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Q#1: What is science? How does it work?

Definition of Science

The systematic knowledge based on observations and experiments is called science.

Explanation

The word science has been derived from the Latin word ‘Scientia’ which means knowledge. Science is a systematic and organized inquiry about something. Science collects data and information and organizes them in a meaningful way through the scientific method.

Q#2:  Explain the experiments conducted by Italian biologists on human beings.   

In 1898, Italian biologists allowed anopheles mosquitoes to bite a malarial patient. This infected mosquito was then allowed to bite a healthy man. This healthy person later became ill with malaria. In this experiment, they confirmed that “mosquitoes transmit plasmodium and are so involved in the spread of malaria”.

Q#3:  Define data. State its types. Also, describe the importance of data.

Data

Recorded observations and information are called data.

Science is based on data. For this purpose scientists collected data either directly i.e. through senses or indirectly i.e. with the help of some instruments (e.g. microscope, telescope, thermometer, etc). Data may be in the form of numbers, words, or images.

Types of data

Scientists collect the following two types of data

a. Quantitative data:       That type of data that describes an object numerically i.e. normal body temperature (37 =98.6), the height of the body (let 178 cm), etc.

b. Qualitative data:          That type of data that describes an object in descriptive form (non-numerical) i.e. all living things are made up small units called cells etc.

Importance of data

Data have great importance in science. Some of which are given below

  • The whole scientific method is based on data processing and analysis.
  • Data from one stage is used in the next stage.
  • It shows the behavior and habit of something.
  • The data has the evidence to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
  • It also shows an object numerically.
  • Data is organized and analyzed by various methods to draw a conclusion.
  • Data can be used in mathematical equations and statistical analysis.

Q#4:  How collected data are analyzed?

In order to verify the hypothesis Data analysis is made. For this purpose, scientists use special statistical tools like ration and proportion.

Ratio and proportion

1. Ratio

The relationship between two quantities of the same kind with respect to relative size is called ratio represented by (:).

For example, in a group of 35 people, there are 15 men and 20 women. So men to women ratio will be expressed as

15:20         or 15/20 or 15 to 20

2. Proportion

It is the ratio of one thing to another in terms of size or quantity.  Proportion is the equality of two ratios. It is the relationship between four quantities in which the ratio of 1st pair is equal to the ratio of 2nd pair. It is represented by (=) sign i.e.

a:b=c:d

Here, a and d are called extremes while b and c are called means. Among a, b, c and d if three values are known we can calculate the 4th value by the rule “product of means is equal to the product of extremes”.

Explanation of ratio and proportion through an example

If a biologist wants to know how many sparrows would be infected from malaria if he allows culex to bite 50 sparrows. (let) from some previous data, he knows that 6 of 10 sparrows get malaria, here he would apply the rule of ratio and proportion.

1st ratio = 6:10 (a:b)                                                                      

2nd ration = X:50 (c:d)                             As      a:b=c:d      

So     6:10 = X:50                                                                                     

or      10 x X = 6 x 50                                                                                

=        X = (6 x 50)/10                                                                                         

=        X=300/10                                                                                        

=        X=30

Result:        It means that 30 out of 50 sparrows will get malaria.

Q#8: Explain how mathematics is an integral part of science.  

Mathematics: An integral part of science

The relationship of biology with mathematics is emerging as a new field of biology called biomathematics or mathematical biology. Mathematical models and methods are extensively used in biology because data collection and analysis is done through mathematical equations. Following are some examples of biological problems which need mathematical solutions.

  • Gene finding
  • Protein structure
  • Sequencing of DNA
  • Verification of hypothesis etc.

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