Question 1

Which of the following best describes the scientific consensus-building process?

Accepted Answer

Arguments are won with evidence, and consensus allows progress in science.

Question 2

Which element makes up the largest percentage of the human body by mass?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen

Question 3

A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 10 years. If a sample originally contains 80 grams, how much will remain after 30 years? Use the formula $N = N_0 	imes (\frac{1}{2})^{t/	au}$, where $N_0$ is the initial amount, $t$ is time, and $	au$ is the half-life.

Accepted Answer

10 grams

Question 4

Which of the following statements about isotopes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Isotopes of an element have different numbers of neutrons.

Question 5

Why do scientists believe that extraterrestrial life, if it exists, is likely to be based on water and carbon?

Accepted Answer

Water and carbon form the basis of complex chemistry necessary for life as we know it.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept that 'function arises from structure' in biology?

Accepted Answer

The double helix structure of DNA enables it to store genetic information.

Question 7

A patient is injected with a radioactive glucose tracer for a PET scan. Which property of isotopes makes this possible?

Accepted Answer

Radioactive isotopes emit detectable particles as they decay.

Question 8

If the nucleus of an atom were the size of a tennis ball, approximately how large would the electron cloud be in comparison?

Accepted Answer

The size of a period at the end of a sentence, about 5 football fields away

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the origin of elements in your body?

Accepted Answer

Most hydrogen in your body was formed during the Big Bang, while heavier elements were formed in stars.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between atoms, molecules, and cells?

Accepted Answer

Cells are made of molecules, which are made of atoms.

Question 11

A scientist is using carbon-14 to date an ancient bone. If the half-life of carbon-14 is 5,730 years and only 25% of the original carbon-14 remains, approximately how old is the bone? Use $N = N_0 	imes (\frac{1}{2})^{t/	au}$.

Accepted Answer

11,460 years

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a major element found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why most of the mass of an atom is concentrated in its nucleus?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus contains protons and neutrons, which are much more massive than electrons.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world application of radioactive isotopes in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Using radioactive tracers to image metabolic activity in tissues

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the 'mechanical perspective' in biology?

Accepted Answer

Life processes can be explained by the interactions of atoms and molecules.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about entropy and life?

Accepted Answer

Living systems create order locally by increasing entropy elsewhere.

Question 17

Which of the following is a trace element in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why arguing without evidence is unproductive in science?

Accepted Answer

Because consensus in science is built on measurable evidence.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the scale of time and space relevant to understanding life at the molecular level?

Accepted Answer

Processes occur over nanoseconds and nanometers.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Big Bang and the elements in your body?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen and most helium were formed in the Big Bang; heavier elements were formed in stars.

Introduction to General Biology: Foundations, Scope, and Scientific Thinking

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