Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Ability to perform photosynthesis

Question 2

Measles is considered highly contagious. Which factor contributes MOST to its rapid spread in populations?

Accepted Answer

It is transmitted by airborne droplets and can infect before symptoms appear

Question 3

Which viral structure is best described as having a protein coat surrounding its genetic material and a lipid membrane derived from the host cell?

Accepted Answer

Enveloped

Question 4

Which process allows bacteria to acquire new genetic material from their environment, increasing genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Transformation

Question 5

According to the endosymbiont theory, which evidence supports the idea that mitochondria originated from aerobic bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have circular DNA similar to bacteria

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why RNA is thought to have been the first genetic material?

Accepted Answer

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions

Question 7

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles

Question 8

Which adaptation allowed plants to colonize land and avoid desiccation?

Accepted Answer

Formation of a waxy cuticle

Question 9

Which process in the viral life cycle involves the integration of viral DNA into the host genome, allowing the virus to remain dormant?

Accepted Answer

Lysogenic cycle

Question 10

Which equation correctly represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$

Question 11

Which of the following is a derived trait of land plants that helps prevent water loss?

Accepted Answer

Waxy cuticle

Question 12

Which of the following is a major function of fungal hyphae?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of nutrients

Question 13

Which of the following statements about prions is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Prions are infectious proteins that lack nucleic acids

Question 14

Which of the following is a key event in the evolution of vertebrates?

Accepted Answer

Development of a backbone (vertebral column)

Question 15

Which process allows for the rapid reproduction and genetic variation in prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Binary fission and horizontal gene transfer

Question 16

Which of the following is a major adaptation that allowed amphibians to colonize land?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of lungs

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of fruits in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging seed dispersal by animals

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the origin of self-replicating molecules on primitive Earth?

Accepted Answer

Catalytic properties of RNA

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between archaea and bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Archaea have cell walls that are chemically distinct from those of bacteria

Question 20

Which of the following is a derived trait of gymnosperms?

Accepted Answer

Production of seeds without fruit

General Biology Study Notes: Viruses, Evolution, Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Plants, Fungi, and Animal Diversity

Study Guide - Practice Questions