Science
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
____
1. What experiment is described by the procedure?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____
2.
____
3.
____
4.
____
5.
Determine whether water and oil will mix
Determine how far a drop of oil will spread on water
Determine the volume of oil in a drop
Determine whether oil floats or sinks in water
Scientists confirm that a new experimental result is reliable by
a. checking the background of the researcher who reported the result
b. reproducing the result in other labs
c. checking the calculations to be sure they are correct
d. reading journals to see if anyone else agrees with the results
What makes a hypothesis testable?
a. if it is based on accurate observations
b. if an experiment can be designed to test it
c. if it contains an opinion that other scientists share
d. if it is based on a theory accepted by many scientists
Which of the following is untrue and therefore NOT a reason for scientists to wait to revise a theory based
on inconsistent results. Scientists must
a. meet to discuss the change
b. carefully consider the new data to be certain it is not flawed
c. see a significant difference in order to change theories based on many experiments
d. confirm and support the new data by other evidence
Lisa made a hypothesis that gravity causes all things to fall to the ground. Her sister pointed out that
helium balloons move away from the ground. Lisa should
a. throw out her hypothesis and do a different research project
b. try to find out why helium balloons are different from most objects
c. ignore her sister and keep testing her own hypothesis
d. assume that gravity does not affect helium balloons
____
____
____
6. A biologist went into a marshy area to collect water samples that could be tested for possible toxic
chemicals. The marsh was known to contain leeches. What kind of safety precautions should the biologist
take?
a. wear waterproof gloves and sturdy waterproof boots
b. wear safety goggles
c. carry sample containers with lids that can be securely sealed
d. carry insect repellant to ward off leeches
7. Sarah designed an experiment and wrote instructions. Which of the following would best test the clarity of
the instructions?
a. Sarah uses the instructions to conduct the experiment
b. One classmate uses the instructions to conduct the experiment
c. Two classmates read the instructions about the experiment
d. Ten classmates use the instructions to conduct the experiment
8. The pie chart below summarizes the relative amounts of dissolved salts found in a sample of ocean water.
Based on the pie chart, which of the following is NOT a valid conclusion?
a. Magnesium salts are more than twice as common as sulfur salts
b. The ocean tastes salty because the most abundant dissolved solid is sodium chloride
c. The dissolved sodium chloride found in the sample is a different compound than the
sodium chloride used in cooking
d. Because there is a greater amount of chlorine in the sample than sodium, there must
be additional sources of
chlorine in the environment besides the compound sodium chloride
____ 9. Mark is investigating the properties of rocks. His hypothesis is that all rocks are very hard. What
observation might cause him to revise his hypothesis?
a. A piece of quartzite is clear and colorless
b. A piece of granite did not break when he struck it with a hammer
c. Mark can crumble a piece of shale in his hand
d. A piece of pumice floats on water
____ 10. Which term below best describes a hypothesis?
a. the result of an experiment
b. a well-tested explanation for why something happens
c. a random guess about what causes something
d. a possible explanation of an observation or result
____ 11. Which of the following is NOT a testable hypothesis?
a. Nonliving things do not grow and develop
b. Lipids do not mix with water
c. Plant cells contain DNA
d. Dogs are better than cats
Use the information below to answer questions below
Scientific investigations are a continual process. When the results of an experiment are reported, they are
reviewed and compared to existing theories. Even after results are reviewed and accepted by the scientific
community for publication, the investigation of the topic may not be finished. New evidence may become
available. The scientist may change the hypothesis based on the new evidence. In other cases, the scientist
may have more questions that arise from the original evidence. New information constantly challenges
theories that exist. In the process, scientific knowledge grows. Each advance leads to new questions, new
experiments, and sometimes, new theories. For example, in the midtwentieth century, scientists
discovered that magnetic rocks on the sea floor are oriented in alternating directions. This discovery
showed that Earth’s magnetic poles are not fixed. The north and south poles reverse periodically. This
discovery, once it was confirmed, caused scientists to revise several theories. The fact that the magnetic
fields can reverse raised new questions about the nature of Earth’s core. These questions led to new
scientific investigations and new theories about Earth’s composition and history. When the alternating
stripes of magnetic rock were found, new research was designed to explain the stripes. This research
helped confirm that the continents move as the sea floor spreads. The new theory of plate tectonics was
developed, based partly on this evidence. Each new discovery leads to new questions. Possible answers to
these questions (hypotheses) are studied. These experiments, in turn, lead to new discoveries and new
questions.
____ 12. After an investigation, what do scientists do with their results?
a. Hide them from other scientists
b. Share them only with their family
c. Put them away for several years to see if they hold up
d. Communicate their results to other scientists
____ 13. In what way is a successful experiment never the final step in a scientific investigation?
a. The results may later be proven wrong
b. Scientist have to keep investigating so that they have work to do
c. The data from an experiment lead to new questions and further investigation
d. The experiment is not complete until a new theory is proposed
____ 14. How did the confirmation of magnetic striping on the sea floor lead to new discoveries in plate tectonics?
a. The new information helped answer questions about the movement of continents
b. The results proved that Earth’s magnetic field is strong enough to affect rocks
c. The reversal of the magnetic poles is the force that drives plate tectonics
d. The discovery helped scientists get new funding to do research in plate tectonics
Use the information below to answer questions below
When testing a hypothesis, a scientist’s expectations can affect what he or she actually observes. For this
reason, it is important for scientist supported by scientific data, not by opinions. Data that are made up or
changed to fit expectations have no value. When possible, scientists will repeat experiments to verify their
findings. A hypothesis cannot be examined usefully i n a scientific way without enough data. Just one
example is never enough to prove something true. However, one example could prove that something is
not true. It is just as important to keep accurate records of data that do not support the hypothesis as
records that do support the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is not supported, it will need to be modified.
Accurate records guide the scientist and lead to better hypotheses. Clear and accurate records are also
needed so that other researchers can repeat an experiment. A single result is never enough support for a
hypothesis. For it to be accepted, researchers in another lab must be able to repeat the experiment and
obtain the same results. If the record is incomplete, unclear, or inaccurate, repeating the experiment is
difficult or impossible. Always write neatly and record data in an organized way. By keeping information
organized, tables can help make sure that data are accurate.
____ 15. The total volume shown for Trial 3 on the data table on the previous page appears to be too high. What
should the person doing the experiment do about that measurement?
a. Ignore it because it is obviously wrong
b. Change the value so all the measurements match one another
c. Keep making measurements until the right one is observed and then record that one
d. Record the data that appear to be incorrect and then try to find an explanation
____ 16. It is important that research results are always recorded
a. quietly
c. in blue ink
b. accurately and clearly
d. unless they are wrong
____ 17. What can you conclude if you perform one test and the results support the hypothesis with which you
started?
a. The hypothesis is correct
b. The data were recorded incorrectly
c. More experiments are needed to confirm the result
d. The hypothesis has become a theory
____ 18. Which is a correct guideline of science?
a. Hypotheses may or may not be testable
b. Explanations are based on observations, evidence, and testing
c. Scientific knowledge does not need peer review and verification before acceptance
d. Understandings and/or conclusions will never change with additional empirical data
____ 19. A widely accepted scientific theory needs to be thoroughly revised when it is
a. refuted by a hypothesis.
c. challenged by scientific data.
b. supported by peer review.
d. converted into a scientific law.
____ 20. A biology class learns that a larger local highway system is planned, and it wants to predict the effect on
local wildflowers along the planned route. When should the flower samples be counted?
a. just after construction
c. one year before construction
b. during the construction
d. before and after construction
____ 21. The Internet offers many possibilities for science. What is the most effective way for scientists to use the
Internet?
a. allowing students to give them feedback on their research
b. allowing the public to alter research results to suit their needs
c. staying current with new findings in the scientific community
d. using other scientists’ findings to fill in the weak points to their research
____ 22. Scientific law and a scientific theory are similar in that both
a. are based on what we expect to happen based on natural history
b. describe the events that can be observed in nature
c. explain why events and conditions occur as they do in the natural world
d. represent a large amount of scientific investigation and evidence
____ 23. Which of the following is the smallest unit as shown on the metric ruler below?
a. centimeter
b. kilometer
c. millimeter
d. hectometer
____ 24. In a scientific experiment, how many independent variables should be tested at the same time?
a. none
c. two
b. one
d. three or more
____ 25. Adam experiments with anole lizards that can change color, depending on their environment. Adam
places a green anole lizard on a brown background and a brown anole lizard on a green background. Adam
knows that the
brown lizard should turn green and the green lizard should turn brown, but neither of the lizards
changed color. What may have caused Adam’s results?
a. Their color changing may be affected by something else besides the background
color, such as fear or temperature
b. They may have to move to the new background on their own rather than being
placed there
c. They may need more time in which to change color
d. The colors of the background may not have been appropriate for these lizards
____ 26. A student named Lu is about to leave the lab area where she has been working with chemicals. What is the
last activity she should perform before she leaves the lab area?
a. put away her equipment
c. wash the tabletop
b. wash her hands
d. clean the glassware
____ 27. The picture shows a student reading a graduated cylinder. Which change would help ensure that a more
accurate measurement is made?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The student should be seated.
The cylinder should be held with two hands.
The student should be wearing insulated gloves.
The cylinder should be on a flat surface.
____ 28. The graph shows the results of a restocking program in which shrimp raised on a shrimp farm are released
into the wild. If this trend continues, about how many metric tons of shrimp will be released in 1999?
a. 12
b. 13
c. 14
d. 15
____ 29. The chart shows the range of numbers of nucleotides among species of different groups of plants. Which
of these groups has the largest range of nucleotide numbers among its species?
a. Bryophyta (mosses and liverworts)
b. Lycopsida (club mosses)
c. Gymnospermae (cedars and pines)
d. Pteropsida (ferns)
____ 30. If this trend continues, how many nesting pairs of purple martins will there be in the colony by the end of
the fourth week?
a. 15
b. 16
c. 17
d. 18
____ 31. The chart shows the types of invertebrates often consumed each night by a pallid bat. Which graph best
represents these data?
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 32. The graph shows the growth of a Daphnia population in a 420-liter aquarium. According to these data,
what was the approximate Daphnia population by the end of the second day?
a. 40
b. 60
c. 80
d. 100
____ 33. These data support the hypothesis that a planarian moves away from
a. plants
b. light
c. rocks
d. food
____ 34. According to these data, what is the average growth rate for this type of brown algae?
a. 6 cm/day
b. 7 cm/day
c. 8 cm/day
d. 9 cm/day
____ 35. According to this information, the sex of developing sea turtles is determined by —
a. clutch size
b. incubation temperature
c. available seawater
d. sand composition
____ 36. The pictures show the fields of view during low and high magnifications. How much greater is the
high-power magnification than the low-power magnification?
a. x1
b. x5
c. x10
d. x20
____ 37. The chart shows a few characteristics of craniums from selected early hominids. Which of these graphs
best shows the relationship between the brain cavities of these craniums?
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 38. Which of these experimental setups would be the first step in determining whether earthworms choose a
wet environment or a dry environment?
a. F
b. G
c. H
d. J
____ 39. The graph shows the relationship between environmental temperature and the pumping rate of an
earthworm’s aortic arches. If this trend continues, what will most likely be the earthworm’s pumping rate
at an environmental temperature of 12°C?
a. 7 beats per minute
b. 8 beats per minute
c. 9 beats per minute
d. 10 beats per minute
____ 40. Which question is this apparatus most likely designed to answer?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Does atmospheric pressure affect transpiration?
Does gravity affect the direction of plant growth?
Does turgor pressure affect the absorption of water?
Does absorbed light increase the environmental temperature?
____ 41. What is the approximate height of this mushroom?
a. 45 mm
b. 49 mm
c. 53 mm
d. 57 mm
____ 42. The chart shows the types of organisms found in 100 mL of pond water. Which graph is the best
representation of these data?
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 43. Male collared lizards are larger than females. According to the pictures above, the difference in length
between the male and the female collared lizard when measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the
tail is approximately —
a. 3 cm
b. 8 cm
c. 12 cm
d. 15 cm
____ 44. According to this chart, there seems to be a relationship between the average number of offspring per
species and the species’s —
a. average adult mass
b. body covering
c. average number of predatory species
d. body shading
____ 45. The diagram shows a standard technique for dispensing liquid in a laboratory. What is the main reason that
liquid should be dispensed from a reagent bottle in this manner?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The liquid is slowly heated by friction
The liquid’s increased surface area absorbs more oxygen
The stirring rod keeps the liquid from splashing
The beaker causes liquids of different densities to form layers
____ 46. The picture shows how a solution can be dispensed by a pipette. How much solution was released by this
pipette?
a. 0.01 mL
b. 0.12 mL
c. 0.14 mL
d. 0.23 mL
____ 47. The chart shows the storage compatibility of a few chemicals. According to this chart, which pair of
chemicals can be safely stored together?
a. Vinyl acetate and amines
b. Nitric acid and caustics
c. Sulfuric acid and ammonia
d. Organic acid and ketones
____ 48. Which statement is an example of a hypothesis?
a. All living things are composed of cells
b. If fertilizer is given to plants, then those plants will grow faster than plants not given fertilizer
c. Based on this study, children who attend daycare have better test scores in elementary school
d. Because plants have two different alleles, they can produce two different types of gametes
____ 49. Which statement about theories is true when the theory is being discussed in general conversation as
compared to one that is considered a scientific theory?
a. A general conversation theory is a guess or a hunch.
b. A general conversation theory is held with a high degree of confidence.
c. A general conversation theory is a set of universal statements that explains some aspect of the natural
world.
d. A general conversation theory is supported by enough physical evidence to make its abandonment
unlikely.
____ 50. Which data set would be most appropriately represented by a line graph?
a. data showing all the different uses of timber
b. data detailing the temperature of a certain region over a three-month period
c. data showing the number of students in biology class with red, blonde, and brown hair
d. data showing the number of students who visited the doctor in the past month, broken down by age
____ 51. A scientific experiment is conducted to determine the effects of different levels of caffeine on exercise
performance. In this experiment, what are the levels of caffeine?
a. the control
c. the dependent variable
b. the summary statistic
d. the independent variable
____ 52. Which is the best description of a scientific law?
a. a statement that identifies a specific opinion
b. a statement that describes a pattern observed in nature
c. a statement that explains why events will sometimes occur
d. a statement that provides a clear prediction that can be tested through observation
____ 53. Patients with a specific medical condition have been provided with a new device that helps them manage
their condition. The patients will be required to participate in a survey regarding the usefulness of these
devices. How can the manufacturer be certain that no bias enters into the surveys?
a. by paying the patients for their participation
b. by waiting until the survey is completed to sell the device
c. by having a second, independent party conduct the survey
d. by providing a toll-free number in case there are questions about the devices
____ 54. Which technological advance has increased the exchange of scientific knowledge the most around the
world?
a. the Internet
c. the laptop computer
b. the microscope
d. the handheld calculator
____ 55.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 56. Which sentence best states the importance of using control groups?
a. Control groups provide a method by which statistical variability can be reduced
b. Control groups eliminate the need for statistical tests and simplify calculations
c. Control groups allow comparison between subjects receiving a treatment and those receiving no
treatment
d. Control groups eliminate the need for large sample sizes, reducing the number of measurements needed
____ 57.
The hypothesis best supported by this graph is that these beetles are most active when the area is —
a. wettest from dew
c. coolest with some sunlight
b. richest in oxygen supplies
d. free from predators
____ 58. In 1928, the scientist Alexander Fleming was trying to grow the bacterium Staphylococcus, and by
chance, discovered that it would not grow in the presence of a mold that he named Penicillium. In 1939,
Ernst Chain and Howard Florey purified penicillin, and in 1941, penicillin was first used to treat bacterial
diseases. In 1945, Alexander Fleming, Ernst Chain, and Howard Florey received the Nobel Prize in
medicine for the discovery and isolation of penicillin. These facts show that —
a. whenever possible, the Nobel Prize should be given to more than one person
b. Florey and Chain unfairly used Fleming’s work and should not have received the
Nobel Prize
c. scientific progress often requires the efforts of many people working together
d. chance plays no role in scientific discoveries
____ 59.
a. found before a fire
b. germinated after a fire
c. placed in a fire
d. tolerant of fire
____ 60. A student wanted to study the effect of temperature on algae levels in a local stream. Which items are most
useful for gathering data and most appropriate for communicating the results of her observations?
a. pH strips and written observations of stream water
b. Test tubes, thermometers, and graphs of results
c. Research on the Internet and videotapes of water samples
d. Microscopes and written descriptions of weather patterns
____ 61.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Her measurements would lack precision
Her measurements would be too low for less dense liquids
Her measurements would be very accurate
Her measurements would be too high
____ 62.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 63.
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 64.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 65.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 66.
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 67.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 68.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 69.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 70.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 71.
a.
c.
b.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 72.
____ 73.
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 74.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 75.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 76.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 77.
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 78. A student constructs several terrariums like the one shown. Each terrarium is exposed to a different
amount of sunlight each day. In order to determine the ideal amount of sunlight, which of the following
variables must be held constant?
a. Type of plants
b. Growth rate of plants
c. Wavelengths of sunlight
d. Amount of sunlight received
____ 79. As part of an experiment to measure decomposition rates of different materials, students put food scraps
from the cafeteria in compost bin A and leaves and grass clippings in compost bin B for six weeks.
Students in first measured the temperature in bin A, and students in sixth period measured the temperature
in bin B. What is the greatest error in the students’ experimental design?
a.
b.
c.
d.
There are too many uncontrolled variables in the experiment.
Temperature is the only dependent variable in the experiment.
The materials chosen decompose too rapidly.
The students put equal masses of materials in each bin.
____ 80. Scientists are using genetic engineering to develop a wheat crop that is resistant to a particular kind of
moth. How would they determine if the plants are moth-resistant?
a. Determine the length of the moth reproductive cycle in normal wheat.
b. Determine whether moths in test wheat can be controlled with chemical sprays.
c. Monitor numbers of moth species infesting normal wheat.
d. Monitor moth populations in fields planted with test and normal wheat.
____ 81. The diagram shows a setup for a plant investigation. Which variable is most likely being tested?
a. Hours of light exposure
b. Plant species
c. Soil volume
d. Soil pH
____ 82. A student hypothesizes that green algae will grow fastest when exposed to blue light. To test this
hypothesis, the student should design an experiment with which independent variable?
a. Color of algae
b. Rate of algae growth
c. Color of light that algae are exposed to
d. Amount of time per day that algae are exposed to light
____ 83. The graphs show the results of two separate experiments on the same species of plant. Students now want
to determine how the use of rainwater or bottled water affects the growth of this plant. Which conditions
should be used for optimal growth as the two water types are tested?
a. 20°C, 10 mL/day
b. 25°C, 35 mL/day
c. 30°C, 45 mL/day
d. 35°C, 20 mL/day
____ 84. A scientist develops a hypothesis, designs an experiment, and obtains data that support her hypothesis.
____ 85.
____ 86.
____ 87.
____ 88.
Which of the following best describes when a hypothesis becomes a theory?
a. When one good set of scientific data supports a theory
b. When the official scientific method is followed
c. When a website is created to display the theory
d. When it is supported by consistent data from many experimental trials
How could Mike and Kelsey be more certain the results of their experiment are reliable?
a. Test the reaction with other acidities of potato juice.
b. Repeat the experiment the same way.
c. Increase the volume of potato juice.
d. Use a different type of plant juice.
What did Mike and Kelsey do to make the results of their experiment valid?
a. Recorded the volume of foam in milliliters.
b. Calculated the average volume of foam for each acidity.
c. Measured the volume of foam at each acidity three times.
d. Waited three minutes before measuring the volume of foam.
Based on your knowledge of scientific investigations, which stage of scientific investigation did the
invention of the microscope significantly advance?
a. Communicating the results of experimentation
b. Gathering the data for the investigation
c. Generating explanations of phenomena
d. Planning the investigation and experimentation
Which of the following is the smallest unit as shown on the metric ruler below?
a. centimeter
b. kilometer
c. millimeter
d. hectometer
____ 89. A scientist performs an experiment to see if acids have an effect on the health of a particular type of plant.
Three sets of plants were treated with acidic solutions of known pH while the control set was treated with
a solution of neutral pH 7.
Which is the best conclusion for this experiment?
a. Acid has no effect on the health of this type of plant
b. High acidity is helpful to this type of plant
c. Low acidity is harmful to this type of plant
d. High acidity is harmful to this type of plant
____ 90. The information was collected in the field while studying the effect of pH on the growth of the duckweed
plant. The data shows that duckweed has optimum growth at a pH of
a. 4
b. 6
c. 8
d. 12
____ 91. Which of these graph axes would be best to use to analyze these data?
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 92. What percent of this fertilizer has compounds containing potassium (K)?
a. 0.2%
b. 4.0%
c. 6.0%
d. 10.0%
____ 93. All of these characterize most laboratory accidents EXCEPT —
a. Carelessness
c. inappropriate behavior
b. lack of attention
d. reduced risk-taking
____ 94. The chart shows the number of tomatoes produced by branches of different lengths. Which graph best
represents these data?
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 95. The chart shows the periodic increases in the percent of open sunflower blossoms found in a meadow. If
this trend continues, what percent of the sunflowers will have open blossoms by 6:00 P.M. on the second
day?
a. 75%
b. 85%
d,d.
c. 90%
d. 70%
____ 96. The graph shows the growth curves of a healthy plant and a plant infected with a fungus. If this trend
continues, what will be the mass of the plant infected with the fungus at 12 months?
a. 10 kg
b. 11 kg
c. 12 kg
d. 13 kg
____ 97. The chart shows the average change in mass of some frogs during a period of estivation. If this trend
continues, what will be the average mass of the frogs by the twelfth week of estivation?
a. 424 g
b. 422 g
c. 20 g
d. 418 g
____ 98.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 99.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 100.
The picture shows a coverslip correctly being lowered onto a slide. This method is used because it —
a. allows microorganisms to move freely in the water
b. reduces the possibility of air bubbles on the slide
c. prevents the escape of microorganisms found in the water
d. prevents the coverslip from moving
____ 101.
According to the table, which graph below illustrates the calories used for 1 hour of jogging followed by 2
hours of walking?
a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 102.
a.
b.
c.
d.
The plants were grown at variable temperatures
A control without fertilizer was included for each plant
A fifth fertilizer was tested
Only one plant was tested
____ 103. A student wants to view cells under the compound microscope at a total magnification of 400X. If the
eyepiece is 10X, which of the following objective lenses should be used?
a. 40X
c. 100X
b. 10X
d. 4X
____ 104.
a.
b.
c.
d.
a. 4
b. 2
c. 3
d. 1
____ 105.
____ 106.
a.
c.
b.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 107.
____ 108.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 109.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 110.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 111.
a.
b.
c.
d.
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a.
c.
b.
d.
____ 113.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 114.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 115.
a.
c.
b.
d.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 116.
____ 117.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 118.
a.
b.
____ 119.
a.
b.
c.
d.
c.
d.
____ 120.
a.
b.
c.
d.
____ 121. If a student needs to do research on heredity for a science project, which of these sources is the most
____ 122.
____ 123.
____ 124.
____ 125.
____ 126.
reliable resource?
a. A newspaper tabloid
c. A weekly news magazine
b. A national newspaper
d. A professional journal
Theory A is a well-established scientific theory. One hypothesis that could refute this theory is
successfully tested over many experiments. What action must be taken for this hypothesis to pose a
legitimate challenge to Theory A?
a. collecting empirical data
c. forming a question for an investigation
b. publishing data for peer review
d. turning the hypothesis into scientific
law
Which field of biology has the fewest educational requirements?
a. lab technician
c. genetics researcher
b. college professor
d. biomedical engineer
When scientists use human tissue samples for experiments, they are required to respect the rights and
welfare of their human subjects. One way to do this is by
a. strictly following the scientific method during the experiment.
b. ensuring that the experiment results will greatly benefit humanity.
c. obtaining informed consent from the subjects before taking the samples.
d. making public the names of the subjects and the data they obtained from them.
A hypothesis and a theory are related because
a. a theory is always used to develop a hypothesis
b. they are both developed in the absence of observations
c. the data collected when a hypothesis is tested can support a theory
d. an experiment is done before the formation of both a hypothesis and a theory
The data in the table below were collected for three plants that were fertilized at the beginning of an
experiment.
Height of Fertilized Plants
Height (cm)
Day
1
Plant 1
10
Plant 2
12
Plant 3
10
5
9
20
29
20
33
15
31
13
39
41
41
What was the total growth of Plant 2 over the 13-day experiment?
a. 26 cm
c. 29 cm
b. 27 cm
d. 41 cm
____ 127. A biology class conducted an experiment using five plants. The first plant received only water. The
remaining plants received varying amounts of a liquid fertilizer added to their water. The class wanted to
know which plant would show the greatest amount of growth. What is the control in this experiment?
a. using two plants
c. measuring plant growth
b. giving one plant water
d. giving one plant water with fertilizer
____ 128. An archeological dig site is most likely the working environment of which kind of biologist?
a. ecologist
c. paleontologist
b. geneticist
d. molecular biologist
____ 129. The steps shown below will be taken by a student when planning a science fair project.
____ 130.
____ 131.
____ 132.
____ 133.
____ 134.
____ 135.
At which part of the process should the student identify and develop specific safety procedures?
a. Observation
c. Design Experiment
b. Make Predictions
d. Propose Hypothesis
Which science term represents a tested explanation of a natural phenomenon?
a. law
c. hypothesis
b. theory
d. inference
During a lab investigation, a container is heated on a hot plate. Which is the safest way to check to see if
the container is cool enough to be picked up?
a. Unplug the hot plate using tongs
b. Use the wafting technique to sense temperature
c. Splash cold water on the container before handling
d. Hold the back of one hand close to the container to sense the heat
Which describes the difference between pure science and applied science?
a. Pure science attempts to solve practical problems.
b. Applied science attempts to solve practical problems.
c. Engineering would be an example of pure science.
d. Basic cell research would be an example of applied science.
Why is it important to design experiments that can be reproduced?
a. to manipulate the data
c. to control all of the variables
b. to produce favorable results
d. to ensure reliability of the conclusions
What could cause a scientific theory to be changed?
a. data analysis on the most recent investigation
b. discovery of flaws in the original data collection
c. a presentation of current thoughts by leading scientists
d. a documentary produced and distributed by a scientific organization
Laboratory instructions require students to assemble a measuring device containing many small parts and
springs. Which piece of safety equipment would be required in this investigation?
a. apron
c. lab coat
b. gloves
d. safety glasses
____ 136. A student is asked to conduct an experiment related to animal behavior. Which question about animal
behavior can be scientifically tested by the student?
a. What is a cat’s favorite scent?
b. How does a pill bug react to physical contact?
c. Why do parakeets mimic voices?
d. Why do earthworms move away from light?
____ 137.
Which conclusion is best supported by the data?
a. The incidence of breast cancer increases with a woman’s age and peaks at ages 75–
79
b. No one over 85 years old gets breast cancer
c. Only women get breast cancer
d. No one under 25 years old needs to be screened for breast cancer
____ 138.
The greatest difference between the incidence of measles and the incidence of bacterial pneumonia
oc-curred in
a. 1940
c. 1960
b. 1950
d. 1970
____ 139. To investigate selective pressures on fish populations, researchers set up three identical tanks, labeled X,
Y, and Z. Each tank contained 1000 fish of the same species. Before the fish reproduced each generation,
the researchers removed fish from some of the tanks. The graph below shows the changes in the mean
weight of the fish in each tank over four generations.
Based on the graph, what did the researchers most likely do to tank Z each generation?
a. The researchers removed the 900 smallest fish.
b. The researchers removed the 900 largest fish.
c. The researchers removed 900 fish at random.
d. The researchers removed none of the fish.
____ 140. The table below shows the approximate amounts of nitrogen fixed per year by various processes
worldwide.
Based on the data, which of the following conclusions can be made?
a. Aquatic ecosystems are more nitrogen-rich than terrestrial ecosystems.
b. Forests and nonagricultural land need more nitrogen than agricultural land needs.
c. The global nitrogen cycle would be relatively unaffected if no fixation occurred by industrial processes.
d. The amount of nitrogen fixed by biological processes is more than two times the amount fixed by
nonbiological processes.
____ 141. A bird-watcher records the movement of migrating birds. In which part of the scientific process is the
bird-watcher participating?
a. controlling variables
c. observing
b. experimenting
d. hypothesizing
____ 142. A scientist set up two glass fish tanks. She put 5 L of water, a small fish, and several plants in each tank.
She then sealed the tops of both tanks so that no air could leave or enter. Tank A was placed in bright light.
Tank B was placed in a dark room. After 45 hours, the fish in the tank that was kept in darkness died. The
fish in the brightly lit tank remained healthy for more than 96 hours.
____ 143.
____ 144.
____ 145.
____ 146.
____ 147.
Based on the results of the experiment described above, what conclusion can you draw about the
relationship between the tank conditions and the organisms that live within the tank?
a. Fish cannot survive in an overcrowded tank.
b. Fish cannot survive in a tank that does not contain plants.
c. Fish cannot survive in a plant-filled tank kept in darkness for 45 hours.
d. Fish cannot survive in a plant-filled tank that has been sealed so that no air can leave or enter.
Lamont conducted an investigation of four ant piles to see whether the amount of sunlight they got
affected their activity. One ant pile was located in a sunny area, one ant pile was in a shady area, and the
other two ant piles were in partly shaded areas. After five days, he noticed that the ant pile in the shady
area had no ants. Which of the following statements BEST describes what Lamont should do?
a. He should stop observing that ant pile because it no longer pertains to his investigation.
b. He should revise his hypothesis and begin a new investigation omitting the shaded ant pile.
c. He should make a note of the date and time that he noticed no activity in the shaded ant pile.
d. He should remove the object that is shading that ant pile so that it will receive more sunlight
A field ecologist wants to determine the interactions of various populations of organisms living in a large
grassland field. Which method is best for conducting this study?
a. consulting with local farmers about the diversity of organisms in the field
b. dividing the field in half, walking over it, counting organisms, and then doubling the numbers
c. walking over the entire field, collecting the organisms, and then compiling a total
d. observing the behaviors of different types of organisms several times during the year
Biology is the study of
a. science
c. life
b. molecules
d. animals
To observe a skin cell through a microscope at its highest magnification, you should first
a. use the coarse adjustment and the lowest power lens to focus and then switch to the
highest power lens
b. use the highest magnification and the fine adjustment until the object is in focus
c. use the fine adjustment and lowest power lens to focus the object and then switch to
the highest power lens
d. use the highest power and the coarse adjustment until the object is in focus
Aida is planning a field investigation to compare the numbers of insects and spiders in a one square-meter
area she has marked outdoors. Aida knows that insects make up the largest group of arthropods. Which
would be the MOST accurate prediction for Aida to make before she starts her investigation?
a. The marked area will contain more spiders than insects.
b. The marked area will contain equal numbers of insects and spiders.
c. The marked area will contain more insects than spiders.
d. The marked area will contain more centipedes and millipedes than insects and spiders.
____ 148. Every year, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from their summer homes in northern states and
Canada to wintering spots in Mexico and southern California. In spring, they make the journey back again.
However, the butterflies die before they reach their northern homes. New butterflies, hatched from eggs
laid by migrating monarchs, complete the journey. A scientist wanted to know how the new butterflies
found their way to their northern homes if they had never been there before. Which of the following is
NOT a testable hypothesis about monarch migratory behavior?
a. Monarchs follow routes that have many milkweed plants
b. Monarchs are prettier than other types of butterflies
c. Monarchs can sense Earth’s magnetic field
d. Monarchs can smell the remains of the last season’s dead monarchs
____ 149. A sample of digestive juice was removed from the stomach of a pig. The juice was placed in a test tube,
along with some grains of wheat. A second, identical test tube that contained an equal number of wheat
grains was set up. However, pure water was used rather than digestive juice. The test tubes were kept at
40°C, which is about the temperature inside a pig’s stomach. After eight hours, the grains of wheat in the
digestive juice had broken apart into tiny particles. The grains of wheat in the water were wet but were
otherwise unchanged. What was the
dependent variable in this experiment?
a. temperature
c. the liquid in the test tube
b. wheat grains
d. pig physiology
____ 150. A scientist wants to determine how water temperature affects the development of fish eggs. Which of the
following would be an appropriate control group for such an experiment?
a. Ice is added to the water of one group of fish eggs and the tank is covered
b. One group of fish eggs and water is placed in a sunny window
c. The water of one group of fish eggs is kept at the same temperature as would be found in nature
d. The water of one group of fish eggs is kept at the same temperature as would be found in nature and the
tank is covered
____ 151. A student conducted an experiment that investigated how light affects the growth rates of plants.
In the illustration above, how many centimeters (to the closest 0.1 cm) taller is the plant on the right than
the plant on
the left?
a. 0.3 cm
c. 1 cm
b. 0.5 cm
d. 5 cm
____ 152. Which of the following would be an appropriate safety procedure when working in the laboratory?
a. wearing safety goggles when pouring an acidic substance
b. tasting a chemical to determine if it is metallic
c. placing a microscope near the edge of the table to get a better view
d. taking shortcuts in a laboratory procedure to save time
____ 153. Jonathan marked off a square-meter area on a rocky beach. He then counted the number of sea urchins,
starfish, and mussels living in the area. He wants to show the results of his investigation in a visual display.
Which of the following is the BEST way for Jonathan to compare the numbers of different animals on the
beach?
a. a concept map
c. a line graph
b. a flow chart
d. a bar graph
____ 154. A biologist wanted to determine why there was a decline in the number of salamanders. Based on his
observations, he suggested that acid rain might be responsible. What would scientists call his suggestion?
a. a conclusion
b. a hypothesis
c. a theory
d. a scientific “truth”
____ 155. Which of the following hypotheses is testable?
a. Snails eat less food when their environment is dry.
b. Snails have thoughts similar to that of earthworms.
c. Snails become depressed when their environment is dry.
d. Snails will evolve into organisms that only live in dry environments.
____ 156. Which of the following accurately describes a control group?
a. It requires a lead scientist who controls a group of scientists conducting an
experiment.
b. It is always registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
c. It is the group in an experiment that receives no experimental treatment.
d. It provides the answer to a problem posed by a theory.
____ 157. A hypothesis states that taking drugs known as “gateway drugs,” which include nicotine and marijuana,
could make an individual more likely to use stronger illegal drugs. To test this idea, a group of researchers
divided young rats into two groups. For one week, they injected one group with saline (salt solution) and
the other group with methylphenidate (MP). MP, which is used to treat attention disorders, is in the same
class of drugs as cocaine and is considered a gateway drug. The researchers then inserted catheters in the
rats so that as adults they could self-administer very low doses of cocaine with a pump by poking their
heads into one of two holes. To be sure the animals were not randomly selecting cocaine, the researchers
designed the experiment so that only one hole would produce a dose of cocaine. The researchers created
the graph in Figure 1 to illustrate the results of the experiment over a five-day period. On the graph, Sal
represents saline.
Based on the graph, what would be an accurate statement regarding the effect of pretreatment with MP?
a. Animals pretreated with MP were less likely to self-administer cocaine.
b. Animals pretreated with MP were more likely to self-administer cocaine.
c. Animals pretreated with MP self-administered the same amount of cocaine as control animals.
d. Animals pretreated with MP did not self-administer cocaine.
____ 158. Three bodies were found at what appeared to be the same crime scene. Police used yellow tape to block off
the area. Crime scene investigators arrived to take pictures and collect evidence of fingerprints and
bloodstains and to look for other evidence, such as tire tracks, footprints, and bullet holes.
It was 11:00 p.m. when pathologists from the coroner’s lab began their examinations to estimate time of
death. Body #1 and body #2 showed the beginning signs of rigor mortis and some red blotches on the skin,
and the temperature of the bodies was 92°F. Use the chart to predict the time at which the coroner’s office
estimated the deaths happened.
a. between 6:00 PM. and 8:00 PM
c. between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM
b. between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
d. at exactly 7:00 PM
____ 159. Based on the information in the table below, which of the following is NOT a valid conclusion about
carbon dioxide emissions?
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions* from
Fossil Fuel Energy Consumption
Energy Sector
1997
1998
1999
Residential
289
289
290
Commercial
241
244
244
Industrial
490
480
481
Transportation
474
482
496
Total
1493
1495
1511
*Emissions are given in millions of metric tons of carbon.
a. Carbon dioxide emissions increased each year from 1997 to 1999.
b. The commercial energy sector is the smallest source of emissions.
c. Total carbon dioxide emissions have always exceeded 1500 million metric tons of carbon.
d. The transportation and industrial energy sectors are the largest
____ 160. In a controlled experiment,
a. a control group is compared with one or more experimental groups
b. there are at least two variables
c. all factors should be different
d. a variable is not needed
____ 161. A scientist conducted an experiment to see how exposing turtle eggs to different conditions affects
whether they produce male or female turtles. She organizes her results in the table below.
Light exposure
Temperature
Resulting turtles
sunlight
25.0ºC
100% males
shade
28.5ºC
50% males and 50% females
complete darkness
30.0ºC
100% females
Based on the data in the table, which of the following statements is true?
a. A valid conclusion can’t be drawn because none of the variables changed.
b. A valid conclusion can’t be drawn because too many of the variables changed.
c. A valid conclusion is that as temperature increases, number of males born increases.
d. A valid conclusion is that as temperature increases, number of females born increases.
____ 162. This graph shows the volume of water flowing in the Yakima River during a 12-month period
Which conclusion would be supported by the data?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The water is warmest in late summer.
The amount of water in the river increases in spring.
There is more rain in spring.
The flow decreases in winter because wind patterns change.
____ 163. A student measured the temperature outside her classroom every hour starting at 9:00 A.M. and ending at
3:00 P.M. Her measurements are given in the table below.
Time
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
Temperature
25°C
26°C
28°C
29°C
29°C
29°C
27°C
This student wanted to grow a culture of yeast. The optimal temperature for the yeast growth is between
27°C and 31°C. It takes five hours for the yeast to grow. When should the student begin her culture?
a. at 9:00
c. after 11:00
b. before 10:00
d. any time between 9:00 and 11:00
____ 164. Why would a scientist make a note in her lab report procedure of the particular brand of equipment she is
using in an experiment?
a. The equipment might break and she will have to buy a new one to replace it
b. The company that sold her the equipment might give her money for advertising
c. By claiming that brand, she prevents other scientists from using it in their studies
d. That particular brand of equipment might have an effect on the results of the experiment
____ 165. What happens if it is unclear whether new data show a significant difference from an accepted theory?
a. The new data are ignored.
b. The results are not published in journals until they can be repeated.
c. The theory is modified just in case the data is reliable.
d. Scientists try to design other experiments to test the new information.
Salmonberry Plants
Directions: Use the following information to answer questions below
Salmonberry plants can be found all along the Pacific coast. Salmonberry plants are a food source for many animals in Pacific
coast ecosystems including hummingbirds, deer, and bear. Scientists conducted a field study to learn about salmonberry
plant populations in different habitats in Washington.
Field Study Question: How does the salmonberry plant population vary by habitat?
Procedure:
1.
Go to the salmonberry field study area. Record
location, date, time, and temperature.
2.
Choose a random location in the forest edge habitat.
3.
Measure a 5-meter-by-5-meter plot and label as Plot 1.
4.
Count the number of salmonberry plants in Plot 1.
Record as Plot 1 for the forest edge habitat.
5.
Repeat steps 2 through 4 for Plot 2 and Plot 3,
choosing a new location in the forest edge habitat for
each plot.
6.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the stream bank and
forest habitats.
7.
Calculate and record the average number of
salmonberry plants for each habitat.
Data Collected:
Location: Forest edge, stream bank, and forest habitats
Date and Time: May 1, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Temperature: 10° C to 15° C
____ 166. How could the validity of this field study be improved?
a. Use a fourth habitat type in the field study.
b. Count the number of trees in the field study area.
c. Use three 1-meter-by-1-meter plots in each habitat.
d. Count the salmonberry plants in four plots at each habitat.
____ 167. Scientists wondered how the presence of the new type of grass could affect the population of salmonberry
plants in a forest ecosystem. What kind of investigation would be most appropriate to answer this
question?
a. A field study because factors that are hard to control could influence the results
b. A research paper because information is available about many kinds of plants
c. A controlled experiment because all the variables can be kept the same
d. A simulation because computers are more reliable than natural systems
Foaming Spuds
Directions: Use the following information to answer questions below
Mike and Kelsey were studying how hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cells breaks down to form water and oxygen. When this
reaction happens, bubbles of oxygen gas are released, producing foam. This reaction is described as follows:
A protein named catalase, found in all cells including potatoes, increases the rate of this reaction. Mike and Kelsey used potato
juice as the source of catalase to do the following controlled experiment.
Question: What is the effect of the acidity of potato juice on the volume of foam produced when hydrogen peroxide is added to
potato juice?
Prediction: As the acidity of potato juice decreases (higher pH), the volume of foam will increase.
Materials:
graduated cylinders labeled pH 6, pH 7, pH 8, and pH 9 potato juice from the same potato,
divided and adjusted to four acidities: pH 6, pH 7, pH 8, and pH 9 hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
beaker stopwatch stirring rods thermometer
Procedure:
1.
Label four graduated cylinders, one for each acidity.
2.
Put 10 milliliters of potato juice at pH 6 in the
appropriately labeled cylinder.
3.
Do the same for each of the other cylinders.
4.
Monitor the room temperature to make sure the
temperature remains the same throughout the
investigation.
5.
Add 5 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide to each
graduated cylinder, stir for two seconds. Wait three
minutes.
6.
Measure and record the volume of foam in each
graduated cylinder as Trial 1.
7.
Clean all graduated cylinders and stirring rods.
8.
Repeat steps 1 through 7 two times for Trials 2 and 3.
9.
Calculate and record the average volume of foam for
each acidity of potato juice.
Controlled Experiment Setup
Data:
Acidity of Potato Juice
(pH)
6
7
8
9
Trial 1
22
32
41
32
Volume of Foam
(milliliters)
Trial 2
Trial 3
25
25
38
36
42
42
29
30
Average
24
35
42
30
____ 168. A scientific study concluded that plants with red flowers are less likely to die in drought situations. Which
statement about the study would be a reason for this conclusion to be biased?
a. All plants received the same amount of rain water
b. Many different types of plants were tested in the study
c. Each plant’s growth was recorded at the same time every day
d. Plants with red flowers were given more fertilizer than plants with other color flowers
____ 169. A student is performing an investigation of the effects of fire on pine seedlings in a forest. The student
conducts a study of ten plots that are burned annually. What is an appropriate control for this experiment?
a. ten plowed plots
c. ten unburned plots
b. ten cleared plots
d. ten herbicide-treated plots