Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

A scientist discovers a new organism that is made of many cells, consumes other organisms for energy, and can reproduce sexually. Which of the following characteristics must also be present for it to be classified as living?

Accepted Answer

It must maintain homeostasis.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

They cannot reproduce on their own without a host cell.

Question 4

Which level of biological organization is directly above 'cells' and directly below 'organs'?

Accepted Answer

Tissues

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

A human sweating to cool down when body temperature rises.

Question 6

Which statement about DNA is correct for all living things?

Accepted Answer

DNA contains the universal genetic code.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a heterotroph?

Accepted Answer

A mushroom decomposing dead leaves for nutrients.

Question 8

During which process does a single cell make an exact copy of its DNA and divide to form two identical cells?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis

Question 9

Which of the following best describes adaptation in a population?

Accepted Answer

A heritable trait becomes more common in a population over generations due to environmental pressures.

Question 10

In the case of the rock pocket mice, what is the selective advantage of having dark fur on black lava rocks?

Accepted Answer

It provides camouflage from predators, increasing survival.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a stimulus that an organism might respond to?

Accepted Answer

A sudden drop in environmental temperature

Question 12

Which process results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent?

Accepted Answer

Asexual reproduction

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why blood pressure must be regulated in humans?

Accepted Answer

To maintain homeostasis and prevent damage to blood vessels

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the universal genetic code?

Accepted Answer

It is present in all living organisms, including bacteria.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of differentiation in multicellular organisms?

Accepted Answer

Cells become specialized to perform different functions.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the pairing of DNA bases in the universal genetic code?

Accepted Answer

$$A = T, C = G$$

Question 17

A population of moths in an industrial city changed from mostly light-colored to mostly dark-colored over several decades. What is the most likely explanation for this change?

Accepted Answer

Environmental changes favored dark moths, which survived and reproduced more.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of an autotroph?

Accepted Answer

A tree using sunlight to make glucose

Question 19

Which of the following best describes evolution?

Accepted Answer

A change in the genetic makeup of a population over generations

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the inheritance of traits?

Accepted Answer

Only traits coded in DNA can be inherited by offspring.

Characteristics of Living Things: General Biology Study Notes

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