Scientific Inquiry & Diversity of Life — Chapter quiz · Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7

Five focused units, a three-session investigation, chapter review, and chapter quiz.

Problem 1

Why should an unexpected trial remain in the record?
Answer and explanation

It may represent real variation or reveal a problem worth investigating. Removing it only because it disagrees with a prediction biases the evidence.

Problem 2

A class repeats this same light-confounded comparison ten times. Can it now identify water’s separate effect?
Answer and explanation

No. Repetition does not remove the linked light difference. Redesign the comparison so light is comparable, and use independent seedlings with recorded starting sizes.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

Problem 3

A cell image is half the length of a 100-micrometer scale bar. What size is supported?
Answer and explanation

Its estimated length is 50 micrometers, assuming the bar belongs to that image and both are measured in the same direction.

Problem 4

A drawing is enlarged while its copied scale bar is left unchanged. Can that bar still calibrate the enlarged cell?
Answer and explanation

No. The bar no longer has the same image-to-specimen relationship. Resize it with the image or provide a new valid calibration.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

Problem 5

Does a mean of 5 cm require each plant to be 5 cm?
Answer and explanation

No. Different combinations of measurements can average 5 cm. Inspect the original values and their spread.

Problem 6

A graph shows an association between rainfall and plant height. Does the association alone prove rainfall caused every difference?
Answer and explanation

No. Other conditions such as soil, species, light, and initial size may differ. A causal explanation needs a plausible mechanism and comparisons addressing alternatives.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

Problem 7

Why should a model have a legend?
Answer and explanation

A legend explains what symbols represent so readers can distinguish meaningful relationships from invented display choices.

Problem 8

A student changes a model after repeated contradictory observations. Is this automatically dishonest?
Answer and explanation

No. Revising a model in response to accurately recorded evidence is part of science. Concealing or inventing observations would be a different problem.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

Problem 9

Can a living cell lack a nucleus?
Answer and explanation

Yes. Bacteria and other prokaryotes lack a membrane-enclosed nucleus but carry genetic material and perform cellular processes.

Problem 10

A fungus has walls but no chloroplasts. Must it be an animal or a plant?
Answer and explanation

No. Those two categories do not exhaust biological diversity. Fungi have their own characteristics; combine cell features, nutrition, and relationship evidence rather than forcing a two-category choice.

Response criteria

  • Explain the relevant biological process accurately.
  • Use the supplied evidence and show calculation steps with units where needed.
  • Connect a labeled model or mechanism with the claim.
  • State an assumption, evidence limitation, or useful next observation.

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