Question 1

Which of the following best describes why viruses are not considered living organisms according to the characteristics of life?

Accepted Answer

Viruses cannot acquire and use energy independently.

Question 2

A scientist observes that a certain plant grows faster when exposed to blue light compared to red light. Which step of the scientific method is this scientist performing?

Accepted Answer

Making an observation

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a controlled variable in a scientific experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth?

Accepted Answer

The type of plant used in all groups

Question 4

Which of the following best illustrates the principle of common ancestry as evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Humans and chimpanzees share over 95% of their DNA.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organism

Question 6

A researcher wants to test the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. She gives the drug to one group and a placebo to another group, but neither the participants nor the administrators know who receives the drug. What type of experiment is this?

Accepted Answer

Double-blind experiment

Question 7

Which of the following statements about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is correct?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus.

Question 8

Which domain of life includes organisms that often live in extreme environments such as hot springs or salt lakes?

Accepted Answer

Domain Archaea

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning in science?

Accepted Answer

Predicting that all mammals have hair because you have observed several mammals with hair.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of mutations in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Mutations create genetic variation that can lead to evolution.

Question 11

A student claims that all living things must be able to move. Which characteristic of life does this statement incorrectly assume?

Accepted Answer

Movement is not a universal characteristic of life.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

The idea that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why binomial nomenclature is important in biology?

Accepted Answer

It provides a universal system for naming organisms.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a principle of science?

Accepted Answer

Supernatural explanations are valid in scientific inquiry.

Question 15

A scientist is testing the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. She keeps all other variables constant except temperature. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Temperature

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a real-world application of evolutionary theory?

Accepted Answer

The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation; a theory is a broad explanation supported by evidence.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback mechanism in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

A human sweating to cool down when overheated

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Organisms with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct application of deductive reasoning in biology?

Accepted Answer

All mammals have lungs. A whale is a mammal. Therefore, a whale has lungs.

Introduction to Biology and Scientific Inquiry: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards