Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A testable and falsifiable statement about the natural world

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Sweating to cool the body when overheated

Question 3

A student wants to test whether fertilizer increases plant growth. Which is the best way to phrase a testable hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If fertilizer is added to plants, then their growth will increase compared to plants without fertilizer

Question 4

Which of the following is a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms

Question 5

How many electrons are needed to fill the first three shells of an atom?

Accepted Answer

18

Question 6

Which molecule is most likely to dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

C$$_6H$_{12}O$_6$$

Question 7

What is the charge of a valence shell when it is full?

Accepted Answer

Neutral

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why geckos are able to cling to smooth surfaces without suction cups?

Accepted Answer

They use van der Waals forces between their feet and the surface

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a major theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

Gravity

Question 10

Which feature of water molecules leads to its emergent properties?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules form hydrogen bonds

Question 11

How is the number of protons in an atom determined?

Accepted Answer

By the atomic number

Question 12

Which of the following is a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

H$$_2O$$

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of positive feedback?

Accepted Answer

Childbirth contractions increasing in intensity

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between adaptation and acclimation?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation is a long-term genetic change; acclimation is a short-term physiological change

Question 15

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between atomic number ($$Z$$), mass number ($$A$$), and number of neutrons ($$N$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$A = Z + N$$

Question 16

Which of the following is a hydrogen bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom like oxygen in another molecule

Question 17

Which property of water is most important for life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Its high specific heat capacity

Question 18

Which of the following best explains how polarity affects the likelihood that molecules will dissolve in water?

Accepted Answer

Polar molecules dissolve easily in water because water is also polar

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The cohesive behavior of water due to many molecules forming hydrogen bonds

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to form general principles; deductive reasoning uses general principles to predict specific results

General Biology: Foundations, Atoms, and Water Properties – Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions