Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of a control group in a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison, so that the effect of the independent variable can be isolated.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven characteristics of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 3

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She proposes that sunlight increases the rate of photosynthesis, leading to faster growth. What is her proposed explanation called?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis

Question 4

Which of the following best distinguishes a multicellular organism from a colony of cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells in a multicellular organism are interdependent and specialized, while cells in a colony can survive independently.

Question 5

Which of the following is a primary source of scientific information?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed journal article presenting original research

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Soil bacteria

Question 7

What is the main reason why ice floats on water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds in ice hold water molecules farther apart, making ice less dense.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment.

Question 9

Which chemical bond is responsible for holding the oxygen and hydrogen atoms together within a single water molecule?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bond

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why prey always outnumber predators in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost at each trophic level, so more prey are needed to support fewer predators.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence in the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organism → Population

Question 12

Which of the following is a property of water that helps regulate temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Water’s high specific heat capacity

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about acids and bases?

Accepted Answer

Acids have a pH less than 7 and donate protons.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of bioremediation?

Accepted Answer

Using bacteria to clean up oil spills in the ocean.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between exponential and logistic population growth?

Accepted Answer

Exponential growth occurs when resources are unlimited, while logistic growth levels off at carrying capacity due to limiting factors.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

Accepted Answer

A species whose removal causes a dramatic decrease in overall species diversity.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water into sugars and oxygen.

Question 19

Which of the following is a benefit of being multicellular rather than unicellular?

Accepted Answer

Specialization of cells allows for division of labor and increased complexity.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Buffers stabilize pH by resisting changes when acids or bases are added.

BIOL-100 Exam 1 Review: Foundations of Life, Scientific Method, and Ecology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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