8 weeks · 0 milestones
Execute a real biological investigation by collecting data from a controlled experiment OR from a named publicly available citizen science or genomics platform (iNaturalist, GBIF, NCBI GenBank/SRA) using a documented sampling methodology. The proof is the raw data with full metadata (location, time, conditions, collection method), a statistical analysis with appropriate tests (t-test, ANOVA, chi-squared, regression, or equivalent), and a written interpretation of results. Data collection from open platforms is not lesser proof — a documented GBIF biodiversity dataset with a rigorous sampling protocol and correct statistical analysis demonstrates the same analytical competency as lab-collected data. Reviewed by a biologist who examines both the raw data for methodological consistency and the statistical analysis for appropriate test selection. Fabricated data has characteristic distributional anomalies that a biologist reviewer detects — raw data submission is required.