Biology Chapter 1

Suppose that in an experiment, different results are obtained from part of the sample than the results obtained from the whole. What would best explain this? Select one: a. sampling error b. trend c. variable d. statistically significant e. probability

a. sampling error

In an experiment, the experimental group is: Select one: a. treated exactly the same as the control group, except for one independent variable b. not exposed to experimental treatments c. maintained under strict laboratory conditions d. statistically the most important part of the experiment e. not subjected to experimental error

a. treated exactly the same as the control group, except for one independent variable

A scientist randomly divided a group of 100 lab rats into two groups of 50. One group was fed regular rat chow while the other was fed the same amount of rat chow with added DDT. Both groups were housed in the same room with the same environmental conditions. At the end of the experiment, rats were weighed and the mean difference calculated. What was the dependent variable being measured? Select one: a. weight b. day length c. DDT d. amount of food e. temperature

a. weight

In order to reduce bias, scientists usually prefer experiments that lead to what kind of results? Select one: a. ambiguous b. quantitative c. subjective d. qualitative e. imprecise

b. quantitative

A scientist is investigating the results of varying temperature on the growth rate of a bacterial culture. In this experiment, temperature is the: Select one: a. control b. model c. independent variable d. hypothesis e. dependent variable

c. independent variable

In order to arrive at a solution to a problem, a scientist usually proposes and tests: Select one: a. theories b. principles c. laws d. hypotheses e. facts

d. hypotheses

Which of the following is NOT an action taken by an experimenter? Select one: a. examines the effects of independent variables b. revises a hypothesis as a result of data collected c. reviews other research results obtained by other scientists d. manipulates dependent variables e. draws conclusions based only on appropriate experimental data

d. manipulates dependent variables

Which statement could be considered a scientific theory? Select one: a. Chemistry and physics are more exact sciences than biology. b. Leaves bend toward the light because they know light is needed to grow. c. Beauty pageant contestants are becoming increasingly more beautiful. d. The growth of a plant is faster in a growth chamber than in a greenhouse. e. Change occurs in the inherited traits of a population over generations.

e. Change occurs in the inherited traits of a population over generations.

A testable explanation for a natural phenomenon is a(n): Select one: a. prediction b. experiment c. model d. conclusive description e. hypothesis

e. hypothesis

A hypothesis that has been repeatedly and rigorously tested and supported is known as a: Select one: a. result b. testable prediction c. scientific method d. model e. scientific theory

e. scientific theory