Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence and tested hypotheses.

Question 2

Which equation represents the Ideal Gas Law, commonly used as a scientific law in chemistry?

Accepted Answer

$$PV=nRT$$

Question 3

A researcher observes that ice cream sales and homicide rates both increase during the summer. What type of study is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Correlation study

Question 4

Which of the following is a limitation of science?

Accepted Answer

Science relies on evidence and testable ideas, but is subject to human error, bias, and limitations in technology.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about statistical significance is correct?

Accepted Answer

Statistical significance means a result is very unlikely to have occurred by chance alone, typically when $$p\u003c0.05.$$

Question 6

In a controlled experiment, which variable is manipulated by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a property of living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Ability to remain unchanged over generations

Question 8

Which statement best describes the difference between a hypothesis and a law?

Accepted Answer

A law describes what happens in nature, often mathematically, while a hypothesis is a testable proposed explanation.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The coordinated contraction of heart muscle cells resulting in a heartbeat

Question 10

A scientist wants to test whether Drug Z lowers blood pressure in humans. Which of the following is the best testable hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Administering a dose of Drug Z for 30 days will lower blood pressure in humans.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes gene expression?

Accepted Answer

The process of converting information from a gene to a cellular product, such as a protein.

Question 12

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 13

Which of the following is a unifying theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

Organization, information, energy & matter, interactions, and evolution

Question 14

Which of the following is a reason why small sample sizes can be problematic in scientific studies?

Accepted Answer

They increase the likelihood of sampling error.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific inquiry process?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring evidence that contradicts your hypothesis

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why blinded studies are important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

They reduce bias in the collection and interpretation of data.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the process of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Evolution explains both the unity and diversity of life on Earth.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It is testable and falsifiable.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of a scientific law?

Accepted Answer

Law of Independent Assortment

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the endosymbiont hypothesis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as formerly free-living prokaryotes.

The Nature of Science: Foundations and Methods in Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions