Podcast
Questions and Answers
What characteristic uniquely defines humans compared to other life forms?
What characteristic uniquely defines humans compared to other life forms?
What is the primary focus of the One Health approach?
What is the primary focus of the One Health approach?
The emergence of COVID-19 is linked to which of the following?
The emergence of COVID-19 is linked to which of the following?
Which of the following statements about science is accurate?
Which of the following statements about science is accurate?
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What does the term 'infectious diseases' refer to?
What does the term 'infectious diseases' refer to?
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What is NOT a characteristic of living things?
What is NOT a characteristic of living things?
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How did COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe?
How did COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe?
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Which factor does NOT contribute to the emergence of pathogens according to the One Health approach?
Which factor does NOT contribute to the emergence of pathogens according to the One Health approach?
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What percentage of the human population lives in urban areas?
What percentage of the human population lives in urban areas?
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What term describes the transfer of diseases from wild animals to domestic animals and humans?
What term describes the transfer of diseases from wild animals to domestic animals and humans?
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What was a common symptom experienced by the 27-year-old man who died from COVID-19?
What was a common symptom experienced by the 27-year-old man who died from COVID-19?
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Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to increased disease transmission?
Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to increased disease transmission?
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What is a zoonotic disease?
What is a zoonotic disease?
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Which event significantly contributed to the 75% of new infectious diseases in humans over the past 25 years?
Which event significantly contributed to the 75% of new infectious diseases in humans over the past 25 years?
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Which environmental change can lead to increased transmission of diseases?
Which environmental change can lead to increased transmission of diseases?
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Which of the following practices increases interaction between humans and wild animals, potentially contributing to disease transmission?
Which of the following practices increases interaction between humans and wild animals, potentially contributing to disease transmission?
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How long did the initial symptoms last before the man was diagnosed with COVID-19?
How long did the initial symptoms last before the man was diagnosed with COVID-19?
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What is one major human health vulnerability that increases the risk of disease transmission?
What is one major human health vulnerability that increases the risk of disease transmission?
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What percentage of the world's population was infected by COVID-19 within six months of its emergence?
What percentage of the world's population was infected by COVID-19 within six months of its emergence?
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What is a reported outcome of cutting down forests and converting land to agriculture?
What is a reported outcome of cutting down forests and converting land to agriculture?
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What did the COVID-19 pandemic represent in terms of global health?
What did the COVID-19 pandemic represent in terms of global health?
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What is one of the defining features that distinguishes humans from other mammals?
What is one of the defining features that distinguishes humans from other mammals?
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Which of the following kingdoms includes organisms that possess chlorophyll?
Which of the following kingdoms includes organisms that possess chlorophyll?
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What characteristic primarily defines the kingdom Protista?
What characteristic primarily defines the kingdom Protista?
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What role do fungi play in the ecosystem?
What role do fungi play in the ecosystem?
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Which characteristic is NOT typically used to classify organisms into the kingdoms Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi?
Which characteristic is NOT typically used to classify organisms into the kingdoms Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi?
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How do humans primarily obtain energy?
How do humans primarily obtain energy?
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What does the term 'species' refer to in biological classification?
What does the term 'species' refer to in biological classification?
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In which phylum are humans classified?
In which phylum are humans classified?
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Which of the following best describes the role of opposable thumbs in humans?
Which of the following best describes the role of opposable thumbs in humans?
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What is one reason a large brain is considered essential in humans?
What is one reason a large brain is considered essential in humans?
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From what kind of material do fungi derive their energy?
From what kind of material do fungi derive their energy?
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Which of the following is true about human biology?
Which of the following is true about human biology?
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What is an example of a complex communication system developed by humans?
What is an example of a complex communication system developed by humans?
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Which characteristic is unique to humans compared to other primates?
Which characteristic is unique to humans compared to other primates?
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What factor is most associated with the emergence of new pathogens in disturbed ecosystems?
What factor is most associated with the emergence of new pathogens in disturbed ecosystems?
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Which disease is NOT transmitted by mosquitos?
Which disease is NOT transmitted by mosquitos?
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What is believed to be the primary origin of SARS-CoV-2?
What is believed to be the primary origin of SARS-CoV-2?
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What was the main objective of the PREDICT project initiated by USAID?
What was the main objective of the PREDICT project initiated by USAID?
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What does spillover refer to in the context of zoonotic diseases?
What does spillover refer to in the context of zoonotic diseases?
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What is the initial response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that caught worldwide attention?
What is the initial response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that caught worldwide attention?
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What was a significant effect of deforestation and land conversion to agriculture on disease transmission?
What was a significant effect of deforestation and land conversion to agriculture on disease transmission?
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Why did scientists suspect a rural area in China as the location for the initial COVID-19 infection?
Why did scientists suspect a rural area in China as the location for the initial COVID-19 infection?
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What is one reason why the emergence of coronaviruses was not surprising to scientists?
What is one reason why the emergence of coronaviruses was not surprising to scientists?
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What role do wet markets play in the spread of zoonotic diseases?
What role do wet markets play in the spread of zoonotic diseases?
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Which of the following diseases caused the most deaths in the 2002–2003 outbreak?
Which of the following diseases caused the most deaths in the 2002–2003 outbreak?
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What happens to the likelihood of spillover events during periods of habitat destruction?
What happens to the likelihood of spillover events during periods of habitat destruction?
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How did the USAID defunding of the PREDICT program impact pandemic preparedness?
How did the USAID defunding of the PREDICT program impact pandemic preparedness?
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What is the primary downside associated with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics?
What is the primary downside associated with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended action to ensure the effectiveness of antibiotics?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended action to ensure the effectiveness of antibiotics?
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What percentage of antibiotic prescriptions given to non-hospitalized patients in the United States are estimated to be unnecessary?
What percentage of antibiotic prescriptions given to non-hospitalized patients in the United States are estimated to be unnecessary?
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How does the population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase following the use of antibiotics?
How does the population of antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase following the use of antibiotics?
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What is the name of the superbug that is resistant to all penicillin-type antibiotics?
What is the name of the superbug that is resistant to all penicillin-type antibiotics?
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What role do scientists have in the context of scientific knowledge and moral decisions?
What role do scientists have in the context of scientific knowledge and moral decisions?
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Which condition expresses a potentially deadly aspect of tuberculosis related to antibiotic resistance?
Which condition expresses a potentially deadly aspect of tuberculosis related to antibiotic resistance?
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What general obligation do individuals have in relation to acquiring scientific knowledge?
What general obligation do individuals have in relation to acquiring scientific knowledge?
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What impact does the use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture have on public health?
What impact does the use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture have on public health?
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What can be a potential consequence of relying heavily on antibiotics for treatment?
What can be a potential consequence of relying heavily on antibiotics for treatment?
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What is the smallest unit of living things that can carry out basic life processes?
What is the smallest unit of living things that can carry out basic life processes?
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What does metabolism refer to in living organisms?
What does metabolism refer to in living organisms?
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Which of the following correctly describes the classification of humans?
Which of the following correctly describes the classification of humans?
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Which of the following best defines homeostasis?
Which of the following best defines homeostasis?
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What is the primary function of the scientific method?
What is the primary function of the scientific method?
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In the scientific method, what follows the formulation of a hypothesis?
In the scientific method, what follows the formulation of a hypothesis?
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How do unicellular organisms maintain internal homeostasis?
How do unicellular organisms maintain internal homeostasis?
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From which sources do living organisms primarily obtain energy?
From which sources do living organisms primarily obtain energy?
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What type of reasoning is employed when observations are used to formulate a generalization?
What type of reasoning is employed when observations are used to formulate a generalization?
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What does a specific prediction need to include in order to be effectively testable?
What does a specific prediction need to include in order to be effectively testable?
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Which classification category comes immediately after the domain level?
Which classification category comes immediately after the domain level?
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Which statement is an example of a hypothesis?
Which statement is an example of a hypothesis?
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Why is it important for hypotheses to be testable?
Why is it important for hypotheses to be testable?
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What characteristic is shared by organisms in the domains Bacteria and Archaea?
What characteristic is shared by organisms in the domains Bacteria and Archaea?
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What is the role of an independent variable in an experiment?
What is the role of an independent variable in an experiment?
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What aspect of human biology is included in the course content?
What aspect of human biology is included in the course content?
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What would be an example of a dependent variable in a study testing Drug X's effect on blood pressure?
What would be an example of a dependent variable in a study testing Drug X's effect on blood pressure?
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What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?
What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?
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Which level of biological organization is most inclusive?
Which level of biological organization is most inclusive?
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Why is random assignment important in experiments?
Why is random assignment important in experiments?
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Why is evolution important for understanding diversity in life forms?
Why is evolution important for understanding diversity in life forms?
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Which molecules are considered the building blocks of life?
Which molecules are considered the building blocks of life?
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What is the significance of a modified hypothesis in scientific inquiry?
What is the significance of a modified hypothesis in scientific inquiry?
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What does a controlled experiment typically involve?
What does a controlled experiment typically involve?
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What is one way that living organisms are able to respond to their environment?
What is one way that living organisms are able to respond to their environment?
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What kind of issues may be covered in a human biology course?
What kind of issues may be covered in a human biology course?
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What is meant by 'blind' experiments?
What is meant by 'blind' experiments?
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Which of the following describes a placebo?
Which of the following describes a placebo?
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What is a primary function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in living organisms?
What is a primary function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in living organisms?
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What defines a valid scientific prediction?
What defines a valid scientific prediction?
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What statistical measures are typically used to compare results in an experiment?
What statistical measures are typically used to compare results in an experiment?
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What does the observation that more blood flows through the lungs than any other organ signify?
What does the observation that more blood flows through the lungs than any other organ signify?
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How many kingdoms does the domain Eukarya contain?
How many kingdoms does the domain Eukarya contain?
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What role do plants play in the energy acquisition of living organisms?
What role do plants play in the energy acquisition of living organisms?
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What must be tested to determine a drug's effectiveness in various populations?
What must be tested to determine a drug's effectiveness in various populations?
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What factor could compromise the validity of an experiment if not handled properly?
What factor could compromise the validity of an experiment if not handled properly?
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What feature is characteristic of all living things?
What feature is characteristic of all living things?
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How do scientists build confidence in a hypothesis?
How do scientists build confidence in a hypothesis?
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Why might a group of subjects with high blood pressure be poorly assigned to the experimental group?
Why might a group of subjects with high blood pressure be poorly assigned to the experimental group?
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What is a fundamental step after testing a hypothesis?
What is a fundamental step after testing a hypothesis?
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Which of the following statements about theories is accurate?
Which of the following statements about theories is accurate?
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What is one of the essential characteristics of peer-reviewed journals?
What is one of the essential characteristics of peer-reviewed journals?
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What is not a characteristic of a properly designed hypothesis?
What is not a characteristic of a properly designed hypothesis?
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Why is it important for scientists to share their research findings?
Why is it important for scientists to share their research findings?
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What type of information do science magazines generally aim to provide?
What type of information do science magazines generally aim to provide?
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Which of the following is a potential dependent variable when testing the safety of a drug?
Which of the following is a potential dependent variable when testing the safety of a drug?
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What assumption is typically made regarding the results of scientific experiments?
What assumption is typically made regarding the results of scientific experiments?
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What is a limitation of the scientific method as described?
What is a limitation of the scientific method as described?
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Why might scientists change their minds over time?
Why might scientists change their minds over time?
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In what way might the findings of a poorly designed experiment be misleading?
In what way might the findings of a poorly designed experiment be misleading?
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Why is it important to assess an author's credentials when choosing a nonfiction source?
Why is it important to assess an author's credentials when choosing a nonfiction source?
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What type of publications generally undergo a process of critical examination contributing to their trustworthiness?
What type of publications generally undergo a process of critical examination contributing to their trustworthiness?
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When is a hypothesis considered to have reached theory status?
When is a hypothesis considered to have reached theory status?
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What main aspect should be considered when evaluating websites for credibility?
What main aspect should be considered when evaluating websites for credibility?
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What is a common characteristic of scientific sources that are specialized?
What is a common characteristic of scientific sources that are specialized?
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What is generally lacking in articles from general-interest news magazines compared to those from science magazines?
What is generally lacking in articles from general-interest news magazines compared to those from science magazines?
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Why should Internet sources be approached with skepticism?
Why should Internet sources be approached with skepticism?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended part of the 'Who, What, When, Where' assessment?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended part of the 'Who, What, When, Where' assessment?
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What role does creativity and imagination play in the work of scientists?
What role does creativity and imagination play in the work of scientists?
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What is a primary characteristic of effective science communication in articles and books?
What is a primary characteristic of effective science communication in articles and books?
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What contributes to the rapid spread of diseases like COVID-19 across global boundaries?
What contributes to the rapid spread of diseases like COVID-19 across global boundaries?
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What is an important factor in determining the objectivity of a source?
What is an important factor in determining the objectivity of a source?
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Which of the following best describes the purpose of clinical trials for vaccines?
Which of the following best describes the purpose of clinical trials for vaccines?
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Which type of website generally ends in '.edu'?
Which type of website generally ends in '.edu'?
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What should be questioned to improve critical thinking skills?
What should be questioned to improve critical thinking skills?
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Which branch of science focuses specifically on the study of living organisms?
Which branch of science focuses specifically on the study of living organisms?
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Which of the following is a common goal of science-related TV programs?
Which of the following is a common goal of science-related TV programs?
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What are bats particularly known for in terms of disease transmission?
What are bats particularly known for in terms of disease transmission?
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What characteristic is considered a sign of life according to most biologists?
What characteristic is considered a sign of life according to most biologists?
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What can be a drawback of reading science articles from newspapers?
What can be a drawback of reading science articles from newspapers?
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What enables the rapid assessment of scientific discoveries today compared to the past?
What enables the rapid assessment of scientific discoveries today compared to the past?
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Which of the following questions reflects ethical concerns regarding advancements in science and technology?
Which of the following questions reflects ethical concerns regarding advancements in science and technology?
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What is a potential future benefit mentioned regarding scientific advancements?
What is a potential future benefit mentioned regarding scientific advancements?
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What aspect of biology examines the function of living organisms?
What aspect of biology examines the function of living organisms?
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How does evolution relate to the understanding of life?
How does evolution relate to the understanding of life?
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Which of the following is a key responsibility of individuals concerning scientific knowledge?
Which of the following is a key responsibility of individuals concerning scientific knowledge?
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What can be considered a consequence of a pandemic such as COVID-19?
What can be considered a consequence of a pandemic such as COVID-19?
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How did COVID-19 differ from SARS and MERS in terms of its spread?
How did COVID-19 differ from SARS and MERS in terms of its spread?
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Which scenario highlights the importance of global awareness in preventing disease outbreaks?
Which scenario highlights the importance of global awareness in preventing disease outbreaks?
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What is a significant factor that influences both ice cream sales and drowning rates?
What is a significant factor that influences both ice cream sales and drowning rates?
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What did the follow-up study regarding nearsightedness and sleeping with the light on reveal?
What did the follow-up study regarding nearsightedness and sleeping with the light on reveal?
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What should one remain skeptical about when observing correlations in data?
What should one remain skeptical about when observing correlations in data?
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How does science contribute to improvements in human conditions?
How does science contribute to improvements in human conditions?
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Which limitation of science is highlighted regarding human experimentation?
Which limitation of science is highlighted regarding human experimentation?
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What is a correct statement about science and its capability?
What is a correct statement about science and its capability?
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What type of evidence should one be able to identify to differentiate opinion from fact?
What type of evidence should one be able to identify to differentiate opinion from fact?
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What aspect of scientific knowledge is emphasized regarding its application?
What aspect of scientific knowledge is emphasized regarding its application?
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What is a possible consequence of overusing technological capabilities as mentioned?
What is a possible consequence of overusing technological capabilities as mentioned?
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Why is experimental research on street drugs considered challenging?
Why is experimental research on street drugs considered challenging?
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What does a close correlation suggest concerning causal relationships?
What does a close correlation suggest concerning causal relationships?
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What can be inferred about societal challenges and scientific research funding?
What can be inferred about societal challenges and scientific research funding?
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What is suggested about correlations between parental traits and children’s outcomes?
What is suggested about correlations between parental traits and children’s outcomes?
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How might societal decisions depend on scientific knowledge?
How might societal decisions depend on scientific knowledge?
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Which statement best describes skepticism in scientific claims?
Which statement best describes skepticism in scientific claims?
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What do the axes on a graph typically represent?
What do the axes on a graph typically represent?
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What does a larger standard error bar in a graph indicate?
What does a larger standard error bar in a graph indicate?
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Why is it important to distinguish between anecdotes and scientific evidence?
Why is it important to distinguish between anecdotes and scientific evidence?
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What is a key feature of statistical confidence in experimental results?
What is a key feature of statistical confidence in experimental results?
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What does the phrase 'correlation does not imply causation' mean?
What does the phrase 'correlation does not imply causation' mean?
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What is the first step in effectively interpreting a graph?
What is the first step in effectively interpreting a graph?
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How can statistical margins of error be interpreted in survey results?
How can statistical margins of error be interpreted in survey results?
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What is a fact in scientific terms?
What is a fact in scientific terms?
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What kind of evidence is typically used in advertising that might be misleading?
What kind of evidence is typically used in advertising that might be misleading?
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In understanding graphs, what should be approached with caution?
In understanding graphs, what should be approached with caution?
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What does anecdotal evidence typically lack?
What does anecdotal evidence typically lack?
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What is the primary purpose of statistics in scientific research?
What is the primary purpose of statistics in scientific research?
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What should be considered when evaluating a person's authority to speak on a subject?
What should be considered when evaluating a person's authority to speak on a subject?
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Which of the following best exemplifies a conclusion?
Which of the following best exemplifies a conclusion?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Life
- Living things are composed of cells and harness energy to synthesize unique chemical compounds.
- Living things grow and reproduce.
- Living things maintain homeostasis.
- Living things respond to their external environment.
- Living things evolve.
Defining Humans
- Bipedalism: Humans are the only consistent bipedal mammals, freeing hands for tools and carrying.
- Large Brain: Relative to body size, human brains are large and correlated with tool use and language development.
- Capacity for Complex Language: Humans use complex vocal language and symbolic communication.
- Opposable Thumbs: Specialized thumb and finger movements for precise manipulation of objects.
One Health Approach
- Studies the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
- Examines how these factors interact to influence the emergence and spread of pathogens (diseases).
- Highlights that outbreaks anywhere pose a risk everywhere due to globalised interconnectedness.
Human Factors in Disease Transmission
- High population density facilitates disease transmission.
- Ease of global travel accelerates disease spread.
- Dietary choices influence disease transmission, specifically when wild animals are consumed.
- Lack of healthcare access and increased age, poverty, malnutrition, and chronic diseases increase vulnerability.
Animal Factors in Disease Transmission
- Close contact with livestock increases risk of zoonotic diseases.
- Hunting, capturing, and trading wild animals facilitates disease transmission.
- Expansion into wild animal habitats increases contact and disease potential.
- Spillover from wild animals to domestic animals and humans (e.g., 75% of human infectious diseases).
- Zoonotic diseases: acquired by exposure to microorganisms infecting animals (e.g., rabies, influenza, COVID-19).
Environmental Factors in Disease Transmission
- Environmental disturbances, and altered ecosystems enable pathogens to emerge and spread.
- Climate change can expand mosquito and tick populations, increasing the spread of diseases.
- Land use changes alter animal diversity and disease spillovers.
The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): One of many coronaviruses; emerged in the Wuhan "wet" market of China.
- SARS (2002-2004): Originated from bats, and 8,000 cases; 774 deaths.
- MERS (2012): Originated from bats, amplified in camels, 2,500 cases; 866 deaths.
- Wuhan "wet" markets offered numerous wild and domestic animals, which were kept crowded, increasing the likelihood of virus transmission among those animals as well as spillover to humans.
Preventing Pandemics
- Surveillance: Detecting and monitoring potential pathogens, including zoonotic viruses.
- PREDICT Project (2009): Designed to detect zoonotic viruses at human-wildlife interfaces and prevent pandemics. Was unfortunately defunded in 2019.
- Global Connectedness: Recognizing that actions in other parts of the world have widespread impacts on global health.
Science as a Body of Knowledge and Process
- Science is comprised of knowledge about the natural world and the process of acquiring such knowledge (the scientific method).
- The scientific method involves observation, hypothesis development, testable predictions, experimentation, and modification of hypotheses based on results.
- The goal is to obtain unbiased, reliable information about the natural world
Sources of Scientific Information
- Peer-reviewed journals (Nature, Science): Technical, accurate, thorough but challenging reading.
- Science magazines (National Geographic, Scientific American): Inform interested readers but author's credentials need to be checked.
- Non-fiction books: Author credentials are important, some need to check their bias
- General-interest news, newspapers, news websites: Timely, but less rigorous.
- Internet: Contains accurate and inaccurate information; evaluate sites by considering who, what, when, and where the information is sourced.
- Social media: Poor source for accurate scientific information.
Scientific Theories
- A heavily tested and well-supported hypothesis, used to explain a variety of scientific facts, like the theory of evolution, the cell theory.
Critical Thinking
- Healthy skepticism: Questioning claims, seeking evidence, evaluating credentials.
- Evaluating sources: Critically assessing information based on the source, quality, and scholarship.
- Understanding statistics: Evaluating data and confidence levels of the results (standard error).
- Distinguishing correlation from causation: A correlation doesn't automatically indicate a causal relationship
- Applying scientific method to real-world problems
The Role of Science in Society
- Science improves technologies that improve human conditions, like crop yields, weather predictions, healthcare, transportation, and communications.
- Science identifies and helps correct problems.
- Science has limitations; cannot resolve moral dilemmas or prove or disprove supernatural claims.
- Scientific knowledge necessitates responsible application by societies.
Antibiotic Resistance
- Indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
- This can lead to serious health issues (e.g., MRSA, MDR-TB).
- Strategies to control antibiotic resistance include using antibiotics judiciously as prescribed, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, and supporting research for new antibiotics.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the unique characteristics of humans, the One Health approach, and the dynamics of infectious diseases including the emergence of COVID-19. This quiz covers fundamental concepts in biology and the interconnection between health and disease spread.