chapter one: the science of biology
which of the following is NOT an example of reductionism? a) analysis of an isolated enzyme's function in an experimental assay b) investigation of the effect of a hormone on cell growth in a petri dish c) observation of the change in gene expression in response to specific stimulus d) an evaluation of the overall behavior of a cell
an evaluation of the overall behavior of a cell
______ is the scientific study of living things.
biology
True or False. Evolutionary conservation explains the diversity of life.
false. evolutionary conservation explains the unity of life.
Plants, algae, and certain microbes harness what kind of energy to produce their own nutrients using photosynthesis? a) Chemical b) Radiant c) Mechanical d) Heat
radiant
A ______, which is the simplest unit of life, is surrounded by a membrane and contains macromolecules.
cell
Which of the following is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms? a) Cell b) Organ c) Tissue d) Population
cell
What type of evidence? The front limbs of humans, bats, birds, and whales all have a similar bone structure. a) fossil record b) comparative anatomy c) molecular evidence
comparative anatomy
evolutionary conservation occurs when a characteristic is... a) important to the life of the organism b) not influenced by evolution c) no longer functionally important d) found in more primitive organisms
important to the life of the organism
True or False. The unity of living systems arises through evolutionary change.
false. diversity of living systems arises through evolutionary change
True or False. Information stored in inorganic molecules is used to direct the synthesis of cellular components.
false. info stored in organic molecules directs the synthesis
True or False. Organisms are closed systems that require an input of energy in order to maintain their high level of complexity and organization.
false. organisms are open systems
True or False. Scientists have successfully sequenced the entire genome of humans but have not yet sequenced the entire genome of any other species.
false. scientists have sequenced the genome of humans and other species.
True or False. The genome is a collection of all the proteins in a cell.
false. the genome is a collection of all the genetic material in a cell.
True or False. Living organisms contain unique chemical elements which are not found in non-living systems.
false. they are made of the same elements found in non-living systems.
What type of evidence? The skeletons of mammals that existed 150 million years ago are different from the skeletons of mammals that exist today. a) fossil record b) comparative anatomy c) molecular evidence
fossil record
______ are short segments of a DNA molecule that govern the characteristics of an organism.
genes
The collection of all the genetic material (the DNA) in a cell or organism is called the ______.
genome
The biological world is organized into many different levels, and each level builds on the level below it. What is the term used to describe this type of organization? a) Linear b) Geometric c) Exponential d) Hierarchical
hierarchical
the organization of living systems is... a) linear with cells at one end and the biosphere at the other b) circular with cells in the center c) hierarchical with cells at the base, and the biosphere at the top d) chaotic and beyond description
hierarchical with cells at the base, and the biosphere at the top
All organisms maintain relatively constant internal conditions that are different from their environment through which of the following processes? a) Metabolism b) Adaptation c) Evolution d) Homeostasis
homeostasis
The process of ______ maintains the correct body temperature and blood glucose levels in humans.
homeostasis
What characteristic of life? The body temperature of a dog is more stable than the temperature of its environment. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
homeostasis
Which of the following would be an example of an objective observation? a) My cat has 4 legs. b) My cat likes to chase mice. c) If my cat has kittens, each one will have 4 legs. d) All cats have 4 legs.
my cat has 4 legs
Darwin's main contribution to biology was which of the following concepts? a) Geometric population increase b) Comparative anatomy c) Heredity d) Evolution e) Natural selection
natural selection
In California, a species of salamanders were geographically separated over time. The group that lived in southern California relied heavily on large gold blotches on their skin that helped to camouflage them from predators. The group that lived along the coast adopted a color pattern that mimicked a poisonous, colorful newt common to that area. Instead of being camouflaged, these salamanders advertised their colors. What type of selection process has occurred over time? a) artificial selection b) natural selection c) experimental selection d) theoretical selection
natural selection
Genes, which are the molecular units of heredity, are composed of specific sequences of four different ______.
nucleotides
You place 15 human cheek cells under the light microscope and visualize each has a nucleus. You then place 25 onion cells under the light microscope and observe a nucleus inside of each one. These statements are examples of which of the following? a) Observations b) Conclusions c) Hypotheses d) Theories
observations
Arrange the following steps of the scientific method in the correct order (start at the top).
observations of the natural world are made a hypothesis is made experiments are conducted hypothesis is supported or rejected
Scientific investigations should begin with which of the following? a) Several hypotheses b) Several predictions c) An experiment d) A hypothesis e) One or more observations
one or more observations
What characteristic of life? The roots of a plant grow toward a source of water. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
sensitivity
Which of the following is a characteristic that all living organisms have inherited from a common ancestor? a) Storage of hereditary information in DNA b) Multicellularity c) Composed of prokaryotic cells d) Ability to manufacture organic molecules using the process of photosynthesis
storage of heredity information in dna
The ______ is the constant source of energy for biological systems.
sun
Which of the following is the constant source of radiant energy for biological systems? a) Sun b) Volcanoes c) Hydrothermal vents
sun
The emerging field of ______ biology focuses on studying living organisms as a whole as well as understanding the workings of the parts of an organism. a) molecular b) systems c) chemical d) reductionism
systems
Which of the following is an example of an emergent property? a) The human heart contains valves to prevent the backflow of blood. b) The human heart is made up of cardiac muscle cells. c) The human heart pumps blood throughout the body. d) The human heart has four chambers.
the human heart pumps blood throughout the body
Using general conclusions to generate specific predictions is a ______ ______ ______.
top down approach
Viruses contain DNA or RNA, but lack genes necessary for metabolism and reproduction. Why are viruses not considered to be alive? a) Viruses do not contain nucleic acids. b) Viruses are unable to reproduce independently of a host. c) Viruses do not contain internal organelles. d) Viruses do not have the ability to evolve in their environment.
viruses are unable to reproduce independently of a host
Most individuals in academia are basic researchers, funded through research grants from agencies or foundations. Based on your knowledge of applied research, an industrial company would most likely employ individuals... a) who develop alternative fuel sources. b) who identify a new species of beetle in the Amazon rainforest. c) looking at novel proteins involved in the development of a neurological disease. d) who document fossils found in a specific archeological expedition.
who develop alternative fuel sources
Recent discoveries of microscopic fossils have extended the known history of life to about... a) 1 billion years ago. b) 4.5 billion years ago. c) 3.5 billion years ago. d) 2 billion years ago.
3.5 billion years ago
Why is it necessary to take an interdisciplinary approach to studying biology? a) Interdisciplinary approaches are required to answer all scientific questions since all disciplines borrow knowledge from each. b) An interdisciplinary approach is the only way we can further our biological knowledge. c) Research methods used to solve many biological questions often require a number of different types of approaches and the expertise of a variety of scientists.
Research methods used to solve many biological questions often require a number of different types of approaches and the expertise of a variety of scientists
Dr. Edward Jenner realized that cows have a disease called cowpox, which is like a disease that infects humans called smallpox; Jenner noticed that milkmaids whose hands were infected with cowpox were not contracting smallpox. Jenner infected a child with the pus from a cowpox blister, and found that the child did not contract smallpox. What is a supporting hypothesis? a) The cowpox virus prevented the smallpox virus from entering the child's immune system. b) The cowpox infection will have no effect on the child's immunity to the smallpox virus. c) The smallpox virus was so similar to the cowpox virus that the child's immune system recognized it and was able to fight it. d) The cowpox infection will prevent the child from being infected by the smallpox virus.
The cowpox infection will prevent the child from being infected by the smallpox virus
You look outside and realize that your grass needs to be mowed. You pick up the container of gasoline and see that you have approximately a third of a gallon left. You hypothesize that this amount will be enough to mow your entire lawn. Unfortunately, half way through mowing your lawn you run out of gasoline. You grumble and think to yourself that the next time you mow the lawn, you hypothesize that you will need to have at least two-thirds of a gallon of gasoline available. How did the results of your lawn-mowing experience influence the validity of your new hypothesis for future gasoline needs? a) The hypothesis was invalidated by your experimental evidence. b) Your prediction proved that your hypothesis is correct. c) Your prediction of future gas needs is based on experimental data and therefore increases the validity of your hypothesis. d) Your hypothesis was supported by trial and error. One more trial added to your data set.
Your prediction of future gas needs is based on experimental data and therefore increases the validity of your hypothesis
Which of the following is required by all organisms in order to maintain their non-equilibrium stable state? a) A constant supply of energy b) A constant supply of inorganic carbon c) A constant supply of proteins d) A constant supply of light
a constant supply of energy
In biology, a theory is best described as which of the following? a) An educated guess that is supported by very little, if any, data b) A hypothesis that has been accepted c) A general principle that is supported by a vast amount of data d) A hypothesis that has been proven correct
a general principle that is supported by a vast amount of data
It is known that many trees lose their leaves in response to decreasing day length. As a result, you think that Gingko trees may also lose their leaves in response to decreasing day length. This statement is an example of... a) deductive reasoning b) an experiment c) a hypothesis d) a theory
a hypothesis
A hypothesis in biology is best described as... a) a possible explanation of an observation b) an observation that supports a theory c) a general principle that explains some aspect of life d) an unchanging statement that correctly predicts some aspect of life
a possible explanation of an observation
A scientific theory is... a) a guess about how things work in the world b) a statement of how the world works that is supported by experimental data c) a belief held by many scientists d) both a and c are correct
a statement of how the world works that is supported by experimental data
The cell theory states that... a) cells are small b) cells are highly organized c) there is only one basic type of cell d) all living things are made up of cells
all living things are made up of cells
Which of the following is not a characteristic of life? a) All organisms are multicellular and grow by producing new cells. b) All organisms maintain relatively constant internal conditions that are different from their environment. c) All organisms take in energy and use it to perform many types of work. d) All populations are the product of evolution and have the potential to continue evolving.
all organisms are multicellular and grow by producing new cells
Based on hierarchical levels of biological organization, which of these choices represents the broadest level? a) endocrine system b) three toed sloths c) school of piranhas d) amazon basin e) jaguars, giant anteaters, macaws, capybaras
amazon basin
Wings of birds and butterflies have similar functions, but different evolutionary origins. They are... a) physiological structures. b) phylogenetic structures. c) homologous structures. d) analogous structures.
analogous structures
Analogous vs homologous structures
analogous: similar functions but different origin homologous: different functions but same origin
You have been assigned to analyze some extraterrestrial material recently collected from Mars. After examining a sample using a microscope you jump up excitedly and shout to your colleagues that you have confirmed the existence of life on Mars. One of your colleagues takes a look at your sample and remarks that all he sees is a single-celled "blob" with little internal structure. Assuming that life on Mars can be classified into similar domains and kingdoms as Earth, to which domain does your "blob" belong? a) Archaea b) Fungi c) Animalia d) Protista
archaea
Living organisms and non-living systems have numerous characteristics in common, but only organisms... a) have the ability to move b) are composed of cells c) are composed of atoms d) have the ability to utilize energy e) have the ability to self-replicate
are composed of cells
Differences in domesticated animals over relatively short periods of time most likely occur through... a) evolution b) artificial selection c) experimental selection d) adaptation e) natural selection
artificial selection
how is the process of natural selection different from that of artificial selection? a) natural selection produces more variation b) natural selection makes an individual better adapted c) artificial selection is a result of human intervention d) artificial selection results in better adaptations
artificial selection is a result of human intervention
Order the hierarchical levels of organization from smallest (at the top) to largest (at the bottom).
atom molecule organelle cell tissue organ
if you found a fossil for a modern organism next to the fossil of a dinosaur, this would... a) argue against evolution by natural selection b) have no bearing on evolution by natural selection c) indicate that dinosaurs may still exist d) both b and c are correct
both b and c are correct
in which domain of life would you find only single-celled organisms? a) eukarya b) bacteria c) archaea d) both b and c are correct
both b and c are correct
the theory of evolution by natural selection is a good example of how science proceeds because... a) it rationalizes a large body of observation b) it makes predictions that have been tested by a variety of approaches c) it represents darwin's belief of how life has changed over time d) both b and c are correct
both b and c are correct
Using specific conclusions to generate general conclusions is using a ______ ______ ______.
bottom up approach
Inductive or deductive reasoning? All mammals, by definition, have hair. Since your pet snake does not have hair you conclude she is not a mammal.
deductive reasoning
Inductive or deductive reasoning? Overwhelming evidence indicates that smoking increases the risk of getting lung cancer. Therefore you conclude that if you smoke your chances of getting lung cancer will increase.
deductive reasoning
All cells contain ______ acid as their genetic material.
deoxyribonuclose
Which of the following are examples of the organ system level of biological organization? a) Digestive system b) Spinal cord c) Coordinating system d) Nervous system
digestive system nervous system
The information stored in DNA is used to do which of the following? a) Provide information about the environment b) Provide the cell with the building blocks needed to synthesize complex macromolecules c) Direct the synthesis of cellular components d) Provide the cell with energy
direct the synthesis of cellular components
Four different nucleotides are found in which of the following? a) Sugars b) DNA c) Proteins
dna
The genetic material of all living things is which of the following? a) DNA b) RNA c) Carbohydrate d) Protein
dna
The information stored in ______ molecules is used to direct the synthesis of cellular components.
dna
Genes govern the characteristics of an organism. Each gene is a short segment of which of the following? a) Lipid molecule. b) Enzyme molecule. c) Protein molecule. d) DNA molecule.
dna molecule
A chemical imbalance in the blood can cause the heart to stop pumping blood, which will have a detrimental effect on other organs. This observation can be attributed to... a) Emergent properties b) Reductionism c) Equilibrium state d) Evolutionary conservation
emergent properties
As complex structures are assembled from simpler subunits, which of the following may develop? a) Evolutionary conservation b) Emergent properties c) Less organization d) Creation of energy
emergent properties
True or False. Different cell types develop in a multicellular organism because each cell has its own unique set of genes.
false. different genes are active in different cells.
As we look at more and more complex biological systems, we can see that they have novel properties, which result from the way in which their components interact. These novel properties cannot be easily deduced from the nature of the components themselves, and are called which of the following? a) Systemic properties b) System properties c) Hierarchical properties d) Emergent properties
emergent properties
In order to assemble complex structures from simpler subunits living organisms need a constant supply of which of the following? a) Energy b) Oxygen c) Membrane receptors d) Entropy
energy
What characteristic of life? In order to carry out essential life functions such as growth, development, and movement, a duck must eat. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
energy utilization
What characteristic of life? In 1980, scientists determined that 2% of the honey bees in Texas had a gene that makes them more aggressive. By 2005, the frequency of this gene in the Texas honeybee population had increased to 15%. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
evolution
True or False. A hypothesis can be proven correct if it is tested enough times.
false. a hypothesis is supported, not proven.
True or False. In science, a theory refers to a tentative idea or educated guess that is supported by very little, if any, evidence.
false. a theory is a general idea supported by a vast amount of evidence
Inductive or deductive reasoning? You dissect ten frogs and observe that each one has one heart and two kidneys. Therefore you hypothesize that all frogs have one heart and two kidneys.
inductive reasoning
Inductive or deductive reasoning? Your roommate takes a daily multivitamin and has had no colds during the past two years. You never take multivitamins and have had three colds during the past two years. Therefore you hypothesize that taking a multivitamin reduces the chances of getting a cold.
inductive reasoning
What is the significance of Pasteur's experiment to test the germ hypothesis? a) it proved that heat can sterilize a broth b) it demonstrated that cells can arise spontaneously c) it demonstrated that some cells are germs d) it demonstrated that cells can arise only from other cells
it demonstrated that cells can arise only from other cells
The molecule DNA is important to biological systems because... a) it can be replicated b) it encodes the information for making a new individual c) it forms a complex, double-helical structure d) nucleotides form genes
it encodes the information for making a new individual
Biology is defined as the scientific study of which of the following? a) Natural laws b) Animals c) Ecosystems d) Life
life
Which of the following best describes the complexity of living systems? a) Living systems are more complex than non-living systems. b) Living and non-living systems have a similar level of complexity. c) Living systems are less complex than non-living systems.
living systems are more complex than non-living systems
Which of the following is not a typical stage of the scientific method? a) Make predictions b) Data analysis c) Making observations d) Make subjective conclusions e) Experimentation
make subjective conclusions
What type of evidence? All vertebrates contain the protein hemoglobin, but the structure of the hemoglobin molecule varies from one species to the next. a) fossil record b) comparative anatomy c) molecular evidence
molecular evidence
Organelles are composed of which of the following? a) DNA b) Molecules c) Cells d) RNA
molecules
Which of the following is NOT a property of life? a) energy utilization b) movement c) order d) homeostasis
movement
What characteristic of life? A cat is composed of organ systems, which are composed of organs, which are composed of tissues, which are composed of cells. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
ordered complexity
In the hierarchy of organization, organs are grouped into larger more complex units called which of the following? a) Tissues b) Organ systems c) Organ complexes d) Cells
organ systems
Molecules may be assembled into a microscopic structure called an ______ which carries out specific functions within a cell.
organelle
Microscopic structures within cells that are specialized to carry out specific functions are called which of the following? a) Tissues b) Organs c) Organelles d) Capsules
organelles
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and algae use energy from the sun to synthesize which of the following? a) Organic molecules b) Water and heat c) Mineral nutrients
organic molecules
Place the levels of organization living things in the correct order, starting with the least inclusive at the top.
organism population species community ecosystem biosphere
A beautiful wood desk you may do your homework on was once a living tree, but after being cut down its tissues died. Now, it only exhibits what property of life? a) Homeostasis b) Organization c) Sensitivity d) Metabolism
organization
Which of the following are not characteristics shared by all living organisms? a) Cellular organization b) Energy use and metabolism c) Development and evolution d) Photosynthesis and multicellularity e) Regulation and homeostasis
photosynthesis and multicellularity
The idea of evolution... a) was original to darwin b) was original to wallace c) predated darwin and wallace d) both a and b are correct
predated darwin and wallace
Experiments are designed to test which of the following? a) Laws b) Theories c) Predictions d) Observations
predictions
Which of the following were the first living organisms on Earth? a) Simple viruses b) Plant cells c) Primitive cells d) Animal cells
primitive cells
A hypothesis cannot be which of the following? a) Disproved b) Supported c) Tested d) Proven
proven
An alien from another planet landed on earth. He is fascinated by cars and is determined to figure out how they work. He decides to disassemble one of them and examine each part independently. He removes one of the tires and proceeds to learn all he can about the tire. He then removes one of the headlights and proceeds to learn all he can about the headlight. What type of approach is this alien taking to learn about the car? a) deductive reasoning b) reductionism c) inductive reasoning d) Emergent properties
reductionism
The philosophical approach of understanding a complex system by reducing it to its working parts is called ______.
reductionism
What characteristic of life? A bacterial cell divides to form two new cells. a) sensitivity b) homeostasis c) ordered complexity d) reproduction e) energy utilization f) evolution
reproduction
What are characteristics of all living things (used by scientists to define life)?
respond to stimuli possess hereditary molecules that are passed to their offspring capable of growth and reproduction
If two molecules isolated from different organisms have very similar structures, the most reasonable hypothesis is which of the following? a) The molecules perform similar functions. b) The molecules perform different functions. c) The organisms live in similar environments. d) The organisms are distantly related.
the molecules perform similar functions
The process of inductive reasoning involves... a) the use of general principles to predict a specific result b) the generation of specific predictions based on a belief system c) the use of specific observations to develop general principles d) the use of general principles to support a hypothesis
the use of specific observations to develop general principles
A biologist finds out that the fruit fly, Drosophila, makes a protein in its eyes that has a very similar structure when compared to a human protein that was just discovered in the newly sequenced human genome. The biologist concludes that the human protein might be important for the proper development and working of the human eye. What unifying theme in biology is illustrated in this example? a) All organisms are made of of one or more cells. b) The information that specifies what a cell or an organism will look like is encoded in their DNA. c) There is a fundamental relationship between structure and function in all biological systems.
there is a fundamental relationship between structure and function in all biological systems
Scientists test a hypothesis by doing which of the following? a) They collect the opinion of other scientists b) They use deductive reasoning c) They propose a theory d) They make and test predictions
they make and test predictions
A ______ is a group of similar cells that act as a functional unit.
tissue
True or False. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
true
True or False. An input of energy is required to maintain the complexity of living systems.
true
True or False. Cells are composed of chemicals and both the structure and function of cells are regulated by the basic principles of chemistry.
true
True or False. Cells process information stored in their DNA as well as information they receive from the environment.
true
True or False. Homeostasis is possible because elaborate signaling networks coordinate the activities of different cells within an organism.
true
True or False. Living systems are governed by the same principles of chemistry and physics that govern non-living systems.
true
True or False. Living systems are the most complex chemical systems on earth.
true
True or False. Molecules in different organisms that perform the same function are likely to have a similar structure.
true
True or False. The energy conversions that take place in living systems are governed by the same laws of thermodynamics that govern non-living systems.
true
True or False. Underlying similarities in biochemistry and genetics support the idea that all life evolved from a single ancestor.
true