What is the initial step of the scientific method?
- A. construct a hypothesis
- B. make observations
- C. analyze data
- D. form a question
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The first step of the scientific method is to make observations. This involves collecting data and information about a specific phenomenon or problem. Observations serve as the basis for developing a question to be explored further. Forming a hypothesis (Choice A) comes after making observations, as the hypothesis is an educated guess to explain the observations. Analyzing data (Choice C) occurs later in the scientific method after data has been collected and experiments conducted. Forming a question (Choice D) is a crucial step but typically follows observations in the scientific process.
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Which of the following is the control group in the above experiment?
- A. tank A
- B. tank B
- C. tank C
- D. There is no control group in this experiment.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: There is no control group in this experiment. A control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment being studied in order to serve as a baseline for comparison. In this case, all three tanks (A, B, and C) are being treated with different amounts of fertilizer, and there is no group that is left untreated to serve as a control for comparison. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they all represent tanks that are part of the experimental groups receiving different amounts of fertilizer, thus none of them can be considered the control group.
What is the function of fascia in muscle tissue?
- A. to enclose, protect, support, and separate muscle tissue
- B. to connect muscle tissue to bone
- C. to serve as the contractile unit of muscle
- D. to slide past the actin protein cells in muscle to create contraction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'to enclose, protect, support, and separate muscle tissue.' Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, providing structural support, protecting them from friction and injury, and helping in movement. Choice B is incorrect as tendons are responsible for connecting muscle tissue to bone. Choice C is incorrect as the contractile unit of muscle is the sarcomere, not fascia. Choice D is incorrect as the process described relates to muscle contraction mechanisms involving actin and myosin, not the function of fascia.
Which of the following basic mechanisms of evolution is described as the process where organisms with an advantageous trait survive more often and produce more offspring than organisms without the advantageous trait?
- A. gene flow
- B. genetic drift
- C. mutation
- D. natural selection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Natural selection is the basic mechanism of evolution that explains how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce in a given environment. This leads to the passing on of these favorable traits to their offspring, causing these traits to become more common in the population over time, resulting in evolutionary change. Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures that support the survival and reproduction of individuals with specific traits. Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, genetic drift is the change in allele frequencies due to random events, and mutation is the source of genetic variation but is not the process by which advantageous traits become more prevalent in a population.
Which of the following distinguishes the isotopes of an element?
- A. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different ionic charges.
- B. Isotopes are atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table.
- C. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.
- D. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different electron configurations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their nucleus but different numbers of neutrons. This leads to variations in atomic mass for isotopes of an element. The different number of neutrons in isotopes results in differences in their atomic mass and properties while still belonging to the same element. Choice A is incorrect because isotopes do not have different ionic charges, they have the same chemical properties. Choice B is incorrect because isotopes are not atoms of elements within the same group on the periodic table; they are variants of the same element. Choice D is incorrect because isotopes of an element have the same electron configuration, differing only in the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
Which of the following is an example of adaptive immunity?
- A. Inflammation
- B. Fever
- C. Antibodies
- D. Phagocytosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antibodies are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific antigens. They play a crucial role in targeting and neutralizing pathogens, providing long-lasting immunity against future infections. In contrast, options A (inflammation), B (fever), and D (phagocytosis) are examples of innate immunity, the body's immediate, non-specific defense mechanisms. Inflammation is a response to tissue damage, fever is a systemic response to infection, and phagocytosis is a process where cells engulf and digest pathogens, all part of the innate immune response.