Biology Quiz Ch 1-5

What is the scientific study of life?

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Biology

• Astronomy

Answer explanation

The scientific study of life is called Biology. It encompasses the study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, and evolution, distinguishing it from other sciences like Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy.

Tags

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Which of the following is a sign of life?

• Living things do not use energy

• Living things are composed of cells

• Living things do not reproduce

• Living things do not respond to stimuli

Answer explanation

Living things are composed of cells is a fundamental characteristic of life. The other options incorrectly state that living things do not use energy, reproduce, or respond to stimuli, which are all essential signs of life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Which of the following is NOT a unifying theme in biology?

• Organization

• Information

• Gravity

• Evolution

Answer explanation

Gravity is a physical force and not a biological theme. The unifying themes in biology include Organization, Information, and Evolution, which describe the principles that govern living systems.

Tags

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What is reductionism in the context of biological organization?

• An approach that increases complexity

• An approach that reduces complex systems to simple components

• An approach that ignores simple components

• An approach that focuses only on the biosphere

Answer explanation

Reductionism in biology refers to breaking down complex systems into simpler components for better understanding. Thus, the correct choice is 'An approach that reduces complex systems to simple components'.

Which of the following is the highest level of biological organization?

• Cells

• Organelles

• The Biosphere

• Molecules

Answer explanation

The highest level of biological organization is the Biosphere, which encompasses all ecosystems and living organisms on Earth. In contrast, cells, organelles, and molecules represent lower levels of organization.

What are emergent properties?

• Characteristics that result from the arrangement and interaction of parts as complexity increases

• Properties that are inherent in individual components

• Features that are static and unchanging

• Traits that are independent of system interactions

Answer explanation

Emergent properties arise from the complex interactions and arrangements of parts within a system, leading to characteristics that are not present in individual components. This makes the first choice the correct answer.

Tags

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What does the cell theory state?

• All living organisms are made from tissues

• All living organisms are made from cells

• All living organisms are made from organs

• All living organisms are made from molecules

Answer explanation

The cell theory states that all living organisms are made from cells, which are the basic units of life. This distinguishes it from the other options, which incorrectly refer to tissues, organs, or molecules.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

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What is the smallest unit of organization that can perform all activities required for life?

• Tissue

• Organ

• Cell

• Molecule

Answer explanation

The cell is the smallest unit of organization that can perform all activities required for life, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Tissues and organs are made up of cells, while molecules are not living units.

Tags

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What type of cells are bacteria and archaea?

• Eukaryotic

• Prokaryotic

• Multicellular

• Unicellular

Answer explanation

Bacteria and archaea are classified as prokaryotic cells, which are characterized by the absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. This distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells, which have these features.

What is the largest organelle in eukaryotic cells?

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

• Chloroplast

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the largest organelle in eukaryotic cells, containing the cell's genetic material and controlling its activities. Mitochondria and chloroplasts are also important but smaller, while ribosomes are much smaller than the nucleus.