Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

An explanation based on observations and assumptions that leads to a testable prediction.

Question 2

In the mouse camouflage experiment, what was the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The color pattern of the mouse models.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is correct?

Accepted Answer

A theory is broader than a hypothesis and is supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 4

Which reasoning process is used when specific results are predicted from a general premise?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning

Question 5

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She hypothesizes that light intensity affects plant growth. Which of the following would be the best experimental design to test her hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Grow plants under different light intensities and measure their growth rate.

Question 6

Why is natural selection considered a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

It is a broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence and can generate new hypotheses.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the flexibility of the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

Scientists may backtrack, change hypotheses, and be influenced by societal context.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that all swans are white because every swan you have seen is white.

Question 9

In a controlled experiment, why is it important to have a control group?

Accepted Answer

To cancel out the effects of other variables and isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a hypothesis and a theory in science?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-supported explanation that can generate new hypotheses.

Question 11

A student claims that all organic molecules must contain carbon and hydrogen. Which of the following best evaluates this claim?

Accepted Answer

The claim is incorrect because organic molecules must contain carbon, but may also contain other elements such as oxygen and nitrogen.

Question 12

Which property of carbon allows it to form a wide variety of molecular structures?

Accepted Answer

It has four valence electrons, allowing it to form up to four covalent bonds.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

They contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Question 14

A molecule with the formula $$\mathrm{C}_4\mathrm{H}_{10}$$ can exist as two different structural isomers. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The two molecules have the same chemical formula but different covalent arrangements of their atoms.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why double bonds in carbon skeletons affect the shape and function of organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Double bonds restrict rotation, leading to different isomers with distinct properties.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a real-world application of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A chef tastes soup to see if it needs more salt, then adds salt and tastes again.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a polymer?

Accepted Answer

A large molecule made up of repeating monomer units.

Question 18

A researcher is studying a new organic molecule and finds it contains a long chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms with no oxygen. Which of the following is most likely true about this molecule?

Accepted Answer

It is a hydrocarbon and is likely hydrophobic.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why repeated testing of a hypothesis increases confidence in its validity?

Accepted Answer

It shows the hypothesis can withstand attempts to disprove it, increasing scientific consensus.

Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Scientific Inquiry, and the Scientific Method

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