Biology Exam Study Guide (Chapter 1)

How is a community different from an ecosystem?

A community consists of all of the interacting populations in an ecosystem. An ecosystem includes the non-living components that affect life as well as all of the interacting populations in a given area.

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

A primary source is the original material published by the scientists, whereas a secondary source is a description of the original material.

Which of the following lists the steps of the process of science in correct order?

All scientific investigations start with observations. Though the scientific method is often presented in linear steps, the actual process of science is more flexible to allow for the necessary actions to best test a hypothesis.

A scientist has collected data on the stomach contents of raccoons. He finds that they eat marsh grasses, crayfish, clams, insects, and food items discarded by people. What type of graph would be the best way to show the percentages of each of the components of the raccoons' diet?

Pie charts are effective in presenting percentages of a whole.

In all muscle cells, two kinds of protein filaments slide past each other to shorten the muscle cell and generate force. What broad theme of biology does muscle illustrate?

Structure and function

Which of the following is not a characteristic of life?

The ability to move

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the process of science?

The process of science involves testing hypotheses, but also phases of exploration, communication and societal outcomes.

If you were to combine all of the ecosystems on the planet, you would obtain the ________.

biosphere

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observations and experiments, is referred to as a(n) ________.

theory

A controlled experiment is one in which ________.

there are at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment Submit

Which of the following is the correct organizational hierarchy, from largest to smallest, in the hierarchical order of life? (Some levels have been omitted, so you are looking for the correct order.)

Ecosystem Community Population Organ Tissue Cell Molecule Atom

Is a virus considered alive?

No, it does not possess all of the requirements for life.

Which of the following statements cannot be tested by science?

It is wrong that male lions kill baby lions when taking over a new pride.

A recent commercial advertised for a wristband that claimed to restore health and balance by taking advantage of natural frequencies of your biofield. It supports its claim by showing several people first struggling to balance without the wristband and then balancing fine with the wristband. Why should you be skeptical of the claims made in this commercial?

It was not a controlled study, but rather an anecdotal evidence.

How is life defined?

Life is defined through a set of shared characteristics that all living things display.

What is typically the first step in the scientific method?

Making an observation

A population consists of ________.

a group of interacting individuals of one species