Question 1

Many salmon return to the place where they were born to lay eggs. You hypothesize that they use visual cues to find their way back. To test your hypothesis, you blind salmon and then examine whether or not they are able to return to their birthplace. You find that they are unable to find their way back. From this experiment, you:

Accepted Answer

This experiment supports the hypothesis that salmon use visual cues to find their way back to their birthplace, as blinding them impairs their ability to return, suggesting a reliance on vision for navigation.

Question 2

Which of the following scientists tested the hypothesis that microorganisms can arise by spontaneous generation?

Accepted Answer

Louis Pasteur tested and ultimately disproved the hypothesis of spontaneous generation through his famous swan-necked flask experiment in 1861. Francesco Redi also provided evidence against spontaneous generation in the 17th century with his experiment involving meat and maggots. Elena and Lenski are evolutionary biologists who conducted a long-term experiment on E. coli bacteria, while Darwin and Alvarez are known for their work in evolutionary biology and geology, respectively, and were not directly involved in the study of spontaneous generation.

Question 3

Evidence for the extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 65 million years ago comes from meteorites containing:

Accepted Answer

Meteorites containing iridium have been found in the geological layer corresponding to the extinction of the dinosaurs, suggesting that the impact of a massive asteroid caused their extinction. The other choices are not typically associated with meteorites or the extinction event.

Question 4

An explanation supported by a large body of observations and experimentation is referred to as a(n):

Accepted Answer

A theory is a well-supported scientific explanation that has been tested through numerous observations and experiments. It is a stronger and more comprehensive explanation than a hypothesis or prediction. A supposition is an idea or assumption without evidence or support. An investigation refers to the process of conducting experiments or gathering data.

Question 5

A tentative explanation based on observation is referred to as a hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of a hypothesis.

Question 6

Let's say you feel very strongly that cigarette smoke does not increase the probability of getting cancer, and you base your view on something you read on the Internet. This is a good example of a(n):

Accepted Answer

Basing a view on something read on the Internet, especially if it contradicts scientific consensus without rigorous evidence, does not constitute an observation, hypothesis, theory, or experiment. It's more likely an example of misinformation or misunderstanding.

Question 7

Asking and answering questions about the world in an unbiased manner is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Asking and answering questions about the world...

Question 8

How many experiments have been conducted worldwide to test Darwin's initial hypothesis regarding natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult to give a precise number, but there have been countless experiments and observational studies conducted worldwide to test Darwin's initial hypothesis regarding natural selection. The theory of evolution by natural selection is widely accepted as a fundamental principle in the field of biology, and continues to be studied and refined through ongoing research.

Question 9

A hypothesis is considered a theory when the:

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is considered a theory when the results of several experiments support it. It must have been tested and validated multiple times before being elevated to a theory.

Question 10

Observations allow scientists to draw tentative explanations called hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

Observations allow scientists to make tentative explanations or educated guesses called hypotheses.

Question 11

A controlled way of asking and answering unbiased questions about the world is called a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A controlled way of asking and answering...

Question 12

What is a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction of a phenomenon, based on limited evidence or previous observations. It is a statement that can be tested by experiments or further observations to see if it is supported or contradicted by the evidence. A hypothesis is not the same as an unproven theory, which is a broader explanation that has been supported by substantial evidence but may still be subject to further research and testing. A verifiable observation is a factual statement about the world, while an experiment is a method used to test a hypothesis.

Question 13

In the 1600s, Francesco Redi demonstrated that living organisms come from other living organisms. However, it would be inaccurate to say that Redi supported his hypothesis because:

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the 1600s, Francesco Redi demonstrated that...

Question 14

Hypotheses can only be tested by doing experiments.

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses can also be tested through observations, simulations, mathematical models, and other research methods, not just experiments.

Question 15

Which one of the following is NOT part of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Assumption is not a part of the scientific method. The scientific method involves making an observation, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments to test the hypothesis, making predictions based on the results of the experiments, and refining the hypothesis based on the findings. Assumptions are not based on empirical evidence and do not form a part of the scientific method.

Question 16

When carrying out a controlled experiment, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Changing multiple variables at once can make it difficult to determine which variable is having an effect on the outcome. Subjecting different groups to different conditions can introduce confounding variables that can interfere with the accuracy of the results. Changing only one variable at a time allows for a more controlled experiment and enables the researcher to determine the effect of that specific variable on the outcome.

Question 17

Which of the following CORRECTLY reflects the process of science?

Accepted Answer

The process of science begins with observation, which leads to a question that can be tested through a hypothesis. An experiment is designed to gather data and test the hypothesis, and based on the data collected, the hypothesis can be supported or refuted. This process is iterative, meaning that the experiment may need to be redesigned or the hypothesis revised based on the results obtained. Therefore, choice B correctly reflects the process of science.

Question 18

The feature of an experiment that is changed from one treatment to the next is referred to as a(n):

Accepted Answer

A variable is any factor that can be manipulated, controlled, or measured in an experiment. In an experiment, the variable that is changed from one treatment to the next is known as the independent variable, while the variable that is being measured is known as the dependent variable. Therefore, the best choice is A) variable.

Question 19

Which one of the following is NOT a way in which biology is typically approached?

Accepted Answer

Biomechanics, physiology, cognition, and behavior are all approaches used in the study of biology. Astrology, however, is not a valid approach in biology as it is a pseudoscientific belief system that claims to offer insight into human affairs and natural phenomena based on the positions and movements of celestial objects.

Question 20

In some experiments, several identical groups are set up, keeping conditions similar among them. In the _____ group, a change is deliberately introduced. In the _____ group, this change is not introduced. In this way, the researcher can determine if the change has an effect.

Accepted Answer

In experimental research, the test group (or experimental group) is the one in which a change or intervention is introduced to observe its effects, while the control group is kept under normal conditions without the introduced change, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Quiz 1: Life: Chemical, Cellular, and Evolutionary Foundations