Question 1

Which of the following best describes an emergent property in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

A property that arises only when individual parts interact at higher levels of organization.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct order of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

Question 3

A scientist is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, and the other does not. Which is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The growth of the plants (measured as height or biomass)

Question 4

Which of the following statements about scientific hypotheses and theories is correct?

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory is a testable explanation for a set of observations, usually supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 5

In the chemical reaction $$4\ \mathrm{NH}_3 + 5\ \mathrm{O}_2 \rightarrow 4\ \mathrm{NO} + 6\ \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}$$, how many oxygen atoms are present in the products?

Accepted Answer

12

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why water is a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, causing unequal sharing of electrons.

Question 7

Which type of bond is the strongest in aqueous (water-based) environments?

Accepted Answer

Covalent bond

Question 8

A cation is formed when an atom:

Accepted Answer

Loses electrons and becomes positively charged.

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of increased atmospheric $$\mathrm{CO}_2 on $$marine ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increased $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ leads to ocean acidification, which decreases carbonate ion concentration and threatens organisms that build shells.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy and cycling of matter in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows one way through an ecosystem, while matter cycles within it.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis that is both testable and falsifiable?

Accepted Answer

If fertilizer is added to soil, then plant height will increase.

Question 12

Which element is the most electronegative and commonly found in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 13

A student is graphing the results of an experiment. Which variable is typically plotted on the x-axis?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why controlling variables is important in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that only the variable of interest affects the outcome.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an isotope?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-12 and Carbon-14, which have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between a polar covalent bond and a nonpolar covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

Polar covalent bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons due to differences in electronegativity.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the scientific process?

Accepted Answer

Science is a way of making observations, asking questions, and testing hypotheses through experimentation.

Question 18

If a phosphorus atom has 15 electrons, how many electrons are in its outer (valence) shell?

Accepted Answer

5

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why matter cycles but energy flows through an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level, but matter is reused in different forms.

General Biology Study Guide: Themes of Biology, Scientific Method, and Chemistry of Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards