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1 100% BECAUSE IT S THE ANSWER KEY... NATS 1880 PAUL DELANEY YORKU 6 CREDIT - CHAPTER ONE OCA ANSWERS!! Within a couple of decades, we will probably be a. still no closer to detecting the signs of extraterrestrial life than we are today b. able to detect the spectral signatures of life on planets and moons around other stars c. able to travel to planets and moons around other stars d. communicating with advanced civilizations that have travelled to Earth from distant star systems The correct answer is: able to detect the spectral signatures of life on planets and moons around other stars Question 2 The physics experiment conducted by astronauts on the Moon as discussed in class a. confirmed the existence of a thin but unbreathable atmosphere surrounding the Moon b. confirmed Newton's original theory that the acceleration of the Moon allows it to stay in orbit about the Earth c. disproved kepler's 1st law of planetary dynamics that concluded the Moon moved at a constant speed as it orbited the earth. d. verified that objects of different mass fall at the same rate in a gravity field as proposed by Galileo. The correct answer is: verified that objects of different mass fall at the same rate in a gravity field as proposed by Galileo. Question 3 At this time, our search for life elsewhere in the universe requires us to consider a number of basic essentials. Which of the following isnot considered a necessity for life (as we know it). a. Water b. Oxygen

2 c. Energy d. Protection from radiation such as ultra-violet light The correct answer is: Oxygen Question 4 The molecular building blocks of life have been found a. on the Earth and on Mars b. on the Earth, in interstellar clouds, and in meteorites c. only on the Earth d. on the Earth and in meteorites The correct answer is: on the Earth, in interstellar clouds, and in meteorites Question 5 During the latter half of the twentieth century, exploration of our solar system by planetary scientists predicted that planets around other stars should be a. Earth-like b. common c. relatively rare d. nonexistent The correct answer is: common Question 6 The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program currently involves a. broadcasting signals for other advanced civilizations to receive b. listening for signals broadcast by advanced civilizations c. searching for life in our solar system d. searching for life on planets around other stars The correct answer is: listening for signals broadcast by advanced civilizations

3 Question 7 The search for life in the universe a. is related most closely to astronomy b. is a unique branch of science, unrelated to any other branch c. is related most closely to biology d. is influenced by almost every other branch of science The correct answer is: is influenced by almost every other branch of science Question 8 While planets in our Solar System have been observed since the dawn of time, exoplanets are by comparison a recent discovery. Approximately when was the first exoplanet discovered? a. Mid 1990s b. Mid 1970s c. Early 20th century d. Mid 19th century The correct answer is: Mid 1990s Question 9 A scientific model is considered valid if it is consistent with a. the opinions of experts in the field b. independent observations made by different scientists c. repeated observations made by an individual scientist d. a single observation by an individual scientist The correct answer is: independent observations made by different scientists Question 10 Biologists have found that life on Earth can

4 a. survive over only a very narrow range of environmental conditions b. survive only in the presence of sunlight c. only survive on the surface of the Earth d. survive over a wide range of environmental conditions The correct answer is: survive over a wide range of environmental conditions Question 11 Correct At its most fundamental level, the goal of astrobiology is to a. find how and when life on Earth originated b. find life beyond the Earth in our Solar System c. understand the biological makeup of other, non-carbon based life forms d. discover the connection between life and the places it is found The correct answer is: discover the connection between life and the places it is found Question 12 A habitable world is defined to be one that a. has an atmosphere b. is in orbit about a solar-type star c. has conditions suitable for life d. is identical to the Earth The correct answer is: has conditions suitable for life Question 13 If a scientific model generates a prediction that is not confirmed experimentally, a. the experimental data must be modified to be consistent with the model b. it must be assumed that there are errors in the experiment

5 c. it must be initially revised and eventually abandoned if it continues to be inconsistent with experiments d. it must immediately be abandoned The correct answer is: it must be initially revised and eventually abandoned if it continues to be inconsistent with experiments Question 14 Astronomy has shown us that the Earth a. is the only planet in the universe with any kind of life b. is just one planet orbiting an ordinary star in a vast universe c. occupies a special location in the universe so that life elsewhere is unlikely d. is the only planet in the universe with advanced life The correct answer is: is just one planet orbiting an ordinary star in a vast universe Question 15 Recently astronomers have gained concrete evidence that, in addition to being full of stars, the galaxy is also full of a. planets b. life c. galaxies d. dark energy The correct answer is: planets Question 16 Extraterrestrial life elsewhere in the universe a. could be similar to life on Earth or might be completely different b. will be identical to life on Earth c. will be unrecognizable d. will be completely different than life on Earth

6 The correct answer is: could be similar to life on Earth or might be completely different Question 17 Based upon our preliminary discussions of where life may be found in our Solar System, which of the following locations is consideredleast likely to harbour life? a. A Meteorite b. Mercury c. Mars d. Europa The correct answer is: Mercury Question 18 The fact that the life on Earth seems to have appeared quite rapidly suggests that life a. on any kind of planet is inevitable b. is only possible on Earth-like planets c. can only appear soon after a planet forms d. can arise on most habitable worlds The correct answer is: can arise on most habitable worlds Question 19 For most of human history it was believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe. This idea is referred to as a. geocentric b. eccentric c. egocentric d. heliocentric The correct answer is: geocentric Question 20 In science, new observations are considered to be valid if they

7 a. can be reproduced by other scientists b. are made by a scientist who is held in high regard by his or her peers c. are consistent with ideas held by the majority of scientists at the time d. can be repeated by the the scientist who first made the observations The correct answer is: can be reproduced by other scientists NATS 1880 PAUL DELANEY ST ICA ANSWER KEY Group ID: Student 1,2 names Student 3,4 names Student 5,6 names Page 1 of 6 In Class Assignment #1: September The Scientific Method [Total marks: 16] Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena in the natural world; for acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that scientific method is: "a method or procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses." The modern incarnation of the scientific method can be traced to Scholastic theologians in the 12th century. The following five elements are found in most applications of the scientific method: 1. Goal: the objective of doing the study/experiment 2. Model: any and all abstractions/generalizations of what is being studied or manipulated, sometimes referred to as the hypothesis 3. Data: observations made to represent nature for testing the model 4. Evaluation: comparing the model to the data to decide if the model is acceptable 5. Revision: changing the model if it is unacceptable With sufficient testing or evaluation, all models will eventually require revision. Thus the scientific method is iterative in nature, with models continuously being improved to be consistent with observations. Most people wrongly imagine that practising science is beyond the capabilities of most people. While mathematics and complex jargon are associated with many areas of modern science, it is important to recognize that applications of the scientific method can be found in everyday life from all cultures (though modern science as such emerged principally from the western tradition). Auto mechanics, chefs, lawyers, journalists, among others, follow the scientific method in some of their daily practices. For example, cooking from a recipe contains the five elements listed above. 1. Goal: to prepare a dish. 2. Model: the recipe. 3. Data: tastings during the preparation process or when served. 4. Evaluation: a decision on how the dish tastes. 5. Revision: if the dish needs improving, the recipe is changed. The scientific method has been without a doubt the most successful way of acquiring knowledge about the natural world. But it is important to be aware that not all human Group ID: Page 2 of 6

8 knowledge or beliefs emerge from or can be tested by the scientific method. (For example, while science can address the how and what,, why is often beyond its scope.) It is just as important to acknowledge the limitations of the scientific method as it is to celebrate its successes. The following questions look at the scientific method more formally using examples. 1. [2] Arrange the following in the correct sequence for the Scientific Method: A. A set of observations arising from an experiment to test a hypothesis B. A puzzling observation for which no explanation is readily apparent C. A conclusion on whether the hypothesis being tested correctly explains the original observation. D. The postulating of a hypothesis to account for the puzzling observation. E. The generation of an experiment to test the hypothesis. Answer: B D E A C (2 MARKS ALL OR NOTHING) 2. [4] Frank flips the switch to turn on the light in his bedroom and nothing happens. He notices that the other lights in his home work and the radio in his room also works. Frank thinks the light bulb must be burned out. He gets a new bulb and replaces the old one. When he does the light works. A. What are the observations Frank makes? ( 1 MARK) Frank flips the switch to turn on the light in his bedroom and nothing happens. He notices that the other lights in his home work and the radio in his room also works. B. What is Frank's hypothesis?? ( 1 MARK) Frank thinks the light bulb must be burned out. C. How does Frank test his hypothesis? ( 1 MARK) He gets a new bulb and replaces the old one D. What is the conclusion about Frank's hypothesis? ( 1 MARK) Since the new bulb works, he concludes his hypothesis was correct. 3. [3] You may have realized that there are innumerable hypotheses or models that are consistent with a particular set of observations. How do scientists select one model (or theory) from all the others? Here is where things become less clear. In the first case, hypotheses which are falsifiable, i.e., offer the possibility of being disconfirmed, are preferred. For example, the hypothesis that there is a silver teapot Group ID: Page 3 of 6

9 orbiting Neptune is, at our current level of technology, impossible to evaluate or test. It is therefore unfalsifiable in practice. The nursery rhyme hypothesis that the moon is made of green cheese is falsifiable (and, in fact, found not to be the case and therefore must be rejected). When there are two hypotheses that explain the same observation(s), the law of parsimony or Occam s Razor is often invoked: prefer the simplest model. Sometimes aesthetics or beauty plays a role in the preference of competing models. Theoretical physicists prefer models that involve (mathematical) symmetry and beauty over those that do not. As you might imagine, these filters, while not unreasonable, are subjective in nature. James and his friends went fishing in Lake Ontario with a net on two successive Tuesdays. When they returned, they measured the size of each of the 29 fish they caught. The smallest fish was 10 cm in size, while the largest was 42 cm. James then proposed the following model (or formed the hypothesis) that: on Tuesdays, the smallest fish in Lake Ontario is 10cm in size, while the largest is 42 cm. a) Is James hypothesis falsifiable? Why/why not? (1 marks) Yes. Keep fishing on Tuesdays and measuring the size of the fish he catches. But because the use of a net sets a limit to the smallest fish that can be caught (because of the mesh size), he would have to use nets with smaller mesh sizes to fairly test the hypothesis. b) Does James hypothesis satisfy Occam s Razor? Why/why not? (1 marks) Not really. First of all, it is not likely that fish size depends on the day of the week. So specifying "Tuesdays" is unnecessary. Second, the size constraints specified in the hypothesis are too constrictive. c) Do you regard James hypothesis as reasonable? If so, why? If not, why not and provide a credible explanation for his observations. (1 marks) No. First of all, James has no strong evidence that the smallest fish are 10 cm in size because of the size of the mesh in the net. Second, specifying "Tuesdays" is unreasonable since one would not expect fish size to depend on the day of the week. Third, depending on the time of the cycle, fish can change sizes almost continuously, so his hypothesis is too general (in time). Group ID: Page 4 of 6

10 4. [2] Astronomers observe 100 stars and determine that all appear to have 1 orbiting exoplanet. Upon closer examination, all the exoplanets appear to be very hot, and as large or larger than Jupiter. A discussion arises. Student A asserts that the observations mean that all future exoplanets discovered will also be hot, super-jupiter type planets. Student B argues that a selection effect or selection bias has occurred (meaning the sample is not a representative or fair one, but is biased in some way). Planets other than hot Jupiter s could be found Comment upon each student s statements? Look for logic in the answer (2 marks). For example: Student A seems to preclude improvements in observing sensitivity or other techniques to find more planets that are potentially smaller. Student B correctly suggests that a selection effect is in play meaning that smaller planets could well be going undetected at this time. Larger samples are an obvious test for determining the proportion of hot Jupiters versus other exoplanet types. SCIENCE AND PSEUDOSCIENCE We noted earlier that there are truths associated with human experience that cannot be tested using the scientific method (e.g., my sister loves me ). Because of science s dramatic successes over the past few centuries and the resulting cultural authority science has achieved, it is not surprising that many practices claim to be scientific when they are not. In particular, it is important to understand the difference between science and pseudoscience, particularly at a time when the media and internet are flooding us with information that involves a variety of (competing) claims. Science is primarily a method that allows us to discover truths about the natural world, the world of quarks, bacteria and stars. It has proven to be the best way of learning about the natural world as we have noted earlier Pseudoscience is a doctrine or belief system that pretends to be a Science, but violates at least one major scientific principle. While scientific hypotheses/ theories may ultimately prove to be wrong after tests and experiments, pseudosciences involve erroneous thinking from the outset.group ID: Page 5 of 6

11 Categories and Examples of Pseudoscience Astrology (lunar effects, biorhythms, ancient astronauts) UFOs (alien abductions, crop circles, animal mutilations) Psychic phenomena (ESP, telekinesis, clairvoyance) Creationism Ghosts, faith healing, out-of-body/near-death experiences New Age (crystals, pyramids, angels, dowsing) Occult (ouija board, Nostradamus, talking to the dead) Cryptozoology (Loch Ness monster, Yeti/Sasquatch/Bigfoot) Superstitions, conspiracy theories Alternative Medicines (homeopathy, reflexology, therapeutic touch; some chiropractic & naturopathy) A subset of pseudoscience such as ESP is considered Paranormal - beyond normal or supernatural - possibly outside the bounds of science. Some consider paranormal phenomena to be unverifiable by testing. When confronted with deciding whether something is a pseudoscience or whether to accept any claim, it is helpful to remember the following: Always ask for evidence in favour of the claim. The more extraordinary the claim, the more extraordinary must be the evidence. Evidence that UFOs are alien spacecraft must be much stronger than evidence that the mayor s eyes are green. Anecdotal evidence, evidence based on personal testimony, is of very limited value here. Scientific or statistical evidence is essential for deciding important claims. Aunt Sarah swears she cured her cancer by eating potato peels offers no evidence that eating potato peels cures cancer (let alone whether Aunt Sarah had cancer). Downplay evidence based on authority. That a top rock star endorses crystal healing is no evidence that crystals do heal. The responsibility for proving a claim - the burden of proof - is always on the person challenging the prevailing theory (or paradigm). It is not up to you to prove there are no alien bases under the Atlantic Ocean. It s up to the claimant. It is impossible to prove a negative. For example, it is impossible to prove the tooth fairy doesn t exist. 5. [5] Examine the following 2 extracts from daily (internet) Horoscope Readings (for the same Sun Sign, Gemini) and briefly answer the questions below #1: If you're presently romantically involved, you could find that one of you feels very passionate while the other doesn't. Compromise! If you're currently unattached, someone for whom you feel nothing could express an interest in you that's more than friendly. This is a difficult situation, but you have to sidestep this person's attentions without hurting any feelings. #2: You are desirous of perfection in everything that you do, and you practice this philosophy in every aspect of your life. You make sure that all of your energies are concentrated on taking forward your efforts in the right direction. You need to replenish Group ID: Page 6 of 6

12 your energies and increase your awareness today, to be able to continue your efforts. Are you still confused? Do not suffer alone speak your heart out! a) [1] What testable claims (if any) are made in each Reading? Hard to see anything testable from either of the Readings. From #1, perhaps if you sidestep this persons attention (ignore them?) perhaps you can judge if their feelings have been hurt. Needless to say, extremely subjective and practically impossible to verify. Both readings are steeped in generalities, low on specifics. Hence hard for someone to say that either the Readings are wrong. b) [2] Cite the similarities and differences in the Readings. Hard to see similarities. From #2, the desirous of affection could be related to sorting out your romantic feelings from #1 but it is a stretch! The differences are more pronounced. #1 is giving emotional (romantic) advice for the only two possibilities: you are attached or not. #2 appears not to be discussing romance at all but rather is more generally referencing your well-being, emotional and otherwise. c) [2] Justify why you would classify these readings as (choose the best option) practical, educational, entertaining. (Look for logic in the answer.) Likely entertaining as neither Reading offers anything substantive in the way of practical suggestions other than common sense. There is nothing enlightening from an educational perspective so you are left with humour or entertainment. For Readings purportedly of the same Sign`(Gemini) there is very little similarity.

Test Bank for Life in the Universe, Third Edition Chapter 2: The Science of Life in the Universe

Test Bank for Life in the Universe, Third Edition Chapter 2: The Science of Life in the Universe 1. The possibility of extraterrestrial life was first considered A) after the invention of the telescope B) only during the past few decades C) many thousands of years ago during ancient times D) at the