Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A tentative explanation that can be tested and falsified.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which variable should be kept constant to ensure valid results?

Accepted Answer

Amount of sunlight each plant receives.

Question 3

Which statement best distinguishes between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

A theory explains a broad range of phenomena and is supported by evidence, while a law describes consistent relationships under specific conditions.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an independent variable in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

The temperature at which a chemical reaction is performed.

Question 5

A scientist wants to test whether a new drug reduces blood pressure. She randomly assigns patients to two groups: one receives the drug, the other receives a placebo. What is the main purpose of randomization in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate bias and ensure groups are comparable.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of falsifiability in science?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis that can be tested and potentially shown to be incorrect.

Question 7

Which of the following is a comparative science question?

Accepted Answer

Does fertilizer A increase plant growth more than fertilizer B?

Question 8

Given the equation for calculating the mean: $$	ext{mean} = \frac{\sum x_i}{n}$$, what does $$n$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The number of data points.

Question 9

A biologist observes that frogs in two different ponds have different average sizes. Which type of scientific question is she asking if she wants to know why this difference exists?

Accepted Answer

Causal

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 11

In an experiment, the dependent variable is:

Accepted Answer

The variable that is measured as the outcome.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative data is descriptive, while quantitative data is numerical.

Question 13

A scientist claims that 'all swans are white.' Which principle of science is challenged if a single black swan is found?

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a testable scientific question?

Accepted Answer

Does increasing sunlight exposure affect plant growth rate?

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

Question 16

If a scientist wants to determine the effect of temperature on enzyme activity, which is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Enzyme activity

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why scientific explanations are tentative?

Accepted Answer

They can be revised with new evidence.

Question 18

A student collects data on the number of leaves on plants exposed to different light intensities. Which type of variable is 'number of leaves'?

Accepted Answer

Dependent variable

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a descriptive science question?

Accepted Answer

What is the average length of fish in Lake Erie?

Question 20

Given the formula for percent change: $$	ext{Percent Change} = \frac{	ext{Final Value} - 	ext{Initial Value}}{	ext{Initial Value}} 	imes 100\%$$, what is the percent change if the initial value is 50 and the final value is 75?

Accepted Answer

$$50\%$$

Scientific Method and Experimental Design in Biology

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