Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the five fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They must be multicellular organisms.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All living things are made of cells, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Question 3

Louis Pasteur’s experiment disproved which hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Cells arise by spontaneous generation.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

An explanation for a very general class of phenomena supported by a wide body of evidence.

Question 5

According to the chromosome theory of inheritance, where is hereditary information found?

Accepted Answer

In genes located on chromosomes.

Question 6

Which of the following is a direct result of a mutation in DNA?

Accepted Answer

A change in genotype and possibly phenotype.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?

Accepted Answer

All individuals must be genetically identical.

Question 8

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Question 9

Which of the following best defines 'fitness' in a biological context?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an individual to produce offspring.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A trait that increases an individual's fitness in a particular environment.

Question 11

Which equation best represents the process of DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{DNA}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic classification from broadest to most specific?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

A scientist discovers a new organism that is unicellular, lacks a nucleus, and thrives in extremely hot environments. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 14

Which of the following statements about evolution is correct?

Accepted Answer

Evolution acts on populations, not individuals.

Question 15

Which process is described by the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{Protein}$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

A two-part scientific name consisting of genus and specific epithet.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The change in beak size of Galapagos finches in response to food availability.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a function of ATP in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information.

Question 19

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic. Some bacteria survive due to a genetic mutation. Over time, the population becomes resistant to the antibiotic. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among taxa.

Chapter 1: Biology – The Study of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards