recognition often involves observation, data analysis, and
the application of scientific methods to comprehend and address the underlying
problems in the biological context.
2.
Observations and previous research:
Observations
in research involve gathering data by directly observing a subject or
phenomenon. Previous research refers to existing studies and literature on a
specific topic, providing a foundation for current investigations. Both are
crucial for informed and comprehensive research.
3.
Hypothesis:
A
hypothesis is a tentative explanation or proposition that can be tested through
research and experimentation. It serves as the basis for scientific inquiry and
forms the starting point for investigating a specific phenomenon.
4.
Dedication:
Deductive
reasoning, or deduction, starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis,
and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion,
according to California State University. The scientific method uses deduction
to test hypotheses and theories.
5.
Experiments:
Experiments
are systematic procedures carried out to investigate a hypothesis, test a
theory, or explore a scientific question. In biology, experiments involve
manipulating variables under controlled conditions to observe and analyze the
outcomes, contributing to the understanding of biological processes and
phenomena.
6.
Conclusions and reporting:
Conclusions
and reporting refer to the process of summarizing findings and presenting
results in a clear and concise manner. It involves drawing insights from
collected data, analyzing patterns, and communicating the outcomes of a study
or project. Reporting typically includes writing a conclusion that highlights
key results and their implications, ensuring the information is accessible to
the intended audience.
Examples
of biological Method
Biological
problem: what is the cause of malaria?
The
steps involved in Biological method are:
1.
Recognition of Biological Problem
Biologists
go for adopting biological method when they encounter some biological problem.
A biological problem is a question related to living organism that is either
asked by someone or comes in biologist’s mind by himself. Malaria is a
biological problem as it is a disease that spreads in living organisms.
2.
Observations
As
the first step in solving a biological problem, biologists recall his/her
previous observations or make new ones. Observations are made with five senses
of vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Some of the observations made were
that
ü Malaria
and marshy areas have some connection.
ü Quinine
is an effective drug for treating malaria.
ü Drinking
the water of marshes does not cause malaria.
ü People
who slept outdoors were more likely to get malaria than those who slept
indoors.
ü People
who slept who slept under fine nets were less likely to get malaria than people
who did not use such nets.
ü Individuals
who slept near a smoky fire usually did not get malaria.
3.
Formulation of Hypothesis
Observations
do not become scientific observations until they are organized and related to a
question. Biologists organize his/her and other’s observations into data form
and construct a statement that may prove to be the answer of the biological
problem under study. The tentative explanation of observations is called
hypothesis. The hypothesis made for the spread of malaria was that, “Mosquitoes
transmit Plasmodium and so are involved in the spread of malaria”.
4.
Deductions
Biologists
draw deductions from hypotheses. Deductions are the logical consequences of
hypotheses. For this purpose, the hypothesis is taken as true and expected
results (deductions) are drawn from it. This involves the use of “if-then”
logic. Following deductions were made considering the hypothesis as true
i.e. if mosquitoes are involved in the spread of malaria then;
“Plasmodium
should be present in mosquitoes.”
“A
mosquito can get Plasmodium by biting a malarial patient.”
5.
Experimentation
The
most basic step of Biological method is experimentation. Biologists perform
experiments to see if hypotheses are true or not. The deductions which are
drawn from hypotheses are subjected to rigorous testing. Through
experimentation, biologist learns which hypothesis is correct. The
incorrect hypotheses are rejected and one which proves correct is accepted. The
experiments done during malaria were the testing of Plasmodium in 100 healthy
persons and 100 malarial patients and sparrows to be bitten by mosquitoes that
had already bitten a malarial patient.
6.
Summarization
of Results
Biologists
gather actual, quantitative data from experiments. Data for each of the group
are then averaged and compared statistically. To draw conclusions, biologists
also use Statistical analysis. When scientists experimentally observed that a mosquito
that had bitten a malarial patient bites a healthy man who later becomes ill
with malaria, they came to know that mosquitoes transmit malaria.
7.
Reporting the Results
Biologists
publish their findings in scientific journals and books, in talks at national
and international meetings and in seminars at colleges and universities.
Publishing of results is an important part of scientific method. It allows
other people to verify the results or apply the knowledge to solve other
problems.
Theory,
Law and Principle
ü Theory:
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is
based on empirical evidence and has stood up to repeated testing and scrutiny.
ü Law:
A statement that describes an observed phenomenon without explaining why it
occurs. It often summarizes a consistent pattern observed in nature.
ü Principle:
A fundamental truth or concept that explains how something works. It may not
have as much empirical evidence as a theory but is a guiding idea.
Data
Organization and Data Analysis
Data
organization involves structuring and arranging data in a systematic way to
facilitate efficient storage, retrieval, and management. It includes processes
like sorting, categorizing, and indexing data to make it more accessible.
Data
analysis, on the other hand, is the examination of data to draw conclusions,
identify patterns, and extract meaningful insights. It encompasses various
techniques and methods, such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and
visualization, to interpret and make informed decisions based on the data.
Data
organization focuses on how data is stored and managed, while data analysis
involves extracting valuable information from the organized data to inform
decision-making.
Extra Mcqs
ü What
is the primary vector responsible for transmitting malaria to humans?
a)
Housefly - b) Mosquito - c) Tick
- d) Flea
ü Which
parasite causes malaria in humans?
a) Plasmodium vivax - b) Trypanosoma cruzi - c) Giardia lamblia - d) Toxoplasma gondii
ü In
which part of the human body does the malaria parasite undergo sexual
reproduction in the mosquito vector?
a) Liver -
b) Red blood cells - c) Stomach - d) Salivary glands
ü What
are the common symptoms of malaria?
a) Sneezing and coughing - b) Joint pain and stiffness - c) Fever, chills, and sweating
d)
Headache and dizziness
ü Which
antimalarial drug is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree?
a)
Chloroquine - b) Artemisinin - c) Quinine - d) Mefloquine
ü What
is the primary vector responsible for transmitting malaria to humans?
A) Aedes
mosquito - B) Anopheles mosquito - C) Culex mosquito - D) Tsetse fly
ü Which
parasite causes malaria in humans?
A)
Plasmodium vivax - B) Plasmodium
falciparum - C) Plasmodium ovale - D) Plasmodium malariae
ü What
is the most common symptom of malaria?
A) High
fever - B) Respiratory problems - C) Skin rash - D) Joint pain
ü Which
of the following is a preventive measure against malaria?
A) Antibiotic treatment - B) Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed
nets - C) Vitamin C supplements - D) Oral rehydration therapy
ü In
which part of the human body do malaria parasites reproduce?
A) Liver
- B) Lungs - C) Kidneys - D) Stomac
ü What
is the primary purpose of forming a hypothesis in biological research?
a. To prove a predetermined conclusion b. To provide a tentative explanation for an
observed phenomenon c. To collect data
for statistical analysis d. To summarize
experimental results
ü Which
characteristic best describes a well-constructed hypothesis in biology?
a. Specific and testable b. Lengthy and complex c. General and subjective d. Ambiguous and unclear
ü What
is the primary vector responsible for transmitting Plasmodium parasites to
humans?
a) Aedes mosquito
b) Anopheles mosquito c) Culex
mosquito d) Tsetse fly
ü Which
type of Plasmodium causes the most severe form of malaria in humans?
a) Plasmodium vivax b) Plasmodium falciparum c) Plasmodium ovale d) Plasmodium malariae
ü In
a controlled experiment, what is the purpose of a control group?
a) To receive the experimental
treatment b) To provide a baseline for
comparison
c) To ensure random assignment d) To validate the results
Exercise
Give
short answers to the following questions.
1. What
is science? How does it work?
Ans:
Science is a systematic enterprise that seeks to acquire knowledge through
observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning, aiming to understand and
explain the natural world. It involves forming and testing hypotheses to
develop reliable explanations for phenomena.
Science
works
through a systematic process involving observation, hypothesis formation,
experimentation, and analysis. Scientists observe natural phenomena, formulate
hypotheses to explain them, design experiments to test these hypotheses, and
analyze the results. The process is iterative, with findings leading to new
questions and further investigations. Peer review and replication of
experiments help ensure the reliability of scientific knowledge.
2. Control
group is important for scientific study, How?
Ans:
A control group serves as a baseline for comparison in a scientific study. By
keeping certain variables constant in the control group, researchers can
isolate and assess the impact of the independent variable on the experimental
group. This helps determine if observed changes are due to the manipulated
factor or other external influences, enhancing the reliability and validity of
the study.
3. What
deductions were developed during the study of malaria?
Ans:
The study of malaria has led to various deductions, including the
identification of the Plasmodium parasites as the causative agents,
understanding the role of Anopheles mosquitoes in transmission, and the
development of effective antimalarial drugs such as quinine and
artemisinin-based treatments. Additionally, research on malaria has contributed
to advancements in vector control strategies and the development of preventive
measures like insecticide-treated bed nets.
4. How
Ronald Ross conducted the experiment to prove that mosquitoes are involved in
the spread of malaria?
Ans:
Ronald Ross conducted groundbreaking research in the late 19th century to prove
that mosquitoes are involved in the spread of malaria. In 1897, Ross carried
out experiments in Secunderabad, India, where he successfully demonstrated that
the Anopheles mosquito was the vector for the transmission of malaria
parasites. Ross infected mosquitoes by feeding them on patients with malaria,
and later found the parasites in the mosquitoes' stomachs. This discovery
marked a significant step in understanding the transmission of malaria.
5. At
what stage of the biological method, hypothesis is accepted or rejected?
Ans:
The acceptance or rejection of a hypothesis in the biological method typically
occurs during the analysis of experimental results, which is part of the
"data collection and analysis" stage. Researchers compare the
observed data with the predictions of their hypothesis to determine whether the
results support or contradict the proposed explanation.
Give
detailed answers to the following questions.
1.
Differentiate between inductive reasoning
and Deductive reasoning?
Ans:
Inductive reasoning: Inductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking that
involves making generalizations based on specific observations. It moves from
specific instances to broader conclusions, often used in scientific research or
everyday decision-making. However, unlike deductive reasoning, it doesn't
guarantee absolute certainty in its conclusions.
Deductive
reasoning: Deductive reasoning is a logical process where specific conclusions
are drawn from general principles or premises. It involves moving from a
general statement to a specific conclusion, and if the premises are true, the
conclusion is considered certain.
2.
Explain how biologists use scientific method to solve the mysteries of
addressing the malarial problem?
Ans:
Biologists
use the scientific method to address the malarial problem by first observing
and defining the issue, such as studying the transmission of the malaria
parasite. They then formulate hypotheses, design experiments to test these
hypotheses, and collect data. Analysis of the data helps them draw conclusions,
leading to further refinement of theories and the development of potential
solutions, such as new drugs or control strategies. This iterative process is
crucial for advancing our understanding and combating malaria effectively.
Biologists addressing the malarial problem typically employ the scientific
method. They start by observing patterns, such as the spread of malaria in
specific regions. Then, they formulate hypotheses, like identifying a
particular mosquito species as a carrier. Next, experiments are conducted,
possibly involving insecticide trials or genetic studies on mosquitoes. Results
are analyzed to draw conclusions, leading to further hypothesis refinement or
development of new strategies. This iterative process allows biologists to
systematically investigate and address the complexities of the malarial
problem.
3.
Explain that how mathematics can be used to interpret the data obtained through
experimentation?
Ans:
Mathematics
plays a crucial role in interpreting experimental data by providing tools for
analysis and modeling. Statistical methods help identify patterns, calculate
averages, and assess the significance of results. Mathematical models, such as
equations and graphs, can represent relationships within the data, allowing
scientists to make predictions and draw conclusions. This integration of
mathematics enables a more systematic and rigorous understanding of
experimental findings. And also in interpreting experimental data by providing
tools to analyze, model, and draw conclusions. Statistical methods, for
instance, help quantify uncertainty and establish the significance of results.
Mathematical models, including equations and graphs, enable researchers to
represent relationships within the data and make predictions. Additionally,
mathematical techniques such as calculus can be employed to derive meaningful
insights from the patterns and trends observed in experimental data. Overall,
mathematics provides a systematic framework for extracting meaningful
information from raw experimental results.
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