Question 1

Which of the following is a requirement for a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It must be testable and falsifiable.

Question 2

A student proposes the hypothesis: 'If plants are given fertilizer, then they will grow taller.' Which aspect makes this a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It can be tested and potentially proven false by experiment.

Question 3

Which of the following best differentiates inductive reasoning from deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions, while deductive reasoning moves from general principles to specific predictions.

Question 4

Which of the following lists the three parts of a scientific argument in the correct order?

Accepted Answer

Claim, evidence, reasoning

Question 5

A scientist claims that a new drug lowers blood pressure. She presents data from a clinical trial and explains how the drug blocks a specific receptor. Which part of the scientific argument is the explanation of how the drug works?

Accepted Answer

Reasoning

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property in biology?

Accepted Answer

The ability of a heart to pump blood, which arises from the coordinated action of cardiac cells.

Question 7

Which scenario best illustrates a positive feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

During childbirth, the release of oxytocin increases uterine contractions, which leads to more oxytocin release.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback loop in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon.

Question 9

What type of feedback is most common in biological systems and why?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback, because it maintains homeostasis by counteracting changes.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the core theme of biology?

Accepted Answer

Evolution, because it explains the unity and diversity of life.

Question 11

Why is evolution considered the core theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

It provides a unifying explanation for the diversity and similarities among living organisms.

Question 12

Which of the following best differentiates acclimation from adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Acclimation is a reversible change in an individual during its lifetime; adaptation is a heritable trait that evolves over generations.

Question 13

A lizard moves to a sunny rock to warm up, while over generations, desert lizards have evolved lighter skin color. Which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

Moving to the sunny rock is acclimation; lighter skin color is adaptation.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a component of a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It must be based on supernatural explanations.

Question 15

A researcher observes that fish in a lake are dying and proposes that pollution is the cause. She collects water samples and finds high toxin levels. She then explains how the toxin disrupts fish metabolism. Which part of her argument is the evidence?

Accepted Answer

The high toxin levels found in the water samples.

Question 16

Which of the following best illustrates an emergent property at the ecosystem level?

Accepted Answer

Nutrient cycling between organisms and the environment.

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates the use of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Starting with the principle that all mammals have lungs, and predicting that a newly discovered mammal species will have lungs.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a claim in a scientific argument?

Accepted Answer

"The new vaccine is effective at preventing disease."

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between feedback loops and homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback loops help maintain homeostasis by counteracting changes in the internal environment.

Question 20

A patient with diabetes cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Which feedback mechanism is impaired?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback loop involving insulin and glucagon.

Core Concepts in General Biology: Scientific Reasoning, Themes, and Feedback Mechanisms

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