Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes a scientific theory from a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad framework supported by a large body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable explanation for a set of observations.

Question 2

A researcher observes that all the swans she has seen are white and concludes that all swans are white. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living things?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 4

In a clinical drug trial, one group receives the new medication and another receives a sugar pill. The group receiving the sugar pill is called the:

Accepted Answer

Control group

Question 5

Which of the following statements about scientific models is correct?

Accepted Answer

Scientific models can only be proven false, never proven true.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy flows from the sun to producers, then to consumers, and finally to decomposers.

Question 7

A student is asked to write the scientific name for humans. Which of the following is correct according to binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Homo sapiens

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

Question 9

Which domain includes organisms that are typically found in extreme environments and are distinguished by their ribosomal RNA sequences?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They recycle nutrients from dead organisms back to living ones.

Question 11

A scientist wants to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, the other does not. She measures plant height after 4 weeks. Which is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Application of fertilizer

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why correlation does not equal causation in scientific studies?

Accepted Answer

Two variables may change together due to a third, unmeasured factor.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The supernatural

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of DNA in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

DNA stores heritable information and instructions for protein synthesis.

Question 15

Which of the following kingdoms consists mostly of decomposers with cell walls made of chitin?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 16

A student claims that because all the mammals she has seen give live birth, all mammals must give live birth. Which logical error is she making?

Accepted Answer

She is making an inductive generalization that may not be universally true.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic classification from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 18

Which of the following is a defining feature of organisms in the Kingdom Animalia?

Accepted Answer

They lack cell walls and depend on other organisms for nourishment.

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the process of photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$} + \mathrm{H_2O} + 	ext{light energy} \longrightarrow 	ext{Carbohydrate (food)} + \mathrm{O_2$}$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus, while eukaryotes have a discrete cellular nucleus.

Principles of Biology: Foundations, Scientific Method, and Classification

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