Discuss the links between Darwin's observations and inferences. Are some inferences more logical
than others? Is there evidence for all of the inferences?
What will be an ideal response?
Any number of examples can be used for each observation - both from the text and just general
knowledge (e.g., the elephant example, finches, Fig. 19.12, Fig. 19.14). Given the advances in
molecular biology, it is probably most obvious that Darwin's inference about heredity is the most
logical today. However, there is ample evidence for all the observations. For example, competition has
clearly been shown to influence natural selection (this will be examined in detail in a later chapter).
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Some scientists predict that as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase, the pH of the oceans will drop, thus threatening coral and organisms within shells. What is the best explanation for this hypothesis?
A. Carbon dioxide combines with water to form a base. B. Carbon dioxide combines with water to form an acid. C. As the oceans warm, more water is evaporated, lowering the pH of the remaining water. D. As the pH of the ocean decreases, more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. E. As the pH of the ocean increases, more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
The Krebs cycle takes place in the
a. ribosomes. b. cytoplasm. c. nucleus. d. mitochondria. e. chloroplasts.
The prevalence rate of tuberculosis in one particular county in Texas is 7/1000 people, while the incidence rate for 2011 is 2/1000 people. Analyze this data and summarize the situation.
A. Incidence rate should really be higher than prevalence rate because it includes all new cases for the year. B. The data were collected incorrectly because the two values should match. C. Prevalence rate is higher than incidence rate because the number of people still alive with tuberculosis is higher because of better treatments. D. Prevalence rate and incidence rate cannot be determined for the same disease.
The human population on Earth is expected to reach 9.7 billion people by
A) 2015. B) 2050. C) 2093. D) 3150.