Nonscientists Often Use the Words "Name," "Identify," and "Classify" Interchangeably

question 6

Multiple Choice

Nonscientists often use the words "name," "identify," and "classify" interchangeably.When they want to know what an organism is,they may ask "Can you name this?" or "Can you identify this?" or "Can you classify this?" Which of the following is/are correct usage(s) of the term(s) ?

• A)Only the scientist who first describes a new species actually names it.
• B)Classifying is grouping,and to classify something requires several organisms so you can group one as closer to a second and distant from a third.
• C)A farmer using a key to detect pest insect species in his fields is identifying insects but not naming or necessarily classifying them.
• D)A scientist who publishes the name and description of a new species must necessarily also know both how to identify and classify the species.
• E)All of the choices are correct.

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Definitions:

Descriptive/Correlational Method

Research strategies for observing and describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it, and determining the relationship between variables.

Research Question

A specific, focused question that guides a scientific study or investigation.

Major Metropolitan Area

A large city and its surrounding suburbs and towns, characterized by significant population density and extensive urban infrastructure.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method where subjects are observed in their natural environment without interference from the researchers.