Contemporary Issues in Biology – Sawey TCU |
Practice Questions & Detailed Answers 2027
Exam Review & Study Guide
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Contemporary Issues in Biology – Sawey TCU study guide
— your complete, 2026/2027-updated resource for passing the BIOL
10003 exams on the first attempt. This guide contains practice questions
and answers, each paired with a bolded correct answer and a detailed
rationale covering the scientific method, pseudoscience, human evolution,
genetics, male and female reproductive biology, sexually transmitted
infections, pregnancy, infectious diseases, agriculture, and ecology.
Whether you are preparing for Exam 1, Exam 2, or the Final Exam,
reviewing during lab, or using this as a rapid-reference for contemporary
biology, this guide mirrors the style, difficulty, and content of the course.
SECTION 1: SCIENTIFIC METHOD, PSEUDOSCIENCE & PEER REVIEW
Q1.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
A. Observation
B. Hypothesis
C. Experiment
,D. Conclusion
Answer: A) Observation
Rationale: The scientific method begins with observation of a
phenomenon.
Q2.
What is a hypothesis?
A. A testable prediction
B. A proven fact
C. A random guess
D. A final conclusion
Answer: A) A testable prediction
Rationale: A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction.
Q3.
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
A. To provide a baseline for comparison
B. To receive the treatment
C. To increase sample size
D. To eliminate all variables
Answer: A) To provide a baseline for comparison
Rationale: The control group does not receive the treatment,
allowing comparison.
Q4.
What is the purpose of an experimental group?
A. To receive the treatment being tested
,B. To provide a baseline
C. To serve as a placebo
D. To eliminate bias
Answer: A) To receive the treatment being tested
Rationale: The experimental group receives the treatment or
intervention.
Q5.
What is a placebo?
A. An inactive substance given to the control group
B. An active treatment
C. A type of hypothesis
D. A statistical test
Answer: A) An inactive substance given to the control group
Rationale: A placebo has no therapeutic effect and is used as a
control.
Q6.
What is pseudoscience?
A. A system of ideas presented as science without using the scientific
method
B. A branch of legitimate science
C. A type of peer review
D. A statistical technique
Answer: A) A system of ideas presented as science without using the
scientific method
, Rationale: Pseudoscience lacks the rigor and methodology of true
science.
Q7.
Which of the following is an example of pseudoscience?
A. Snake oil
B. Penicillin
C. Vaccine
D. Insulin
Answer: A) Snake oil
Rationale: Snake oil was sold as a cure-all without scientific
evidence.
Q8.
What is peer review?
A. Anonymous review of scientific work by independent experts
B. Review by the general public
C. Review by the author's friends
D. Review by government officials
Answer: A) Anonymous review of scientific work by independent
experts
Rationale: Peer review ensures scientific quality and validity.
Q9.
Can peer reviewers know the identity of the authors?
A. No, they cannot know the authors
B. Yes, they always know
Practice Questions & Detailed Answers 2027
Exam Review & Study Guide
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Contemporary Issues in Biology – Sawey TCU study guide
— your complete, 2026/2027-updated resource for passing the BIOL
10003 exams on the first attempt. This guide contains practice questions
and answers, each paired with a bolded correct answer and a detailed
rationale covering the scientific method, pseudoscience, human evolution,
genetics, male and female reproductive biology, sexually transmitted
infections, pregnancy, infectious diseases, agriculture, and ecology.
Whether you are preparing for Exam 1, Exam 2, or the Final Exam,
reviewing during lab, or using this as a rapid-reference for contemporary
biology, this guide mirrors the style, difficulty, and content of the course.
SECTION 1: SCIENTIFIC METHOD, PSEUDOSCIENCE & PEER REVIEW
Q1.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
A. Observation
B. Hypothesis
C. Experiment
,D. Conclusion
Answer: A) Observation
Rationale: The scientific method begins with observation of a
phenomenon.
Q2.
What is a hypothesis?
A. A testable prediction
B. A proven fact
C. A random guess
D. A final conclusion
Answer: A) A testable prediction
Rationale: A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction.
Q3.
What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?
A. To provide a baseline for comparison
B. To receive the treatment
C. To increase sample size
D. To eliminate all variables
Answer: A) To provide a baseline for comparison
Rationale: The control group does not receive the treatment,
allowing comparison.
Q4.
What is the purpose of an experimental group?
A. To receive the treatment being tested
,B. To provide a baseline
C. To serve as a placebo
D. To eliminate bias
Answer: A) To receive the treatment being tested
Rationale: The experimental group receives the treatment or
intervention.
Q5.
What is a placebo?
A. An inactive substance given to the control group
B. An active treatment
C. A type of hypothesis
D. A statistical test
Answer: A) An inactive substance given to the control group
Rationale: A placebo has no therapeutic effect and is used as a
control.
Q6.
What is pseudoscience?
A. A system of ideas presented as science without using the scientific
method
B. A branch of legitimate science
C. A type of peer review
D. A statistical technique
Answer: A) A system of ideas presented as science without using the
scientific method
, Rationale: Pseudoscience lacks the rigor and methodology of true
science.
Q7.
Which of the following is an example of pseudoscience?
A. Snake oil
B. Penicillin
C. Vaccine
D. Insulin
Answer: A) Snake oil
Rationale: Snake oil was sold as a cure-all without scientific
evidence.
Q8.
What is peer review?
A. Anonymous review of scientific work by independent experts
B. Review by the general public
C. Review by the author's friends
D. Review by government officials
Answer: A) Anonymous review of scientific work by independent
experts
Rationale: Peer review ensures scientific quality and validity.
Q9.
Can peer reviewers know the identity of the authors?
A. No, they cannot know the authors
B. Yes, they always know
