Benchmark Assessment #1: Biology Process
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Chan wants to determine how much the mass of fungus growing on a nutrient agar plate changes over an 8 hr period. What is the most appropriate unit of measure for him to use?
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Kilogram
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Kilometer
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Milligram
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Millimeter
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Benchmark Assessment #1: Biology Process explores key biological concepts through practical questions. It assesses understanding of scientific theories, biological organization, experimental design, and the influence of environmental factors on biological processes.
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- 2.
What is the best definition of a scientific theory?
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An explanation of how and why a natural phenomenon behaves teh way it does
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A description of an invariable relationship that exists in nature
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A speculation or guess about how nature works
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An unproven fact
Correct Answer
A. An explanation of how and why a natural phenomenon behaves teh way it doesExplanation
A scientific theory is the best definition because it provides an explanation for how and why a natural phenomenon behaves in a certain way. It goes beyond simply describing an invariable relationship or making a speculation or guess about nature. A scientific theory is based on evidence and extensive research, and while it may not be proven as an absolute fact, it is supported by a significant amount of empirical data.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A scientist studies the effects that barnyard grass, a weed, has on the growth of rice, other weeds, and insects. The barnyard grass and other weeds, rice, and insects make up whihc level of biological organization?
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Population
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Community
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Ecosystem
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Biome
Correct Answer
A. CommunityExplanation
The correct answer is community because a community refers to all the different species that interact and live together in a specific area. In this scenario, the barnyard grass, other weeds, rice, and insects are all different species that are being studied by the scientist. They are all part of the same community as they interact and coexist in the same environment.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Lydia works in a flower shop after school. She notices that the hydrangeas in Container 1 have pink blossoms, while the hydrangeas in Container 2 have blue blossoms. She makes sure they all recieve the same amount of light and water. Her boss tells her that the flowers were all grown from the same seed variety. Lydia discovers, after testing the soil, that although the same type of soil was used, the soil in Container 1 has a pH of 6.0, and the soil in Container 2 has a pH of 5.0. Lydia most likely conducted her investigation to answer what question about hydrangeas?
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How does the chemistry of the soil affect the color of hydrangea blossoms?
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What role do genetic factors play in hydrangea color?
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Do varying degrees of light affect hydrangea color?
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What type of soil will produce a hydrangea with both pink and blue blossoms?
Correct Answer
A. How does the chemistry of the soil affect the color of hydrangea blossoms?Explanation
The correct answer is "How does the chemistry of the soil affect the color of hydrangea blossoms?" because Lydia conducted her investigation to understand why the hydrangeas in Container 1 have pink blossoms while those in Container 2 have blue blossoms. She tested the soil and discovered that the pH levels were different in each container, indicating that the chemistry of the soil affects the color of the hydrangea blossoms. This suggests that the soil's pH level plays a role in determining the color of the hydrangea blossoms.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which experimental design would provide scientists with the best data for investigating which type of feed yields the greatest gain in lean muscle mass in cattle?
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Test 5 different types of cows with the same feed mixture and measure their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial.
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Test 5 similar groups of cows with 5 different feed mixtures and measure their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial.
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Test 5 similar groups of cows with the same feed mixture, give each group varying amounts of feed, and measure their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial.
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Test 5 different types of cows with 5 different feed mixtures, give each group varying amounts of feed, and measure their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial.
Correct Answer
A. Test 5 similar groups of cows with 5 different feed mixtures and measure their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial.Explanation
Testing 5 similar groups of cows with 5 different feed mixtures and measuring their weight gain at the end of a 6-week trial would provide scientists with the best data for investigating which type of feed yields the greatest gain in lean muscle mass in cattle. This design allows for a direct comparison between different feed mixtures, as each group of cows is exposed to a different feed. By measuring weight gain, scientists can determine which feed mixture leads to the highest increase in lean muscle mass. Additionally, using similar groups of cows ensures that any differences in weight gain can be attributed to the feed mixture rather than other factors.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Shown below is a growth curve for Paramecium grown in a 1.0 L flask containing pond water at 20oC. The pond water is continually filtered to remove waste products, and nutrients are added at a constant rate. How could the experiment be modified to determine whether the temperature influences the population size of Paramecium?
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Repeat the procedures described using 1 flask, and increase the temperature to 25oC for Days 10-15.
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Repeat the procedures described using 1 flask, and vary the temperature randomly during the entire incubation time.
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Repeat the procedures described using 2 flasks; incubate 1 flask at 15oC and the other at 25oC.
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Repeat the procedures described using 2 flasks; incubate both flasks at 20oC.
Correct Answer
A. Repeat the procedures described using 2 flasks; incubate 1 flask at 15oC and the other at 25oC.Explanation
To determine whether temperature influences the population size of Paramecium, it is necessary to compare the growth of Paramecium at different temperatures. By repeating the procedures described using 2 flasks and incubating one flask at 15oC and the other at 25oC, it allows for a direct comparison between the two temperature conditions. This will provide data on the population size of Paramecium at different temperatures and allow for the evaluation of any temperature-dependent effects on population growth.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Scientists collected data on the height and weight of individuals in a population. They recorded their results in this scatterplot. What is the most accurate conclusion regarding the relationship between height and weight?
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Tall individuals are always heavier than short individuals.
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There is no relationship between height and weight.
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There is a negative relationship between height and weight.
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There us a positive relationship between height and weight.
Correct Answer
A. There us a positive relationship between height and weight.Explanation
The scatterplot shows that as height increases, weight also tends to increase. This suggests a positive relationship between height and weight, indicating that taller individuals tend to be heavier.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Paul and Simon want to determine who is more fit. They decide to run in place for 5 minutes and then measure their blood pressures to see whose returns to notrmal most quickly. They record the data in this table. Paul told Simon that the heart pumps more blood during exercise than at rest. How do the experiment’s results support Paul’s statement?
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Exercise increases only the pulse.
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Exercise increases only the systolic pressure.
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Exercise increases both the systolic and diastolic pressure.
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Exercise increases both the pulse and the systolic pressure.
Correct Answer
A. Exercise increases both the pulse and the systolic pressure.Explanation
The experiment's results support Paul's statement because exercise increases both the pulse and the systolic pressure. This can be seen in the table where both Paul and Simon's pulse and systolic pressure increase after running in place for 5 minutes. This indicates that the heart is pumping more blood during exercise, as the pulse and systolic pressure are higher than at rest.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A researcher counted the number of eggs a single fruit fly laid in 24 hrs for 5 days and recorded the findings in this table. What is the average number of eggs laid per day over the 5 days?
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5
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10
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25
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50
Correct Answer
A. 10Explanation
The average number of eggs laid per day over the 5 days is 10. This can be calculated by adding up the total number of eggs laid over the 5 days (50) and dividing it by the number of days (5). This gives us an average of 10 eggs laid per day.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The graph represents the average fastest speed of 5 animals recorded in one study. Based on the graph, which species is approximately 1/3 as fast as the cheetah?
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Elephant
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Kangaroo
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Lion
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Snake
Correct Answer
A. ElephantExplanation
The graph shows the average fastest speed of 5 animals, and we need to find the species that is approximately 1/3 as fast as the cheetah. By comparing the heights of the bars, we can see that the cheetah has the highest bar, indicating it is the fastest. Among the given options, the elephant has a bar that is approximately 1/3 the height of the cheetah's bar, suggesting that the elephant is approximately 1/3 as fast as the cheetah. Therefore, the answer is elephant.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Ella told her sister the sun would set at 6:30 p.m. and there would be a full moon on Thursday night. Under which basic assumption of science is she operating?
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Nature is orderly.
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Knowledge is superior to ignorance.
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Nothing is self-evident.
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All phenomena have natural causes.
Correct Answer
A. Nature is orderly.Explanation
Ella's statement about the sun setting at 6:30 p.m. and there being a full moon on Thursday night implies that she believes in the regularity and predictability of natural phenomena. This aligns with the basic assumption of science that nature is orderly, meaning that there are consistent patterns and laws governing the behavior of the natural world. Ella's confidence in making these predictions suggests that she expects the sun to set at the same time each day and the occurrence of a full moon on a specific night is not random but follows a predictable pattern.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Ming is having trouble sleeping and decides to participate in a study to determine whether a certain medication helps people sleep. There are 30 volunteers, each of whom is assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Volunteers in group 1 are given the medication, and volunters in group 2 are given a placebo (a pill with no medication). Which step is important in order to ensure scientifically valid results?
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Assigning the subjects to groups at random
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Assigning all of the subjects with sleeping problems to the placebo group
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Telling subjects if they are receiving the medicine or the placebo
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Ensuring that the researchers can determine which subjects are getting the medicine
Correct Answer
A. Assigning the subjects to groups at randomExplanation
Assigning the subjects to groups at random is important in order to ensure scientifically valid results because it helps to eliminate any potential bias or confounding variables that could affect the outcome of the study. Random assignment ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to either the medication group or the placebo group, which helps to control for any individual differences between the groups. This increases the internal validity of the study and allows for more accurate conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of the medication in helping people sleep.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Edison studies the effects of temperature on starch digestion in a test tube. He adds 2 g of starch and 1 mL of enzyme suspension to a test tube and incubates it at 25oC for 20 min. To accurately test the effects of temperature, Edison should begin a second test with 2 g of starch in a test tube and continue with which set of conditions?
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1 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 25oC for 10 min
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1 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 37oC for 20 min
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2 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 25oC for 20 min
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2 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 37oC for 10 min
Correct Answer
A. 1 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 37oC for 20 minExplanation
To accurately test the effects of temperature on starch digestion, Edison should begin a second test with 2 g of starch in a test tube and continue with the set of conditions that differ only in temperature. This means that the enzyme suspension should be the same volume (1 mL) but incubated at a different temperature. Therefore, the correct set of conditions would be 1 mL of enzyme suspension incubated at 37oC for 20 min. This will allow Edison to compare the effects of different temperatures on starch digestion while keeping other variables constant.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Sunee and Jamila grow 2 distinct strains of E. coli bacteria following appropriate lab procedures. In Experiment 1, they use a new culture of Strain X and a 30-day old culture of Strain Y. In Experiment 2, they use a new culture of Strain Y and a 30-day old culture of Strain X. Sunee and Jamila measure the number of bacterial colonies and record the data in these graphs. What is the most accurate conclusion about the growth rate of the bacteria?
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Strain X grows faster than Strain Y regardless of the culture's age.
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Strain Y grows faster that Strain X regardless of the culture's age.
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The 30-day old culture grows faster regardless of the strain.
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The new culture grows faster regardless of the strain.
Correct Answer
A. The 30-day old culture grows faster regardless of the strain.Explanation
The most accurate conclusion about the growth rate of the bacteria is that the 30-day old culture grows faster regardless of the strain. This can be inferred from the information given in the question, where the number of bacterial colonies is measured and recorded in graphs. The fact that the 30-day old culture consistently shows faster growth regardless of whether it is Strain X or Strain Y suggests that the age of the culture has a significant impact on the growth rate.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A student wants to determine whether temperature affects the rate at which mold grows on bread. The student puts one piece of bread inside a Petri dish, closes the lid, and places the Petri dish in the refrigerator. Which treatment would be the best comparison for this experiment?
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Placing another piece of bread in an open Petri dish in the same refrigerator
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Placing another piece of bread in a closed Petri dish in the same refrigerator
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Placing another piece of bread in an open Petri dish on the countertop
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Placing another piece of bread in a closed Petri dish on the countertop
Correct Answer
A. Placing another piece of bread in a closed Petri dish on the countertopExplanation
The best comparison for the experiment would be placing another piece of bread in a closed Petri dish on the countertop. This is because the student wants to determine if temperature affects the rate of mold growth, so it is important to have a control group that is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group (the bread in the refrigerator). By placing the bread in a closed Petri dish on the countertop, the student can ensure that the only difference between the two groups is the temperature, allowing for a valid comparison of the results.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 15, 2013Quiz Created by
Awest