BIO122 CH1 BIOLOGY AND ITS THEME

Which of the following is NOT a theme of biology?

• Energy transfer

• Structure and function correlation

• Diversity of life

• Inorganic chemistry

Answer explanation

Inorganic chemistry focuses on non-organic compounds, while the other options—energy transfer, structure and function correlation, and diversity of life—are central themes in biology, making inorganic chemistry the correct choice.

Which of the following best explains the concept of evolution in biology?

• Changes in an organism's environment

• Gradual adaptation and changes in a species over time

• Sudden appearance of new species

• Individual organisms evolving during their lifetime

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Gradual adaptation and changes in a species over time', accurately reflects evolution, which involves slow, cumulative changes in species rather than sudden changes or individual adaptations.

The interaction between organisms and their environment is called:

• Ecology

• Physiology

• Evolution

• Taxonomy

Answer explanation

The interaction between organisms and their environment is studied in ecology, which examines how living things relate to one another and their surroundings. Physiology focuses on bodily functions, evolution on species change, and taxonomy on classification.

What is the fundamental unit of life in biology?

• Atom

• Molecule

• Organ

• Cell

Answer explanation

The cell is the fundamental unit of life in biology, as it is the smallest structure capable of performing all life processes. Atoms and molecules are components of cells, while organs are made up of multiple cells.

Which of the following is the most inclusive level of biological organization?

• Population

• Organism

• Ecosystem

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The biosphere is the most inclusive level of biological organization, encompassing all ecosystems and living organisms on Earth. It includes all life forms and their interactions with the environment, making it broader than populations, organisms, or ecosystems.

Which of the following levels of biological organization is the simplest to be considered alive?

• Molecule

• Organ

• Cell

• Tissue

Answer explanation

The cell is the simplest unit of life, capable of performing all necessary functions to be considered alive. Molecules, organs, and tissues are more complex and cannot independently sustain life.

The idea that the form of a biological structure fits its function reflects which theme of biology?

• Evolution

• Structure and function

• Information flow

• Energy transfer

Answer explanation

The theme of 'Structure and function' in biology emphasizes that the shape and arrangement of biological structures are closely related to their roles and purposes, illustrating how form is adapted to function.

Which of the following is a primary focus of the theme of 'interdependence of life'?

• The way different species depend on each other and their environment

• How organisms are able to store energy

• How cells communicate with each other

• How the structure of DNA is passed to offspring

Answer explanation

The theme of 'interdependence of life' primarily focuses on how different species rely on one another and their environment for survival, making the first choice the correct answer.

Which of the following best defines biology?

• The study of chemicals and their reactions

• The study of life and living organisms

• The study of planets and their motions

• The study of non-living things

Answer explanation

Biology is best defined as the study of life and living organisms. This encompasses various aspects of life, including structure, function, growth, and evolution, distinguishing it from studies of non-living things or other sciences.

Which branch of biology focuses on the classification and naming of organisms?

• Ecology

• Genetics

• Taxonomy

• Physiology

Answer explanation

Taxonomy is the branch of biology that deals with the classification and naming of organisms, making it the correct choice. Ecology studies interactions, genetics focuses on heredity, and physiology examines bodily functions.