Chapter 1
Investigators want to study the effects of a new growth hormone on genetically identical mice. The use of mice to test a hypothesis is common and they are known as _________ organisms.
model
What are the characteristics of fungi?
multicellular decomposers, molds and mushrooms
What are the characteristics of animalia?
multicellular food ingesters, cats and humans
Defined as variation of life on Earth, _______________ is the number of different __________.
biodiversity, species
The discipline concerned with the development and consequences of biological technology is known as______________.
bioethics
The process of ________ transforms solar energy into chemical energy. a) metabolism b) homeostasis c) respiration d) photosynthesis e) reproduction
D) photosynthesis Explanation Plants and some bacteria and algae are able to capture energy from the sun and transform it into chemical energy.d) photosynthesis
What are the characteristics of a theory?
a) accepted explanations for how the world works b) research has demonstrated that all living things have a common ancestor c) years of evidence have demonstrated that all living things are comprised of cells
Penguins have extra layers of feathers, a layer of blubber, and feet and tails that serve as rudders. Collectively, these ________________ make them suitable for life in a cold, aquatic existence.
adaptations
To understand the levels of biological organization, put them in order from smallest to largest.
atoms, large molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, complex organisms
The purpose of a control group in an experiment is a) to prove the hypothesis. b) for comparison to the other test groups. c) for comparison to the results of other experiments. d) to prove the prediction. e) to control the dependent variable.
b) for comparison to the other test groups. Explanation A control group is used as a baseline comparison group for the test groups.
Many insects do not see into the red color range, and as a result, many insect-pollinated flowers are colors other than red (e.g., purple and yellow). This flower coloration would be considered a(n) _________________ a) mutation. b) mistake. c) adaptation. d) selection. e) competition.
c) adaptation. Explanation Because of their color, flowers are likely to be pollinated and thus pass on their genes. The color trait thus confers an advantage and is an adaptation. There may be more than one gene that codes for this trait.
Which of the following is not true about biodiversity? a) Biodiversity is defined as variation in life on Earth. b) Beetles have the highest biodiversity of all animals because there are more species of beetle than any other animal. c) The impact of human activities on biodiversity loss is one of the most significant bioethical issues that we face today. d) As extinction rates increase, biodiversity increases. e) The biodiversity that we have on Earth is the result of billions of years of evolution.
d) As extinction rates increase, biodiversity increases. Explanation As rates of extinction increase, biodiversity decreases.
Living organisms must constantly take in energy in order to power functions necessary to remain alive. The chemical reactions that involve energy conversion are called a) evolution. b) respiration. c) photosynthesis. d) metabolism. e) homeostasis.
d) metabolism. Explanation Energy conversions, like all other chemical reactions in a cell, are part of a cell's metabolism.
The phrase "common __________ with modification" sums up the process of evolution, which shows that one species can be a common ______________r to several species, each adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions.
descent, ancesto
Didinium are carnivorous protistans that prey on other, slower moving protistans. A student is studying Didinium feeding rates after 1, 3, and 5 days of food deprivation. How should she classify the organism she is studying? a) eukaryotic decomposer b) prokaryotic consumer c) bacterial decomposer d) prokaryotic producer e) eukaryotic consumer
e) eukaryotic consumer Explanation Protista are eukaryotes and carnivores are consumers.
It is estimated that there are as many as 15 million species in the world, all as a result of 3.5 billion years of____________.
evolution
The process in which populations accumulate adaptations over time to become more suited to their environments is called ______________. It is considered the unifying concept of ______________, which is the study of life.
evolution, biology
Human activity has increased the rate of _____________ by a factor of 100 to even 1000!
extinction
These favorable traits cause higher reproductive success and increase the _______________ of these traits from one _______________to the next.
frequency, generation
What are these statements an example of? Suzy notices that her plant has stopped growing and wonders if it could be lack of sunlight. A scientist notices that a certain mold is inhibiting bacterial growth and suggests that the mold is producing antibiotic substances.
hypothesis-plausible explanations for a single natural event
After several generations, one can expect the fish population to have a ______________ portion of orange individuals compared to red individuals.
larger
The process of _________________ explains how a population changes in response to its environment.
natural selection
Fish produce many ______________ that inherit the genes for body color.
offspring
Because fish that are ___________ are more likely to blend in and resist predation, they are more likely to survive to reproduce.
orange
What are the characteristics of protista?
range from unicellular to multicellular, photosynthetic or not, and euglena and paramecium
The systematic way of acquiring knowledge about the natural world is known as ___________. The application of this knowledge for the interests of humans is known as ____________.
science, technology
One subset of the group, Group A, receives the newly developed growth hormone. This group is called a(n)__________ group.
test
One subset of the group, Group C, receives no growth hormones of any kind.This group is called the _________ group.
control
A current biotechnology that is receiving a lot of ethical considerations is the manipulation of genes, also known as ______________________.
genetic engineering
What are the characteristics of plantae?
well-known multicellular photosynthesizers, ferns
Based on the evolutionary tree of the three domains, which of the following is true? a) All three domains have a common ancestor. b) Domain Bacteria and domain Eukarya are more closely related to each other than to domain Archaea. c) The Eukarya have remained the same throughout evolutionary time. d) All three domains are equally related to one another. e) The Eukarya are the common ancestors to the three domains.
a) All three domains have a common ancestor. Explanation All three domains have a common ancestor.
What are the characteristics of bacteria?
a) unicellular prokaryotes that can be found almost anywhere, including soils, water, air, and our bodies b) include examples such as escherichia coli and helicopterbacter pylori
Organisms exhibit ________________ by interacting with and responding to their environment. For example, lizards lounge on rocks in sunny locations to warm their bodies and seek shade to cool their bodies.
behaviors
The only single-celled organisms are prokaryotes, such as archaea and bacteria. a) True because prokaryotes are the simplest cell form. b) True because all eukaryotes are multicellular. c) False because some eukaryotes, including protista, are single-celled. d) False because some prokaryotes are multicellular. e) False because all single-celled organisms are prokaryotes.
c) False because some eukaryotes, including protista, are single-celled. Explanation Prokaryotes are all unicellular, but eukaryotes can be either unicellular or multicellular.
The circulatory system of a whale is considered an organ system because it is composed of different a) cells. b) tissues. c) organs. d) molecules. e) hearts.
c) organs Explanation Organ systems are made up of organs that work together.
Within a population of fish, _____________ exists in the form of body color. Some fish are orange and some fish are red.
genetic variation
True or False: Managing emerging diseases such as SARS is just one of the many challenges facing science today.
True Explanation In the past several years, avian influenza (H5N1), swine flu (H1N1), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have generated a lot of press. These are considered new, or emerging, diseases. Scientists don't know the full extent of how deadly these diseases are going to be.
True or False: The development of new technologies is based on science.
True Explanation Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the interests of humans. Scientific investigations are the basis for the majority of our technological advances. As is often the case, a new technology, such as your cell phone or a new drug, is based on years of scientific investigations.
Which statement regarding the scientific method is false? a) Original hypotheses are formed after an experiment. b) Inductive reasoning is used to form a hypothesis. c) Observations are used to form a hypothesis. d) Experiments need to be repeatable. e) The control and experimental group are identical except for one variable.
a) Original hypotheses are formed after an experiment. Explanation Original hypotheses are formed prior to an experiment, through inductive reasoning based on observations. Inductive reasoning is the process of taking individual observations and weaving them into a cohesive explanation. In a controlled experiment, the control and experimental groups should be the same except for a single factor, called a variable. Experiments should be repeatable, even by different individuals in different places.
Populations of amphibians, including frogs and toads, have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity. A recent study investigated whether problems among the populations have arisen due to poisons from chemicals associated with agriculture. Biologists from the University of Florida collected local adult cane toads (Bufo marinus) from more than 20 different locations. Toads were collected from areas close to agriculture—both large-scale and small-scale farms as well as from suburbs located far from agricultural sites. At collection sites where 50-97% of the adjacent land was farmed, males showed high levels of feminization. Feminized male toads were similar in color to females and had lower levels of testosterone and often had deformed gonads. These changes can lead to sterile males or changes in behavior that prevent mating from occurring. Based on this study, what is the control group? a) male toads collected from the suburbs b) male toads collected from areas near large-scale farms c) male toads collected from small-scale farms d) male toads collected from all the different sites e) female toads that were not collected
a) male toads collected from the suburbs Explanation The control group is the one group that is not exposed to the experimental variable. If biologists are investigating the role of agricultural chemicals, toads from nonagricultural areas would be the control.
Richard is an avid gardener who spends a lot of time caring for the plants in his garden. To minimize damage from pests from his garden, Richard uses a pesticide spray. At first the spray is very effective and kills off most of the insects that he sees on his vegetable plants. However, after a few years of using the same pesticide, he notices that some insects are surviving and continuing to eat his plants. This selection for herbicide resistance in the insects is an example of a) natural selection. b) mutation. c) an adaptation. d) homeostasis. e) a learned response.
a) natural selection. Explanation Natural selection is a process that can lead to changes in the population over time or evolution.
The process of ________ leads to organisms that are ________ that environment. a) natural selection; adapted to b) adaption; evolved for c) homeostasis; suited to d) natural selection; perfect for e) adaptation; only found in
a) natural selection; adapted to Explanation Natural selection leads to organisms that are better suited to the environment, surviving to reproduce.
Which answer choice lists the steps of the scientific method in the correct order? a) observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion, scientific theory b) hypothesis, observation, experiment, conclusion, scientific theory c) conclusion, hypothesis, observation, experiment, scientific theory d) observation, experiment, hypothesis, conclusion, scientific theory e) scientific theory, conclusion, hypothesis, experiment, observation
a) observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion, scientific theory Explanation In a typical application of the scientific method, observations are used to formulate a hypothesis. The hypothesis may then be tested, as in an experiment. Based on the results of the hypothesis testing, a conclusion is made. If a hypothesis stands up to repeated testing and explains many observations, it may be elevated to a scientific theory.
What are the characteristics of eukarya?
a) unicellular or multicellular organisms that contain a membrane-bounded nucleus b) includes examples such as Euglena , photosynthetic protist; Amanita, a poisonous fungi; Gingko biloba, an ancient tree; and humans
What are the characteristics of archaea?
a) unicellular prokaryotic organisms that live in extreme environments. b) thrive in extreme aquatic environments such as thermal vents, sulfur vents, and acidic mines c) include Methanosarcina mazel, a methane-producing organism d) representative of the first cells on Earth
Select all of the following that are characteristics shared by all living things. a) All living things are made up of cells, which are the smallest and most basic unit of life. Cells are comprised of nonliving molecules. b) All living things move around in their environment to obtain food and energy. c) All living things maintain homeostasis, which is the maintenance of internal conditions within certain boundaries. d) All living things acquire materials and energy from outside sources. Plants are the major organisms responsible for harnessing solar energy. e) All living things acquire materials and energy from outside sources. Animals are the organisms responsible for harnessing solar energy. f) All living things exhibit behavior by interacting with and responding to their environment. g) All living things reproduce and develop. Life can only come from other life. Additionally, in all organisms, the DNA is organized into heritable sections called genes. h) All living things have adaptations, which are modifications that make organisms suited to their way of life. i) All living things must eat in order to obtain nutrients needed to grow and develop.
a, c, d, f, g, h
As the environment changes over time, some individuals may possess certain __________________ that make them better suited to live longer and produce more __________________.
adaptations, offspring
Which of the following is not true with regards to extinction? a) Extinction of different species can impact humans. b) All extinctions are caused by human activities such as habitat destruction. c) As many as 400 species per day are lost due to human activities. d) Introduction of non-native species to an area can increase the rate of extinction. e) Extinction is the death of a species or a larger taxonomic group.
b) All extinctions are caused by human activities such as habitat destruction. Explanation Extinction is a naturally occurring event, but human activities often speed up the process.
The beaks of birds are well suited to the type of food they eat. This result arises from a) organisms changing so that they can do things more efficiently. b) adaptations that occur as part of natural selection leading to a closer and closer fit between organisms and their environment. c) birds eating only what their beaks are well suited to eat. d) adaptations only allowing those organisms that are well suited to a food source to feed on it. e) natural selection causing adaptations to develop in the birds to match the beaks.
b) adaptations that occur as part of natural selection leading to a closer and closer fit between organisms and their environment. Explanation Natural selection leads to adaptations, or modifications that make organisms better and better suited to the environment in which they live.
Kevin is studying predator-prey interactions. One day he notices a spider eating a cricket caught in its web. Later that day, a bird eats the spider. Based on the organisms involved in this study, what level of organization is he studying? a) population b) community c) ecosystem d) biosphere e) cells
b) community Explanation Communities include more than one population. There are three populations in this study. All of the organisms in his study are comprised of cells.
Populations of amphibians, including frogs and toads, have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity. A recent study investigated whether problems among the populations have arisen due to poisons from chemicals associated with agriculture. Biologists from the University of Florida collected local adult cane toads (Bufo marinus) from more than 20 different locations. Toads were collected from areas close to agriculture—both large-scale and small-scale farms as well as from suburbs. At collection sites where 50-97% of the adjacent land was farmed, males showed high levels of feminization. Feminized male toads were similar in color to females and had lower levels of testosterone and often had deformed gonads. These changes can lead to sterile males or changes in behavior that prevent mating from occurring. At the end of their study, scientists stated that they had supported their theory that agricultural chemicals cause deformities. a) True based on the data collected during the study. b) False because they would need more data to prove a theory. c) False because they were testing a hypothesis not a theory. d) True because this was a controlled study. e) False because this was a controlled study.
c) False because they were testing a hypothesis not a theory. Explanation Theories are accepted explanations of how the world works and are usually supported by many years of observations and experiments.
As fall approaches, white-tailed deer begin to accumulate a layer of body fat. This is an example of which characteristic of life? a) maintaining homeostasis b) metabolism c) response to the environment d) energy regulation e) organization
c) response to the environment Explanation The accumulation of body fat is the deer's response to the change in temperature.
The findings show that Group A experiences a 20% increase in growth, Group B experiences a 10% increase in growth, and Group C experiences no increase in growth. These results are analyzed to form the ________________ to see if the original ______________ was supported or not.
conclusion, hypothesis
One subset of the group, Group B, receives an already proven growth hormone in order to compare the results with the newly developed growth hormone. This group is called a ________ group.
control
Populations of amphibians, including frogs and toads, have been plagued by disease and high rates of deformity. A recent study investigated whether problems among the populations have arisen due to poisons from chemicals associated with agriculture. Biologists from the University of Florida collected local adult cane toads (Bufo marinus) from more than 20 different locations. Toads were collected from areas close to agriculture—both large-scale and small-scale farms as well as from suburbs. At collection sites where 50-97% of the adjacent land was farmed, males showed high levels of feminization. Feminized male toads were similar in color to females and had lower levels of testosterone and often had deformed gonads. These changes can lead to sterile males or changes in behavior that prevent mating from occurring. Which of the following statements would be considered a hypothesis for this study? a) Amphibian populations are facing problems due to agricultural chemicals. b) Toxins are capable of causing diseases and deformities within many amphibian populations. c) Toads collected from suburbs had fewer deformities compared to toads collected from agricultural areas. d) Agricultural chemicals can cause deformities and feminization amongst cane toads. e) More male toads from the large-scale agricultural areas showed signs of feminization.
d) Agricultural chemicals can cause deformities and feminization amongst cane toads. Explanation A hypothesis is a testable explanation for a natural phenomenon.
Prokaryotes belong to ________ a) Domain Eukarya. b) Kingdom Plantae. c) Kingdom Protista. d) Domain Archaea. e) Kingdom Animalia.
d) Domain Archaea. Explanation Prokaryotic cells are found in two domains, Bacteria and Archaea.
Why is evolution an important process for living things? a) It gives them more traits. b) It gives them the perfect traits. c) It gives them fewer traits. d) It gives them traits that better match their environment. e) It gives them only the right traits.
d) It gives them traits that better match their environment. Explanation As natural selection leads to the differential survival and reproduction of organisms, only those that have traits that allow them to more efficiently use resources pass their traits on to the next generation.
Martin keeps a worm bin in his basement because the worms need cooler temperatures to survive. He feeds them about one pound of kitchen scraps each week. One summer the temperatures rose above the optimal temperature for the red worms (~ 85°F) and many in his colony died. However, those that survive continued to reproduce and within six months his colony was again thriving. The next summer, unusually warm temperatures again cause the basement temperatures to rise above 85°F for two days in a row. Surprisingly, Martin noticed that only a small portion of the worm colony died. What is the best explanation for this? a) After the first summer a new species of worm evolved. b) The worms sensed that the temperature was going to be hot in the future and adapted. c) The worms learned how to tolerate higher temperatures. d) The worms surviving the first year had a higher heat tolerance and passed this trait to their offspring. e) Worms are insensitive to heat changes.
d) The worms surviving the first year had a higher heat tolerance and passed this trait to their offspring. Explanation Animals with favorable traits will survive and pass those traits to their offspring.
Emerging ___________ may result from new and/or increased exposure to animal or insect populations and can be rapidly transported to vast areas because of ___________________.
diseases, globalization
Which of the following examples is not correctly matched with a correct term? a) a herd of bison - population b) a spider - organism c) the flowers and pollinating insects in your garden - community d) a rock garden with various plants and rocks of different sizes - ecosystem e) a desert with little water, high heat, sand, cacti, and some mammals - community
e) a desert with little water, high heat, sand, cacti, and some mammals - community Explanation A desert is an ecosystem as it involves both the living organisms and the physical environment (soil, atmosphere, etc.).
All the chemical reactions that occur in a cell are called a) mitosis. b) photosynthesis. c) cellular respiration. d) energy use. e) metabolism.
e) metabolism. Explanation Food provides nutrient molecules to living things. When cells use these molecules to make their parts and products, they carry out a sequence of chemical reactions, which are collectively known as the organism's metabolism.
A result of the ability to manipulate genes can be seen in the grocery store with ______________________ ____________________- food.
genetically modified
Human activity is increasing the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, resulting in a rise in temperature called _________________. This process is causing disruptions in the normal cycles of the Earth's ___________.
global warming., climate
However, for these processes to continue, living things must maintain ________________, or the maintenance of internal conditions within certain boundaries.
homeostasis
All living things require an outside source of materials and energy. All of the chemical reactions that occur within a cell to provide these materials and energy are called ________________
metabolism
In this manner, _______________ is determining the color of the fish population. This may lead to a new species of fish and contribute to the larger process of _______________.
natural selection, evolution
Put the scientific method in order. ______________-Natural phenomena are watched as they occur _______________-A testable statement is formulated. ______________-The hypothesis is tested by experiment or further observations. _______________-The results are analyzed. The hypothesis is supported. Continue work. _______________-Many experiments and observations support a theory.
observations, hypothesis, experiment/observations, conclusion, scientific theory
The fish population lives on an orange reef bed. Because of this, fish that are _____________ are able to blend in and resist predation.
orange
As the human _______________ grows and demands more resources, biodiversity is threatened by humans modifying _______________ for their own purposes.
population, ecosystems
