TEAS Science · Practice Question

    Scientific Reasoning and Data Interpretation: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

    An original TEAS 7-style science practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.

    Question

    A researcher is studying the effects of two new nutritional supplements, Compound X and Compound Y, on the lifespan of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). After 20 days, the data shows the following survival rates: - **Control Group (Standard Diet):** 60% survival - **Compound X Group:** 65% survival - **Compound Y Group:** 25% survival Based on this data, which of the following is a valid conclusion?

    • A.Compound X significantly increased the survival rate of the fruit flies compared to the control group.
    • B.The Control group had a 100% survival rate at the end of the 20-day observation period.
    • C.Compound Y treatment resulted in the lowest survival rate among all tested groups.
      Correct
    • D.Both Compound X and Compound Y decreased survival rates compared to the control group.

    Correct answer: C. Learn how to interpret experimental data and compare treatment groups to controls with this TEAS science practice question and detailed explanation.

    Understanding Experimental Data Analysis

    In the TEAS Science section, you are frequently asked to interpret data from experiments. To identify the correct conclusion, you must compare the experimental groups (those receiving a treatment) against the control group (the baseline).

    Analysis of the Options

    • Choice C is correct. The data shows that the Compound Y group had a survival rate of only 25%. When compared to the Control group (60%) and the Compound X group (65%), Compound Y clearly resulted in the lowest survival rate. This suggests that the compound may be toxic or detrimental to the fruit flies.
    • Choice A is incorrect. While Compound X did have a higher survival rate (65%) than the control (60%), a 5% difference is often considered marginal or statistically insignificant in many biological studies. Furthermore, "significantly increased" is a strong claim that the data doesn't necessarily support as strongly as the fact that Compound Y was detrimental.
    • Choice B is incorrect. According to the data provided, the Control group had a 60% survival rate, not 100%. Reading the specific values provided for each group is essential for accuracy.
    • Choice D is incorrect. Compound X actually showed a slightly higher survival rate (65%) than the control (60%), so it did not decrease survival. Only Compound Y decreased the survival rate.

    TEAS Concept: The Role of the Control Group

    The control group serves as the benchmark. Without it, we wouldn't know if a 25% survival rate is "good" or "bad." By seeing that the normal diet results in 60% survival, we can conclude that Compound Y has a negative impact on the organism's health.

    Nursing Application: Clinical Trials

    As a nurse, you will need to understand evidence-based practice. When reading studies about new medications, you must look at the "control" (often a placebo) versus the "experimental" (the new drug) to determine if the drug's effect is truly beneficial or if the side effects (like the low survival in Compound Y) outweigh the benefits.

    Memory Tip

    When looking at data tables or graphs:

    1. Identify the baseline (Control).
    2. Find the outliers (The highest and lowest numbers).
    3. Match the words in the answer choices exactly to the numbers in the data. Stay objective!

    Quick study tip: Always identify the 'Control' group first; it is your baseline for determining if a treatment worked, failed, or had no effect.

    Ready to practice more TEAS Science questions?

    Test yourself on the full TEAS science question bank — with instant scoring, explanations, and progress tracking.

    Take a free TEAS Science quiz See all Science questions

    More TEAS Science practice questions

    Science
    Phase Changes and Equilibrium fluid dynamics
    In a closed system, equilibrium is reached when the rate of evaporation equals the rate of condensation, maintaining constant levels of each phase.
    Science
    Nervous System Functions
    Motor (efferent) neurons carry impulses away from the central nervous system to muscles or glands to trigger a response.
    Science
    Integumentary System Excretion
    Urea is a nitrogenous waste product formed from protein breakdown that is excreted in small amounts through sweat glands.
    Science
    Macromolecules and Growth
    Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for structural repair, enzyme production, and tissue growth in the body.
    Science
    Scientific Reasoning and Hypotheses
    When new data contradicts an old hypothesis, the hypothesis must be revised to include the new findings. Choice B reflects both the harm and the help.
    Science
    Cellular Energy Processes
    Photosynthesis is the process that converts solar energy into chemical energy, storing it in the bonds of glucose for later use by the cell.

    Learn more about TEAS Science

    Review the wider topic with these closely related study guides and practice resources.

    TEAS Science Practice Guide

    Review anatomy, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

    Anatomy & Physiology Practice Test

    Practice body-system questions with detailed rationales.

    TEAS Science Flashcards

    Strengthen recall across major science concepts.

    TEAS Science Cheat Sheet

    Review high-yield science facts and relationships.