Unit 1 - Science Methodology

Essential Questions:

1. How do scientists complete scientific investigations?

2. How do scientists classify marine organisms?

3. How do natural processes create and shape life's unity and diversity?

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Key Concepts:

• Scientists use an organized approach called the scientific method to investigate natural phenomena.
• Most biologists classify organisms into one of three domains, categories that reflect theories about evolutionary relationships.
• Most biologists then classify organisms into smaller and smaller groups that increase in specificity.
• The binomial system of nomenclature uses two words, the genus and the species epithet, to identify an organism.
• Evolution is the process by which the genetic composition of populations of organisms changes over time.
• Natural selection favors that survival and reproduction of those organisms that possess variations that are best suited to their environment.