Scientific Method and Methodology
138 Questions
1 Views

Scientific Method and Methodology

Created by
@SoftSchorl

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the independent variable in the ant tunnel experiment?

  • Light conditions (light vs dark) (correct)
  • Amount of food available to ants
  • Type of ants used in the experiment
  • Length of tunnels constructed

    • What is the dependent variable in the ant tunnel experiment?

  • Number of ants present
  • Type of soil used
  • Temperature of the environment
  • Length of tunnels constructed (correct)

    • Which condition served as the control in the ant tunnel experiment?

  • No ants were present
  • The absence of any tunnels constructed
  • Tunnels constructed by ants in light (correct)
  • Tunnels constructed by ants in the dark

    • What source of experimental error may have affected the tunnel measurements?

    <p>Ants not following the same path every time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following would be the best type of graph to display the tunnel length data over time?

    <p>Line graph</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the average length of tunnels constructed by ants in the light condition on day 11?

    <p>50 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best supports the hypothesis that light affects tunnel length?

    <p>Tunnel length in light conditions increased steadily over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics is NOT part of living things?

    <p>Always reproduce through asexual means</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the combination of chemical reactions that organize raw materials into living matter?

    <p>Metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that defines a biome?

    <p>The similar climates and organisms found</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a community?

    <p>An assemblage of different species in an area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between ecosystems and the biosphere?

    <p>Ecosystems are smaller than the biosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method do ecologists NOT typically use for research?

    <p>Statistical forecasting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a heterotroph?

    <p>An organism that relies on others for food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process refers to the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by autotrophs?

    <p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an abiotic factor in an ecosystem?

    <p>Temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are primary producers also known as?

    <p>Autotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a population in ecological terms?

    <p>Individuals of the same species living together</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do herbivores primarily consume?

    <p>Only plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of heterotroph consumes dead matter?

    <p>Detritivores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>To break down organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a food chain?

    <p>A series of steps for energy transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism is at the base of every food chain?

    <p>Producers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is true about food webs compared to food chains?

    <p>They represent a network of multiple food chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an energy pyramid, what does each trophic level represent?

    <p>Relative amounts of energy or matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of heterotroph primarily feeds on plants and animals?

    <p>Omnivores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can affect all populations in a food web when disturbed?

    <p>Small disturbances to one population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of energy pyramid shows the total amount of living matter at each trophic level?

    <p>Pyramids of biomass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phase of mitosis occurs when chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell?

    <p>Metaphase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear membrane reform?

    <p>Telophase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the replicated strands of DNA called during prophase?

    <p>Chromatids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In animal cells, cytokinesis is characterized by which of the following processes?

    <p>Pinching off of the cell membrane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of DNA described as?

    <p>Double helix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following nitrogenous bases is NOT found in DNA?

    <p>Uracil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What forms in plant cells during cytokinesis to separate the daughter cells?

    <p>Cell plate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do lysosomes play in the life of a cell?

    <p>Breaking down waste materials and cellular debris</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

    <p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

    <p>S phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?

    <p>Ribosome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a food chain if there is a serious decline in the shark population?

    <p>Phytoplankton populations will increase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organelle serves as the control center of the cell?

    <p>Nucleus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a stage of interphase?

    <p>M phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do centrioles function during cell division?

    <p>They aid in organizing the mitotic spindle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the central vacuole play in plant cells?

    <p>Storage of nutrients and waste products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes rough ER from smooth ER?

    <p>Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER does not</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between science and other human works?

    <p>Science deals only with the natural world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

    <p>To isolate the effect of the independent variable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step involves making logical interpretations based on observations?

    <p>Making inferences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a hypothesis?

    <p>An explanation that can be tested.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the independent variable in an experiment?

    <p>The factor being tested or changed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a goal of science?

    <p>Creating beliefs based on evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'dependent variable'?

    <p>The variable that changes in response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an essential component of designing an experiment?

    <p>Controlling all variables except one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of heterotroph obtains energy by eating only plants?

    <p>Herbivores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about decomposers is correct?

    <p>They break down organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a food chain, what do producers primarily do?

    <p>Convert sunlight into energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would happen if a key species in a food web were to decline significantly?

    <p>All populations in the food web could be affected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of scavengers in an ecosystem?

    <p>To feed on the carcasses of other animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of energy pyramid shows the total amount of living matter at each trophic level?

    <p>Pyramid of biomass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a food web primarily composed of?

    <p>Multiple interconnected food chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The genetic molecule common to all living things is _____________________.

    <p>DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The internal process that enables living things to survive changing conditions is ___________________________.

    <p>Homeostasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living things are capable of responding to different types of ____________________.

    <p>Stimuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living things have a long history of ________________________ change.

    <p>Evolutionary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The continuation of life depends on both ________________________ and ___________________________ reproduction.

    <p>Asexual; sexual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the combination of chemical reactions that organize raw materials into living matter?

    <p>Metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept explains the link between all forms of life on Earth?

    <p>Unity and diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the major reason for the stability of the internal environment in living organisms?

    <p>Homeostasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following processes is primarily associated with the production of offspring?

    <p>Reproduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is not fundamental to living things?

    <p>Capacity for photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of energy for life on Earth?

    <p>Sunlight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process do autotrophs use to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars?

    <p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes nonliving parts of an environment?

    <p>Abiotic factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an assemblage of individuals of the same species living in a specific area called?

    <p>Population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What encompasses all the ecosystems that have similar climates and organisms?

    <p>Biome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and food?

    <p>Heterotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

    <p>Plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research method do ecologists not typically use?

    <p>Theory formulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>To break down dead matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process do autotrophs use to produce carbohydrates from chemical energy?

    <p>Chemosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of covering some colonies with black construction paper during the experiment?

    <p>To create fully dark conditions for light comparison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    On day 15, what was the total average length of tunnels constructed by ants in both light and dark conditions?

    <p>176 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the ant tunnel experiment, how did the average length of tunnels in the dark condition change from day 1 to day 21?

    <p>Increased by 100 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion can be drawn about the impact of light on the growth of ant tunnels based on day 21 measurements?

    <p>Tunnels grow faster in dark conditions than light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the average length of tunnels constructed by ants exposed to light on day 9?

    <p>32 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of biology involves studying the growth and development of living organisms?

    <p>Energy acquisition and usage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What noticeable trend was observed in the tunnel lengths of ants in light conditions by day 15?

    <p>Steady increase in tunnel lengths</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor remained constant throughout the ant tunnel experiment?

    <p>Type of ants used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the independent variable in the ant tunnel experiment?

    <p>The light conditions under which ants were placed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might the results of the ant tunnel experiment be important for understanding ant behavior?

    <p>They help illustrate how environmental conditions affect behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The genetic molecule common to all living things is _____________________.

    <p>DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The internal process of ___________________________ enables living things to survive changing conditions.

    <p>homeostasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living things are capable of responding to different types of ____________________.

    <p>stimuli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living things have a long history of ________________________ change.

    <p>evolutionary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The continuation of life depends on both ________________________ and ___________________________ reproduction.

    <p>sexual; asexual</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process is described as the combination of chemical reactions that utilize raw materials and energy?

    <p>Metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Living things maintain a relatively stable internal environment through what process?

    <p>Homeostasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All living things share structural and functional similarities at which level?

    <p>Molecular</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of science?

    <p>To provide explanations for events in the natural world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a hypothesis?

    <p>A scientific explanation for a set of observations that can be tested.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected effect of light on the length of tunnels constructed by ants based on the experiment?

    <p>More light results in longer tunnels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship observed between days and tunnel length for the dark group?

    <p>Tunnel length increases steadily over the days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step in the scientific method involves gathering information systematically?

    <p>Making an observation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a potential constant in the ant tunnel experiment?

    <p>All of the above.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a controlled experiment from other experiments?

    <p>Only one variable is changed while all others are kept constant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which day marked the point where the average tunnel length in darkness exceeded that in light?

    <p>Day 11</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the scientific method, what is the role of the control group?

    <p>To expose conditions that remain unchanged for comparison.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement method was likely used to assess the tunnel lengths?

    <p>Using string and ruler for calculation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is most likely the outcome when a hypothesis is tested and found to be false?

    <p>The hypothesis should be revised based on new evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes making an inference in scientific methodology?

    <p>Formulating conclusions based on existing knowledge and observations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the experiment primarily investigate regarding ant behavior?

    <p>The effects of environmental light on tunnel building.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the data from both light and dark groups differ by Day 21?

    <p>The dark group has significantly longer tunnels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final step in the scientific process?

    <p>Drawing conclusions and sharing findings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is not typically a characteristic of living things based on biological principles?

    <p>Conscious decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move toward the centrioles?

    <p>Anaphase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during telophase in mitosis?

    <p>Nuclear membrane reforms around chromosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the structure of DNA commonly described as?

    <p>Double helix</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cytokinesis occurs in animal cells?

    <p>Cell membrane pinching off</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During metaphase, how are the replicated chromosomes arranged?

    <p>Along the equator of the cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the individual units that make up DNA called?

    <p>Nucleotides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In plant cells, what forms during cytokinesis to help separate daughter cells?

    <p>A cell plate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nitrogenous base is NOT found in DNA?

    <p>Uracil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of photosynthesis in autotrophs?

    <p>To capture light energy and create food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of ecological organization includes both living and nonliving components?

    <p>Ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

    <p>Living organisms within the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do heterotrophs obtain their energy?

    <p>By consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT affect the interactions within a community?

    <p>Geological formations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is used by some autotrophs to produce food using chemical energy?

    <p>Chemosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a biome in ecological terms?

    <p>A specific geographic area with similar climate and organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research method do ecologists typically NOT employ?

    <p>Synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What holds the two strands of DNA together?

    <p>Hydrogen bonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which base pairs are correctly matched in DNA?

    <p>Adenine with Thymine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scientist demonstrated that adenine and thymine percentages are almost equal?

    <p>Erwin Chargaff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the building blocks of DNA?

    <p>Nucleotides</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are the strands of DNA described as complementary?

    <p>They pair specific bases with each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of Rosalind Franklin in the discovery of DNA's structure?

    <p>She conducted X-ray diffraction studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the nucleotide structure in DNA?

    <p>Nucleotides contain a sugar and a phosphate group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If the base sequence on a separated strand of DNA is CGTAGG, what will be the base sequence of its complementary strand?

    <p>GCATCC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Scientific Method

    • Science is an organized approach to gathering and analyzing evidence about the natural world.
    • Science aims to explain natural events and make predictions.
    • Science differs from other human endeavors because it focuses on the natural world, uses evidence-based explanations, and tests those explanations.

    Scientific Methodology

    • Observation: Carefully noting and describing events or processes.
    • Inference: Logical interpretation based on existing knowledge.
    • Hypothesis: A scientific explanation (for a set of observations) that can be tested.
    • Controlled Experiment: An experiment where only one variable is changed (independent variable), to see its effect on another variable (dependent variable). A control group is used to compare with the experimental group.
    • Collecting Data: Gathering information during the experiment.
    • Drawing Conclusions: Analyzing data to reach a conclusion.
    • Sharing Conclusions: Communicating results with others.

    Experiment: Ants and Tunnels

    • Question: Do ants dig more tunnels in light or dark?
    • Hypothesis: Ants dig more tunnels in the dark.
    • Materials: Ant farms, ants, food, light source, and black construction paper.
    • Control Group: Ant colonies exposed to normal room light.
    • Experimental Group: Ant colonies covered with black construction paper.
    • Independent Variable: Light exposure (light vs. dark)
    • Dependent Variable: Length of tunnels created by the ants
    • Constants: Same number of ants, same types of ants, same amount of food, and same temperature in all ant farms.
    • Procedure: Measure tunnel length in ant farms in light and dark conditions multiple times.
    • Collection and Analysis: Gather data of tunnel length, and look for patterns or differences between the groups.
    • Results: Include data to support or refute the hypothesis.

    Biology

    • Biology is the study of life.
    • Living things share common characteristics:
      • Made of cells.
      • Use a universal genetic code (DNA).
      • Obtain and use energy.
      • Respond to their environment.
      • Grow and develop.
      • Reproduce.
      • Change over time (evolve).

    Ecology

    • Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment.
    • Levels of organization:
      • Population: Organisms of the same species living together.
      • Community: Different populations living together.
      • Ecosystem: All the organisms in a particular area living together with their environment.
      • Biome: Similar ecosystems with similar climates.
      • Biosphere: All of Earth's biomes together (all parts of Earth where life exists).
    • Abiotic Factors: Non-living parts of an environment. Ex. sunlight, water, temperature.
    • Biotic Factors: Living parts of an environment. Ex. plants, animals, microbes.

    Producers and Consumers

    • Producers (autotrophs) capture energy from sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemicals (chemosynthesis) to make food.
    • Consumers rely on other organisms for food.
    • Types of consumers:
      • Herbivores (eat plants)
      • Carnivores (eat animals)
      • Omnivores (eat plants and animals)
      • Detritivores (eat dead matter)

    Food Chains and Food Webs

    • Food chain: A series of steps by which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.
    • Food web: All the food chains in an ecosystem combined
    • Trophic levels: Each step in a food chain.
      • Producers
      • Primary Consumers
      • Secondary Consumers
      • Tertiary Consumers

    Cell Structure and Function

    • Cells are the basic units of life (eukaryotic vs prokaryotic).
    • Cell components and functions are important
    • Cell cycle: the series of events that takes place in a cell leading to its division into two daughter cells. Interphase, mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and cytokinesis describe the steps in the cell cycle. Each step has specific events that occur within the cell.

    DNA Structure

    • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid composed of nucleotides.
    • Nucleotides include a sugar, a phosphate group and nitrogenous bases (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, and Thymine).
    • Complementary Base Pairing: Adenine and Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine
    • DNA is a double helix.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    9th Grade Biology Learning Packet PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the essential aspects of the scientific method, including observation, inference, hypotheses, controlled experiments, and data analysis. Test your understanding of how scientific inquiry is structured and how conclusions are shared within the scientific community.

    More Like This

    Scientific Inquiry Quiz
    3 questions

    Scientific Inquiry Quiz

    ConfidentCarnelian5099 avatar
    ConfidentCarnelian5099
    Scientific Method and Inquiry Skills
    24 questions

    Scientific Method and Inquiry Skills

    GoldenFreeVerse avatar
    GoldenFreeVerse
    Understanding Scientific Inquiry
    6 questions

    Understanding Scientific Inquiry

    SimplestSun avatar
    SimplestSun
    The Process of Scientific Inquiry
    7 questions

    The Process of Scientific Inquiry

    GutsyTone36 avatar
    GutsyTone36
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser