Question 1

Given the cooperativity of science, which of the following is most likely to result in an investigator being intellectually looked down upon by other scientists?
A)Making money as the result of studies in which a new medication is discovered.
B)Doing meticulous experiments that show data that contradict what has been previously reported by the scientific community.
C)Spending most of a lifetime investigating a small and seemingly unimportant organism.
D)Getting negative results from the same set of experiments.
E)Being found to have falsified or created data to better fit a hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

Falsifying or creating data to better fit a hypothesis goes against the very core of scientific integrity and is considered a serious offense in the scientific community, resulting in loss of credibility and reputation. It is the most unacceptable practice in science and may lead to exclusion from the scientific community altogether.

Question 2

A controlled experiment is one in which
A)the experiment is repeated many times to ensure that the results are accurate.
B)the experiment proceeds at a slow pace to guarantee that the scientist can carefully observe all reactions and process all experimental data.
C)there are at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment.
D)there are at least two groups, one differing from the other by two or more variables.
E)there is one group for which the scientist controls all variables.

Accepted Answer

A controlled experiment is defined as one where there are at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment. This allows the scientist to compare the results of the group that received the treatment to the group that did not, ensuring that any observed effects are due to the treatment and not some other factor. The other choices are not fully accurate descriptions of a controlled experiment.

Question 3

Why is it important that an experiment include a control group?
A)The control group is the group that the researcher is in control of, the group in which the researcher predetermines the results.
B)The control group provides a reserve of experimental subjects.
C)A control group is required for the development of an "If…then" statement.
D)A control group assures that an experiment will be repeatable.
E)Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested.

Accepted Answer

Without a control group, there is no basis for knowing if a particular result is due to the variable being tested. The control group serves as a baseline for comparison in order to determine if the experimental group showed any significant effects from the manipulation of the independent variable.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a model organism?
A)It is often pictured in textbooks and easy for students to imagine.
B)It lends itself to many studies that are useful to beginning students.
C)It is well studied, easy to grow, and results are widely applicable.
D)It is small, inexpensive to grow, and lives a long time.
E)It has been chosen for study by the earliest biologists.

Accepted Answer

A model organism is chosen because it is well studied, easy to grow, and its results can be widely applied across different areas of study.

Question 5

The method of scientific inquiry that draws conclusions from careful observation and the analysis of data is known as
A)hypothesis-based science.
B)deductive reasoning.
C)inductive reasoning.
D)quantitative science.
E)qualitative science.

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning is the method of scientific inquiry that draws conclusions from careful observation and analysis of data. It involves the development of generalizations based on specific observations, looking for patterns and trends in the data. Hypothesis-based science involves the formulation of a hypothesis and the design of experiments to test it, while deductive reasoning moves from general theories or principles to specific predictions. Quantitative science involves the use of numerical data and statistical methods, while qualitative science involves the use of non-numerical data and subjective analysis.

Question 6

The observation that a whale's front flippers have the same bone structure as all mammalian forelimbs suggests that
A)all mammals descended from a common ancestor.
B)whales once walked on land.
C)whales show remarkable diversity.
D)land mammals originally came from the sea.
E)there must have been land and aquatic ancestors that coevolved.

Accepted Answer

The fact that a whale's front flippers have the same bone structure as all mammalian forelimbs indicates that they share a common ancestor. This supports the theory of evolution, which suggests that all organisms on Earth are descended from a common ancestor.

Question 7

Which of the following is the best description of a control for an experiment?
A)The control group is kept in an unchanging environment.
B)The control is left alone by the experimenters.
C)The control group is matched with the experimental group except for the one experimental variable.
D)The control group is exposed to only one variable rather than several.
E)Only the experimental group is tested or measured.

Accepted Answer

A control group is used to provide a baseline comparison for the experimental group, so that any observed effects can be attributed to the experimental variable and not to other factors. Therefore, the control group should be matched with the experimental group except for the one variable being tested. Keeping the control group in an unchanging environment (A) or exposing them to only one variable (D) may be aspects of controlling the experiment, but they are not the best descriptions of a control group. Leaving the control group alone (B) or testing only the experimental group (E) are not appropriate control measures.

Question 8

Why is the theme of evolution considered to be the core theme of biology by biologists?
A)It provides a framework within which all biological investigation makes sense.
B)It is recognized as the core theme of biology by organizations such as the National Science Foundation.
C)Controversy about this theory provides a basis for a great deal of experimental research.
D)Since it cannot be proven, biologists will be able to study evolutionary possibilities for many years.
E)Biologists do not subscribe to alternative models.

Accepted Answer

Evolution provides a unifying framework for all of biology, as it explains the diversity of life and the relationships between species. It also provides a basis for understanding how organisms adapt to their environment over time. The other options are not accurate explanations for why evolution is considered the core theme of biology.

Question 9

When a hypothesis cannot be written in an "If…then" format, what does this mean?
A)It does not represent deductive reasoning.
B)It cannot be a scientific hypothesis.
C)The subject cannot be explored scientifically.
D)The hypothesizer does not have sufficient information.
E)It cannot be testable.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When a hypothesis cannot be written in...

Question 10

Which of these is an example of inductive reasoning?
A)Hundreds of individuals of a species have been observed and all are photosynthetic; therefore, the species is photosynthetic.
B)These organisms live in sunny parts of this area so they are able to photosynthesize.
C)If horses are always found grazing on grass, they can be only herbivores and not omnivores.
D)If protists are all single-celled, then they are incapable of aggregating.
E)If two species are members of the same genus, they are more alike than each of them could be to a different genus.

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning is a form of reasoning where a conclusion is reached based on observation or evidence, rather than on assumptions or preconceived notions. In this example, the conclusion that the species is photosynthetic is reached based on observation of hundreds of individuals of the species being photosynthetic.

Question 11

Why is a scientific topic best discussed by people of varying points of view, a variety of subdisciplines, and diverse cultures?
A)They can rectify each other's approach to make it truly scientific.
B)Robust and critical discussion between diverse groups improves scientific thinking.
C)Scientists can explain to others that they need to work in isolation to utilize the scientific method more productively.
D)This is another way of making science more reproducible.
E)Scientists need to exchange their ideas with other disciplines and cultures so that all groups are in consensus with the course of future research.

Accepted Answer

When discussing a scientific topic, it is best to have a diverse group of individuals with varying perspectives, subdisciplines, and cultural backgrounds. This allows for robust and critical discussions which can improve scientific thinking by challenging assumptions, identifying biases, and encouraging new ideas. Through these discussions, different approaches can be reconciled to create a comprehensive scientific understanding. Additionally, having a variety of perspectives can help ensure that scientific research is relevant and applicable to diverse populations.

Question 12

In a high school laboratory, which of the following constitutes an experiment? I. learning to use a microscope by examining fixed specimens on slides
II. being able to examine swimming protists under a microscope
III. extracting pigments from plant leaves and separating the types of pigments for identification
IV. preparing root tips for examination by staining them
A)I only
B)II only
C)III only
D)II and III only
E)II, III, and IV

Accepted Answer

Only option III constitutes an experiment as it involves manipulating variables (plant leaves, extracting pigments, separating pigments) to observe a result (identification of pigment types). Options I, II, and IV are basic laboratory techniques that do not involve experimental manipulation of variables.

Question 13

Which of the following categories of organisms is least likely to be revised?
A)kingdom
B)class
C)order
D)phylum
E)species

Accepted Answer

Species is the most specific level of classification and is based on distinct physical and genetic characteristics. Therefore, it is less likely to be revised compared to higher levels such as phylum or kingdom, which are based on broader characteristics that may change with new scientific discoveries.

Question 14

Why is Darwin considered original in his thinking?
A)He provided examples of organisms that had evolved over time.
B)He demonstrated that evolution is continuing to occur now.
C)He described the relationship between genes and evolution.
D)He proposed the mechanism that explained how evolution takes place.
E)He observed that organisms produce large numbers of offspring.

Accepted Answer

Darwin's proposal of natural selection as the mechanism for evolution was a major breakthrough in scientific thinking and still forms the foundation of modern evolutionary theory. His observations of variation, inheritance, and competition among individuals within populations provided the evidence necessary to support this theory. While he also observed and provided examples of evolved organisms and the large numbers of offspring produced by organisms, it was his proposal of natural selection that set him apart in his thinking.

Question 15

Which of the following are qualities of any good scientific hypothesis? I. It is testable.
II. It is falsifiable.
III. It produces quantitative data.
IV. It produces results that can be replicated.
A)I only
B)II only
C)III only
D)I and II
E)III and IV

Accepted Answer

A good scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable. Producing quantitative data and results that can be replicated are desirable qualities, but they are not always necessary or possible in all scientific studies.

Question 16

According to Darwinian theory, which of the following exhibits the greatest fitness for evolutionary success?
A)the species with the longest life
B)the individuals within a population that have the greatest reproductive success
C)the phylum with members that occupy the greatest number of habitats
D)the community of organisms that is capable of living in the most nutrient-poor biome
E)the organism that produces its own nutrients most efficiently

Accepted Answer

According to Darwinian theory, the ultimate measure of evolutionary success is the number of offspring that an individual produces that are able to survive and reproduce themselves. Therefore, the individuals within a population that have the greatest reproductive success would exhibit the greatest fitness for evolutionary success.

Question 17

Similarities and differences among/between life-forms over time are most efficiently recorded by scientists in which field(s)of study?
A)paleontology
B)paleontology and anatomy
C)paleontology, anatomy, and taxonomy
D)paleontology, anatomy, taxonomy, and genetics
E)paleontology, anatomy, taxonomy, genetics, and ecology

Accepted Answer

The answer of Similarities and differences among/between life-forms over time...

Question 18

Darwin's finches, collected from the Galápagos Islands, illustrate which of the following?
A)mutation frequency
B)ancestors from different regions
C)adaptive radiation
D)vestigial anatomic structures
E)the accuracy of the fossil record

Accepted Answer

Darwin's finches are a classic example of adaptive radiation, which is the process by which a single ancestral species gives rise to multiple new species in response to different environmental conditions. The different types of finches have specialized beaks adapted for particular food sources, such as seeds or insects, which helped them survive in the various ecological niches available on the Galápagos Islands.

Question 19

The application of scientific knowledge for some specific purpose is known as
A)technology.
B)deductive science.
C)inductive science.
D)anthropologic science.
E)pure science.

Accepted Answer

Technology involves the practical application of scientific knowledge for a specific purpose or to solve a particular problem. Deductive science is the process of using general principles to predict specific outcomes, while inductive science involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations. Anthropologic science is the study of human societies and cultures, and pure science is the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of understanding without any practical application in mind.

Question 20

When applying the process of science, which of these is specifically tested?
A)a question
B)a result
C)an observation
D)a prediction
E)a hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The answer of When applying the process of science, which...

Quiz 1: Introduction: Evolution and Themes of Biology

Given the cooperativity of science, which of the following is most likely to result in an investigator being intellectually looked down upon by other scientists?

A controlled experiment is one in which

Why is it important that an experiment include a control group?

Which of the following best describes a model organism?

The method of scientific inquiry that draws conclusions from careful observation and the analysis of data is known as

The observation that a whale's front flippers have the same bone structure as all mammalian forelimbs suggests that

Which of the following is the best description of a control for an experiment?

Why is the theme of evolution considered to be the core theme of biology by biologists?

When a hypothesis cannot be written in an "If…then" format, what does this mean?

Which of these is an example of inductive reasoning?

Why is a scientific topic best discussed by people of varying points of view, a variety of subdisciplines, and diverse cultures?

Which of the following categories of organisms is least likely to be revised?

Why is Darwin considered original in his thinking?

Which of the following are qualities of any good scientific hypothesis? I. It is testable. II. It is falsifiable. III. It produces quantitative data. IV. It produces results that can be replicated.

According to Darwinian theory, which of the following exhibits the greatest fitness for evolutionary success?

Similarities and differences among/between life-forms over time are most efficiently recorded by scientists in which field(s) of study?

Darwin's finches, collected from the Galápagos Islands, illustrate which of the following?

The application of scientific knowledge for some specific purpose is known as

When applying the process of science, which of these is specifically tested?