Question 1

Which is the correct sequence of increasing organization?

Accepted Answer

The correct sequence of increasing organization is cell, tissue, organ, organ system, as it follows the biological hierarchy from the simplest to more complex structures.

Question 2

A scientific explanation that is tentative and requires more investigation is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative scientific explanation that requires more investigation to be confirmed or rejected.

Question 3

Which of the following levels of organization is the most inclusive (that is, includes the most life-forms)?

Accepted Answer

Biosphere includes all of the ecosystems on Earth, as well as all of the organisms that live within those ecosystems. It is the most inclusive level of organization as it includes all life-forms on Earth.

Question 4

The scientific method includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A testable theory is not a part of the scientific method; rather, it is a result of the process. The scientific method involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Question 5

Which of the following is true regarding faith-based assertions and scientific theories?

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories are subject to revision or even rejection in light of new evidence or observations. Faith-based assertions, on the other hand, rely on belief rather than empirical evidence and thus cannot be disproven using scientific methods. Therefore, any and all scientific theories can be disproven, but faith-based assertions cannot.

Question 6

Which of these is NOT scientific?

Accepted Answer

Consumers' opinions about tomato varieties and spaghetti sauce taste are subjective and not based on scientific evidence or analysis. The other options involve controlled experiments or studies that aim to test specific hypotheses and collect empirical data.

Question 7

A carefully formulated scientific explanation that is based on extensive observations and is in accord with scientific principles is called a:

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is an initial prediction, a fact is a piece of data that has been verified, a control is a standard for comparison, and a postulate is a starting assumption. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation that has undergone significant testing and has not been disproven by evidence.

Question 8

All the following are features of the scientific method EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The scientific method is based on natural causes and does not involve supernatural explanations. All the other options listed (hypothesis formulation, observation and experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, formulation of conclusions) are features of the scientific method.

Question 9

The smallest units that still retain the characteristics of an element are called:

Accepted Answer

The smallest unit that still retains the chemical and physical properties of an element is an atom. Molecules are formed by the combination of two or more atoms. Cells are composed of many different types of molecules and are the fundamental units of life. Tissues are composed of cells working together to perform a specific function, and organic molecules are a broad category of carbon-based molecules that are necessary for life.

Question 10

Which of the following is FALSE about scientific theories?

Accepted Answer

Scientific theories are not always firmly established or immune to being refuted. In fact, they are subject to change and modification based on new evidence and observations.

Question 11

Suppose you are testing a treatment for AIDS patients and find that 75% respond very well whereas 25% show no improvement or decline in health. You should:

Accepted Answer

The results suggest that the treatment works for some patients but not for others. Before drawing any conclusions or discontinuing the treatment altogether, it is important to review the results, modify the drug or dosage, and repeat the experiment to ensure that the treatment is effective for the majority of patients. The goal should be to maximize the number of patients who respond well to the treatment. Additionally, pursuing the development of a new drug may be an option in the future, but it is not the best choice based on the given scenario.

Question 12

An example of natural causality is:

Accepted Answer

Natural causality refers to events that can be explained by natural laws, such as the cause-and-effect relationships between physical phenomena. Choice A and B refer to outdated beliefs (spontaneous generation) that have been disproven by scientific evidence. Choice D refers to a supernatural belief not based in natural causality. Choice C, however, refers to a scientifically accepted explanation for a medical condition, rooted in natural causality.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is a hypothesis rather than a theory?

Accepted Answer

The statement "Female birds prefer to mate with male birds that have longer tails" is a hypothesis because it proposes a specific, testable prediction about a particular phenomenon (mate preference in birds). The other choices are established scientific theories that have undergone significant testing and validation over time.

Question 14

Science cannot answer certain moral questions because:

Accepted Answer

Moral values differ among individuals, and therefore, what may be considered moral or ethical may vary across cultures, religions, and personal beliefs. Science can provide factual information that may inform moral decision-making, but it cannot determine what is "right" or "wrong" in a moral sense.

Question 15

All of the following are scientific principles that underlie scientific inquiry EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is a biological concept related to evolution, not a principle that underlies the general process of scientific inquiry.

Question 16

Alexander Fleming observed a colony of mold that inhibited the growth of nearby bacteria. Which of the following was his hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Alexander Fleming observed a mold that inhibited the growth of nearby bacteria, suggesting that the mold produced a substance that killed nearby bacteria. This led to the discovery of penicillin as an antibiotic. Option A is incorrect because if the mold simply used all of the nutrients, the bacteria should still be present but not dividing. Option C is incorrect because the bacteria changing their DNA seems unlikely based on the simple observation of inhibition of growth. Option D is incorrect because the mold was clearly not dead since it was inhibiting the growth of nearby bacteria.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Deductive reasoning involves starting with a general statement or hypothesis and examining the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. Option D starts with the general knowledge that all known species of bacteria are made up of organic molecules and applies it to a new, specific instance.

Question 18

Imagine that 1 milliliter of an experimental drug diluted in a saline solution is injected into 20 pregnant mice to determine possible side effects. Which of the following is a suitable control for this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The best control for this experiment would be a group of pregnant mice injected with the saline solution without the experimental drug. This would allow researchers to compare the side effects observed in the experimental group to those in the control group, which would not be affected by the drug. Option E is the only one that includes a pregnant group as a control, making it the best choice.

Question 19

A scientific theory:

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory is a well-supported and extensively tested explanation for natural phenomena. It is based on evidence and can be modified or even overturned with new evidence. It is not just an educated guess and is considered more reliable than a hypothesis.

Question 20

We use the scientific method every day. Imagine that your car doesn't start one morning before school. Which of these is a reasonable hypothesis regarding the problem?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. "I'm out of gas" is a reasonable hypothesis because it suggests a specific cause for the car not starting, which can be tested and verified.

Quiz 1: An Introduction to Life on Earth