Question 1

Which of the following is NOT considered a defining characteristic of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 2

Which four elements make up approximately 96% of the mass of most living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

Question 3

A scientist observes that a certain organism can grow, reproduce, and respond to stimuli, but it cannot process energy on its own and must hijack the machinery of other cells to replicate. Based on the criteria of life, how should this organism be classified?

Accepted Answer

It is not considered fully alive because it cannot process energy independently.

Question 4

Which statement best describes the relationship between DNA and the unity and diversity of life?

Accepted Answer

The unity of life is based on the universal genetic code, while diversity arises from variations in DNA sequences.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why natural selection leads to evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection favors individuals with advantageous traits, leading to changes in the frequency of those traits in a population over generations.

Question 6

A population of finches experiences a drought that changes the available food sources. After the drought, only finches with deeper beaks survive and reproduce. What is the most likely outcome in the next generation?

Accepted Answer

The average beak depth in the population will increase.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A theory is a substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a testable statement used to build explanations.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of how the scientific process works to generate knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Using deductive reasoning to test a hypothesis through experimentation and observation.

Question 9

Which of the following trace elements is essential for human health but makes up less than 0.01% of body mass?

Accepted Answer

Zinc

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Question 11

A researcher is studying a newly discovered organism. It is composed of cells, can grow and develop, responds to its environment, and uses energy. However, it does not show evolutionary adaptation. According to the criteria of life, how should this organism be classified?

Accepted Answer

It is not considered fully alive because it lacks evolutionary adaptation.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why viruses are often not considered living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Viruses cannot carry out energy processing or metabolism independently.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of evolutionary adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A population of insects developing resistance to a pesticide over several generations.

Question 14

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between atomic number ($Z$), number of protons ($p$), and number of neutrons ($n$) in an atom?

Accepted Answer

$Z = p$

Question 15

A population of African elephants is being poached for their tusks. Over time, the frequency of tuskless elephants increases. Which evolutionary mechanism is most directly responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'descent with modification'?

Accepted Answer

A population of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance over generations.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

If all living things are made of cells, and bacteria are living things, then bacteria are made of cells.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cells in a dead organism are different from those in a living organism?

Accepted Answer

Cells in a dead organism no longer carry out energy processing or maintain internal order.

Unit 1 – Life Starts Small: What is Life? (General Biology Study Notes)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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