Question

What is deductive reasoning?

Uses previous conjectures to make a conclusion,
Uses previous examples to make a conclusion
Uses similar situations to make conclusions.
Uses facts and logically valid steps to make a conclusion.

Answer 1

Deductive reasoning uses general principles to make specific predictions and is a key part of the scientific method used in hypothesis-based science, such as predicting the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that starts with a general principle or law to make predictions about specific results. In the realm of hypothesis-based science, deductive reasoning works from the general to the particular.

For instance, if scientists know a universal principle like 'warmer climates lead to changes in the distribution of plants and animals,' they can then predict what might happen to a specific ecosystem if the climate in that region warms. This is a key aspect of the scientific method, which involves testing hypotheses that are derived from such general laws or principles.

When a prediction is confirmed through experiments or observations, such as changes in species distribution due to warming, it provides evidence that the initial deduction is valid.

A commonly discussed example in the context of climate change would be: If the principle is that a warmer climate affects biodiversity, and observations indicate a warming trend in a particular area, then the deduction would be that changes in the local distribution of species should be expected.