Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a unifying theme in biology?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 2

The functions of an organism are primarily based on the activities of which biological unit?

Accepted Answer

Cells

Question 3

A group of organisms from one species living together in a given environment is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Population

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Molecule, organism, population, community, biosphere

Question 5

A DNA nucleotide is made up of deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and which of the following?

Accepted Answer

All of the choices are correct.

Question 6

The entire set of genetic information in a cell or an organism is referred to as a:

Accepted Answer

Genome

Question 7

Which scientific study best represents an example of a systems biology approach?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the effect of an invading insect that eats oak leaves on the numbers of oak trees and subsequent changes in decomposer fungi in the soil

Question 8

Which statement about the energy radiated from the ears of an elephant cooling itself is accurate?

Accepted Answer

The original source of the energy was the sun.

Question 9

Which example least demonstrates the relationship between form and function?

Accepted Answer

None of the choices is correct.

Question 10

Which kingdom comprises mostly unicellular eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Protista

Question 11

Imagine you have discovered a new multicellular, microscopic organism that swims in ponds and is propelled by cilia. What can you infer about its evolutionary relationships?

Accepted Answer

The presence of cilia shows that it shares a common ancestor with Paramecium and humans.

Question 12

Which statement least describes the practice of science?

Accepted Answer

Science is typically performed alone in the lab.

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of emergent properties?

Accepted Answer

A single neuron can transmit an electrical signal, but a network of neurons can process complex information.

Question 14

Which process is most directly responsible for the diversity of life observed on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 15

If a scientist is using deductive reasoning, which of the following is she most likely doing?

Accepted Answer

Predicting specific results from a general principle

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Structure determines function at all levels of biological organization.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis that could be tested using the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between DNA, genes, and chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Chromosome} = 	ext{DNA} + 	ext{Proteins}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why energy cannot be recycled in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat at each transfer, according to the second law of thermodynamics.

Question 20

A scientist wants to compare the genomes of two closely related plant species. Which tool or approach would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Genomics

Introduction: Evolution and the Foundations of Biology – Study Notes

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