Assessment Test 35

Koala bears appear similar to bears in appearance.
__

Misnomers are words or phrases that suggest a meaning that is a known
falsehood. These often occur when something has already been named, but is
later proven to be different in nature. For example, the term “shooting-stars” is a
misnomer as it is well-known that shooting-stars are actually meteors, not stars.
Similarly, the Koala bear is quite unrelated to bears, despite looking and acting
much like bears. A misnomer is similar to the concept of an oxymoron, a figure
of speech containing contradictory elements. Very rarely, a phrase or word can
be both a misnomer and an oxymoron, such as the phrases “wireless cable”
and “synthetic natural gas”.

Misnomers are often oxymorons as well.
__

Misnomers are words or phrases that suggest a meaning that is a known
falsehood. These often occur when something has already been named, but is
later proven to be different in nature. For example, the term “shooting-stars” is a
misnomer as it is well-known that shooting-stars are actually meteors, not stars.
Similarly, the Koala bear is quite unrelated to bears, despite looking and acting
much like bears. A misnomer is similar to the concept of an oxymoron, a figure
of speech containing contradictory elements. Very rarely, a phrase or word can
be both a misnomer and an oxymoron, such as the phrases “wireless cable”
and “synthetic natural gas”.

Many people are aware that shooting stars are meteors.
__

Misnomers are words or phrases that suggest a meaning that is a known
falsehood. These often occur when something has already been named, but is
later proven to be different in nature. For example, the term “shooting-stars” is a
misnomer as it is well-known that shooting-stars are actually meteors, not stars.
Similarly, the Koala bear is quite unrelated to bears, despite looking and acting
much like bears. A misnomer is similar to the concept of an oxymoron, a figure
of speech containing contradictory elements. Very rarely, a phrase or word can
be both a misnomer and an oxymoron, such as the phrases “wireless cable”
and “synthetic natural gas”.

The Koala bear was once thought to be a true bear.
__

Misnomers are words or phrases that suggest a meaning that is a known
falsehood. These often occur when something has already been named, but is
later proven to be different in nature. For example, the term “shooting-stars” is a
misnomer as it is well-known that shooting-stars are actually meteors, not stars.
Similarly, the Koala bear is quite unrelated to bears, despite looking and acting
much like bears. A misnomer is similar to the concept of an oxymoron, a figure
of speech containing contradictory elements. Very rarely, a phrase or word can
be both a misnomer and an oxymoron, such as the phrases “wireless cable”
and “synthetic natural gas”.

The Axolotl is dissimilar in appearance to fish.
__
The Axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander
native to Mexico. Despite the name, Axolotls are amphibians, but live
exclusively in the water and bear a strong resemblance to fish. Axolotls are a
model example of neoteny, the retention of juvenile characteristics throughout
adulthood. This neoteny makes the adult Axolotl appear more tadpole-like than
fully grown salamanders; as a result the Axolotl requires less food than fully
matured salamanders. Unfortunately, due to the draining of lake Chalco and the
urbanization of Mexico city, the Axolotl was declared extinct in the wild in 2013.
Nevertheless, Axolotls are frequently kept as pets, and are extensively studied
by biologists due to their extensive regenerative abilities.

Axolotls never reach adulthood.
__

The Axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander
native to Mexico. Despite the name, Axolotls are amphibians, but live
exclusively in the water and bear a strong resemblance to fish. Axolotls are a
model example of neoteny, the retention of juvenile characteristics throughout
adulthood. This neoteny makes the adult Axolotl appear more tadpole-like than
fully grown salamanders; as a result the Axolotl requires less food than fully
matured salamanders. Unfortunately, due to the draining of lake Chalco and the
urbanization of Mexico city, the Axolotl was declared extinct in the wild in 2013.
Nevertheless, Axolotls are frequently kept as pets, and are extensively studied
by biologists due to their extensive regenerative abilities.

Fully matured salamanders require more food than the Axolotl.
__

The Axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander
native to Mexico. Despite the name, Axolotls are amphibians, but live
exclusively in the water and bear a strong resemblance to fish. Axolotls are a
model example of neoteny, the retention of juvenile characteristics throughout
adulthood. This neoteny makes the adult Axolotl appear more tadpole-like than
fully grown salamanders; as a result the Axolotl requires less food than fully
matured salamanders. Unfortunately, due to the draining of lake Chalco and the
urbanization of Mexico city, the Axolotl was declared extinct in the wild in 2013.
Nevertheless, Axolotls are frequently kept as pets, and are extensively studied
by biologists due to their extensive regenerative abilities.

Amphibians live exclusively in the water.
__
The Axolotl, also known as the Mexican walking fish, is a neotenic salamander
native to Mexico. Despite the name, Axolotls are amphibians, but live
exclusively in the water and bear a strong resemblance to fish. Axolotls are a
model example of neoteny, the retention of juvenile characteristics throughout
adulthood. This neoteny makes the adult Axolotl appear more tadpole-like than
fully grown salamanders; as a result the Axolotl requires less food than fully
matured salamanders. Unfortunately, due to the draining of lake Chalco and the
urbanization of Mexico city, the Axolotl was declared extinct in the wild in 2013.
Nevertheless, Axolotls are frequently kept as pets, and are extensively studied
by biologists due to their extensive regenerative abilities.

The export of cash crops can result in food shortages.
__

Cash crops are agriculturally grown plants whose function is to generate a
return on investment. Subsistence-crops, unlike cash crops, are grown to meet
the needs of those producing them, rather than for sale as commodities.
Virtually all crops grown in developed countries are sold for profit, and crops
such as coffee, tea and tobacco are well known examples of cash crops. Cash
crop exports however, from developing countries, have been blamed for a
variety of serious economic problems. Because cash crops are exported
internationally at prices unaffordable to the local populous, locals are prevented
from purchasing the crops themselves or using the farmland to subsistence
farm, resulting in economic stagnation and even food shortages.

Subsistence crops, if sold, will not generate a return on
investment.
__

Cash crops are agriculturally grown plants whose function is to generate a
return on investment. Subsistence-crops, unlike cash crops, are grown to meet
the needs of those producing them, rather than for sale as commodities.
Virtually all crops grown in developed countries are sold for profit, and crops
such as coffee, tea and tobacco are well known examples of cash crops. Cash
crop exports however, from developing countries, have been blamed for a
variety of serious economic problems. Because cash crops are exported
internationally at prices unaffordable to the local populous, locals are prevented
from purchasing the crops themselves or using the farmland to subsistence
farm, resulting in economic stagnation and even food shortages.

Cash crops could not be used to meet the needs of farmers.
__

Cash crops are agriculturally grown plants whose function is to generate a
return on investment. Subsistence-crops, unlike cash crops, are grown to meet
the needs of those producing them, rather than for sale as commodities.
Virtually all crops grown in developed countries are sold for profit, and crops
such as coffee, tea and tobacco are well known examples of cash crops. Cash
crop exports however, from developing countries, have been blamed for a
variety of serious economic problems. Because cash crops are exported
internationally at prices unaffordable to the local populous, locals are prevented
from purchasing the crops themselves or using the farmland to subsistence
farm, resulting in economic stagnation and even food shortages.

Coffee can be sold to generate a return on investment.
__

Cash crops are agriculturally grown plants whose function is to generate a
return on investment. Subsistence-crops, unlike cash crops, are grown to meet
the needs of those producing them, rather than for sale as commodities.
Virtually all crops grown in developed countries are sold for profit, and crops
such as coffee, tea and tobacco are well known examples of cash crops. Cash
crop exports however, from developing countries, have been blamed for a
variety of serious economic problems. Because cash crops are exported
internationally at prices unaffordable to the local populous, locals are prevented
from purchasing the crops themselves or using the farmland to subsistence
farm, resulting in economic stagnation and even food shortages.

Experimental finance researchers conduct quasi experimental
research.

__

Experimental finance is the study of financial and economic concepts using
experimental and quasi-experimental research. Although traditionally, finance
and economic research focuses on observational and theoretical work,
experimental finance aims to test the validity of financial and economic theory.
The majority of experimental finance research frequently employs laboratory
experiments, often using behavioural finance principles. Although experimental
finance works well for testing behavioural/microeconomic concepts,
experimental and quasi-experimental research is impossible on larger scales.
On a nationwide scale, observations are the only opportunity for study via
experimental finance. When governments or regulatory bodies implement
economic or financial policy, researchers can observe the effects on the
economic environment. Publications and recommendations made by regulatory
bodies are often considered when determining economic policies.

Quasi experiments can be applied at the national level in experimental finance.
__

Experimental finance is the study of financial and economic concepts using
experimental and quasi-experimental research. Although traditionally, finance
and economic research focuses on observational and theoretical work,
experimental finance aims to test the validity of financial and economic theory.
The majority of experimental finance research frequently employs laboratory
experiments, often using behavioural finance principles. Although experimental
finance works well for testing behavioural/microeconomic concepts,
experimental and quasi-experimental research is impossible on larger scales.
On a nationwide scale, observations are the only opportunity for study via
experimental finance. When governments or regulatory bodies implement
economic or financial policy, researchers can observe the effects on the
economic environment. Publications and recommendations made by regulatory
bodies are often considered when determining economic policies.

Regulatory bodies cannot influence economic policy.
__

Experimental finance is the study of financial and economic concepts using
experimental and quasi-experimental research. Although traditionally, finance
and economic research focuses on observational and theoretical work,
experimental finance aims to test the validity of financial and economic theory.
The majority of experimental finance research frequently employs laboratory
experiments, often using behavioural finance principles. Although experimental
finance works well for testing behavioural/microeconomic concepts,
experimental and quasi-experimental research is impossible on larger scales.
On a nationwide scale, observations are the only opportunity for study via
experimental finance. When governments or regulatory bodies implement
economic or financial policy, researchers can observe the effects on the
economic environment. Publications and recommendations made by regulatory
bodies are often considered when determining economic policies.

Britain is the project leader for the EXOMars project.
__

Britain is still firmly committed to the EXOMars Robot project even though the
scope and the cost have grown since it was first initiated. The scope of the
project has changed dramatically, mainly due to the inflated expectations of
scientists. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), this change in
direction justifies the almost doubling of the original budget. The increased cost
will however have to be met by the participating countries that originally signed
up to fund this programme. Both Italy, the project leader which provided much
of the initial programme funding, and Britain, will have to significantly increase
their contribution of funding for the EXOMars project. Britain does not begrudge
its contributions as it considers that this project makes the most of its expertise
in robotics. To date Britain has not been involved in other high-profile ESA
programmes such as the Columbus science laboratory and the Arius Rocket
project, which could explain why they are not dragging their heels on this. The
ESA now hopes to send the robot to Mars by 2020.

Britain feels reluctant about its spending on the EXOMars project.

__

Britain is still firmly committed to the EXOMars Robot project even though the
scope and the cost have grown since it was first initiated. The scope of the
project has changed dramatically, mainly due to the inflated expectations of
scientists. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), this change in
direction justifies the almost doubling of the original budget. The increased cost
will however have to be met by the participating countries that originally signed
up to fund this programme. Both Italy, the project leader which provided much
of the initial programme funding, and Britain, will have to significantly increase
their contribution of funding for the EXOMars project. Britain does not begrudge
its contributions as it considers that this project makes the most of its expertise
in robotics. To date Britain has not been involved in other high-profile ESA
programmes such as the Columbus science laboratory and the Arius Rocket
project, which could explain why they are not dragging their heels on this. The
ESA now hopes to send the robot to Mars by 2020.

Historically, Britain has tried to avoid ESA high-profile missions.
__

Britain is still firmly committed to the EXOMars Robot project even though the
scope and the cost have grown since it was first initiated. The scope of the
project has changed dramatically, mainly due to the inflated expectations of
scientists. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), this change in
direction justifies the almost doubling of the original budget. The increased cost
will however have to be met by the participating countries that originally signed
up to fund this programme. Both Italy, the project leader which provided much
of the initial programme funding, and Britain, will have to significantly increase
their contribution of funding for the EXOMars project. Britain does not begrudge
its contributions as it considers that this project makes the most of its expertise
in robotics. To date Britain has not been involved in other high-profile ESA
programmes such as the Columbus science laboratory and the Arius Rocket
project, which could explain why they are not dragging their heels on this. The
ESA now hopes to send the robot to Mars by 2020.

Methods of detecting earthquakes are more reliable than methods of predicting earthquakes.
__

Predicting earthquakes using observable phenomena like phases of the moon,
cloud formations, weather conditions or animal behaviour is a controversial and,
some would say, impossible task. There is little or no verifiable evidence to link
any of these phenomena to predictions of actual seismic activity. Early
detection, as a means of advance warning, is far more reliable than future
prediction and can be done by measuring primary waves (referred to as P-
Waves). Prediction is much flakier science than detection. These non-
destructive waves travel faster through the earth’s crust than the harmful and
destructive secondary waves and so can provide a valuable, albeit short,
advance warning. This effect of different speed waves can be likened to the
relationship between light and sound; we see lightning before we hear the
thunder. Some people believe that animals can detect P-Waves and that this is
what causes them to start behaving strangely. Other possibilities of animal’s
behaviour shortly before an earthquake are that they are reacting to the low-
frequency electromagnetic signals caused by the fracturing of crystalline rock
during the early stages of an earthquake.

Primary waves travel at a similar speed to sound waves.
__

Predicting earthquakes using observable phenomena like phases of the moon,
cloud formations, weather conditions or animal behaviour is a controversial and,
some would say, impossible task. There is little or no verifiable evidence to link
any of these phenomena to predictions of actual seismic activity. Early
detection, as a means of advance warning, is far more reliable than future
prediction and can be done by measuring primary waves (referred to as P-
Waves). Prediction is much flakier science than detection. These non-
destructive waves travel faster through the earth’s crust than the harmful and
destructive secondary waves and so can provide a valuable, albeit short, advance warning. This effect of different speed waves can be likened to the
relationship between light and sound; we see lightning before we hear the
thunder. Some people believe that animals can detect P-Waves and that this is
what causes them to start behaving strangely. Other possibilities of animal’s
behaviour shortly before an earthquake are that they are reacting to the low-
frequency electromagnetic signals caused by the fracturing of crystalline rock
during the early stages of an earthquake.

Electromagnetic signals can be caused by the fracturing of crystalline rock.

__

Predicting earthquakes using observable phenomena like phases of the moon,
cloud formations, weather conditions or animal behaviour is a controversial and,
some would say, impossible task. There is little or no verifiable evidence to link
any of these phenomena to predictions of actual seismic activity. Early
detection, as a means of advance warning, is far more reliable than future
prediction and can be done by measuring primary waves (referred to as P-
Waves). Prediction is much flakier science than detection. These non-
destructive waves travel faster through the earth’s crust than the harmful and
destructive secondary waves and so can provide a valuable, albeit short,
advance warning. This effect of different speed waves can be likened to the
relationship between light and sound; we see lightning before we hear the
thunder. Some people believe that animals can detect P-Waves and that this is
what causes them to start behaving strangely. Other possibilities of animal’s
behaviour shortly before an earthquake are that they are reacting to the low-
frequency electromagnetic signals caused by the fracturing of crystalline rock
during the early stages of an earthquake.

There have been no experiments involving GM crops which have been carried out in a scientifically-controlled environment.
__

Scientists have been able to successfully genetically modify plants, animals and
micro-organisms for a number of years. They do this by manipulating genes to
produce genetic changes, which could in theory occur naturally. Supporters of
genetically modified (GM) organisms claim that the benefits, such as being able
to produce crops that are resistant to disease, could help alleviate world food
shortages. Many environmentalists believe that the accidental release of
genetically modified organisms into the environment is genetic pollution and
they fear that the uncontrolled interbreeding of modified organisms with those
occurring naturally will contaminate the environment in unforeseen and possibly
dangerous ways. They point out that experiments done by researchers to
reassure the public about the safety of GM crops have been carried out under
scientifically-controlled conditions which are far-removed from the actual
working conditions of food producers.

Genetic change in plants could occur without the intervention of
humans.
__

Scientists have been able to successfully genetically modify plants, animals and
micro-organisms for a number of years. They do this by manipulating genes to
produce genetic changes, which could in theory occur naturally. Supporters of
genetically modified (GM) organisms claim that the benefits, such as being able
to produce crops that are resistant to disease, could help alleviate world food
shortages. Many environmentalists believe that the accidental release of
genetically modified organisms into the environment is genetic pollution and
they fear that the uncontrolled interbreeding of modified organisms with those
occurring naturally will contaminate the environment in unforeseen and possibly
dangerous ways. They point out that experiments done by researchers to
reassure the public about the safety of GM crops have been carried out under
scientifically-controlled conditions which are far-removed from the actual
working conditions of food producers.

Some people expect global food shortages without the use of GM crops.

__

Scientists have been able to successfully genetically modify plants, animals and
micro-organisms for a number of years. They do this by manipulating genes to
produce genetic changes, which could in theory occur naturally. Supporters of
genetically modified (GM) organisms claim that the benefits, such as being able
to produce crops that are resistant to disease, could help alleviate world food
shortages. Many environmentalists believe that the accidental release of
genetically modified organisms into the environment is genetic pollution and
they fear that the uncontrolled interbreeding of modified organisms with those
occurring naturally will contaminate the environment in unforeseen and possibly
dangerous ways. They point out that experiments done by researchers to
reassure the public about the safety of GM crops have been carried out under
scientifically-controlled conditions which are far-removed from the actual
working conditions of food producers.

Adults are more likely to buy a soft drink than an alcoholic drink.
__

The carbonated soft-drinks industry is the most profitable drinks industry. There
are three reasons for this. Firstly, the cost of producing carbonated drinks, such
as cola and lemonade, costs the producer a fraction of the item’s selling price to
make. Secondly, carbonated soft-drinks are purchased by the largest cross-
section of society. Not only are soft-drinks popular amongst children and
teenagers, they are a common addition to alcoholic beverages and often
chosen by adults wishing to avoid alcohol. So the large target audience of soft-
drinks is another factor which contributes to the profitability of such products.
Finally, research suggests that certain carbonated soft-drinks contain chemicals
which have a mildly addictive quality. Caffeine is one such substance but there
may be others. Therefore, many consumers of carbonated drinks are likely to
be affected by such substances, leading to repeat purchases and even
dependence. Such factors are to the advantage of the industry and lead to the
increased profitability of their products but are frowned upon by industry
regulators.

A can of carbonated soft drink will make more profit than a can of non-carbonated drink.
__

The carbonated soft-drinks industry is the most profitable drinks industry. There
are three reasons for this. Firstly, the cost of producing carbonated drinks, such
as cola and lemonade, costs the producer a fraction of the item’s selling price to
make. Secondly, carbonated soft-drinks are purchased by the largest cross-
section of society. Not only are soft-drinks popular amongst children and
teenagers, they are a common addition to alcoholic beverages and often
chosen by adults wishing to avoid alcohol. So the large target audience of soft-
drinks is another factor which contributes to the profitability of such products.
Finally, research suggests that certain carbonated soft-drinks contain chemicals
which have a mildly addictive quality. Caffeine is one such substance but there
may be others. Therefore, many consumers of carbonated drinks are likely to
be affected by such substances, leading to repeat purchases and even
dependence. Such factors are to the advantage of the industry and lead to the
increased profitability of their products but are frowned upon by industry
regulators.

Caffeine is mildly addictive.
__

The carbonated soft-drinks industry is the most profitable drinks industry. There
are three reasons for this. Firstly, the cost of producing carbonated drinks, such
as cola and lemonade, costs the producer a fraction of the item’s selling price to
make. Secondly, carbonated soft-drinks are purchased by the largest cross-
section of society. Not only are soft-drinks popular amongst children and
teenagers, they are a common addition to alcoholic beverages and often
chosen by adults wishing to avoid alcohol. So the large target audience of soft-
drinks is another factor which contributes to the profitability of such products.
Finally, research suggests that certain carbonated soft-drinks contain chemicals
which have a mildly addictive quality. Caffeine is one such substance but there
may be others. Therefore, many consumers of carbonated drinks are likely to
be affected by such substances, leading to repeat purchases and even
dependence. Such factors are to the advantage of the industry and lead to the
increased profitability of their products but are frowned upon by industry
regulators.

The percentage of the population under the age of 19 is higher in developing countries than it is in developed countries.
__

There are statistics which suggest that in some of the most underdeveloped
countries almost one half of the population is aged between 10 and 19. These
countries have experienced a much smaller decrease in birth rates than has
been seen in more developed countries. Charities and other agencies are
calling for additional funds to be made available to provide improved education
for these young people as well as easier access to contraception. Aside from
this is also a global increase in the number of people aged 65 or older. In the
next 50 years, 95% of this increase will happen in developing countries like
India, while in countries such as Japan, Germany and Italy the percentage of
the population aged 65 or more is set to rise to 40%. Increases in the numbers
of the very young and the very old place stress on societies, and governments
may find it difficult to cope with the demands of an increasing number of
dependent elderly citizens in addition to providing healthcare and education for
the young.

The world as a whole is seeing more people over the age of 65.
__

There are statistics which suggest that in some of the most underdeveloped
countries almost one half of the population is aged between 10 and 19. These
countries have experienced a much smaller decrease in birth rates than has
been seen in more developed countries. Charities and other agencies are
calling for additional funds to be made available to provide improved education
for these young people as well as easier access to contraception. Aside from
this is also a global increase in the number of people aged 65 or older. In the
next 50 years, 95% of this increase will happen in developing countries like
India, while in countries such as Japan, Germany and Italy the percentage of
the population aged 65 or more is set to rise to 40%. Increases in the numbers
of the very young and the very old place stress on societies, and governments
may find it difficult to cope with the demands of an increasing number of
dependent elderly citizens in addition to providing healthcare and education for
the young.

Declines in birth rates are not limited to developed countries.
__

There are statistics which suggest that in some of the most underdeveloped
countries almost one half of the population is aged between 10 and 19. These
countries have experienced a much smaller decrease in birth rates than has
been seen in more developed countries. Charities and other agencies are
calling for additional funds to be made available to provide improved education
for these young people as well as easier access to contraception. Aside from
this is also a global increase in the number of people aged 65 or older. In the
next 50 years, 95% of this increase will happen in developing countries like
India, while in countries such as Japan, Germany and Italy the percentage of
the population aged 65 or more is set to rise to 40%. Increases in the numbers
of the very young and the very old place stress on societies, and governments
may find it difficult to cope with the demands of an increasing number of
dependent elderly citizens in addition to providing healthcare and education for
the young.