Free TCE Year 11 Biology Flashcard Review
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What three qualities should a TASC Biology hypothesis have?
It should be justified (linked to a biological reason), precise (names both variables and the direction of change) and testable.
How does a prediction differ from a hypothesis?
A hypothesis states the expected relationship and why; a prediction states the particular result expected in your own set-up if the hypothesis is correct.
Define independent, dependent and controlled variables.
Independent: the factor changed. Dependent: the factor measured. Controlled: factors kept constant so they cannot affect the result.
What is the purpose of a control treatment?
It provides a baseline, showing what happens without the factor being tested, so any change can be attributed to the independent variable.
Validity versus reliability?
Validity: does the method test what it claims? Reliability: do repeated trials give consistent results?
Accuracy versus precision?
Accuracy is closeness to the true value; precision is closeness of repeated measurements to each other.
What are the 3Rs of animal ethics?
Replacement of animals with alternatives, reduction in the number used, and refinement of methods to minimise pain and distress.
How is total magnification calculated?
Eyepiece magnification × objective magnification, e.g. 10 × 40 = 400×.
Why is the median often preferred when a data set has an outlier?
The median depends only on the middle value, so one extreme value barely changes it, whereas it can shift the mean a lot.
Can observational data show causation?
Usually not; they show correlation. A third variable may explain both, so a controlled experiment is needed for strong causal evidence.
In gel electrophoresis, which way do DNA fragments move and which go furthest?
Towards the positive electrode, because DNA is negatively charged; the smallest fragments travel furthest.
How are 95% confidence intervals interpreted (internal tasks only)?
If the intervals of two groups do not overlap, the difference between their means is unlikely to be due to chance alone.
When is a scientific model refined or replaced?
When new evidence conflicts with it, or when an alternative model explains the evidence better.
Which result ruled out the conservative model of DNA replication?
After one generation in ¹⁴N, DNA formed a single intermediate-density band rather than one heavy and one light band.
Which result ruled out the dispersive model?
After two generations, separate intermediate and light bands appeared rather than a single band of decreasing density.
Name four ways technology has changed biological data sets.
Larger size, greater accuracy, wider geographic scope and longer temporal scope.
Why do large biology projects often need international collaboration?
To share high costs, equipment and expertise, pool data, and address problems such as mosquito-borne disease that cross borders.
Give an Asia-Pacific regional issue that requires collaboration.
Mosquito-borne disease such as dengue, which Indonesian and Australian researchers tackled together by releasing Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes.
How can economic context shape acceptance of science? Give an example.
Decisions weigh economic interests; e.g. the Tasmanian Government links its GMO moratorium to GMO-free status supporting premium food brands and markets.
How does science inform risk?
It provides evidence on the likelihood and consequences of harm and monitoring data to decide when to act and whether actions worked.