Q: Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

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

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a property of life?

Accepted Answer

Ability to move independently

Question 2

According to cell theory, which statement is correct?

Accepted Answer

All living organisms are composed of one or more cells

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Cell, tissue, organ, organism, population, community, ecosystem

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a prokaryotic organism?

Accepted Answer

Bacterium

Question 5

Which statement best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?

Accepted Answer

They cannot reproduce independently without a host cell

Question 6

A scientist discovers a new organism that uses sunlight for energy and carbon dioxide as a carbon source. This organism is best classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the central dogma of molecular biology?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback loop in homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

Shivering to increase body temperature when cold

Question 9

Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for the random loss of alleles in a small population after a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a monophyletic group on a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants

Question 11

Why do some viruses, such as influenza, require annual vaccination while others, like measles, do not?

Accepted Answer

Influenza viruses mutate rapidly, altering their surface proteins

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a morphological adaptation?

Accepted Answer

The long neck of a giraffe

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates the difference between acclimation and adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A person developing a tan after sun exposure is acclimation; a population evolving darker skin over generations is adaptation

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct way to write the scientific name for humans using binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

$$	extit{Homo sapiens}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between Linnaeus’ classical hierarchy and modern phylogeny?

Accepted Answer

Modern phylogeny uses molecular and morphological data, while Linnaeus’ system relied mainly on physical traits

Question 16

Which of the following is an emergent property?

Accepted Answer

The ability of a heart to pump blood, which arises from the interaction of cardiac cells

Question 17

A phylogenetic tree shows that whales and hippos share a recent common ancestor, but dolphins and sharks do not. The similarity in body shape between dolphins and sharks is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution

Question 18

Which of the following best describes a mixotroph?

Accepted Answer

An organism that can obtain energy and carbon from both autotrophic and heterotrophic sources

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a positive feedback loop?

Accepted Answer

Release of oxytocin during childbirth to intensify contractions

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce

Study Guide: Properties of Life, Viruses, Evolution, and Phylogeny

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