Core Concepts of Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the five core concepts of biology?

This is a broad question, the five core concepts could vary. However, here are five common ones:

Cell Theory: All living organisms are made up of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.
Gene Theory: Traits are passed down from parents to offspring through genes, which are part of DNA.
Evolution Theory: The diversity of life on Earth is a result of modifications over long periods of time.
Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain stable internal conditions despite changing environments
Ecosystems: Living organisms interact with each other and their environment in complex ways.

Describe the process of science from initial observations to publishable results.

The process of science is a systematic approach to understanding the world. The basic stages are:

Observation: Notice something interesting in the world.
Question: Formulate a question about the observation.
Hypothesis: Propose a testable explanation for the observation.
Prediction: Make a prediction about what will happen if the hypothesis is true.
Experiment: Design and conduct an experiment to test the prediction.
Analysis: Analyze the results of the experiment and draw conclusions.
Communication: Share the findings with the scientific community through publications, presentations, etc.

What are the two main types of scientific studies?

Descriptive studies and experimental studies
Controlled experiments and observational studies (correct)
Quantitative studies and qualitative studies
Experimental studies and theoretical studies

How does sample size affect the strength of conclusions in a scientific study?

A larger sample size generally leads to more reliable and stronger conclusions. This is because a larger sample size reduces the impact of random variation and provides a more representative overview of the population being studied. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the everyday and scientific meanings of the word "theory"?

In everyday language, a theory is a guess, whereas in science, a theory is a well-supported explanation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of observational studies?

Two main types of observational studies are: <ul> <li>Case-control study: Compares individuals with a specific condition (cases) to individuals without that condition (controls) to identify risk factors.</li> <li>Cohort study: Follows a group of individuals over time to see how exposure to certain factors affects their risk of developing a condition.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

A correlation in a scientific study always proves a cause-and-effect relationship.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a single study not be enough to make definitive conclusions about an issue?

One study might not be enough because: <ul> <li>Replication: A single study may have limitations in design or methodology. Replicating the study to see if the results can be consistently observed strengthens the reliability of the findings.</li> <li>Context: A single study may be conducted in a specific context and the findings might not apply to other populations, settings, or time periods.</li> <li>Multiple factors: Many issues are influenced by multiple factors, and one study may not be able to account for all these factors.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

How can a skeptical consumer critically evaluate a news report about a scientific study?

Here are some questions a skeptical consumer can ask: <ul> <li>Who conducted the study? What are their credentials and potential biases?</li> <li>Was the study peer-reviewed? This means it was evaluated critically by other scientists in the field.</li> <li>What was the study's sample size? A larger sample size is generally more reliable.</li> <li>What are the limitations of the study? Did the study's design or methods have any potential weaknesses?</li> <li>Are the conclusions consistent with evidence from other studies?</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are examples of resources for finding peer-reviewed articles?

Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are two common sources of scientific misinformation or bias?

Here are two sources of scientific misinformation or bias: <ul> <li>Confirmation bias: People tend to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and dismiss evidence that contradicts them. This can lead to biased research or interpreting research in a way that fits their worldview.</li> <li>Financial conflicts of interest: Researchers may be influenced by funding sources, leading them to produce results that favor the interests of their sponsors. This can sometimes lead to research that is not as rigorous as it could be.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Core Concepts of Biology

Five fundamental ideas underpinning the study of life.

Scientific Process

Systematic way scientists gather knowledge from observation to published results.