Characteristics of Life Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes growth from development in living organisms?

Growth pertains to reproduction, while development relates to homeostasis.

Growth increases size, while development involves specialization. (correct)

Growth and development both refer to gaining energy.

Growth involves specialization, while development increases size.

Which of the following statements about cells is true?

Eukaryotic cells do not contain DNA.

Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles.

Unicellular organisms are made of a single cell. (correct)

All living things contain only eukaryotic cells.

Which process is NOT a way that living organisms maintain homeostasis?

Sweating to cool down the body.

Shivering when cold.

Panting after exercise.

Reproducing offspring. (correct)

What is the primary role of autotrophs in an ecosystem?

To produce their own food using energy sources. Signup and view all the answers

What defines asexual reproduction?

The production of offspring by one organism alone. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes evolution?

Adaptation to environments affecting future generations' DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of organization represents the simplest form of life?

Cell Signup and view all the answers

How do heterotrophs obtain their energy?

By consuming other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step of the scientific method?

Determine the problem or question. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the control group in an experiment?

To maintain consistency and serve as a baseline. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes an experimental variable?

A variable that changes throughout the experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What should a conclusion based on data collected from an experiment accomplish?

State whether the hypothesis is supported or disproven. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between a hypothesis and a theory?

A hypothesis becomes a theory once it is supported by evidence over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a graph indicates what the graph is about?

The title. Signup and view all the answers

How should the scales for each variable on a graph be determined?

They should allow for easy visualization of the data. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'outlier' in a data set?

A value that significantly differs from other observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting data during an experiment?

To measure outcomes of experimental variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the dependent variable is correct?

It is recorded and measured throughout the experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What information does the legend of a graph provide?

A brief description of the graph’s data. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Life

Growth and Development: Living things increase in size (quantitative change) and become more complex (qualitative change). Unicellular and multicellular organisms both grow and develop.
Made of Cells: All living things are composed of cells. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells exist. All cells contain DNA.
Levels of Organization: Life exists from the simplest (atom, molecule, organelle) to most complex levels (cell, tissue, organ, organ system, etc.). Unicellular organisms are the simplest life form.
Respond to Stimuli: Organisms react to changes in their internal or external environment, such as maintaining a stable internal state (homeostasis) despite fluctuations externally (e.g., sweating, shivering).
Require Energy: Organisms obtain energy through different processes. Autotrophs produce their own food (e.g., through photosynthesis) while heterotrophs consume other organisms (e.g., herbivores, carnivores, omnivores).
Reproduction and Evolution: Organisms reproduce to create offspring. Reproduction, though not essential to an individual's survival, is vital to the species. Extinction occurs when a species ceases to exist. Asexual and sexual reproduction exist. Evolution is the adaptation of organisms to their environment over time.

Scientific Method

Problem/Question: Scientists begin with a question or observation.
Hypothesis: A testable, educated guess about the relationship between variables. Hypothesis format: “If...then..." A hypothesis cannot be proved true but it can be supported or disproven.
Experiment Design: An experiment should test the stated hypothesis by measuring outcomes in an experimental and control group.
Variables: Components that change in an experiment. Independent variable (what the scientist changes), dependent variable (what is measured as a result). Control groups remain stable, but for control variables all other factors are held constant.
Data Collection: Gathering data on the dependent variable during the experiment.
Conclusions: Assess data to determine if it supports or rejects the hypothesis and potentially refines the idea. Multiple tests/results leading to significant support lead to a theory.
Graphing: Presenting data visually to identify trends. Data points are plotted on a graph with scales for each variable, a title and a legend describing the trends. Mean, median, mode, outlier are described.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental characteristics that define living organisms. This quiz covers topics such as growth, cellular composition, levels of organization, response to stimuli, and energy requirements. Prepare to enhance your understanding of what makes life unique!