Scientific Investigation

A student was conducting an experiment to determine the effects of salt water on the  growth of beetles in a closed ecosystem. She collected data and needed to arrange  the data on a chart. Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

• 20 mL of salt  water was  consumed in  the first day. 
• The beetles  appeared  dark red in  color with  light white  specks  covering  their backs.
• The beetles  seemed to  thrive on the  salt water  with no  obvious  effects.

Which of these would be the best conclusion regarding the experimental results  shown? 

• The tallest this species of plant will ever grow is 50 cm. 
• This species of plant grew best between 18°C and 26°C. 
• The ideal temperature for all plant growth is 26 
•  Plants will not grow above 26°C. 

A scientist wants to study the behavior of bald eagles. Which of these plans should be  used to study the hunting habits of bald eagles?

• Analyze the eagles at a zoo for several months. 
• B Ask a national park ranger questions about eagles. 
• Research hawks and make inferences about eagles
• Observe the eagles along the Potomac River for a year.

What is the total magnification used to view these onion cells through this microscope  setup?

• 400X 
• 10X 
• 50X
• 40X

A biology class of 24 students decides to measure the height of each student and then  calculate the average height for the class. Which of these is a possible source of error  in this activity?

• The total number of students in the class 
• The number of males and females in the class
• The difference in the ages of the students in the class
• The accuracy of making and recording measurements 

Orchids were studied to determine if the amount of humidity affected the flowering of these plants. Which of these was the independent variable in this study?

• The amount watered
•  The length of time required for flowering
•  The number of flowers on each plant
• The percentage of humidity

Richard was observing black swallowtail butterflies in the field. Which one of these is an observation he made about a black swallowtail butterfly?

• The black swallowtail belongs to the class Insecta.
• The black swallowtail laid its eggs on a parsley plant.
• The black swallowtail is closely related to the spicebush swallowtail.
• The black swallowtail likes to fly more than anything else.

• theory
• law
• hypothesis

What is group 1 learning about?

• theory
• law
• hypothesis

What is group 2 studying?

• theory
• law
• hypothesis