MA 1
What is the difference between a bar graph and line graph?
Line graph is used to usually show progression over time. Bar graph is used to compare results a lot of the time.
What is an abiotic/biotic factor?
Abiotic - Not living
Biotic - Living
Explain the difference in rock pocket mouse color and how this difference shows evolution in action.
The rock pocket mouse had a mutation that turned into an evolution that benifited the population.
What does ppm stand for?
Parts per million
How do you calculate the total magnification of a microscope?
multiply the magnification of the ocular lens (eyepiece) by the magnification of the objective lens
What are parameters and trials?
Parameters are key characteristics or settings that define a study's design, population, or model (like age range, treatment dosage, or statistical values), while trials are the actual experiments or tests conducted.
Why types of microscopes are there that we have used in this class.
Compound and light microscopes.
What is fitness and how does it impact organisms?
Fitness is an organism's ability to survive, find a mate, and produce viable offspring in its specific environment, essentially its reproductive success, which determines how many of its genes get passed on
How is a graduated cylinder used?
For accurately measuring the volume of liquids in laboratories.
When should you use a dissecting microscope vs a compound light microscope?
Use a dissecting microscope for larger, 3D, or opaque specimens that don’t need much magnification. Use a compound light microscope for thin, transparent specimens that require higher magnification.
What is the difference between an ocular lense and an objective lens.
The ocular lens (eyepiece) is where you look to view the specimen, while the objective lens is the lens closest to the specimen that initially magnifies it
What is a keystone species?
A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.
What is the difference between evolution, adaption, and mutation?
Mutation is the random change in DNA, adaptation is a beneficial trait from natural selection making an organism fit for its environment, and evolution is the broad, long-term change in a species' characteristics over generations.
What is electronic balance?
A highly accurate, digital scale that uses a special sensor to measure the exact mass (weight) of an object and show it on a screen
How do you read a graduated cylinder and what is the common mistake people make?
You read it at the bottom of the dip at the top of where the water is. Many people read it from the top of the dip.
How many meters in 2100 centimeters.
What is the difference between Eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., plant and animal cells).
What is a common ancestor?
An ancestral species or organism from which two or more different species or groups of organisms have evolved from.
What are circumpolar constellations?
Stars that are always visible in the night sky from a particular location because they are close to the celestial poles and never set below the horizon
What is a labquest?
A LabQuest is a portable, standalone data-collection interface used in science and STEM education to collect, analyze, and share data from experiments.
Why are some measurements capitalized and others are not?
Because many measurements come from proper nouns?
What is Percolation and infiltration?
Infiltration is the entry of water into the soil surface, moving down from the top layer, while percolation is the slower, deeper downward movement of that water through the soil and rock layers to replenish groundwater
What is a node?
A "node" is a point of connection or minimum displacement in a system?
What are the five w's of finding and evaluating sources?
Who?
What? → Content
For What purpose? aka Why?
Where?
When?
What is a CER, what does it stand for, and what do you put in each section?
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
Claim (C): A statement, conclusion, or answer to a question.
Example: "Plants need sunlight to grow."
Evidence (E): Data, observations, or facts that directly support the claim.
Example: "The plant in the sunny window grew taller and greener, while the plant in the dark closet withered and turned yellow."
Reasoning (R): The explanation connecting the evidence to the claim, often using scientific principles, laws, or definitions.
Example: "This shows that sunlight provides the energy for photosynthesis, a process vital for plant growth, demonstrating the principle that plants convert light energy into food."