Virginia Biology SOL Practice Test – Version 3 (50 Questions)

A scientist tests how salt concentration affects the germination of bean seeds. What is the independent variable?

• Number of seeds

• Salt concentration in water

• Days observed

• Average plant height

The dependent variable in the experiment above is—

• Salt concentration

• Germination rate

• Amount of water

• Soil temperature

A student repeats an experiment five times. Why?

• To prove the hypothesis true

• To increase reliability of results

• To test new variables

• To change the hypothesis

Which best describes a theory?

• Guess

• Well-tested explanation supported by evidence

• Hypothesis

• Scientific law

A biology class tested how different amounts of fertilizer affected plant height. The control group received no fertilizer. After two weeks, the plants with moderate fertilizer grew tallest, while those with too much fertilizer died.

• Fertilizer always harms plants.

• Moderate fertilizer promotes best growth.

A variable that remains the same in all experimental groups is called a—

• Constant

• Control

• Hypothesis

• Dependent variable

Which type of data uses numbers and measurements?

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

• Descriptive

• Subjective

Arrange the steps of the scientific method:

• Hypothesis → Experiment → Data → Conclusion

• Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Conclusion

• Experiment → Hypothesis → Conclusion → Data

• Observation → Data → Hypothesis → Conclusion

The most appropriate graph to show population growth over time is—

• Bar graph

• Line graph

• Pie chart

• Table

Which instrument is best for measuring 6.2 mL?

• Beaker

• Flask

• 10-mL graduated cylinder

• 100-mL cylinder