Scientific method and process of science (Mid 1)

Question 1

An astronomer discovers some globules on an asteroid that the astronomer thinks could be alive. Which of the following would help you to decide whether these globules are living things?

a
Do the globules take in and use energy?

b
Can the globules evolve over generations?

c
Do the globules each consist of at least one cell?

d
Do the globules reproduce?

e
Can the globules consume other organisms?

Answer 1

a
Do the globules take in and use energy?

b
Can the globules evolve over generations?

c
Do the globules each consist of at least one cell?

d
Do the globules reproduce?

Question 2

In 2007, scientists started noticing widespread deaths in many bat populations. In some caves, more than 90% mortality was observed. A 2009 study found the culprit of the bats’ deaths is a fungal disease now known as white-nose syndrome. Which of the following could be an example of a scientific theory pertaining to this study?

a
Specific pathogens are directly responsible for specific diseases and conditions.

b
A fungal infection is responsible for the spread of white noses and associated higher mortality across bat populations and species.

c
Bats with white noses have been observed in the wild.

d
A fungal infection causes bats to wake up repeatedly during the winter and use up their fat reserves.

e
All of the above are likely scientific theories

Answer 2

a
Specific pathogens are directly responsible for specific diseases and conditions.

Question 3

Which answer below is a hypothesis?

a
Doctors with patients who have heart disease have noticed that the patients who have the lowest cholesterol levels tend to be the ones that regularly exercise

b
Engaging in aerobic activity reduces cholesterol levels

c
Patients who engage in aerobic activity three times per week will have lower cholesterol levels than those who do not

d
None of the above

Answer 3

b
Engaging in aerobic activity reduces cholesterol levels

Question 4

You are a scientist trying to determine whether a new drug will help treat heart disease. Which of the following will generally increase the strength of your scientific study and your confidence in the results:

a
Making sure that the experimenter knows which patients are getting a placebo versus which are getting the treatment

b
Increasing the number of patients in the study

c
Giving a placebo to the control group, thus controlling for the possibility that there will be a psychological effect of just receiving a pill

d
Making sure that your control group is not composed of a different age group than your experimental group is

e
All of the above will increase the strength of your scientific study

Answer 4

b
Increasing the number of patients in the study

c
Giving a placebo to the control group, thus controlling for the possibility that there will be a psychological effect of just receiving a pill

d
Making sure that your control group is not composed of a different age group than your experimental group is