Ecology and Evolution

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Ecology and Evolution

• 50.102 03
• Fall 2005

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Syllabus
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Introduction

• Science knowledge or a system of knowledge
  covering general truths or the operation of
  general laws especially as obtained and tested
  through scientific method

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Scientific Method

• 1.Observation
• 2.Question
• 3.Hypothesis (guess at an explanation)
• Predictions
• 4.Test of the hypothesis via the predictions
• 5.Reevaluation of the hypothesis
• 6.Formulation of new hypotheses
• 7.New observations

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Observation Dead flashlight Question? Hypothe
sis(es) A. Dead batteries B. Dead
bulb Prediction A1 If I replace the batteries
then the flashlight will work. Prediction B1 If
I replace the bulb then the flashlight will
work. Test A. prrrrrrt Falsified the
hypothesis Test B. Yay! Cant falsify the
hypothesis
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Some properties of science via the scientific
method

• Most if not all the steps of the method
• Testable
• Falsifiable
• Repeatable

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THEORY
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 3
Accumulation of scientific evidence
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Examples of Theories

• Quantum electrodynamics
• Theory of Heliocentrism
• Plate Tectonic Theory
• Theory of Gravity
• Giant Impact Theory
• Global Warming Theory
• Cell Theory
• Theory of Organic Evolution

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Pseudoscience

• Pseudoscience is any body of knowledge,
  methodology, or practice that is erroneously
  regarded as scientific
• IOW Dont have the same criteria
• Unfalsifiable
• Unrepeatable
• Missing or skipping major steps in method
• Contradictory to evidence

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Fields associated with pseudoscience

• Alchemy
• Astrology
• Chakra theory
• Clairvoyance
• Creation science and
• Baraminology
• Creation biology
• Creationist cosmologies
• Flood geology
• Intelligent design
• Dianetics (Katie Holmes watch out!)
• Expansion theory
• Eugenics
• Essentialism
• Electric universe
• Folk psychiatry
• Graphology
• Götaland theory
• Homeopathy

• Lunaception
• Megalithic yard
• Melanin Theory
• Metaphysics
• Modern geocentrism (see also Flat Earth Society)
• New Chronology
• Nonstandard cosmologies
• Orgonomy
• Palmistry
• Parapsychology
• Schemes for Perpetual motion
• Personology
• Phrenology
• Physiognomy
• Precognition
• Pseudoarchaeology
• Pyramidology
• Gene Ray's Time Cube
• Telekinesis