Natural Science Exam Analysis (correct answers)
Control variable correct answers In an experiment of or set of compared observations, a
variable that does not differ between control and test groups.
Controlled experiment correct answers Test group compared to a control, or unaltered,
group.
Data correct answers Recordable observations or measurements.
Deductive reasoning correct answers Using general principles to infer answers to
specific questions.
Dependent variable correct answers Measured results of an experiment; result of the
effects of the independent variable
Double blind correct answers Experiment in which neither researcher nor subject knows
which treatment is being given until the data have been collected.
Hypothesis correct answers Explanation of expectations based on an understanding of
current evidence.
Independent variable correct answers Condition being tested; different in test and
control groups.
Inductive reasoning correct answers Using specific examples to extrapolate general
principles.
Observation correct answers A description or characterization of a natural phenomenon,
either experimental or not, usually in the smallest unit; a quantitative or qualitative
measure of a subject under study; together with others forms a set of results or dataset.
Science correct answers Asks and answers questions based on the assumption that
processes are based on generalized rules that can be described with careful
observation in an attempt to understand the natural world.
Scientific inquiry correct answers Search for information and explanation.
Theory correct answers General, verifiable principle explaining many observations and
based on the results of controlled experiments or observations.
Describe the science of biology correct answers Biology is the subset of science that
aims to understand the structure and function of the living world, but it is strongly linked
to other sciences. Biology is itself split into specialties, often based on level of
organization. These include everything from molecular biology, which examines how
genes and proteins interact to make up the diversity of structures an organism
, possesses, to ecosystems ecology, which studies how entire communities of organisms
interact with their external environment to shape global processes
biological evolution correct answers A process that results in heritable changes in a
population over time
natural selection correct answers Mechanism of evolution theorized by Darwin and
Wallace. Organisms best suited to the environment have the most resources for survival
and reproduction and pass their successful traits to offspring
Identify evolution as the core theme and unifying concept in biology correct answers
Charles Darwin formulated one mechanism of evolution, natural selection, in the mid-
1800s by simple observation. Natural selection is a process that describes how traits
change in a population by the differential reproduction of its members. Genetics was
incorporated into evolution in the mid-1900s. Today, scientists study evolution at the
level of genes.
Explain how evolution has led to both the unity and diversity of life forms. correct
answers Evidences from similarities in DNA and cellular structures and processes
support Darwin's idea that all organisms share a common ancestor. Over time, life
diverged to fill Earth's environments. As Earth changed, life adapted. If a life form could
not adapt to changes, it went extinct. The result of evolution is the extraordinary
diversity we see on Earth today. The uniformity in diverse species provides the
evidence of unity of evolution. Specifically, the structure of the cell membrane, the
uniformity of the base pairs that construct DNA, and even the homologous structure of
limbs show the similarity between species. Evolution is also able to explain the diversity
of life. Organisms must compete for a limited amount of resources. Each organism is
adapted to its environment.
Explain biological classification in terms of evolutionary history. correct answers
Scientists organize life based on evolutionary relationships. Evolutionary "trees of life"
illustrate patterns of divergence over time. Because evolution explains the unity and
diversity of life, it is at the core of biology.
Distinguish between the biological and common meanings of the word "evolution."
correct answers Scientists define evolution as the heritable change in a population over
time. This definition is distinct from more common uses of the word "evolve" or
"evolution." In common speech, evolution can refer to any change over time, such as a
change in a person's character or the refinement of an idea.
Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection or 'descent with modification.'
correct answers The theory of natural selection holds that because organisms have
more offspring than the environment can support and those offspring are not identical,
the survivors often have characteristics that are more favorable in the current
environment. They pass these favorable traits to their offspring. Darwin proposed
natural selection as the process by which evolution occurs. Over generations, the
Control variable correct answers In an experiment of or set of compared observations, a
variable that does not differ between control and test groups.
Controlled experiment correct answers Test group compared to a control, or unaltered,
group.
Data correct answers Recordable observations or measurements.
Deductive reasoning correct answers Using general principles to infer answers to
specific questions.
Dependent variable correct answers Measured results of an experiment; result of the
effects of the independent variable
Double blind correct answers Experiment in which neither researcher nor subject knows
which treatment is being given until the data have been collected.
Hypothesis correct answers Explanation of expectations based on an understanding of
current evidence.
Independent variable correct answers Condition being tested; different in test and
control groups.
Inductive reasoning correct answers Using specific examples to extrapolate general
principles.
Observation correct answers A description or characterization of a natural phenomenon,
either experimental or not, usually in the smallest unit; a quantitative or qualitative
measure of a subject under study; together with others forms a set of results or dataset.
Science correct answers Asks and answers questions based on the assumption that
processes are based on generalized rules that can be described with careful
observation in an attempt to understand the natural world.
Scientific inquiry correct answers Search for information and explanation.
Theory correct answers General, verifiable principle explaining many observations and
based on the results of controlled experiments or observations.
Describe the science of biology correct answers Biology is the subset of science that
aims to understand the structure and function of the living world, but it is strongly linked
to other sciences. Biology is itself split into specialties, often based on level of
organization. These include everything from molecular biology, which examines how
genes and proteins interact to make up the diversity of structures an organism
, possesses, to ecosystems ecology, which studies how entire communities of organisms
interact with their external environment to shape global processes
biological evolution correct answers A process that results in heritable changes in a
population over time
natural selection correct answers Mechanism of evolution theorized by Darwin and
Wallace. Organisms best suited to the environment have the most resources for survival
and reproduction and pass their successful traits to offspring
Identify evolution as the core theme and unifying concept in biology correct answers
Charles Darwin formulated one mechanism of evolution, natural selection, in the mid-
1800s by simple observation. Natural selection is a process that describes how traits
change in a population by the differential reproduction of its members. Genetics was
incorporated into evolution in the mid-1900s. Today, scientists study evolution at the
level of genes.
Explain how evolution has led to both the unity and diversity of life forms. correct
answers Evidences from similarities in DNA and cellular structures and processes
support Darwin's idea that all organisms share a common ancestor. Over time, life
diverged to fill Earth's environments. As Earth changed, life adapted. If a life form could
not adapt to changes, it went extinct. The result of evolution is the extraordinary
diversity we see on Earth today. The uniformity in diverse species provides the
evidence of unity of evolution. Specifically, the structure of the cell membrane, the
uniformity of the base pairs that construct DNA, and even the homologous structure of
limbs show the similarity between species. Evolution is also able to explain the diversity
of life. Organisms must compete for a limited amount of resources. Each organism is
adapted to its environment.
Explain biological classification in terms of evolutionary history. correct answers
Scientists organize life based on evolutionary relationships. Evolutionary "trees of life"
illustrate patterns of divergence over time. Because evolution explains the unity and
diversity of life, it is at the core of biology.
Distinguish between the biological and common meanings of the word "evolution."
correct answers Scientists define evolution as the heritable change in a population over
time. This definition is distinct from more common uses of the word "evolve" or
"evolution." In common speech, evolution can refer to any change over time, such as a
change in a person's character or the refinement of an idea.
Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection or 'descent with modification.'
correct answers The theory of natural selection holds that because organisms have
more offspring than the environment can support and those offspring are not identical,
the survivors often have characteristics that are more favorable in the current
environment. They pass these favorable traits to their offspring. Darwin proposed
natural selection as the process by which evolution occurs. Over generations, the
