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Biology interview
Reason from evolution, function, data and experimental design.
One thinking framework
Use the same five steps for the exercises below. Familiarise yourself once, then focus on explaining your reasoning.
Five steps for your reasoning
1
Define variables, assumptions and a model
State what you are studying and what you will temporarily ignore.
2
Explain your choice of method
Connect your formula, theorem or comparison to the problem.
3
Explain each step as you calculate
Explain relationships, substitutions and intermediate conclusions.
4
Check units, scale and plausibility
Check signs, ranges, dimensions and possible sources of error.
5
Adapt to hints and changes
Identify which assumption changes and revise your approach.
1
Why can't large animals (such as elephants) jump as high in proportion to their own size as fleas can?
2
If a virus is 'too lethal', why is that instead detrimental to its own spread?