Unit Test Answers

Sometimes new information results in minor changes to a theory. But sometimes new information results in a theory being discarded as incorrect. An example of an incorrect theory that was disproved by the discovery of new information is

Which method of sharing data best enables others to quickly see trends in the data?

Cornell University recently conducted a study that estimated that honeybees pollinate more than $14 billion worth of crops each year. The study suggested that nearly seventy-five percent of all global crops that are grown for food, fiber, beverages, condiments, spices, and medicines are pollinated. Produced with the help of pollinators, agricultural products including legumes, vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, herbs, spices, oils, seeds, grains, clover, and cotton make a significant contribution to the economy. As the human population increases, so does the demand for pollination; sadly, the honeybee population is decreasing. Within the past thirty years, parasites, predators, and disease have weakened both wild and managed populations of honeybees. In fact, around the globe, honeybees are being decimated by an epidemic known as colony collapse disorder (CCD). According to this article, who collected information to research the honeybees?

Edward Jenner’s smallpox inoculation experiment was based on his observation that dairymaids who had had cowpox did not contract smallpox. How did Jenner form his hypothesis from this observation?

Dr. Katherine Pollard, a biostatistical researcher, recently changed the method that she used to compare human and chimpanzee DNA. Her research showed that the differences between the two species’ DNA are in segments called switches, which turn certain genes on or off. What is the most likely outcome of Dr. Pollard’s research?

A scientist asked a question that was based on an observation. What should the scientist do next?

Which most accurately describes the basis of the scientific method?

Line graphs that indicate time along the x-axis can be used to predict what would happen to dependent variables in an experiment at a later point in time

Which type of information is best represented by a chart?

A dependent variable is best described as

A researcher is collecting qualitative data pertaining to social behaviors of deer at different times of the day. How will she most likely need to organize this data?

A scientist publishes a paper that states that changes in the levels of gases in the atmosphere of a moon of Saturn indicate that there may be extraterrestrial life on that moon. Which statement correctly answers whether the question of alien life on this moon is scientific?

Ali hypothesized that increasing fertilizer would increase plant growth. Four groups of thirty similar plants were given 0 to 15 ml of fertilizer, as shown in the graph. The change in plant height for each group over a two-week period was averaged and recorded.Plant GroupFertilizer Added (mL)Avg. Growth (cm)A04B56C108D153What is the best conclusion based on this data?

Read the passage about bird food and bird watching. Noted scientist Dr. Elsa Birde described the effect of adding a mixture of dried apples and raisins to the previous feed of sunflower seeds, millet, thistle seed, and cracked corn in bird feeders in her yard. Over three years, Dr. Birde observed that the new mixture increased the number of songbirds at her feeders, especially during the months of April and May. As she has done for several years, Dr. Birde recorded, at the same time each day, the number of birds at each of her four feeders. She noted that the third year using the mixture coincided with the largest increase. There was a twenty-five percent increase in the number of songbirds over times when this mixture was not used. Dr. Birde also noted that in the third year she used a specific ratio of the ingredients, carefully measuring, which she had not done in previous years. The third year also had a warmer than normal spring, and a construction project began in a neighborhood near Dr. Birde’s. Dr. Birde is now going to produce this formula for sale and advertise to customers that they may see the same twenty-five percent increase in songbirds at their feeders.Dr. E. Birde, Journal of Scientific Bird FeedingWhich scientific claim can be made?

Dani wants to measure the volume of a pebble. Which tool will give the most accurate measurement?