$$ \text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein} $$

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the five fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They are capable of conscious thought.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the cell theory?

Accepted Answer

All organisms are made up of cells, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Question 3

Pasteur’s experiment with swan-necked flasks provided evidence against which hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous generation

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why DNA can be accurately copied during cell division?

Accepted Answer

Base pairing between A-T and C-G allows each strand to serve as a template.

Question 5

According to the central dogma, what is the correct flow of genetic information in cells?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{DNA} ightarrow 	ext{RNA} ightarrow 	ext{Protein} $$

Question 6

A mutation changes the DNA sequence in a gene. What is the most likely consequence of this change?

Accepted Answer

It may alter the protein produced, potentially affecting the organism’s traits.

Question 7

Which molecule is the primary energy currency in cells, used to power most cellular processes?

Accepted Answer

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Question 8

Plants and some bacteria can produce sugar using energy from sunlight. What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 9

Which of the following is required for natural selection to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

Individuals must vary in heritable traits that affect reproductive success.

Question 10

In a population of finches, small, pointed beaks became more common after a period of increased rainfall. What concept does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation through natural selection

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species based on common ancestry.

Question 12

Which domain includes organisms with a nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 13

Which taxonomic category is the most inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain

Question 14

What is the correct format for writing a scientific name?

Accepted Answer

Genus capitalized, species lowercase, both italicized (e.g., Homo sapiens)

Question 15

Which of the following is a key feature of a good experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Including a control group to account for other factors

Question 16

In the desert ant experiment, what was the main conclusion about how ants navigate back to their nest?

Accepted Answer

Ants use stride length and number of steps to calculate distance.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

An explanation for a broad class of phenomena supported by a wide body of evidence.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Giraffes have long necks because longer-necked males win more fights and father more offspring.

Question 19

If two species have very similar DNA sequences, what does this suggest about their evolutionary relationship?

Accepted Answer

They share a recent common ancestor.

Question 20

Which of the following is a prediction that could be tested in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

If ants’ stride length is shortened, they will stop short of their nest.

Biology: The Study of Life – Chapter 1 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions