Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

A theory is a comprehensive explanation supported by evidence, while a law describes what will happen under specific circumstances.

Question 2

A biologist is testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth. She keeps all variables constant except for the amount of sunlight each plant receives. In this experiment, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sunlight each plant receives

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ability to photosynthesize

Question 4

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'unity of life'?

Accepted Answer

All living things are composed of cells that contain DNA, ribosomes, cytosol, and a plasma membrane.

Question 5

A scientist observes that a certain species of bacteria can survive in extremely hot environments. She hypothesizes that a unique protein allows them to do so. Which step of the scientific method should she perform next?

Accepted Answer

Design an experiment to test the function of the protein in heat tolerance.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Molecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a controlled experiment?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the growth of bacteria in two petri dishes, one with antibiotics and one without, while keeping all other conditions the same.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a domain of life?

Accepted Answer

Protista

Question 9

Which property of life is best demonstrated by a lizard basking in the sun to raise its body temperature?

Accepted Answer

Regulation (homeostasis)

Question 10

A student claims that a virus is alive because it contains genetic material. Which property of life does a virus NOT exhibit, making it generally not considered alive?

Accepted Answer

It cannot carry out metabolism on its own.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between science and technology?

Accepted Answer

Science seeks to understand the universe, while technology applies scientific knowledge to achieve practical goals.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of an evolutionary adaptation?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the steps of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation, Hypothesis, Prediction, Experiment, Analysis

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a heterotroph?

Accepted Answer

A lion eating a zebra

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Panthera pardus

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a theory can never become a law?

Accepted Answer

A theory and a law are different types of scientific statements; one explains why, the other describes what happens.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of an anabolic process?

Accepted Answer

A plant building glucose molecules from carbon dioxide and water during photosynthesis.

Question 18

Which of the following is the best example of a decomposer in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A fungus breaking down dead organic matter.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all cells?

Accepted Answer

Cell wall

Question 20

A researcher wants to test if a new fertilizer increases crop yield. She applies the fertilizer to one field and leaves another field untreated. She measures the crop yield at the end of the season. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The crop yield

Chapter 1: Biology – The Study of Scientific Life

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards