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 wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, and the other does not. What is the control group in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The group that does not receive the fertilizer

Question 4

Which of the following statements about scientific hypotheses is correct?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis must be falsifiable and testable.

Question 5

In a mouse experiment, researchers test whether fur color affects predation rates. The percentage of mice attacked is plotted on a graph. Which variable is plotted on the y-axis?

Accepted Answer

Percentage of mice attacked

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to test the effect of one variable by canceling out the effects of unwanted variables.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct statement about the flow of energy and cycling of matter in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows through the ecosystem and is eventually lost as heat, while matter cycles within the ecosystem.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 9

Which of the following is the most electronegative atom commonly found in organic molecules?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar covalent bonds share electrons equally; polar covalent bonds share electrons unequally.

Question 11

A phosphorus atom has 15 electrons. How many electrons are in its outer (valence) shell?

Accepted Answer

5

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction: $$\mathrm{NH_4$^+ + NO_2$^- \rightarrow N_2$ + 2H_2O}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$4\ \mathrm{NH_4$^+} + 5\ \mathrm{NO_2$^-} \rightarrow 4\ \mathrm{N_2$} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why ocean acidification is a concern for marine life?

Accepted Answer

It decreases the concentration of carbonate ions, which are required for calcification by many marine organisms.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the difference between an anion and a cation?

Accepted Answer

An anion is negatively charged and a cation is positively charged.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The structure of a biological component determines its function.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a covalent bond?

Accepted Answer

The bond between two hydrogen atoms in $$\mathrm{H_2$}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of water that results from hydrogen bonding?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main classes of biological macromolecules?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

It is the variable that is measured as the outcome of the experiment.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the periodic table and the elements found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen make up about 96% of the human body.

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

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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