Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of life according to the principles discussed in BIOL 204?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

A scientist observes that whale fossils are found on land in San Diego. Which step of the scientific method does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Question 3

Which of the following statements best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A highly probable, well-tested and substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon based on a large collection of observations and experiments

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a falsifiable scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate ice cream is healthier than vanilla because it has more antioxidants

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homeostasis in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

An elephant shivering when cold to maintain its internal temperature

Question 6

Why is repeatability important in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that observations can be independently verified by others

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence of steps in the hypothetico-deductive scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Empirical Test → Conclusion

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of methodological naturalism in science?

Accepted Answer

Studying the rocks containing marine fossils to determine if San Diego was once covered by ocean

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It must be proven true

Question 10

A student claims that all living things must be multicellular. Which principle of biology does this statement contradict?

Accepted Answer

All living things consist of cells, which may be unicellular or multicellular

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

A law describes what happens; a theory explains why it happens

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of evolution as a characteristic of life?

Accepted Answer

Seahorses that blend in with their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce

Question 13

Which equation best represents the concept of energy transfer in living systems, where some energy is lost as heat?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{in} = E_{useful} + E_{heat}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a population in biological organization?

Accepted Answer

All the elephants in a savanna

Question 15

A scientist wants to test the hypothesis that marine rocks in San Diego contain whale fossils. Which is the best empirical test?

Accepted Answer

Examining the rocks for the presence of marine fossils

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about science?

Accepted Answer

Science can prove anything with 100% certainty

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the principle of order in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Living things are organized into hierarchical levels such as molecules, cells, tissues, organs, populations, and ecosystems

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for rejecting a scientific study?

Accepted Answer

Results are published in a peer-reviewed journal

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why hypotheses can never be proven, only rejected?

Accepted Answer

Because new evidence may arise that contradicts the hypothesis

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Water boils at $$100^\circC at $$standard atmospheric pressure

Principles of Organismal Biology: Introduction and Foundations

Study Guide - Practice Questions