Biology Chapter 1: Living Organisms and Theories

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT considered a fundamental characteristic shared by all living organisms?

Cells
Energy
Information
Adaptation (correct)

The term 'theory' in science differs from its everyday usage. What does 'theory' refer to in a scientific context?

A well-supported explanation for a wide range of phenomena (correct)
A set of facts that are generally accepted
A speculation or guess about a phenomenon
A hypothesis that has not yet been tested

Which scientific theory explains how hereditary information is passed from one generation to the next?

Germ theory of disease
Chromosome theory of inheritance (correct)
Cell theory
Theory of evolution by natural selection

Who is credited with the first observation of single-celled organisms, often referred to as 'animalcules'?

Anton van Leeuwenhoek (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the relationship between the Cell theory and the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection?

The theory of evolution by natural selection provides a framework for understanding the diversity of life observed in cells. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a testable statement, while a theory explains a broad pattern. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key challenge to the existing theory of spontaneous generation?

The observation that cells come from pre-existing cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Louis Pasteur's experiment contribute to the understanding of cell theory?

He designed an experiment that conclusively proved that life arises only from other life. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate explanation for how life arose on Earth?

Life arose from non-living matter through a process of chemical evolution. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cell division in the context of life?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a population?

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of natural selection?

The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main conditions that must be met for natural selection to occur?

Individuals must vary in heritable traits and certain traits must contribute to higher reproductive success. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which populations diverge to form new species?

Speciation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships between species. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of information used to create a phylogenetic tree?

DNA data. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of fewer sequence variations between two species' DNA?

The two species are more closely related. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the DNA sequences provided, which species is more closely related to the land plant?

Green algae. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between DNA and RNA?

DNA codes for RNA, which in turn codes for proteins. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of proteins in cells?

To provide structural support and catalyze chemical reactions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly pairs the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G). (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central dogma in molecular biology?

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the double-helix structure of DNA?

It allows for the efficient replication of DNA, preserving the genetic information. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the two strands of DNA within a double helix?

They have opposite orientations, running in opposite directions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells?

ATP is a primary energy source for cellular processes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of genetic variation that drives evolution?

Random mutations in DNA. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a scientific hypothesis?

It is always proven to be true. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the pedometer hypothesis, how do desert ants navigate back to their nest?

They count their steps and know the length of their stride. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the null hypothesis in a scientific experiment?

To state what should be observed if the experimental hypothesis is incorrect. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In Wittlinger's experiment, what was the independent variable?

The length of the ants' legs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a valid way to test the pedometer hypothesis?

Comparing the number of steps taken by ants with different leg lengths. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes have a nucleus, while eukaryotes do not. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Tree of Life?

It shows the evolutionary relationships between all living organisms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Common Ancestry

Species are related through shared ancestors.

Descent with Modification

The concept that species change through generations.