Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between science and technology?

Accepted Answer

Science aims to understand natural phenomena, while technology applies scientific knowledge for specific purposes.

Question 2

In D. W. Kaufman's experiment, what were the independent variables tested?

Accepted Answer

Coat color of the mice, soil color, and the presence or absence of moonlight.

Question 3

Refer to the bar graphs provided. On a moonlit night, would a dark brown mouse be more likely to escape predation by owls on dark- or light-colored soil? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Dark-colored soil, because the dark brown mouse is better camouflaged and fewer are caught.

Question 4

Which axis of the graphs represents the dependent variable in Kaufman's experiment?

Accepted Answer

The y-axis, which shows the number of mice caught.

Question 5

Based on the data, under which conditions would a light brown mouse be most likely to escape predation at night?

Accepted Answer

On light-colored soil with no moon, where fewer light brown mice are caught.

Question 6

Why is the peer review process important in science?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that research is evaluated and validated by other experts before publication.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about model organisms is correct?

Accepted Answer

Model organisms are species that are easy to grow in the lab and help answer broad biological questions.

Question 8

Which combination of independent variables led to the highest predation level in enclosures with dark-colored soil?

Accepted Answer

Light coat color and full moon.

Question 9

What is a plausible evolutionary explanation for the higher frequency of the sickle-cell gene in populations from regions where malaria is common?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection favors individuals with the sickle-cell gene because it provides some protection against malaria.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes how science 'polices itself'?

Accepted Answer

By repeating experiments and observations to confirm or refute findings.

Question 11

Which of the following is a real-world application of DNA technology discussed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Exonerating wrongly convicted prisoners through forensic analysis.

Question 12

Why is it important for scientists to communicate their research results?

Accepted Answer

So that their findings can be evaluated, built upon, and have an impact on the scientific community.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why several scientists might work on the same research question?

Accepted Answer

To confirm findings, challenge results, and advance knowledge through collaboration or competition.

Question 14

What ethical issue is raised by the increasing use of DNA technology in society?

Accepted Answer

Whether genetic information should be accessible to insurance companies or employers.

Question 15

Which of the following is a benefit of using model organisms in biological research?

Accepted Answer

They allow scientists to generalize findings to other species due to evolutionary relationships.

Question 16

If a scientist cannot repeat the findings of another scientist's experiment, what is the most likely implication?

Accepted Answer

There may be an underlying weakness in the original claim that needs to be revised.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the relationship between science, technology, and society?

Accepted Answer

Science and technology are interdependent, and their advances can have significant effects on society.

Question 18

Based on the bar graphs, which condition led to the highest number of dark brown mice being caught?

Accepted Answer

Light-colored soil with no moon.

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why diverse viewpoints are valuable in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

They allow for multiple approaches to a problem, increasing the likelihood of discovery.

Question 20

Which of the following best summarizes the main lesson from Kaufman's owl and mouse experiment?

Accepted Answer

Camouflage and environmental conditions, such as moonlight and soil color, significantly affect predation rates.

Science as a Cooperative Endeavor: Experimental Design, Model Organisms, and the Interplay of Science, Technology, and Society

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards