Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of science?

Accepted Answer

To investigate and understand the natural world, explain events, and use those explanations to make useful predictions.

Question 2

Which statement correctly distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory explains why phenomena occur, while a scientific law describes what happens.

Question 3

A scientist observes that all birds she has studied have feathers. She then hypothesizes that all birds have feathers. What type of reasoning is she using?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

All birds have feathers. This animal is a bird. Therefore, it has feathers.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of science?

Accepted Answer

Science accepts explanations that cannot be tested or disproved.

Question 6

A student claims that a hypothesis is the same as a theory. Which statement best corrects this misconception?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable statement, while a theory is a well-supported explanation based on evidence.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the use of quantitative data in a scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the growth of plants in centimeters over two weeks.

Question 8

Why must a hypothesis be testable?

Accepted Answer

So that evidence can be collected to support or refute it.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of empirical evidence?

Accepted Answer

A measurement of temperature using a thermometer.

Question 10

A scientist wants to test the effect of light on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one exposed to light and one kept in darkness. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Amount of light exposure

Question 11

Which step in the scientific method involves sharing results with others?

Accepted Answer

Step 8: Share findings

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why science is considered an ongoing process?

Accepted Answer

Scientific findings are continually tested, revised, and shared.

Question 13

Which of the following is a qualitative observation?

Accepted Answer

The solution turned blue after the reaction.

Question 14

A scientist proposes that increasing the amount of fertilizer will increase plant growth. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Plant growth

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring evidence that contradicts your hypothesis

Question 16

Why is accurate measurement important in scientific investigations?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that results are reliable and can be verified by others.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between science and non-science?

Accepted Answer

Science relies on testable explanations and evidence, while non-science may rely on beliefs or explanations that cannot be tested.

Question 18

A researcher wants to categorize organisms into domains. Which of the following is NOT one of the three domains?

Accepted Answer

Protista

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why scientific knowledge is considered reliable?

Accepted Answer

It is based on evidence that can be verified and repeated by others.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why homeostasis is a fundamental part of biology?

Accepted Answer

It allows living organisms to maintain stable internal conditions necessary for survival.

Nature of Science: Foundations and Methods in Biology

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