Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a property of life as defined in biology?

Accepted Answer

Ability to move rapidly

Question 2

A scientist observes that a certain plant species only grows in acidic soils. She hypothesizes that soil pH affects plant growth. Which of the following best describes the independent variable in her experiment?

Accepted Answer

The pH of the soil

Question 3

Which of the following statements best distinguishes a scientific theory from a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A theory is broad in scope and supported by a large body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable explanation.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the relationship between structure and function in biology?

Accepted Answer

Structure determines function at every level of biological organization.

Question 5

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth, which group receives the fertilizer?

Accepted Answer

The experimental group

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property?

Accepted Answer

The coordinated contraction of heart muscle cells producing a heartbeat

Question 7

Which domain of life includes organisms with complex cells containing nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Domain Eukarya

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows in one direction, entering as sunlight and exiting as heat.

Question 9

A researcher is studying the effect of insulin on blood glucose levels. According to the information flow in biological systems, which of the following best represents the sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

High blood glucose → insulin release → cells take up glucose → normal blood glucose

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why artificial selection is considered a form of evolution?

Accepted Answer

It results in changes in the genetic makeup of populations over generations.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct statement about the cycling of matter in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Matter cycles from the atmosphere and soil, through producers, consumers, and decomposers, and back to the environment.

Question 12

A biologist is using systems biology to study a disease. Which approach is she most likely to use?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the interactions among all genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways in a cell

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between science and technology?

Accepted Answer

Science seeks to understand natural phenomena, while technology applies scientific knowledge for specific purposes.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of how evolution impacts human life today?

Accepted Answer

The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to overuse of antibiotics

Question 15

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of hierarchical organization in biology?

Accepted Answer

Molecules → organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems → organism

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the flow of information from DNA to protein in a cell?

Accepted Answer

$DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow Protein$

Question 17

A scientist is testing whether a new drug lowers blood pressure. She gives the drug to one group and a placebo to another. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The blood pressure measured after treatment

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct inference from Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of feedback mechanisms in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

They help maintain homeostasis by regulating processes in response to internal and external changes.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the cell is considered the structural and functional unit of life?

Accepted Answer

All living things are composed of cells, and all functions of life occur within cells.

Biology: Exploring Life – Chapter 1 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards