Chapter 1 General Biology
Reproduction and development
A chicken lays eggs that hatch into young offspring, which undergo cell division and tissue development to become adults.
What is deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)?
A molecule that encodes genetic instructions
Select two scientists that independently developed the idea of natural selection.
Alfred Russel Wallace Charles Darwin
What describes a community?
All the populations of different species that live in an area
Rank the following levels of biological organization from smallest at the top to largest at the bottom. Instructions
Atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ
What are the small chemical units that can combine to form molecules?
Atoms
What is the basic unit of life and consists of a membrane enclosing water, DNA, and other chemicals?
Cell
In reproduction, what is transmitted to the offspring that will determine what the offspring are like?
DNA
molecule
DNA
What biological level includes the living and nonliving components of a particular area?
Ecosystem
What domain is characterized by having unicellular and multicellular organisms whose cells contain a nucleus?
Eukarya
Select all of the characteristics of natural selection.
Genetic variability in organisms is required. It favors adaptations to the current environment.
Fungi
Heterotrophs; obtain food by external digestion
Animalia
Heterotrophs; obtain food by ingestion
Shivering or restricting blood flow to maintain body temperature is an example of what characteristic of life?
Homeostasis
What describes the state of internal constancy maintained by an organism?
Homeostasis
Which of the following is an example of a prediction resulting from the hypothesis, "The room is dark because the light bulb is burned out"?
If I put in a new light bulb, then the room will not be dark.
Select all of the qualities of a valid hypothesis.
It must be testable. It can be rejected.
What happens to a theory when additional observations do not support its predictions?
It weakens.
______ is characterized by cellular organization, energy requirements, homeostasis, reproduction, growth, development, and evolution.
Life
What is a group of joined atoms, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)?
Molecule
Plantae
Multicellular; almost all are autotrophic organisms
Select all the true statements about double-blind studies.
Neither the researchers nor the participants know who received the placebo and who received the the treatment substance. A double-blind study helps avoid bias in medical research.
Select all of the statements that are true about asexual reproduction.
Offspring are virtually identical to each other. Genetic information comes from only one parent.
What is a structure consisting of tissues organized to interact and carry out specific functions?
Organ
Organization
Organ systems are composed of several organs, which are in turn are composed of several tissues, which are composed of cells.
What are membrane-bounded compartments within eukaryotic cells that carry out specialized functions?
Organelles
What group of eukaryotes includes many different unrelated species that are united solely because they are not fungi, plants, or animals?
Protista
______ reproduction increases genetic diversity and is extremely common in animals.
Sexual
What type of reproduction generates genetic diversity by recombining genes from two parents?
Sexual reproduction
What is the science of naming and classifying organisms?
Taxonomy
Select all of the past scientific conclusions that were later revised due to technological inventions and new data analysis methods.
The Earth is the center of the universe. The Earth is flat. All organisms are either plants or animals.
Energy use
The breakdown of food molecules provides fuel to drive the chemical reactions within cells.
Evolution
The genetic composition of a population of foxes changes over time.
Internal constancy
The pH of blood is maintained within a narrow range.
What is taxonomy?
The science of naming and classifying organisms
______ are groups of specialized cells that function together.
Tissues
True or false: A scientific theory is testable and potentially falsifiable.
True
True or false: Some types of plants can undergo asexual reproduction.
True
True or false: The ultimate energy source in most ecosystems is the sun.
True
Protista
Unicellular and multicellular organisms; autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms
The variable of an experiment is
a changeable element of an experiment.
standardized variable
a parameter of the experiment that is held constant
In the scientific method, what is a hypothesis?
a tentative explanation for an observation
A(n) ______ is an inherited characteristic or behavior which enables an individual to survive better than without the inherited characteristic.
adaptation
Flowers shaped for their pollinators, specific camouflaged color patterns of animals, and a beaver's enormous front teeth for gnawing are all examples of
adaptations.
In a scientific experiment, a placebo is
an inert treatment given to the control group.
Both Darwin and Wallace predicted that because a species of orchid on Madagascar had unusually deep nectar tubes, there must be
an insect pollinator with a long tongue to reach the nectar.
Outside of science, the word theory is often used to describe
an opinion.
Select all the types of data and characteristics that scientists can use to help compare evolutionary relationships between organisms.
anatomical features biochemical aspects cellular attributes genetic characteristics
Emergent properties show that biological function and structure
are interdependent.
What type of reproduction passes genetic information from only one parent to the offspring?
asexual reproduction
Select all of the biological levels of organization than occur in single-celled organisms.
atoms cell molecules organelles
Particles that make up molecules are called
atoms.
primary producer
autotroph that obtains energy and nutrients from nonliving sources
Which of the following organisms reproduce asexually?
bacteria
organism
bacterial cell
Investigators in a scientific study should keep an open mind and not allow ______ to cloud their studies.
biases
A level of biological organization called the ______ includes all parts of Earth and its atmosphere where life can survive.
biosphere
What term refers to all parts of the planet that can support life?
biosphere
Select all of the characteristics of variables in an experiment.
can be the response that is measured can be changed by the investigator
atom
carbon
A living thing, or organism, exhibits certain properties of life and is composed of one or more ______, the basic units of life.
cells
In the hierarchical organization of life, tissues are a collection of specialized ______ functioning in a coordinated way.
cells
Life consists of
cells that are organized, use energy, and are able to reproduce.
What is evolution?
changes in genetic makeup of a population over multiple generations
The fact that ______ means that variability in organisms exists, and natural selection can act on this variability.
changes in the DNA sequence arise
What describes metabolism?
chemical reactions that occur within cells to acquire and use energy and molecules
What is the term for all the populations of different species that occupy the same location at the same time?
community
data collection
conducting experiments or discovery-based science
The group in an experiment that is untreated and provides a basis for comparison is called the
control.
The cell's genetic instructions are encoded in a molecule called ______, and these instructions are used to produce proteins and allow the cell to carry out specialized functions.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
If an investigator varies the treatment type for ulcers, the response of patients to the different treatments that is measured is the ______ variable.
dependent
What process describes the cell division and growth of specialized tissues that produces a multicellular organism from a single, fertilized egg?
development
Select all of the following that are ways to collect data in a scientific inquiry.
discovery science experimentation
A(n) ______ study occurs when neither the researchers nor participants know which experimental groups are given the placebo or the true treatment to be tested.
double-blind
An area of forest, including the organisms that occupy it and the nonliving components of its area, is an example of a(n)
ecosystem.
Different components of biological organization can interact to produce more complex functions called ______ properties.
emergent
New complex functions and characteristics that arise when the lower level components of an organism interact are called _____ properties.
emergent
Darwin and Wallace used the theory of ______ to hypothesize that a very long-tongued insect must exist that can pollinate flowers of the Angraecum sesquipedale on Madagascar.
evolution
Natural selection is a mechanism of ______ that selects for adaptations.
evolution
The coloration of a seahorse matches that of its surroundings, which is an example of how
evolution selects for adaptations that improve survival and reproduction.
The change in genes of a population over multiple generations can also be referred to as
evolution.
In the scientific method, a(n) ______ is an investigation carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis.
experiment
Hypotheses are often tested with an investigation called a(n)
experiment.
Some theories, such as the theory of gravity, are so widely accepted that they are regarded as
facts.
Organisms are linked with one another through ______, in which primary producers are eaten by consumers, which are in turn eaten by other consumers, all of which can be decomposed by fungi and bacteria.
food webs
hypothesis
formulating a tentative explanation or statement
In the example of natural selection shown in the image, the mutation in the red cell is an example of the ______ that natural selection acts on.
genetic variation
Each type of organism is assigned a unique, two-part scientific name, which consists of the ______ of the organism.
genus and specific descriptor
In the scientific name Homo sapiens, the word Homo is the ______ of the organism and the word sapiens is the ______.
genus; species descriptor
In multicellular organisms, an offspring undergoes a process called ______, in which multiple rounds of cell division produce a mature individual.
growth and development
organ system
heart and blood vessels
consumer
heterotroph that obtains energy and nutrients by eating other organisms
decomposer
heterotroph that obtains energy and nutrients from wastes and dead organisms
Using a process called ______, living organisms maintain a state of internal constancy or equilibrium, such as a constant range of temperatures, nutrients, or water.
homeostasis
A tentative and testable explanation for an observation is called a ______ and is an essential early step of a scientific study.
hypothesis
The data and results of an experiment may support or reject a(n)
hypothesis.
The low, medium, and high concentrations of vaccine in the experiment shown make up the ______ variable.
independent
In an experiment, the treatment manipulated by a scientist is called the ______ variable, and the response to the treatment measure by the scientist is called the ______ variable.
independent; dependent
It can be difficult to scientifically study events that occurred in the past and that left little evidence because
it can be hard to accurately re-create conditions from the past.
In scientific experiments, more credible results are obtained with a ______ sample size.
larger
In biology, facts and discoveries can be used to ask interesting questions about
life.
If the results of an experiment are completely unexpected, what might scientists do?
make new observations and hypotheses
Biologists begin a study by asking questions and
making observations.
The chemical reactions that occur within cells and allow organisms to build molecules and use energy for their activities are collectively called
metabolism.
One limitation of scientific experiments is that the results can be ______ when an incorrect explanation of the results is proposed.
misinterpreted
Atoms can bond together to form
molecules.
What process favors survival of specific individuals within a population based on inherited characteristics?
natural selection
What theory did Charles Darwin introduce in his book On the Origin of Species in the 1860s?
natural selection
The traits of individuals that have higher reproductive success in a particular environment become more common within a population due to
natural selection.
In the scientific method, the first step is
observations and questions.
After compiling results from experiments or studies, researchers may use tests to determine statistical significance of the results, which is to see if there is a low probability that the results
occurred purely by chance.
Because science is ______, theories can change to accommodate new ideas and discoveries.
open to new information
A leaf is composed of several tissues organized to work together and is a(n) ______ of a plant.
organ
Multiple organs are linked together into
organ systems.
Compartments within cells that carry out specific functions are called
organelles.
A living thing or individual is also called a(n)
organism.
In a new environment, what types of organisms will survive under the force of natural selection?
organisms with the highest reproductive success
What process in a scientific inquiry allows anonymous and knowledgeable scientists to evaluate the validity of scientific papers?
peer review
A(n) ______ is an inert substance given to a portion of the experimental group to act as a control.
placebo
What term refers to members of the same species living in the same place at the same time?
population
Consider a species of frog that lives in many ponds throughout central California. A group of the frogs in one of the ponds, NOT including the other species of organisms living there, is an example of a(n)
population.
Select all of the following that make up a community.
populations of prokaryotes and protists populations of animal species populations of plant species
Theories are not only testable but also suggest
predictions about future discoveries.
In the scientific method, hypotheses should lead to specific if-then statements called
predictions.
Organisms that make their own food by obtaining energy and nutrients from nonliving sources are called
producers.
Select all the questions that are difficult or impossible to answer using science.
questions about morality questions about the meaning of life
Select all of the following that can describe the control group in an experiment.
receives a zero value for the independent variable placebo
Select all of the following that can be limitations to scientific studies.
reluctance to accept unexpected conclusions misinterpretations of results biases of scientists
The production of new organisms that are similar to existing organisms is a property of life called
reproduction.
In most organisms, only some of the offspring that are produced will survive to reproduce because
resources are limited.
The number of individuals examined in an experiment is called the
sample size.
Natural _____ is a mechanism of evolution in which certain individuals from a population exhibit enhanced reproductive success based on inherited characteristics.
selection
observation
sensing or noticing something about the natural world or previous studies
In ____ reproduction, offspring are produced that contain a combination of genetic material from two parents.
sexual
What type of reproduction produces genetic diversity that can be advantageous in changing environments?
sexual
A new combination of traits inherited from two parents is passed to offspring as a result of
sexual reproduction.
In ______ reproduction, offspring are genetically ______ and contain a mix of genes from two parents. In ______ reproduction, offspring are produced from one parent and are genetically identical.
sexual; diverse; asexual
When examining evolutionary relationships, taxonomists strive to classify organisms according to
shared common ancestors.
Select ways that the human body can maintain a body temperature of about 37˚C while outside on a cold day.
shivering diverting blood from the body surface
What is the basic unit of classification and is denoted by a unique two-part scientific name?
species
All of the individuals in the study shown in the picture were infants. This is a(n)
standardized variable.
data analysis
statistical tests and interpretation of results
Results of an experiment are considered ______ if they have a low probability of occurring purely due to chance.
statistically significant
Recent research indicates that animals, plants, fungi, and protists may be organized into ______ within domain Eukarya based on molecular similarities rather than historical classification into kingdoms.
supergroups
Select all of the following that are characteristics of a scientific theory.
supported by a large body of evidence falsifiable encompass multiple hypotheses can be used to make predictions
On a hot day, one way the human body keeps temperature within a constant range is by
sweating.
An organ ______ is composed of several organs that are connected and working together.
system
Advances in ______, such as DNA sequencers and radio-tracking devices, have enhanced biological discovery.
technology
The practical application of scientific knowledge is called
technology.
Data collection may occur by discovery science or experimentation. Select all of the following that are examples of data collection by experimentation.
test of a hypothesis under controlled conditions administering chemicals from tobacco to cells and recording the results
A theory is ______, meaning that it remains accepted but is potentially falsifiable if future tests or observations disprove it.
testable
Evolution has been operating on organisms since
the first cells formed.
independent variable
the manipulated portion of the experiment
The discovery in 1903 of a moth species with a tongue long enough to reach the deep nectaries of an orchid species discovered earlier on Madagascar demonstrates that
the work of scientists can be collaborative.
A(n) ______ is an explanation for a natural phenomenon that has been well tested and ties together many hypotheses.
theory
Biologists would describe evolution as a
theory.
All living organisms are organized into one of ______ domains.
three
Science and technology are often ______ because new advances in one may spawn new advances in the other.
tied together
Organs are made up of
tissues.
Scientists can often ______ in their research, as in the discovery in 1903 of a long-tongued moth predicted to exist by both Darwin and Wallace based on an orchid with a deep nectar tube.
use earlier observations and predictions
In an experiment, the response that an investigator measures and the treatment that an investigator manipulates are examples of
variables.
The scientific definition of theory is "a ______," whereas the nonscientific definition of theory is "a _______."
well-tested explanation; guess
In science, a theory is a broad explanation for a natural phenomenon that is
widely accepted.
If the results of a preliminary experiment support the hypothesis, then the scientists ____.
will not reject the hypothesis.
Select examples of characteristics in organisms that make them well-suited to their environments.
The long beaks of hummingbird pollinators match the shape of tubular flowers. Beavers have large front teeth that are excellent at gnawing wood. An insect is shaped like the leaf of the tree it lives on.
community
the plants, animals, and microorganisms that inhabit a particular field
dependent variable
the response that an investigator measures
What suggests that the current diversity of life evolved from a common ancestor?
the similarities among organisms
The complex properties seen in living things are evidence that biological structure is closely tied to
function.
Select all of the organisms that are able to reproduce asexually.
fungi some plants sponges
In ecosystems, organisms that eat other organisms are called consumers, or
heterotrophs.
ecosystem
organisms, water, air, and nutrients in a desert area
Select all the characteristics of life.
organization reproduction, growth, and development energy use evolution homeostasis, or maintenance of internal constancy
In a process called ______, scientists evaluate the validity of the research in a scientific paper that has been submitted for publication.
peer review
Biologists ask questions about
the natural world and living things.
In the hierarchy of biological organization, an organ is composed of several ______ interacting and working together.
tissues
