Question 1

Which of the following best describes the three primary levels of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity

Question 2

A population of cheetahs has very low genetic variation. Which of the following is a likely consequence of this?

Accepted Answer

The population is more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes

Question 3

Which of the following correctly lists the taxonomic hierarchy from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 4

According to the rules of binomial nomenclature, which is the correct way to write the scientific name for humans?

Accepted Answer

$$	extit{Homo sapiens}$$

Question 5

Two organisms are classified in the same family but different genera. Which statement is true about their evolutionary relationship?

Accepted Answer

They share a more recent common ancestor than organisms in different orders

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of extremophiles?

Accepted Answer

They can survive in environments with extreme temperature, pH, or salinity

Question 7

Which sequence correctly represents the stages of the lytic cycle in viral reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Attachment, penetration, synthesis, assembly, release

Question 8

A bacterium is described as 'gram-negative.' What does this indicate about its cell wall?

Accepted Answer

It has a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane

Question 9

Which process allows bacteria to exchange genetic material directly through cell-to-cell contact?

Accepted Answer

Conjugation

Question 10

A lichen is a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. What type of symbiotic relationship is this?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing characteristic used to classify organisms into different eukaryotic kingdoms?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a nucleus

Question 12

A single-celled organism has chloroplasts and moves using flagella. To which kingdom does it most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Protista

Question 13

When interpreting a phylogenetic tree, what does a node (branch point) represent?

Accepted Answer

A common ancestor shared by descendant lineages

Question 14

Which of the following statements about clades is correct?

Accepted Answer

A clade includes an ancestor and all of its descendants

Question 15

A researcher discovers two bacteria: one is an obligate aerobe, and the other is an obligate anaerobe. Which environment would allow both to survive?

Accepted Answer

No such environment exists; their oxygen requirements are incompatible

Question 16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates commensalism?

Accepted Answer

Barnacles attaching to a whale, gaining mobility while the whale is unaffected

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not classified as living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They cannot carry out metabolism or reproduce independently

Question 18

A scientist is comparing two species and finds that they share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with any other species. On a phylogenetic tree, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

They are sister taxa

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium acquiring antibiotic resistance through conjugation

Question 20

A student observes a phylogenetic tree and notes that mammals and birds both have four-chambered hearts. What is the best explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

Four-chambered hearts evolved independently in mammals and birds (convergent evolution)

Biology: Diversity of Living Things — Study Outline

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards