Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative answer that can be tested and falsified, while a theory is a well-supported explanation that unifies a broad range of observations and hypotheses.

Question 2

A researcher is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups of plants: one receives the fertilizer, and the other does not. She measures the height of the plants after four weeks. In this experiment, what is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The height of the plants after four weeks

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis states that there will be no difference or effect between groups being tested.

Question 4

A scientist observes that a certain species of bird only nests in trees above 10 meters tall. She proposes that the height of the tree affects nesting behavior. Which type of logic is she using to develop her hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Inductive logic

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

An experiment where one variable is manipulated while all others are held constant.

Question 6

In a statistical test, a p-value of $$0.03 is $$obtained when comparing two groups. What does this indicate about the null hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

There is strong evidence to reject the null hypothesis at the $$0.05$$ significance level.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life as described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Life is static and unchanging.

Question 8

Which of the following correctly lists the levels of biological organization from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 9

Why do biologists use model systems in their research?

Accepted Answer

Because all life shares a common ancestor, genetic code, and similar building blocks, allowing insights from one organism to be applied to others.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about binomial nomenclature is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a naming system in which two terms are used: the first indicating the genus and the second the species.

Question 11

A scientist wants to test whether a new drug affects blood pressure. She randomly assigns 100 patients to receive either the drug or a placebo and measures their blood pressure after 8 weeks. Which of the following best describes the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Whether the patient receives the drug or placebo

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a scientific law or principle?

Accepted Answer

The Law of Thermodynamics, which describes energy transformations in nature.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the purpose of statistical tests in scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

To calculate the probability that observed differences are due to chance rather than the experimental treatment.

Question 14

If two organisms are classified in the same family but different genera, which of the following must also be true?

Accepted Answer

They belong to the same order.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct example of deductive logic in scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that if a hypothesis is correct, then a specific experimental result should be observed.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the domains of life is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya includes protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Question 17

A comparative experiment is best described as one that:

Accepted Answer

Predicts that groups will be different and compares naturally occurring groups.

Question 18

Which of the following is a requirement for a hypothesis to be considered scientific?

Accepted Answer

It must be falsifiable and testable.

Question 19

Members of the same species are defined as organisms that:

Accepted Answer

Can mate and produce viable offspring with each other.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of quantification in scientific investigation?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the temperature of a solution as $$25^\circ C.$$

Foundations of Scientific Investigation and Life: General Biology Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards