Question 1

Which of the following best describes an emergent property in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

The function of the heart arising from the interaction of cardiac cells.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize.

Question 3

A scientist observes that a new species of bacteria can survive in extremely acidic environments. Which characteristic of life does this observation best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis

Question 4

Which of the following correctly lists the hierarchy of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Atom → Molecule → Organelle → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere

Question 5

Which of the following is the best example of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths becomes darker in color after pollution darkens tree bark.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a domain of life?

Accepted Answer

Protista

Question 7

Which kingdom is NOT part of the Eukarya domain?

Accepted Answer

Kingdom Bacteria

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

They recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms.

Question 9

In an experiment testing the effect of water on plant growth, which is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Growth of the plant (height)

Question 10

A scientist wants to test the effect of temperature on alligator egg incubation. Which is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Temperature of incubation

Question 11

Which of the following is a positive control in an experiment testing a new sleeping pill?

Accepted Answer

A patient that falls asleep after taking the standard sleeping pill.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring data that does not fit the hypothesis

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the cell theory is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

All cells arise from functional units.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered alive?

Accepted Answer

They cannot reproduce on their own.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It requires heritable variation in a population.

Question 18

Which of the following is the best example of a control group in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

A group of plants that receives no fertilizer while other groups receive different amounts.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-designed experiment?

Accepted Answer

It ignores data that does not support the hypothesis.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad explanation supported by evidence; a hypothesis is a testable prediction.

Study Notes: Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards