The Nature of Science Bio

A (an) ____ is a testable explanation to an observed phenomena.

• independent variable

• data set

• experiment

• hypothesis

What factor remains fixed during an experiment?

• dependent variable

• independent variable

• data

• constant

Based on this graph, which of the following statements is correct?

• The anole weighs 2.5 grams after 3 days of observation.

• The mass of the anole increased by 2.5 grams in 3 days.

• The anole weighs 2.3 grams after 3 days.

• The mass of the anole increased by 2.7 grams during the experiment.

A scientific theory is

• the same as a hypothesis

• an explanation that unifies a broad range of observations and prior knowledge

• the same as the conclusion of an experiment

• the first step in a controlled experiment

The purpose of peer review in science is to ensure that

• all scientific research is funded

• the results of experiments are correct

• all scientific results are published

• published results meet standards set by the scientific community

A skeptical attitude in science

• prevents scientists from accepting new ideas

• encourages scientists to readily accept new ideas

• means a new idea will only be accepted if it is backed by evidence

• is unimportant

When a scientist shares her findings with other scientists, he/she is

• experimenting

• communicating results

• making a hypothesis

• analyzing data

A scientist hypothesizes the temperature at which an alligator’s egg is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be male or female. The independent variable is

• the incubator

• the male alligator

• the temperature

• the gender of the alligator

Which question would be the best high level scientific question?

• Which question would be the best high level scientific question?

• How long ago did dinosaurs live on the Earth?

• How many giraffes live in Africa?

• Does the amount of salt in water affect the temperature at which it boils?

The goal of science is to

• learn the causes of events in nature

• learn the causes of global misunderstandings

• understand and explain philosophy

• explain how societies develop