Biology, 12e (Raven)
Chapter 1 The Science of Biology
1) Science is subdivided into specific areas of study termed disciplines. These divisions
... [Show More] are
artificial but are helpful to narrow the massive scope of scientific knowledge to a manageable
amount. Given what you know about each, which scientific division is likely to present the
best answer to a question about how fluid dynamics affect blood pressure in mammals?
A) Biochemistry – study of chemical reactions needed for life function, usually at the cellular
level.
B) Bioinformatics – use of technology to study and store biological
data C) Biophysics – study of biological processes through physics
D) Biology – study of life
Answer: C
Explanation: Clarify Question
• What is the key concept addressed by the question? The question is about the
differences between different divisions of biological research.
• What type of thinking is required? This question is asking for you to apply your
understanding to identify which areas of research would focus on the movement of fluids.
• What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
o Fluid dynamics refers to the physics of how fluids (liquids) move.
Gather Content
• What do you know about different divisions of biology?How does it relate to the question? o
Bioinformatics is the study of biological data like sequences using computers
o Biology is a very broad area of research covering all areas of the study of
life o Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules smaller than a cell
o Biophysics is the study of how biological molecules move using the laws of physics
Consider Possibilities
• What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?
• In which disciplines are the properties of fluids likely to be studied?
o The study of the movement of fluids like blood are not sequence or structural data and
not biological molecules, thus bioinformatics and biochemistry are not good answers.
o Biology is a very broad heading, and not the best answer.
Choose Answer
• Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most
likely to produce the correct answer?The best answer is biophysics because the movement of
fluids are well described using the laws of physics.
Reflect on Process
• Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the
process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more
desirable result?
o This question asked you to apply the definitions different areas of biology to determine
which might study fluid dynamics. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an
2 . [Show Less]