Chapter 01
A View of Life

Multiple Choice Questions
 
1.  A university biology department wishes to hire a scientist to work on the relationships among the wolves, moose, trees and physical features on an island. If you were charged with writing the job description, you should title the position  
A.  population geneticist. 
B.  molecular biologist. 
C.  community ecologist. 
D.  organismal physiologist. 
E.  island zoologist. 
 A community ecologist studies the interactions and relationships that occur among groups of species coexisting within a region. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: Ecology

 
2.  Which of the following terms best describes a conceptual scheme in science that is strongly supported, has not yet been found incorrect, and is based on the results of many observations?  
A.  a scientific model 
B.  an experiment 
C.  descriptive research 
D.  a scientific theory or principle 
E.  experimental results 
 A scientific theory or principle is a conceptual scheme in science that is strongly supported, has not yet been found incorrect, and is based on the results of many observations.

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.03.02 Distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
3.  Choose the correct order of classification from most inclusive to exclusive.  
A.  Domain-Kingdom-Phylum-Class-Order-Family-Genus-Species 
B.  Kingdom-Domain-Class-Phylum-Order-Family-Genus-Species 
C.  Kingdom-Domain-Class-Phylum-Order-Genus-Species-Family 
D.  Kingdom-Class-Phylum-Domain-Genus-Order-Family-Species 
 The correct order of classification from most inclusive to exclusive is: Domain-Kingdom-Phylum-Class-Order-Family-Genus-Species.

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

 
4.  Which listing correctly indicates a sequence of increasing biological organization?  
A.  molecule, cell, organelle, atom 
B.  organelle, tissue, cell, molecule 
C.  organ, tissue, atom, molecule 
D.  atom, molecule, organelle, cell 
 The correct sequence of increasing biological organization is: atom, molecule, organelle, cell.

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

True / False Questions
 
5.  The classification system most commonly used by biologists today contains five domains.  
FALSE
 The classification most commonly used by biologists today contains three domains. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

 

Multiple Choice Questions
 
6.  Single-celled prokaryotes  
A.  lack a membrane bounded nucleus. 
B.  are classified in the domains Bacteria and Archaea. 
C.  are found in almost all habitats. 
D.  All of the choices are correct. 
 Single-celled prokaryotes lack a membrane bounded nucleus, are classified in the domains Bacteria and Archaea and are found in almost all habitats. All of the choices are correct.

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

Matching Questions
 
7.  Match the items below with their descriptions:  
1.  Plantae  	      multicellular, photosynthetic organisms  	  1 	
2.  Animalia  	      multicellular organisms that ingest their food  	  2 	
3.  Fungi  	      obtain their food by absorption through filaments called hyphae  	  3 	

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

 

True / False Questions
 
8.  Humans have an exaggerated impact on the ecosystem through their use of extra sources of energy and raw materials, and the production of extra wastes that must be handled.  
TRUE
 Humans have an exaggerated impact on the ecosystem through their use of extra sources of energy and raw materials, and the production of extra wastes that must be handled. 

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.04.02 Summarize the major challenges facing science and society.
Section: 01.04
Topic: General
 
 Living organisms on Earth share many common characteristics. Which statements are TRUE and which are FALSE about nearly all living things?
 
9.  Living organisms are made up of cells.  
TRUE
 The Cell Theory states that livings organisms are made of cells. This is a true statement. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
10.  Living things must obey the laws of chemistry and physics.  
TRUE
 It is true that living organisms must obey the laws of chemistry and physics. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

 
11.  Living organisms show biological organization and other common characteristics of life.  
TRUE
 In addition to being organized at the cellular level, living organisms exhibit other common characteristics of life. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
12.  Emergent properties can be used to distinguish living organisms from nonliving things.  
TRUE
 The emergent properties of life can be used to distinguish living organisms from nonliving things. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
13.  Living organisms are composed only of organic elements, whereas nonliving things are made up of inorganic elements.  
FALSE
 Living organisms are composed of both organic and inorganic molecules. Nonliving things may be composed or both organic and/or inorganic molecules. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

 

Multiple Choice Questions
 
14.  A hypothesis is tested by  
A.  a prediction. 
B.  experimentation. 
C.  analysis of results. 
D.  formulation of a theory. 
 An hypothesis is tested by experimentation.

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.03.02 Distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

True / False Questions
 
15.  The control group in an experiment receives all the same treatments as the experimental group(s), except for the one variable being tested.  
TRUE
 The control group in an experiment receives all the same treatments as the experimental group(s), except for the one variable being tested. 

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
16.  Extinction can occur if a species is unable to adapt to a changing environment.
  
TRUE
 Extinction can occur if a species is unable to adapt to a changing environment. 

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.02.01 Explain the relationship between the process of natural selection and evolutionary change.
Section: 01.02
Topic: Evolution

Multiple Choice Questions
 
17.  Living organisms are characterized by  
A.  adapting to the environment. 
B.  evolving over time. 
C.  displaying homeostatic controls. 
D.  all of the choices pertain to living organisms. 
 Living organisms are characterized by adaptation to the environment, evolving over time and displaying homeostatic controls. All of the choices are correct.

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

True / False Questions
 
 Living and nonliving entities share some characteristics. Which statements are TRUE and which are FALSE about both living and nonliving entities?

18.  Both living and nonliving entities are organized at the cellular level.  
FALSE
 Life is organized at the cellular level. Nonliving entities are not composed of cells. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
19.  Both living and nonliving entities exhibit homeostatic controls.  
FALSE
 Living entities exhibit homeostatic controls in order to maintain a stable internal environment. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
20.  Both living and nonliving entities are composed of chemical elements.  
TRUE
 Both living and nonliving entities are composed of chemical elements. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

 
21.  Both living and nonliving entities adapt to the environment.  
FALSE
 A characteristic of life is adaptation to the environment. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

Multiple Choice Questions
 
22.  Which of the following domains contains the most primitive prokaryotes that live in extreme environments?  
A.  Archaea 
B.  Bacteria 
C.  Plantae 
D.  Fungi 
E.  Eukarya 

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

 
23.  Which of the following concepts is NOT one of the unifying theories of biology?  
A.  All organisms are composed of cells. 
B.  Life may arise through spontaneous generation. 
C.  Life comes only from life. 
D.  The internal environment of an organism stays relatively constant. 
E.  All living things have a common ancestor and are adapted to a particular way of life. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.03.02 Distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
24. Which of the following does NOT represent homeostasis? 
A. Sensors detect CO2 levels in the blood and trigger an increase or decrease in the rate of breathing.
B. When body temperature drops, you shiver to generate heat; when your body heats up, you sweat and the evaporation cools you.
C. Feelings of hunger and then fullness affect the length of time and quantity of food you eat, keeping your weight near a "set point."
D. Energy is captured by plants, then transferred to consumers and decomposers, and eventually lost as heat.
E. Cells adjusting the openings on the bottom of leaves respond to differences in water stress in order to maintain moisture inside the leaf.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General

 
25.  From Kansas to central Indiana to Pennsylvania, many people believe that they have water moccasins (also called "cottonmouths") in their ponds. Some assert they have seen them, although they are certainly not so foolish as to try to capture one alive. Meanwhile, the fish and game offices and the range maps in the herpetology books indicate that this poisonous snake does not breed this far north. What is the most scientific attitude to assume on this issue?  
A.  Observations by both the public and the fish and game officers are subjective so this is not easily resolved objectively. 
B.  A simple field trip to the pond locations-that resulted in the capture and confirmation of the identity of the snakes-would settle the matter. 
C.  Scientific books with range maps are based on field research and, therefore, determine the truth in this case. 
D.  Because living organisms are active, scientific theories in biology always change. 
 The very nature of science is one of change. New observations that contradict prevailing theories require further testing, with replication of results. Simply visiting the ponds and confirming the identity of the snakes would settle the matter.

Bloom's Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
26.  Studying a brick does not predict the design of a skyscraper. Intense examination of muscle tissues does not allow you to predict the design of a kangaroo or clam. The structure of chlorophyll does not dictate the unique structure of a tree. These cases demonstrate  
A.  the essential properties of life. 
B.  the levels of organization from atom to biosphere. 
C.  determinism, or how all phenomena are predictable effects of causes. 
D.  emergent properties that are easily predicted by examining their parts. 
E.  emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining their parts. 
 These cases demonstrate emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining their parts.

Bloom's Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
27.  One classic definition of life is "a self-replicating molecular assemblage." However, clay particles (in clay soil) contain layered aluminum and iron compounds that determine the pattern of the adjacent layers of sediment. This is technically a self-replicating molecular assemblage.  
A.  Therefore, it is living. 
B.  It is not living because it cannot think. 
C.  It is not living because there were no molecular changes (or chemistry) involved. 
D.  It is not living because there is no carbon involved; otherwise, such duplication would be living. 
E.  It is not living because it is a simple repetitive process without the ability to evolve or respond to the environment. 

Bloom's Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
28.  The expected outcome of an experiment is known as  
A.  a scientific model. 
B.  an experiment. 
C.  prediction. 
D.  a scientific theory or principle. 
E.  experimental results. 
 A prediction is the expected outcome of an experiment based upon the knowledge of the factors in the experiment.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.01 Identify the components of the scientific method.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
29.  Which of the following organisms is NOT ultimately dependent on the sun as a source of energy?  
A.  A night-blooming flower is pollinated by night-flying bats. 
B.  An underground earthworm avoids the sun. 
C.  A cave fish feeds on debris that washes down to it. 
D.  All of the choices ARE ultimately dependent on the sun. 
E.  All of the choices are NOT ultimately dependent on the sun. 
 All of the choices ARE ultimately dependent on the sun.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
30.  A study is conducted to determine the average length and weight of loblolly pine tree needles in the southeast United States. Is this data obtained through observation or experimentation?  
A.  observation 
B.  experimentation 
C.  neither observation nor experimentation 
D.  both observation and experimentation 
 Some scientific data are obtained through observation rather than experimental results. This is true in descriptive research, which describes characteristics about a population.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.01 Identify the components of the scientific method.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
31.  A doctor is testing the effectiveness of a new antibiotic.  He gives the first group of patients a placebo, a second group receives antibiotic A while the third group receives antibiotic B.  Which of the groups is considered the control group?  
A.  the group that received antibiotic A 
B.  the group that received the placebo 
C.  the group that received antibiotic B 
D.  both groups receiving antibiotic A and B 

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.01 Identify the components of the scientific method.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
32.  An earlier classification grouped organisms by whether they inhabited the air, land or sea. However, the five-kingdoms-of-life and three-domains system divided into class-order-family-genus-species as described in this chapter is superior because it  
A.  better represents the origin of features held in common-the unity of life in DNA, etc. 
B.  better reflects the origin of adaptations-the diversity of life for differing environments. 
C.  allows the organization of over 900,000 different species. 
D.  groups organisms based on similarities related to their structure and evolution. 
E.  All of the choices are correct. 
 All of the choices are correct. The later classification systems better represent the unity and diversity of life, allow for better organization of ever-increasing numbers of species, and group organisms based on similarities related to their structure and evolution. 

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General

 
33.  A cell is to a tissue as an atom is to a  
A.  molecule. 
B.  subatomic particle. 
C.  electron. 
D.  population. 
 Tissues are made of cells and molecules are made of atoms.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
34.  You are interested in the effect of increased carbon dioxide versus normal air, and also in the effect of green light versus full sunlight on the growth of corn plants in a greenhouse. Although you can set up your experiment inside a greenhouse, it is possible that there will be plant growth effects due to effects that you do not know and may never know. Which of the following are important to ensure control of unknown variables?  
A.  An increase in carbon dioxide does not result in a substantial decrease of other necessary gases. 
B.  All seedlings are from one uniform strain. 
C.  The intensity or brightness of the green light equals the intensity of the full sunlight. 
D.  All temperatures and available water remain the same. 
E.  All of the choices are important. 
 All of the choices are important to conduct a valid, controlled experiment.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
35.  Tropical rainforests have many species that are found in great abundance. A study in the Brazilian rainforest found 487 tree species growing on a single hectare (2.5 acres). In the US and Canada together, there are only 700 species of trees on millions of acres. In one park in a Peruvian rainforest, scientists have identified over 1300 species of butterflies, while in all of Europe there are approximately 320 butterfly species. These findings suggest that  
A.  rainforests are biologically less diverse than other ecosystems on earth. 
B.  the number of tree species and butterfly species are about the same throughout the ecosystems of the world. 
C.  rainforests are biologically more diverse than other ecosystems. 
D.  as many as 400 species a day are lost due to human activity. 
E.  rainforests do not have any type of value to humans. 

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: Ecology
 
36.  Biodiversity in a particular ecosystem  
A.  is the total number of species in that ecosystem. 
B.  includes the variability of the individual genes. 
C.  impacts the function of the ecosystem in which the species live. 
D.  All of the choices are correct. 
 All of the choices are correct. Biodiversity involves the total number of species and the variability of individual genes, and it impacts the function of the ecosystem in which the species live.

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.04.02 Summarize the major challenges facing science and society.
Section: 01.04
Topic: Ecology

 
37.  Some members of Daphnia, a water flea, have a genetic mutation that causes them to prefer warmer environments. These members reproduce and pass these genetic changes to their offspring. The next generation will occupy warmer environments not previously occupied by this species. This is an example of  
A.  adaptation. 
B.  homeostasis. 
C.  irritability. 
D.  All of the choices are correct. 
 This situation describes adaptation to the environment. 

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.01.02 Identify the basic characteristics of life.
Section: 01.01
Topic: General
 
38.  Some biologists study the complex interactions of animals and plants in forests or prairies. Such ecology field research often produces slightly different results for different researchers. In contrast, ecology experiments that are run indoors with one organism in a terrarium usually produce results that are repeatable. What is the most likely explanation?  
A.  The scientific method is only useful in laboratory settings. 
B.  It is not possible to establish a control group outside of a laboratory. 
C.  It is easier to hold all but one variable constant in a laboratory. 
D.  Field research is only descriptive, and descriptive research is not strictly "science." 
E.  Fieldwork is inductive; lab work is deductive. 
 It is easier to hold all but one variable constant in a laboratory. 

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 

Short Answer Questions
 
  Dr. James isolated Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria, from the leg wound of a ten-year-old boy. He suspected these bacteria would grow better at body temperature than room temperature (72F), but thought that he should collect data to support his thinking. Dr. James introduced the same number of Staphylococcus bacteria into each of six test tubes containing the same type and amount of nutrient broth. Three test tubes were incubated at 98.6F (Group 1), while three test tubes (Group 2) sat at 72F. After 24 hours, Dr. James compared the turbidity (indicative of growth) of all six tubes and rated each on a scale of 0 - 4. 0 indicates no turbidity (no growth), while 4 indicates high turbidity (high growth). The following data was collected:

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
39.  After reading the scenario, write the hypothesis that was being tested in Dr. James' experiment.  
 The null hypothesis is:
 Ho: There is no difference in the growth of Staphylococcus at 98.6F and 72F.
 The alternate hypothesis may be written as follows:
 HA: Staphylococcus will grow better at 98.6F than at 72F in a 24 hour period. 

Bloom's Level: 6. Create
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
40.  Would you consider this to be a controlled experiment?  
 Yes, this may be considered a controlled experiment. Where possible, extraneous variables, such the type and amount of nutrient broth, same number of bacteria in the inoculums, same incubation time, etc. are held constant. 

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
41. Evaluate the data presented here to reach a conclusion. Would you reject or accept the null hypothesis. 
After analysis of the data, one should reject the null hypothesis. The growth of Staphylococcus at 98.6F was greater than at 72F.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

Multiple Choice Questions
 
42.  The dependent (responding) variable in this experiment is  
A.  the temperature. 
B.  growth of bacteria, as indicated by the turbidity in the test tubes. 
C.  the time that the test tubes were allowed to sit. 
D.  amount of initial inoculum, or number of bacteria introduced into each test tube. 
 The dependent, or responding variable, is the variable that may or may not change, depending on the treatment introduced by the researcher.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
43.  The independent (experimental) variable is  
A.  temperature. 
B.  growth of bacteria. 
C.  incubation period. 
D.  amount of initial inoculum. 
 The temperature is the experimental, or independent variable, which is directly manipulated by the researcher. 

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
44.  To ensure a controlled experiment all of the following conditions (variables) should be identical in Group 1 and Group 2:  
A.  type of bacteria, temperature, and incubation period 
B.  temperature and amount of initial inoculum (bacteria used) 
C.  type of bacteria, incubation period, amount of bacteria used 
D.  degree of turbidity, incubation period, and amount of bacteria 
 The controlled variables should include the type of bacteria, incubation period, and the amount of bacteria introduced into each test tube.

Bloom's Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
45. Choose which of the the following statements is a hypothesis for an experiment. 
A. Based on the data collected during an experiment, S. aureus grows better at body temperature than room temperature.
B. Based on previous experience, it is predicted that S. aureus will grow better at body temperature than at room temperature.
C. S. aureus grew equally well at room temperature and at body temperature.
D. Based on the data collected during the experiment, it is confirmed that S. aureus grew better at room temperature.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
46.  Dr. James performed another experiment. Instead of inoculating the test tubes with Staphylococcus, he used the bacterium, Streptococcus. He found that Streptococcus grew better at body temperature than at room temperature. This is a replicate of the first experiment.  
A.  True 
B.  False 
 This is not a replicate of the first experiment. Dr. James used Streptococcus instead of Staphylococcus. 

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 

Short Answer Questions
 
47. Dr. James considers the bacteria grown at body temperature to be the control group and room temperature the experimental group. Do you agree with this reasoning? 
One knows what to expect concerning the dependent variable in a control group. Since body temperature is 98.6F and the bacteria were isolated from a wound on a leg, one would surmise that the bacteria would grow well at body temperature.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

Multiple Choice Questions
 
48.  A researcher reports he has conducted many experiments where a galvanometer (lie detector) was hooked up to detect a plant's responses. He reports that when a spider was released near the plant, the spider's decision to escape was picked up by the plant, "causing a reaction in the leaf." When other researchers repeated the experiment, they could not get any galvanometer responses. The researcher then concluded that plants could be put into a faint by humans.  
A.  This is a justified conclusion from a research design that appears to follow the scientific method. 
B.  The only problem with this general research plan is that it lacks a control. 
C.  Results must be somewhat repeatable and these results that only work for this researcher do not qualify as science. 
D.  The design is scientific; it just lacks a hypothesis. 
E.  If the researcher has actual numerical counts, this must be accepted as valid science. 
 Results must be somewhat repeatable and these results that only work for this researcher do not qualify as science. 

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
49. An elementary student decides to conduct an experiment comparing the effectiveness of two commercial soaps as cleaning agents, using each in paired tests of different types of stains and colors of cloth, where the only variable was the soap used. The student will use the judgment of classmates to decide if the stains remain equal or if soap one cleans better than the other in each test run. However, the student makes no prediction of which soap is expected to perform best. 
A. This lacks a hypothesis and is therefore not a scientific test.
B. This lacks any control group (no-soap treatment) and therefore will provide no meaningful results.
C. Because this is based on the subjective judgments of students, it is not objective and therefore not scientific.
D. This is a scientific procedure, although it does lack a stated hypothesis describing an anticipated outcome.
E. This experimental design has all the components and procedures of the scientific method.

Bloom's Level: 4. Analyze
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 
50.  For five years, you wake up before the alarm is set to ring each morning. This leads you to conclude that people have a built-in "alarm clock" capable of waking them up. From a science viewpoint, this conclusion  
A.  is science because it is based on real observations. 
B.  is science because it is predictive of what will happen tomorrow morning. 
C.  is scientifically valid because 5 years x 365 days is a large number of trials. 
D.  may not be valid because it generalizes about all people, and there may have been other variables that could awaken you without a built-in clock. 
E.  cannot be scientifically treated because it involves human behavior. 
 From a science viewpoint, this conclusion may not be valid because it generalizes about all people, and there may have been other variables that could awaken you without a built-in clock.

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.03.03 Analyze a scientific experiment and identify the hypothesis, experiment, control groups, and conclusions.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General
 
51.  The manner in which a scientist intends to conduct an experiment is called  
A.  inductive reasoning. 
B.  the experimental design. 
C.  data collection and analysis. 
D.  the conclusion. 
 The manner in which a scientist intends to conduct an experiment is called the experimental design. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.03.01 Identify the components of the scientific method.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

 

Short Answer Questions
 
52. There is debate as to whether religious creationism should receive ‘equal time' in the science classroom. Many firmly disagree with creationism being taught in public schools, maintaining that science does not address religious and supernatural concepts. How would you support this statement? 
Although answers will vary, a discussion of the nature of science and scientific processes would be appropriate. Distinguishing between science and pseudoscience may also be included.

Bloom's Level: 3. Apply
Learning Outcome: 01.03.01 Identify the components of the scientific method.
Section: 01.03
Topic: General

Multiple Choice Questions
 
53.  Arrange in order, the levels of ecological study from most inclusive to most exclusive:  
A.  biosphere, ecosystem, community, population, individual organism 
B.  ecosystem, biosphere, population, community, individual organism 
C.  individual organism, community, population, ecosystem, biosphere 
D.  individual organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere 
 The levels of ecological study from most inclusive to most exclusive are: biosphere, ecosystem, community, population, individual organism.

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: Ecology

 
54.  Which definition best describes a population?  
A.  the members of a species in a given area 
B.  the interaction between the organisms and their environment 
C.  the region of Earth that contains living organisms 
D.  the interaction between various groups of organisms in a given environment 
E.  all of the females of a given species in a particular area 
 A population consists of all of the individuals of a given species in a particular region 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: Ecology
 
55.  Which of the following features are present at the ecosystem level?  
A.  chemical cycling through the food chain 
B.  energy flow that begins at the producer level 
C.  input of solar energy 
D.  complex interactions between a variety of populations 
E.  all are features of an ecosystem 
 All are features of an ecosystem

Bloom's Level: 5. Evaluate
Learning Outcome: 01.01.01 Distinguish among the levels of biological organization.
Section: 01.01
Topic: Ecology

 
56.  Organisms belonging to the same _____ would be the most closely related.  
A.  kingdom 
B.  phylum 
C.  family 
D.  class 
E.  order 
 Organisms belonging to the same family would be the most closely related.

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.02.02 Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Section: 01.02
Topic: General
 
57.  What type of information does science provide for society?  
A.  information about the natural world 
B.  information about the supernatural world 
C.  information about religious beliefs 
D.  information about religious beliefs and the natural world 
 Science is a systematic way of acquiring information about the natural world. 

Bloom's Level: 1. Remember
Learning Outcome: 01.04.01 Distinguish between science and technology.
Section: 01.04
Topic: General
 
58.  What is the best description of technology?  
A.  Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the interests of humans. 
B.  Technology is the development of new tools. 
C.  Technology is the use of power to make human life easier. 
D.  Technology is the advancement of the functionality of computers. 
 Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the interests of humans. 

Bloom's Level: 2. Understand
Learning Outcome: 01.04.01 Distinguish between science and technology.
Section: 01.04
Topic: General