When testing how quickly a rat dies based on the amount of poison it eats, which of the following is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable?
- A. How quickly the rat dies is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.
- B. The amount of poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
- C. Whether the rat eats the poison is the independent variable; how quickly the rat dies is the dependent variable.
- D. The cage the rat is kept in is the independent variable; the amount of poison is the dependent variable.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In this experiment, the independent variable is the amount of poison because it is what is being manipulated by the researcher. The dependent variable is how quickly the rat dies, as it is the outcome that is being measured based on the different amounts of poison administered. Choice A is incorrect because the independent variable should be what is being manipulated or changed, which is the amount of poison in this case. Choice C is incorrect because whether the rat eats the poison is not being varied or controlled by the researcher. Choice D is incorrect because the cage the rat is kept in is not relevant to the relationship being studied between the amount of poison and the rat's survival time.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following lists of joint types is in the correct order for increasing amounts of permitted motion (least mobile to most mobile)?
- A. Hinge, condyloid, saddle
- B. Saddle, hinge, condyloid
- C. Saddle, condyloid, hinge
- D. Hinge, saddle, condyloid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order of joint types, from least mobile to most mobile, is hinge, condyloid, saddle. A hinge joint allows movement in one plane (like a door hinge), a condyloid joint allows movement in two planes but not rotation (like the wrist), and a saddle joint allows movement in multiple directions (like the thumb). Choice A, 'Hinge, condyloid, saddle,' is the correct sequence as it accurately represents the order of increasing permitted motion in joints. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct order of joint types from least mobile to most mobile as required by the question.
Which of the following touch receptors respond to light touch and slower vibrations?
- A. Merkel's discs
- B. Pacinian corpuscles
- C. Meissner's corpuscles
- D. Ruffini endings
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, Merkel's discs. Merkel's discs are touch receptors that respond to light touch and slower vibrations, making them ideal for detecting subtle tactile stimuli. Pacinian corpuscles are specialized in detecting deep pressure and high-frequency vibrations, not light touch or slower vibrations. Meissner's corpuscles, on the other hand, are sensitive to light touch and low-frequency vibrations, but they do not specifically respond to slower vibrations. Ruffini endings are responsible for detecting skin stretch and continuous touch pressure, differentiating them from Merkel's discs, which are specifically attuned to light touch and slower vibrations.
How many neurons typically comprise a sensory pathway?
- A. 1
- B. 2
- C. 3
- D. 4
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sensory pathway generally consists of three neurons: a first-order neuron, a second-order neuron, and a third-order neuron. The first-order neuron carries sensory information from the periphery to the spinal cord or brainstem. The second-order neuron then transmits this information to the thalamus or cerebellum. Finally, the third-order neuron projects the sensory input to the cerebral cortex for processing and perception. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical structure of a sensory pathway involving three neurons.
Which types of molecules can move through a cell membrane by passive transport?
- A. Complex sugars
- B. Non-lipid soluble molecules
- C. Oxygen
- D. Molecules moving from areas of low concentration to areas of high concentration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oxygen. Small, non-polar molecules like oxygen can easily pass through the cell membrane by passive transport as they move down their concentration gradient without the need for energy input. Complex sugars (choice A) are typically too large to pass through the membrane by passive transport. Non-lipid soluble molecules (choice B) may require active transport mechanisms. Choice D describes active transport, where molecules move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.
Which of the following serves as a standard or series of standards for comparing the results of an experiment?
- A. A control
- B. A variable
- C. A constant
- D. Collected data
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A control is a standard used to compare the outcomes of an experiment and is crucial for determining the effect of the variables being tested. It helps isolate and measure the impact of the independent variable by providing a baseline for comparison. While variables may change, constants remain consistent, and collected data is the information obtained from the experiment. A control specifically serves as the standard for comparison in an experiment, making it the correct choice. Variables, although important, are what are being altered and tested in an experiment, constants are factors that are kept consistent throughout the experiment, and collected data is the information gathered from the experiment, none of which specifically serve as the standard for comparison.