Biology Fall Exam Review

During a science fair, Evelyn and Luna were discussing the differences between viruses and bacteria. Which argument correctly compares viruses and bacteria?

• Viruses and bacteria are both living organisms because they are both capable of causing disease.

• Viruses and bacteria are both living organisms because they both contain DNA and are capable of reproducing.

• Viruses are living organisms because they contain DNA and are capable of reproducing inside of a host cell. Bacteria are not living organisms because they are made up of cells and are capable of causing disease.

• Viruses are not living organisms because they are not made up of cells and cannot reproduce outside of a host cell. Bacteria are living organisms because they are made up of cells and do not require a host cell to reproduce.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that viruses are not living organisms as they lack cellular structure and cannot reproduce independently, while bacteria are living organisms that can reproduce without a host, confirming their cellular nature.

Abigail observed a single-celled organism in a pond water sample dividing to form two new cells. This illustrates which characteristic of living things?

• Metabolism

• Homeostasis

• Reproduction

• Water

Answer explanation

The observation of a single-celled organism dividing to form two new cells demonstrates reproduction, a key characteristic of living things, as it shows the ability to produce offspring.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

During a school trip to the zoo, Aria noticed that camels have long eyelashes to keep dust and dirt out of their eyes. This is an example of ____

• Adaptation

• Community

• Diversity

• Instinct

Answer explanation

Aria's observation about camels' long eyelashes illustrates adaptation, as these features help camels survive in their environment by protecting their eyes from dust and dirt.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

In a biology class, Ava learned about certain living organisms that have adaptations helping them survive and reproduce. These traits are selected for and passed from generation to generation, causing the population to change over time to reflect those adaptations. This process is known as

• homeostasis

• evolution

• metabolism

• photosynthesis

Answer explanation

The process described is known as evolution, where adaptations that enhance survival and reproduction are selected for and passed down through generations, leading to changes in the population over time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Lucas walks outside where the temperature is 95 degrees. He begins to sweat and his skin appears red. These responses help his body maintain his body temperature. Identify which characteristic of life this example illustrates?

• growth and development

• reproduction

• genetic information

• homeostasis

Answer explanation

This example illustrates homeostasis, as Lucas's body responds to the high temperature by sweating and reddening his skin to regulate and maintain a stable internal temperature.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

David noticed that when he touched the leaves of a mimosa plant, they closed up. Which characteristic of life is represented by this observation?

• Reproduction

• Evolution

• Response to stimuli

• Contains DNA

Answer explanation

David's observation of the mimosa plant's leaves closing when touched illustrates 'response to stimuli,' a key characteristic of life, showing how organisms react to environmental changes.

Emma is studying viruses in her biology class. She learns that viruses share a certain characteristic with living things. What is this characteristic?

• Cells

• Reproduces asexually or sexually

• Has structures for movement

• Capable of evolving or adapting

Answer explanation

Viruses, while not living organisms, can evolve and adapt to their environments, similar to living things. This ability to change over time is a key characteristic they share with life forms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

During a biology class, Aria was asked to list the functions of different macromolecule classes. For which macromolecule class does Aria list an incorrect function(s)?

• Lipids because they are actually responsible for short-term energy storage.

• Proteins because they are actually responsible for insulation.

• Nucleic Acids because they are actually responsible for the action of enzymes.

• Carbohydrates because they are actually our preferred source of energy and a quick source of energy.

Answer explanation

Carbohydrates are indeed our preferred and quick source of energy, making this statement correct. The other options incorrectly attribute functions to macromolecules, such as lipids and proteins.

During a science fair, Evelyn presents her research on a newly discovered plant that does not require sunlight to grow. She explains that she isolated a unique compound from the plant’s roots. This compound breaks down into amino acids and accelerates the decomposition of organic matter into nutrients for the plant. What type of compound did Evelyn discover?

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic Acids

Answer explanation

Evelyn discovered a protein compound, as proteins break down into amino acids. The unique compound she isolated accelerates decomposition, providing nutrients, which aligns with the function of proteins in biological processes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Avery is planning a long hiking trip and needs to pack food that provides long-term energy. Which macromolecule should Avery choose because of the long hydrocarbon chains it contains in its structure?

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nucleic Acids

Answer explanation

Avery should choose lipids because they contain long hydrocarbon chains, providing a dense source of energy ideal for long hikes. Unlike carbohydrates, lipids store more energy per gram, making them suitable for sustained energy needs.