to light).
C) If two species are members of the same genus, then they are more similar to each other than they are to
members of a different genus.
D) Numerous different species live in sunny parts of an ecosystem; therefore, they are all photosynthetic.
Answer: B
29) Why is it important that scientific discoveries and ideas be discussed by people with various points of view,
from a variety of subdisciplines, and with diverse cultural backgrounds?
A) Scientists need to exchange their ideas with other disciplines and cultures so that all groups are in
agreement regarding the course of future research.
B) They can correct each other's approach to make it truly scientific.
C) This is another way of ensuring that everyone gets the same results.
D) Robust and critical discussion between diverse groups improves scientific thinking.
Answer: D
30) Why is it important that an experiment include a control group?
A) A control group provides a reference by which to determine if a particular outcome may reasonably result
from the variable being tested.
B) A control group assures that an experiment will be repeatable.
C) The control group provides a reserve of experimental subjects.
D) A control group is required for the development of an "If . . . then" statement.
Answer: A
31) Which of the following descriptions constitutes a controlled experiment?
A) growing one set of 10 seedlings under white light at 30°C and one set of a different type of seedlings under
red light at 25°C and measuring their growth over a period of two weeks
B) growing one set of 10 seedlings under white light and one set of the same type of seedlings under red light
and measuring their growth over a period of two weeks
C) setting up a bird feeder and compiling a list of all of the bird species seen at the feeder over a period of
several weeks
D) using a microscope to observe organisms present in a sample of pond water and recording the number of
each type of organism observed
Answer: B
32) All the organisms on your campus make up
A) a population. B) a taxonomic domain.
C) an ecosystem. D) a community.
Answer: D
33) Which of the following best demonstrates the unity among all organisms?
A) emergent properties B) DNA structure and function
C) descent with modification D) natural selection
Answer: B
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34) A controlled experiment is one that
A) tests experimental and control groups in parallel.
B) keeps all variables constant.
C) proceeds slowly enough that a scientist can make careful records of the results.
D) is repeated many times to make sure the results are accurate.
Answer: A
35) Which of the following statements best distinguishes hypotheses from theories in science?
A) Hypotheses usually are relatively narrow in scope; theories have broad explanatory power.
B) Theories are proved true; hypotheses are often contradicted by experimental results.
C) Hypotheses are guesses; theories are correct answers.
D) Theories are hypotheses that have been proved.
Answer: A
36) Which of the following best describes the logic of scientific inquiry?
A) If I generate a testable hypothesis, tests and observations will support it.
B) If my observations are accurate, they will support my hypothesis.
C) If my hypothesis is correct, I can expect certain test results.
D) If my prediction is correct, it will lead to a testable hypothesis.
Answer: C
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