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