Question 1

Which of the following best describes the biosphere in the hierarchy of biological organization?

Accepted Answer

All the environments of Earth that support life

Question 2

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells are generally larger and have a nucleus

Question 3

A scientist observes that a plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. Which step of the scientific method is this?

Accepted Answer

Making an observation

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Lowered blood glucose reduces insulin secretion

Question 5

What is the correct order of the taxonomic classification system from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

Which of the following best defines evolution?

Accepted Answer

The change in the genetic composition of a population from generation to generation

Question 7

A hypothesis must be:

Accepted Answer

Testable and falsifiable

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

If all observed swans are white, then all swans are white

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of DNA in cells?

Accepted Answer

It contains genetic material that is passed from parent to offspring

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the growth of plants with and without fertilizer under identical conditions

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct representation of the first law of thermodynamics as it applies to biology?

Accepted Answer

$$ \Delta E = Q - W $$

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct example of binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Homo sapiens

Question 14

Which of the following is a key observation that led Darwin to propose the theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Populations have variations in inherited traits

Question 15

In a scientific experiment, what is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The variable that is predicted to be affected in response

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of positive feedback in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Blood clotting where the end product speeds up its own production

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the scientific method is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a flexible process that may not follow all steps in order

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A population of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics over time

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why a hypothesis can never be proven, only supported?

Accepted Answer

There may be alternative explanations that have not been tested

Chapter 1: Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions