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The Problem of Biological Function

Description: The Problem of Biological Function is a philosophical problem that concerns the nature of biological function. It asks the question: What is the purpose or function of a biological entity, such as an organ, cell, or organism?
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: philosophy of biology biological function purpose teleology
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What is the central question in the Problem of Biological Function?

  1. What is the purpose or function of a biological entity?

  2. How do biological entities function?

  3. Why do biological entities function the way they do?

  4. What is the evolutionary history of biological function?

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Biological Function is concerned with the purpose or function of biological entities, rather than how they function, why they function the way they do, or their evolutionary history.

Which philosophical school of thought emphasizes the importance of purpose and function in nature?

  1. Teleology

  2. Mechanism

  3. Vitalism

  4. Reductionism

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Teleology is a philosophical school of thought that emphasizes the importance of purpose and function in nature. It argues that natural phenomena can be explained by their purpose or function.

What is the main argument against teleological explanations in biology?

  1. Teleological explanations are not scientific.

  2. Teleological explanations are untestable.

  3. Teleological explanations are anthropomorphic.

  4. Teleological explanations are circular.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The main argument against teleological explanations in biology is that they are untestable. Teleological explanations typically involve unobservable entities or forces, such as purpose or design, which cannot be directly tested through scientific methods.

What is the mechanistic approach to explaining biological function?

  1. Biological functions are the result of natural selection.

  2. Biological functions are the result of chance events.

  3. Biological functions are the result of a vital force.

  4. Biological functions are the result of a divine plan.

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The mechanistic approach to explaining biological function is based on the idea that biological functions are the result of natural selection. Natural selection is a process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to the next generation.

What is the difference between a proximate and an ultimate explanation of biological function?

  1. A proximate explanation describes the immediate cause of a biological function, while an ultimate explanation describes the evolutionary purpose of the function.

  2. A proximate explanation describes the evolutionary purpose of a biological function, while an ultimate explanation describes the immediate cause of the function.

  3. A proximate explanation describes the function of a biological structure, while an ultimate explanation describes the function of a biological process.

  4. A proximate explanation describes the function of a biological process, while an ultimate explanation describes the function of a biological structure.

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A proximate explanation of biological function describes the immediate cause of the function, such as the physiological or biochemical mechanisms that underlie the function. An ultimate explanation of biological function describes the evolutionary purpose of the function, such as how the function contributes to the survival and reproduction of the organism.

What is the problem of multiple functions?

  1. Many biological structures and processes have multiple functions.

  2. Many biological structures and processes have no function.

  3. Many biological structures and processes have conflicting functions.

  4. Many biological structures and processes have essential functions.

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The problem of multiple functions arises from the fact that many biological structures and processes have multiple functions. This can make it difficult to determine the primary or essential function of a structure or process.

What is the problem of circularity in teleological explanations?

  1. Teleological explanations assume the existence of a purpose or function without providing any evidence for it.

  2. Teleological explanations are based on untestable hypotheses.

  3. Teleological explanations are anthropomorphic.

  4. Teleological explanations are too vague to be useful.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The problem of circularity in teleological explanations arises from the fact that teleological explanations typically assume the existence of a purpose or function without providing any evidence for it. This makes it difficult to evaluate the validity of teleological explanations.

What is the evolutionary function of a biological trait?

  1. The trait helps the organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

  2. The trait is a result of random genetic drift.

  3. The trait is a result of a mutation.

  4. The trait is a result of natural selection.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The evolutionary function of a biological trait is to help the organism survive and reproduce in its environment. Traits that are beneficial to an organism's survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to the next generation, while traits that are harmful are less likely to be passed on.

What is the difference between a function and a mechanism?

  1. A function is the purpose or goal of a biological structure or process, while a mechanism is the means by which the function is achieved.

  2. A function is the means by which a biological structure or process is achieved, while a mechanism is the purpose or goal of the structure or process.

  3. A function is a biological structure or process that is essential for the survival of an organism, while a mechanism is a biological structure or process that is not essential for survival.

  4. A function is a biological structure or process that is present in all organisms, while a mechanism is a biological structure or process that is only present in some organisms.

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A function is the purpose or goal of a biological structure or process, while a mechanism is the means by which the function is achieved. For example, the function of a heart is to pump blood, and the mechanism by which this is achieved is the contraction of the heart muscle.

What is the difference between a proximate and an ultimate cause?

  1. A proximate cause is the immediate cause of an event, while an ultimate cause is the underlying or fundamental cause of the event.

  2. A proximate cause is the underlying or fundamental cause of an event, while an ultimate cause is the immediate cause of the event.

  3. A proximate cause is a cause that is close in time and space to the event, while an ultimate cause is a cause that is distant in time and space from the event.

  4. A proximate cause is a cause that is easily observable, while an ultimate cause is a cause that is difficult to observe.

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A proximate cause is the immediate cause of an event, while an ultimate cause is the underlying or fundamental cause of the event. For example, the proximate cause of a heart attack might be a blood clot in the coronary artery, while the ultimate cause might be a high-fat diet.

What is the difference between a teleological and a mechanistic explanation?

  1. A teleological explanation explains an event in terms of its purpose or goal, while a mechanistic explanation explains an event in terms of its causes.

  2. A teleological explanation explains an event in terms of its causes, while a mechanistic explanation explains an event in terms of its purpose or goal.

  3. A teleological explanation is based on evidence, while a mechanistic explanation is based on speculation.

  4. A teleological explanation is more scientific than a mechanistic explanation.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A teleological explanation explains an event in terms of its purpose or goal, while a mechanistic explanation explains an event in terms of its causes. For example, a teleological explanation of a heart attack might be that it is God's punishment for a person's sins, while a mechanistic explanation might be that it is caused by a blood clot in the coronary artery.

What is the difference between a function and a dysfunction?

  1. A function is a biological structure or process that is beneficial to an organism, while a dysfunction is a biological structure or process that is harmful to an organism.

  2. A function is a biological structure or process that is essential for the survival of an organism, while a dysfunction is a biological structure or process that is not essential for survival.

  3. A function is a biological structure or process that is present in all organisms, while a dysfunction is a biological structure or process that is only present in some organisms.

  4. A function is a biological structure or process that is easily observable, while a dysfunction is a biological structure or process that is difficult to observe.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A function is a biological structure or process that is beneficial to an organism, while a dysfunction is a biological structure or process that is harmful to an organism. For example, the function of a heart is to pump blood, while a dysfunction of the heart might be a heart attack.

What is the difference between a norm and a deviation?

  1. A norm is a biological structure or process that is typical or average for a population, while a deviation is a biological structure or process that is atypical or abnormal.

  2. A norm is a biological structure or process that is essential for the survival of an organism, while a deviation is a biological structure or process that is not essential for survival.

  3. A norm is a biological structure or process that is present in all organisms, while a deviation is a biological structure or process that is only present in some organisms.

  4. A norm is a biological structure or process that is easily observable, while a deviation is a biological structure or process that is difficult to observe.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A norm is a biological structure or process that is typical or average for a population, while a deviation is a biological structure or process that is atypical or abnormal. For example, the norm for human height might be 5 feet 9 inches, while a deviation from this norm might be someone who is 7 feet tall.

What is the difference between a healthy and a diseased organism?

  1. A healthy organism is an organism that is free from disease, while a diseased organism is an organism that is affected by disease.

  2. A healthy organism is an organism that is able to survive and reproduce in its environment, while a diseased organism is an organism that is unable to survive and reproduce in its environment.

  3. A healthy organism is an organism that is in a state of homeostasis, while a diseased organism is an organism that is not in a state of homeostasis.

  4. A healthy organism is an organism that is able to resist infection, while a diseased organism is an organism that is unable to resist infection.

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A healthy organism is an organism that is free from disease, while a diseased organism is an organism that is affected by disease. Disease is a condition that impairs the normal functioning of an organism.

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