Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation, while a scientific theory is a well-supported, broad explanation backed by evidence.

Question 2

A researcher wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following best describes a properly controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

Some plants receive the new fertilizer, while others do not, and only the type of fertilizer is changed between groups.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative variable in a biological experiment?

Accepted Answer

The height of a plant measured in centimeters

Question 4

Why have scientists reconsidered the classification of red pandas and giant pandas?

Accepted Answer

DNA evidence showed closer relation to different groups, leading to reclassification.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the collaborative nature of science?

Accepted Answer

Scientists share results, peer review, and build on each other's work.

Question 6

Which of the following is a product of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of bacteria that becomes resistant to antibiotics over time.

Question 7

Artificial selection differs from natural selection in that:

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection involves humans choosing desirable traits, while natural selection involves the environment selecting traits.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Question 9

How does DNA determine an organism's structures and functions?

Accepted Answer

DNA codes for proteins that carry out specific functions and build structures.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The shape of an enzyme's active site allows it to catalyze a specific reaction.

Question 11

In an ecosystem, which of the following statements about energy and nutrients is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows one way, while nutrients cycle.

Question 12

A scientist is using systems biology to study a disease. Which approach is most consistent with systems biology?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the interactions between genes, proteins, and pathways using computational models.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a repetitive process in science?

Accepted Answer

Repeating experiments to verify results.

Question 14

A student claims that the more leaves a plant has, the more sunlight it can absorb. Which scientific process would best test this claim?

Accepted Answer

Conducting an experiment with a control group and only changing the number of leaves.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a process variable in natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The environmental factors that favor certain traits, leading to increased survival and reproduction.

Question 16

Which scenario best demonstrates the use of big data in systems biology?

Accepted Answer

Using computer models to predict how changes in one gene affect the entire metabolic network.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of structure fitting function?

Accepted Answer

The flat, broad surface of a leaf maximizing light absorption for photosynthesis.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why nutrients cycle in an ecosystem but energy does not?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients are reused by organisms, while energy flows from the sun and is lost as heat.

Question 19

A scientist discovers a new enzyme and wants to determine its function. Which approach best utilizes the relationship between structure and function?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the enzyme's three-dimensional shape to predict which substrate it binds.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of how natural selection can impact agriculture?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of crop pests that are resistant to commonly used pesticides.

Foundations and Unifying Themes in General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions