Chapter 1 Bio 156

(Choose the single best answer.) A scientific hypothesis has all of the following features EXCEPT that it is: A. able to be proven true. B. a possible explanation for something. C. falsifiable. D. based on observations.

A. able to be proven true.

Fraternal twins share _____ of the same genes, while identical twins share _____ of the same genes. A. none; 50% B. 50% on average; 100% C. 100%; 50% D. 25%; 75%

B. 50% on average; 100%

Which of the following is the best definition for the term hypothesis? (Choose the single best answer.) A. A hypothesis is an educated guess. B. A hypothesis is the proposed answer to a question that was derived from an observation. C. A hypothesis is a scientific fact.

B. A hypothesis is the proposed answer to a question that was derived from an observation.

How do both geckos and "sticky-bots" let go of the surface on which they are walking? A. inhale deeply B. relax their suction cups C. peel their toes back

C. peel their toes back

In the essay, the point is made that the right questions must be asked when designing an experiment that measures how genetics and environment "shape who we are." Which of the following measurements is probably the least valuable in such an experiment? A. behavioral analysis of personality B. scores on problem-solving tests C. the average lifespan D. collecting data on preferences such as food, color, and music

C. the average lifespan

How many variables should there be in a well-designed experiment? A. 0 B. 2 C. as many as possible D. 1

D. 1

You make one batch of cookies with regular flour and another with cake flour.

Experiment

Yoel read literature about Todd Campbell's work with green and brown anoles.

Exploration and discovery

You like some chocolate chip cookie recipes better than others.

Observation

Does the type of flour you use make a difference?

Question

Using cake flour makes the cookies soft, which you prefer.

Results

Yoel submitted an article describing his results, which was reviewed by other scientists.

Scientific community analysis and feedback

Politicians may develop new policies to protect species from environmental changes.

Societal benefits and outcomes

The set of features that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment is called:

adaptations

differs from the control group by the one variable that is being tested in the experiment.

experimental group

A molecule of DNA represents which level in life's hierarchy of organization?

molecular

A _____________________ is a group in which no response is expected.

negative control

Which of the following describes organisms in the Kingdom Animalia?

nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes that eat other organisms, and have no cell walls

A _________________ is a group in which a known response is expected.

positive control

Scientists use a general process known as________ to ask and answer questions about nature.

scientific inquiry

In a ______________ experiment, the researchers--but not the participants--know who receives the treatment and who does not, to eliminate subjective bias.

single-blind

Pie chart

-Data showing how the whole breaks down into parts -The percentages of expenses in a monthly budget

It is helpful to form hypotheses because they help focus your investigation on a single idea to be tested. Suppose that a farmer wants to determine what the best growing conditions are for almond trees on his farm. Which of the following are appropriate hypotheses that the farmer could test? Select all that apply. -Almond trees grow taller when they are planted in direct sunlight. -Almond trees produce more almonds if they are watered once a day. -Almond trees live longer if fertilizer is mixed into the soil once every three months. -Almond trees produce larger almonds if they are watered daily and fertilizer is used.

-Almond trees grow taller when they are planted in direct sunlight. -Almond trees produce more almonds if they are watered once a day. -Almond trees live longer if fertilizer is mixed into the soil once every three months.

Bar graph

-Categorical data (independent variable falls into distinct groups) -Weights of five different dog breeds -The scores of 5 students on their final exam

Line graph

-Continuous data -Daily temperatures in New York City over 3 years -Plant height versus distance from a water source

The scientific method is a process that is used by everyone in their daily lives, not just by scientists in a research lab. Which of the following scenarios describe people using steps of the scientific method? Select all that apply. -Miguel's car doesn't start in the morning, so he methodically checks one possible component at a time to try to figure out why his car will not start. -In order to determine what type of fertilizer works best for growing flowers on his balcony, Joe plants flowers in three pots with three different types of fertilizes and measures their growth over time. -Sarah observes that a specific type of ant keeps showing up in her kitchen, which leads her to wonder what the ant is attracted to. -While trying to figure out why her smartphone keeps turning off after she dropped it, Jocelyn predicts that the battery is loose inside the case.

-Miguel's car doesn't start in the morning, so he methodically checks one possible component at a time to try to figure out why his car will not start. -In order to determine what type of fertilizer works best for growing flowers on his balcony, Joe plants flowers in three pots with three different types of fertilizes and measures their growth over time. -Sarah observes that a specific type of ant keeps showing up in her kitchen, which leads her to wonder what the ant is attracted to. -While trying to figure out why her smartphone keeps turning off after she dropped it, Jocelyn predicts that the battery is loose inside the case.

Which of the following is a scientific hypothesis? (Choose the single answer that is a testable hypothesis, even if it is not a correct hypothesis!) A. Bad people catch more colds than good people. B. People catch colds because of exposure to cold temperature. C. Cold viruses have a right to reproduce just like anything else. D. It is unethical to go to school when you have a cold.

B. People catch colds because of exposure to cold temperature.

Experimental results often can be explained by multiple hypotheses. This is one reason why a thorough peer review process is required so as to ensure that scientists fully consider all possibilities. Which of the following alternate hypotheses could explain Yoel's results that on some islands, green anole lizards live higher in the trees and have larger toe pads? A. An increase in the amount of food available on the ground caused the green anole lizard population to evolve. B. The introduction of a predator that lives on the ground caused the green anole lizard population to evolve. C. A decrease in the temperature caused the green anole lizard population to evolve.

B. The introduction of a predator that lives on the ground caused the green anole lizard population to evolve.

What was an important limitation in the experiments shown in the video? A. The participants knew too much about the experimental design, and it affected the outcome. B. There were too few subjects.In other words, the sample size was too small. C. There were not enough variables in the experimental design. D. There was too much bias on the part of the scientists conducting the research.

B. There were too few subjects.In other words, the sample size was too small.

(Choose the single best answer.) A scientific theory is: A. the same as a hypothesis. B. an explanation supported by a very large amount of experimental evidence. C. any testable explanation for a question or problem. D. little more than an educated guess. E. an explanation that cannot be modified in light of new experimental evidence.

B. an explanation supported by a very large amount of experimental evidence.

Which of the following experiments would provide the best data for determining the effect of genetics? A. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with identical twins raised in different environments B. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with fraternal twins raised in the same environment C. comparing fraternal twins raised in the same environment with identical twins raised in different environments D. comparing identical twins raised in different environments with fraternal twins raised in different environments

B. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with fraternal twins raised in the same environment

Based on the experiments, what is the function of the gecko's tail? A. helps living geckos stand upright and walk B. provides stability on slanted surfaces, and provides a "righting mechanism" while falling C. snap like a whip for communication

B. provides stability on slanted surfaces, and provides a "righting mechanism" while falling

After looking at gecko feet at the microscopic level, and understanding how they work, what was the first "gecko-inspired" product made by the engineers? A. a more permanent glue B. the first synthetic self-cleaning dry adhesive made of polypropylene C. stronger suction cups with a quick release trigger

B. the first synthetic self-cleaning dry adhesive made of polypropylene

(Choose the single best answer.) An experimental result is called statistically significant when: A. the experiment is double blind. B. the result is unlikely to be due to chance alone. C. experimental and control subjects are randomly assigned.

B. the result is unlikely to be due to chance alone.

Over time, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Which of the following best explains this in terms of natural selection?

Bacteria with natural resistance to the antibiotic had the most offspring.

Which of the following analogies best describes the process of science? A. Climbing to the top of a mountain B. Building a piece of furniture from a set of instructions C. Driving to and from work every day but needing to travel via different streets to avoid traffic D. Flying on an airplane with a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to New York City and not returning

C. Driving to and from work every day but needing to travel via different streets to avoid traffic

Which of the following experiments would provide the best data for determining the effect of environment? A. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with fraternal twins raised in the same environment B. comparing fraternal twins raised in the same environment with identical twins raised in different environments C. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with identical twins raised in different environments D. comparing identical twins raised in different environments with fraternal twins raised in different environments

C. comparing identical twins raised in the same environment with identical twins raised in different environments

(Choose the single best answer.) The purpose of double-blind experiments is to: A. ensure that the hypothesis being tested is logical. B. guarantee that the experimental group will respond differently than the control group. C. minimize bias in the results of an experiment. D. help the subjects in an experiment understand the treatment they are receiving.

C. minimize bias in the results of an experiment.

(Choose the single best answer.) An experiment is called double-blind when: A. there is no control group. B. the hypothesis being tested is not based on previous observations. C. neither the subjects nor the technicians know who is in the experimental group and who is in the control group. D. the results of the experiment are not statistically significant.

C. neither the subjects nor the technicians know who is in the experimental group and who is in the control group.

Consider an experiment in which human subjects are given a pill to test its effectiveness on reducing the duration of a cold. Which of the following is the best way to treat the control group? (Choose the single best answer.) A. Let the control group choose whether or not to take any pills. B. Do nothing with the control group. C. Give the control group two pills instead of one. D. Give the control group a placebo (a pill that does not affect colds).

D. Give the control group a placebo (a pill that does not affect colds).

Suppose that in addition to measuring the size of the green anole lizards' toe pads, Yoel also decided to examine their diet to see if it had changed as a result of living higher in the trees. Which experiment would best determine if the green anole lizards' diet was affected by their change in habitat? A. Yoel should compare the diet of green anole lizards from islands where no brown anole lizards live to the diet of brown anole lizards from islands where green and brown anole lizards live. B. Yoel should examine the diet of brown anole lizards from islands where only brown anole lizards live. C. Yoel should examine the diet of green anole lizards from islands where no brown anole lizards live. D. Yoel should compare the diet of green anole lizards from islands where no brown anole lizards live to the diet of green anole lizards from islands where green and brown anole lizards live.

D. Yoel should compare the diet of green anole lizards from islands where no brown anole lizards live to the diet of green anole lizards from islands where green and brown anole lizards live.

All organisms have which of the following in common? A. they store genetic information in DNA molecules B. they have the capacity to change and evolve over time C. they are capable of growth and development they utilize energy D. all of the above

D. all of the above

In the essay, the point is made that perhaps the environment of the children has already guided their preferences in toys BEFORE the experiment was conducted. Given the choices below, what is the earliest age at which environment could potentially shape the preferences of a child? A. in high school, where there is pressure to date people with certain types of personalities B. in middle school, where there is pressure to participate in gender-specific sports and activities C. at age 5 or 6, when children are given gender-specific toys D. at age 3 or 4, when children are dressed in gender-specific clothing

D. at age 3 or 4, when children are dressed in gender-specific clothing

(Choose the single best answer.) The most trustworthy source of scientific information is: A. science reports in newspapers and magazines. B. a TV documentary. C. paid advertisements. D. peer-reviewed scientific journals.

D. peer-reviewed scientific journals.

(Choose the single best answer.) The most effective control subjects in a test of an experimental treatment are: A. not given the experimental treatment and are given a different diet. B. given different doses of the experimental treatment. C. a different age or gender than the experimental subjects. D. kept well informed of what treatment they are getting. E. treated identically to the experimental subjects but not given the experimental treatment.

E. treated identically to the experimental subjects but not given the experimental treatment.

Yoel collected data on the size of green anole toe pads.

Forming and testing hypotheses

Cake flour works better than regular flour.

Hypothesis

A _______________ establishes a base line for an experiment.

control group

in an experiment yields data against which other groups are compared.

control group

The type of test that changes only one variable at a time in order to isolate the results is known as a ______________ experiment.

controlled

involves both an experimental group and a control group, which are alike except for the one variable that the experiment is designed to test.

controlled experiment

The flow of chemical nutrients in an ecosystem:

cycles continuously within the ecosystem's structural web

_____________________ ''if . . . then'' logic to proceed from a general hypothesis to specific predictions of results that can be expected if the general premise is true.

deductive reasoninguses

The ______________ variable is the factor a scientist observes to see the effect of the change made.

dependent

In a ____________________ experiment, neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives the treatment and who does not.

double-blind

A hypothesis must be testable and _______________ --there must be some observation or experiment that could show that it is not true.

falsifiable

________ is a proposed explanation for a set of observations. It leads to predictions that can be tested by additional observations or by experiments.

hypothesis

is a proposed, testable explanation for an observation.

hypothesis

The one variable that is manipulated by a scientist as a potential cause in an experiment is the ______________ variable.

independent

Using a type of logic known as __________________ , a generalized conclusion can often be drawn from a large number of specific observations.

inductive reasoning

The basis of life's variety and common themes is:

the genetic information in DNA

is broader in scope than a hypothesis, is supported by a large body of evidence, and generates many new hypotheses.

theory

Which of the following is a characteristic of eukaryotic organisms?

they can be either single or multi-celled organisms

is a factor that changes during an experiment.

variable