BIO 201 Unit 1 Test

Conceptual models are not:

"Physical things". They are drawings or diagrams that are used to advance understanding for the user of the model.

Theory (how/why)

"how (and perhaps why) it happens". Theories are the explanations for the"rules" or "...well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world..."

Fact

A confirmed observation. Can change

Law

A descriptive generalization about nature. Laws can be used to make predictions. Laws describe but do not explain. Stable but can change.

Scientific studies include manipulating a system and comparing or describing a system:

A system can be manipulated through natural, thought, and causation experiments. A system can be compared or described through association and comparison studies.

Model

A tool (physical, conceptual, or mathematical) that is used to advance scientific understanding of a phenomenon by the user of the tool.

Which of the following is an example of a physical model? A. A wind tunnel used for studying how insects fly B. A set of equations that predicts population growth C. An idea on how linked computers could act like a network of nerve cells D. None of the above

A. A wind tunnel used for studying how insects fly

There is often a confusion between models and reality (very common among students). An example would be:

Atoms. There are so many different models of atoms that it causes an issue because we don't really know how atoms truly look. Every idea of an atom we have learned has been from a model, each model has just been proven more accurate than those before it.

Which of the following statements about observations and patterns is TRUE? A. Pattern is the term used for a single observation of a naturally occurring phenomenon. B. Observations of repeatedly occurring natural phenomena are called patterns. C. Patterns emerge from repeated inferences about naturally occurring observations. D. All of the above E. None of the above

B. Observations of repeatedly occurring natural phenomena are called patterns.

A graph of CO2 concentrations over time is best described as a: A. Theory B. Pattern C. Process D. Model E. Experiment

B. Pattern

A researcher studies cockroaches, which are the subjects in his experiments. Which of the following is/are required to make causal claims about the impact of dietary protein (independent variable) on the growth of cockroaches (dependent variable)? A. Randomly collecting cockroaches from their entire natural habitat. B. Randomly assigning cockroaches to treatment groups. C. Controlling for environmental factors that could impact the dependent variable. D. All of the above are required to make causal claims about the impact of dietary protein on the growth of cockroaches. E. B and C only.

E. B and C only.

Theories ______ become laws

Don't

Which of the following statements about the nature of science is CORRECT? A. Theories become laws when they have been proven B. Theories can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses C. Models are complex representations of scientific patterns D. Laws are descriptions of repeatable patterns in nature E. Both B and D are correct

E. Both B and D are correct

Which of the following are accurate descriptions of scientific models? A. A replica of a naturally occurring phenomenon. B. A miniature version of a naturally occurring phenomenon. C. A representation of a naturally occurring phenomenon. D. All of the above E. None of the above

E. None of the above

Which of the following statements is correct? A. Scientific hypotheses are known as educated guesses . B. After scientific theories are well-established, they can become laws. C. Scientific laws explain how or why patterns occur. D. All of the above E. None of the above

E. None of the above

Each of the following choices presents a type of study followed by a description of this type of study. Which of them is CORRECT? A. Causation: Explores the causal manipulation of nature in our thoughts B. Association: Explores the association between a treatment and control group C. Comparison: Explores the correlation between two or more variables D. Natural: Explores the natural manipulation of a biological system by biologists E. None of the above are correct

E. None of the above are correct

Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. Given enough support, a scientific theory eventually becomes a scientific law. B. Both patterns and processes in nature are usually directly observable by scientists. C. Patterns and processes provide observations and inferences, and theories and laws provide explanations. D. If enough scientists disagree with a scientific theory, then that theory is proven to be falsified. E. None of the above are true.

E. None of the above are true

Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. scientific laws explain many natural observations B. scientific theories can become laws given enough evidence C. a scientific theory is an educated guess about the cause of a phenomenon D. doctors do not use theories when they are treating patients E. none of the above are true

E. None of the above are true

Which of the following is true about scientific models? A. Scientific models are physical replicas of things that we know exit but cannot prove B. Scientific models are usually physical replicas of things that are too small to see C. Scientific models are used in order to test unobservable biological patterns D. Scientists build scientific models in order to prove the validity of scientific laws E. Scientists build scientific models to test hypotheses about unobservable processes

E. Scientists build scientific models to test hypotheses about unobservable processes

Scientific meanings of terms are different from:

Everyday meanings of scientific terms

Physical models are tangible things we can ____________ and __________.

Experience and touch

Difference between scientific explanation and scientific theory.

Explanation is built up of many components. These components are facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses. A theory might become a theory after lots of testing whether it holds up and continues to be supported. An explanation is confirmed whereas a theory has the chance to be disproven.

Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. both patterns and processes in nature are usually directly observable by scientists B. if enough scientists disagree with a scientific theory, then that theory is proven to be falsified C. given enough support a scientific theory eventually becomes a scientific law D. patterns and processes provide observations and inferences, and theories and laws provide explanations F. none of the above are true

F. None of the above are true

These terms have different meanings in "everyday" language and scientific language:

Fact, Theory, Law, Proof, Hypothesis, Scientific method, Model, and Argument (argumentation)

A hypothesis is best defined as a question in the form of a prediction. True or False?

False

A hypothesis is best defined as a testable question about the scientific model. True or False?

False

A law is best described as explaining nature. True or false?

False

A scientific model is best defined as a miniature version of a naturally occurring phenomenon. True or false?

False

A scientific model is best defined as a replica of a naturally occurring phenomenon. True or false?

False

Accepting scientific ideas such as the evolution of life contributes to an immoral worldview. True or false?

False

Accepting scientific ideas such as the evolution of life implies that human life lacks meaning and purpose. True or false?

False

At a store you buy a beautiful green plant for your bedroom. A few weeks after placing the plant on your bedroom desk, you realize that you forgot to water the plant, the soil is dry and you see that it has changed since you bought it (the plant leaves are now droopy and sagging). The following statement is best described as an observation: The plant needs more light to grow larger. True or false?

False

Being a scientist requires accepting the idea that god(s) does/do not exist. True or false?

False

In lecture 3, you were shown a video of a "black box" and a corresponding conceptual model of what might be in the box. The lecture also discussed hypotheses, predictions, and testing models. The following statement is best described as scientific prediction that could potentially be used to test the accuracy of the conceptual model: The box can support 10 lbs of pressure. True or false?

False

In lecture 3, you were shown a video of a "black box" and a corresponding conceptual model of what might be in the box. The lecture also discussed hypotheses, predictions, and testing models. The following statement is best described as scientific prediction that could potentially be used to test the accuracy of the conceptual model: The box is made of cardboard. True or false?

False

Science is the only way of knowing about the world. True or false?

False

Scientific proof is important for developing scientific laws. True or False?

False

The "scientific method" is a step-by-step procedure for doing science. True or False?

False

The "scientific method" is a step-by-step procedure for establishing truth. True or False?

False

The scientific process cannot include creativity because it is not part of the scientific method. True or false?

False (there is no scientific method)

Biologist known for patterns

George Carver documented patterns and processes in agriculture and agronomy (despite intense racism). Barbara McClintock developed genetic explanations for patterns in Maize (corn) (despite intense sexism).

We might want to know whether there are associations between:

Having a mutation and having a disease. Lung cancer and smoking. Environmental change and extinction.

Can a computer simulation be a model?

If it is helping the users of the model to advance their understanding and make better sense of something, then yes, it is a scientific model.

How or why is based on:

Inference, logic, deduction, and explanation. Unobservable; they explain the pattern.

Human experience includes ___________ and _____________ which are used to build _____________.

Inferences, observations, and Scientific models

Nature manipulates a system that was being studied before the event took place. The pros and cons of a nature study is that:

It is very realistic BUT scientists have NO CONTROL over these experiments

Patterns are described by _________ whereas processes are explained by __________.

Laws, theories

_______ are consistent patterns and _________ are the explanations for patterns.

Laws, theories

Mathematical models are used for:

Making predictions and testing ideas. An example is that they could help us better understand why feeding patterns occur in nature.

A common pattern observed in birds is the difference in color among feathers. Which gender is known for being considered more "showy"?

Males

Scientific models are ______ simply representations or "replicas" of something.

NOT

It takes creativity to figure out the best approach:

Scientists try to match the hypothesis with the best and most practical type of study for testing a model.

An example of a causation study:

Splitting a sample into two groups: treatment group and control group. Giving the treatment group a form of medicine and the control group a placebo. Study the effects to see if they are because of the medicine.

Hypothesis

Statement that is capable of being falsified (capable of being shown to be wrong or incorrect). Not a question.

Hypothesis are used to:

Test if the model we built is supported (=true) or not (=false).

Natural experiment

Test occurs in the "real world". Variables ARE manipulated. (Manipulated by nature).

Causation (true) experiment

Tests for a causal relationship by randomizing units to at least two conditions: treatment and control. Variables ARE manipulated. (Manipulated by groups)

Comparison study

Tests for differences in one or more variables between 2 or more conditions or groups. Variables are NOT manipulated.

Association study

Tests for relationships between variables. Variables are NOT manipulated.

A good example of physical models are labratory animals or plants.

They can be useful for research because they have specific characteristics that resemble a human disease or disorder. These physical, living tools are used to advance understanding of human diseases, genetic processes, and other phenomena. These living things can be models because they serve as tools for improving understanding by those who are using them (biologists).

Models are ____________ for building explanations and advancing understanding.

Tools

A primary goal of science is to establish explanations for natural phenomena. True or false?

True

A scientific argument is best defined as an attempt to convince someone using evidence, claims, and reasoning. True or False?

True

At a store you buy a beautiful green plant for your bedroom. A few weeks after placing the plant on your bedroom desk, you realize that you forgot to water the plant, the soil is dry and you see that it has changed since you bought it (the plant leaves are now droopy and sagging). The following statement is best described as an inference: Watering the plant will cause the leaves to look like they did when you bought the plant. True or false?

True

At a store you buy a beautiful green plant for your bedroom. A few weeks after placing the plant on your bedroom desk, you realize that you forgot to water the plant, the soil is dry and you see that it has changed since you bought it (the plant leaves are now droopy and sagging). The following statement is best described as an inference: Your plant has some form of disease. True or false?

True

At a store you buy a beautiful green plant for your bedroom. A few weeks after placing the plant on your bedroom desk, you realize that you forgot to water the plant, the soil is dry and you see that it has changed since you bought it (the plant leaves are now droopy and sagging). The following statement is best described as an observation: The plant is located in your bedroom. True or false?

True

Being a scientist involves recognizing that ethical and moral questions are best addressed by philosophy, religion, and other ways of knowing. True or false?

True

In lecture 3, you were shown a video of a "black box" and a corresponding conceptual model of what might be in the box. The lecture also discussed hypotheses, predictions, and testing models. The following statement is best described as a scientific hypothesis that could potentially be used to test the accuracy of the conceptual model: The box can support 10 lbs of pressure. True or false?

True

In lecture 3, you were shown a video of a "black box" and a corresponding conceptual model of what might be in the box. The lecture also discussed hypotheses, predictions, and testing models. The following statement is best described as a scientific hypothesis that could potentially be used to test the accuracy of the conceptual model: The box is made of cardboard. True or false?

True

The scientific process involves creativity. True or false?

True

There is no such thing as "scientific proof" because all science is tentative. True or False?

True

Models are used to:

Undercover and understand processes

Variables are compared across conditions or groups:

We might compare coloration between males and females in birds and try the quantify the relationship.

Theory

Well-tested and substantiated explanation. Stable (unlikely to change), but can change.

Law (what)

repeated patterns, "what happens" (with regularity). Laws may be called "cookbook science" or the "rules" or a descriptive generalization about the natural world.

What is the most important feature of a scientific model for studying a particular phenomenon? A. It provides for new tests of hypotheses that may yield new insights about the phenomenon. B. It contains accurate details about the complexity of the phenomenon in the natural world. C. It is simplified in order to be described by mathematical equations or computer programs. D. It incorporates all observations, patterns, and inferences related to the phenomenon. E. It shows the unobservable world in an observable way using easily visible representations.

A. It provides for new tests of hypotheses that may yield new insights about the phenomenon.

Examples of inferences:

A. There are two types of footprints B. The footprints are different colors C. The two types of footprints move in one direction (towards the right). D. The two animals are moving towards each other. E. The animals will encounter one another

Examples of observations:

A. There are two types of shapes. B. The shapes are two different colors. C. The shapes have different orientations. D. The density of shapes is greater on the right side of the image.

Which of the following statements accurately represents how scientists use natural experiments? A. to answer questions about events in nature that are difficult to replicate in a laboratory B. to answer questions about natural phenomena that are not appropriate for model building C. to make causal claims about patterns and processes occurring in large natural systems D. to conduct experiments without manipulations before conducting experiments in a laboratory E. none of the above

A. to answer questions about events in nature that are difficult to replicate in a laboratory

Multiple response question. In lecture 3, you were shown a video of a "black box" and a corresponding conceptual model of what might be in the box. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Select all. A. Prediction--If the box is not moved at all, no sounds will emerge from the box. B. Hypothesis--The black box is made of black metal. C. Prediction--After soaking the box in water for 3 months, the box will fall apart because it is made of cardboard. D. Hypothesis--The ball in the black box is made of metal. E. Prediction--When the metal ball rolls, a sound will be produced.

ALL OF THESE ARE RIGHT

Good scientific models should be able to:

Account for all of the data at hand. Predict the results of future tests. Be consistent with prior knowledge (build upon what is known; be logically consistent). Provide more insights into a phenomenon than is currently known.

If the tool that is being used only communicates, shows, represents, or illustrates something, but does not help to advance understanding, then it is most accurately described:

As a picture, replica, or representation (NOT a scientific model).

Multiple response question. Select all misconceptions about the nature of science. A. The scientific process involves creativity. B. Science is the only way of knowing about the world. C. A scientific argument is a disagreement or shouting match. D. It is impossible to test a hypothesis about something that cannot be directly or indirectly observed. E. The only way to produce scientific knowledge is through experiments. F. Most scientists agree that science and religion are in conflict with one another.

B. Science is the only way of knowing about the world. C. A scientific argument is a disagreement or shouting match. D. It is impossible to test a hypothesis about something that cannot be directly or indirectly observed. E. The only way to produce scientific knowledge is through experiments. F. Most scientists agree that science and religion are in conflict with one another.

Which of the following student statements most accurately represents the process of science? A. Scientists work hard to understand how natural systems work. Once they have a good understanding of how the system works, they build models to explain the system to others. B. Scientists build models that allow them to make and test predictions, in the form of hypotheses, about the phenomena they are trying to explain. C. A uniform, or unvarying, scientific method is a vital tool that scientists use to design and perform experiments that ask questions about the natural world. D. Well-trained scientists perform experiments without subjectivity or personal bias so that their conclusions about natural processes can be objective.

B. Scientists build models that allow them to make and test predictions, in the form of hypotheses, about the phenomena they are trying to explain.

Which of the following is a pattern? A. Photosynthesis B. The green coloration of most organisms that perform photosynthesis C. The binding between ions and chlorophyll pigments that are necessary for photosynthesis D. None of the above

B. The green coloration of most organisms that perform photosynthesis

Which of the following MOST accurately reflects the working process of a scientist in the correct order? A. make inferences -> make observations -> form hypotheses -> build model -> test model B. make observations -> make inferences -> build model -> form hypotheses -> test hypotheses C. make conceptual model -> make observations -> make inferences -> build model -> test model D. none of the above

B. make observations -> make inferences -> build model -> form hypotheses -> test hypotheses

Which of the following shows concepts that are CORRECTLY paired? A. scientific law - explanation B. scientific theory - pattern C. scientific law - pattern D. hypothesis - educated guess

B. scientific law - pattern

Biologist known for processes

Barbara McClintock developed genetic explanations for patterns in Maize (corn) (despite intense sexism).

Why do we build models?

Because we want to explain the things we encounter in the natural world.

Which of the following is an example of a conceptual model? A. A wind tunnel used for studying how bats fly B. A genetically engineered mouse strain that tends to get cancer C. An idea on how linked computers could act like a network of nerve cells D. None of the above

C. An idea on how linked computers could act like a network of nerve cells

Which of the following statements about comparison studies is TRUE? A. Comparison studies are the only types of studies that can be used to establish cause and effect. B. Comparison studies involve manipulation of two or more groups that are then compared to each other. C. Comparison studies are used to test models by showing that two or more groups differ from one another. D. Comparison studies are used to test models by showing that two variables in nature are related to each other.

C. Comparison studies are used to test models by showing that two or more groups differ from one another.

A researcher is interested in whether there is a relationship between the amount of solar radiation an English ivy plant receives, and its growth rate. She chooses 50 random sites in a large suburban area and measures the average solar radiation at that site and over the course of a year measures the growth rate of one English ivy plant at each site. Then she takes the data and graphs the relationship between solar radiation and growth rate. She finds that there is no relationship between solar radiation and growth rate. What kind of study or experiment has the researcher performed? A. a natural experiment B. a causation experiment C. an association study D. a thought experiment E. a simulation experiment

C. an association study

A biologist studies the impact of UV light intensity on the growth of sunflowers. She grows 300 sunflower seeds in a growth chamber in her lab all with intermediate levels of UV light. After two weeks, she places 100 randomly-selected seedlings in a growth chamber with high levels of UV light, another 100 seedlings in an identical growth chamber with low levels of UV light, and another 100 seedlings in an identical growth chamber with no UV light. She then measures the growth of the plants. What type of study or experiment is this? A. natural experiment B. comparison study C. causation experiment D. association study E. thought experiment

C. causation experiment

A researcher is interested in whether the presence of zinc in the soil affects growth of maple seedlings. She gathers maple seeds from 50 random sites in a large rural area where there is known to be no zinc in the soil. She plants four seeds from each site in a greenhouse with uniform light and water conditions. When the seeds have sprouted, she randomly allocates one seed from each site to four different soils that differ only in the level of zinc. Then she measures the growth rate of all seedlings. What kind of study is this researcher performing? A. natural experiment B. thought experiment C. causation experiment D. association study E. comparison study

C. causation experiment

The imprints shown above were found by a paleontologist (a biologist who studies fossils) in a sedimentary rock layer (a layer of rock that was formed from dirt settling out of a body of water). The paleontologist makes three different statements about this find: (1) the imprints occur in pairs, (2) the imprints are the tracks of a bird, (3) the bird is moving by hopping. Which of the following statements is TRUE? A. statements (1), (2), and (3) are all observations B. statements (1), (2), and (3) are all inferences C. statement (1) is an observation and (2) and (3) are inferences D. statements (1) and (2) are observations and (3) is an inference

C. statement (1) is an observation and (2) and (3) are inferences

Virtual models are __________ and ____________. Real world models are ____________.

Conceptual models, mathematical models, and physical models

Coming up with models--and hypotheses to test these models-requires ___________.

Creativity

Which of the following is the best description of a scientific argument? A. A disagreement about evidence between two or more scientists B. A disagreement about models that leads to new reasoning C. A disagreement by scientists that causes yelling or shouting D. A disagreement that uses evidence, reasoning, and claims E. A disagreement by scientists about someones claims

D. A disagreement that uses evidence, reasoning, and claims

The video of Dr. Nir, a professor of Islamic religious studies, included a discussion of scholarship on science and Islam. Which of the following statements align with his views? A. Throughout history, scientific discovery has flourished in Islamic cultures. B. The relationship between science and Islam is one of compatibility, not conflict. C. The study of nature is sanctified by the Islamic religion. D. All of the above E. None of the above

D. All of the above

Which of the following statements about the "scientific method" is FALSE? A. The "scientific method" is a step-by-step procedure for establishing truth B. The "scientific method" is a procedure that limits creativity in order to limit bias C. The "scientific method" is the only accepted approach for generating knowledge D. All of the above E. None of the above

D. All of the above

Which of the following statements about the boundaries of science is FALSE? A. The position of most scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, is that science is the only way of knowing about the world. B. The position of most scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, is that science must be in conflict with religion. C. The position of most scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences, is that a goal of science is to resolve moral questions. D. All of the above E. None of the above

D. All of the above

Which of the following statements about the role of "proof" in science is FALSE? A. Proof is important for developing scientific laws B. Proof is important for testing whether hypotheses are true C. Proof is important for establishing facts D. All of the above E. None of the above

D. All of the above

Which of the following statements about scientific theories is TRUE? A. Scientific theories are the only way hypotheses can be generated. B. Scientific theories provide evidence-based guesses that can be tested later. C. Scientific theories change more quickly than collected facts and data. D. Scientific theories should explain existing observations and patterns.

D. Scientific theories should explain existing observations and patterns.

In a natural experiment, who or what does the manipulation? A. there is no manipulation B. the investigator, in his/her mind C. the investigator, in the field D. nature E. a computer

D. nature

Proof

No meaning, because all science is tentative (albeit durable); nothing in science can be "proven." In mathematics, proof is possible using logic.

The boundaries of science recognize that science is _______ way of knowing.

ONE

Patterns are _____________, processes are ______________.

Observable, unobservable

What is based on:

Observation (Senses: sight, sound, touch, smell etc.). Observations that occur with some regularity.

What is equal to ___________, How or why is equal to __________.

Patterns, processes

Argument

The use of claims, evidence, and reasoning (CER) to convince others.

Scientific method

There is no such thing as a "scientific method"; there are multiple, different ways of generating evidence-based understanding.

Scientific models are important and useful because:

They are tools that help scientists improve their thinking about a system