Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of a control in a manipulative scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison by minimizing the effects of confounding variables.

Question 2

A scientist observes that lakes with higher phosphorus concentrations tend to have more algal growth. She hypothesizes that phosphorus is a limiting nutrient for algae. Which type of reasoning did she use to generate her hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 3

Which of the following statements is a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the amount of sunlight will increase the rate of photosynthesis in spinach leaves.

Question 4

Why is it incorrect to say that science 'proves' hypotheses?

Accepted Answer

Because multiple hypotheses can make the same prediction, and supporting evidence cannot rule out all alternatives.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a confounding variable in a study examining the relationship between number of churches and number of pubs in a city?

Accepted Answer

Population size

Question 6

A manipulative experiment is conducted to test whether phosphorus addition increases algal growth in ponds. What would increase the inferential strength of this study?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assigning ponds to control and treatment groups to minimize confounding variables.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of extrapolation in scientific studies?

Accepted Answer

Applying results from a study on mice to predict outcomes in humans.

Question 8

Which of the following is a key requirement for a scientific claim to be considered strong?

Accepted Answer

It must be precise and refutable.

Question 9

A researcher claims that 'climate change affects animals.' Why is this claim considered weak in scientific terms?

Accepted Answer

It is vague and not specific about which animals, what effects, or what aspect of climate change.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific fact?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a causal explanation supported by extensive evidence, while a fact is a descriptive claim about the natural world.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

If all birds have feathers and robins are birds, then robins must have feathers.

Question 12

In the context of human skin color evolution, which hypothesis is best supported by the evidence that populations at high latitudes with dark skin historically had diets rich in vitamin D?

Accepted Answer

Selection for lighter skin at high latitudes is driven by the need for vitamin D synthesis, but dietary sources can compensate for low UV exposure.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why manipulative experiments often have higher inferential strength than observational studies?

Accepted Answer

Manipulative experiments allow for better control of confounding variables.

Question 14

A scientist wants to test the hypothesis that folate degradation by UV light influenced the evolution of darker skin in humans. Which prediction would best test this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Populations in areas with high UV exposure have darker skin and lower rates of folate deficiency-related birth defects.

Question 15

Which of the following is a valid reason for using statistical controls in an observational study?

Accepted Answer

To account for the effects of confounding variables that cannot be experimentally controlled.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a prediction in the context of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A specific statement about what will be observed if the hypothesis is true.

Question 17

A study finds a correlation between ice cream sales and drowning incidents. Which of the following is most likely a confounding variable?

Accepted Answer

Temperature (season)

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for science to result in knowledge acquisition?

Accepted Answer

Relying on supernatural explanations for natural phenomena.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between descriptive and hypothesis-testing claims in science?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive claims provide patterns that can inspire hypotheses, while hypothesis-testing claims seek to explain those patterns.

Question 20

Which of the following equations best represents the logical structure of a deductive prediction in hypothesis testing?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{If } H 	ext{ is true and experiment of type } Y 	ext{ is performed, then prediction } P 	ext{ must be observed.} $$

The Scientific Method and Knowledge Acquisition in Biology

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