Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology

Question 1

The diversity of life forms that exist on Earth is due to:

Answer 1

the large variety of environments found on Earth.

Question 2

What is biology?

Answer 2

the study of life

Question 3

What does the cell theory state?

Answer 3

All organisms are made of cells, cells are the smallest units of living organisms, and new cells come from pre-existing cells by cell division

Question 4

From smallest to largest, what are the levels of biological organization?

Answer 4

atom, molecule, macromolecule, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere

Question 5

What is the difference between hypothesis and theory?

Answer 5

Hypothesis is a testable prediction that has more than one variable in order to make the experiment (more specific). A theory is supported by knowledge and facts. (Broad)

Question 5

What is the underlying factor that explains the unity and diversity of modern species?

Answer 5

evolution

Question 6

Identify the main characteristics of living organisms.

Answer 6

1) made up of one or more cells, 2) reproduce 3) are capable of evolving, 4) require energy, 5) grow by increasing cell size and number

Question 6

What are the two key attributes of a theory?

Answer 6

1) consistent with a vast amount of known data and 2) able to make many correct predictions

Question 7

What is the most accurate description of the relationship between hypothesis testing and discovery based science?

Answer 7

once discovery-based observations are made, a hypothesis can be developed from these observations

Question 8

Genes govern the characteristics of an organism. Each gene is a short segment of what?

Answer 8

a DNA molecule

Question 9

T or F. All living organisms have a multicellular composition.

Answer 9

False; some living organisms are multicellular and some are unicellular.

Question 10

The unity of common traits is rooted in the phenomenon of what?

Answer 10

evolution from pre-existing ancestors

Question 11

Changes that occur as a result of evolution often involve the….

Answer 11

modification of pre-existing structures for a new function
(ex: bat wing and dolphin flippers)

Question 12

What are the two mechanisms that lead to evolutionary change and what are their definitions?

Answer 12

vertical descent with mutation (where species evolve from pre-existing species via accumulation of mutations), and horizontal gene transfer (where species evolve from pre-existing species via gene transfer; offspring)

Question 13

Define natural selection.

Answer 13

Natural selection is the process in which populations of living organisms ADAPT and CHANGE.

Question 14

Anatomy and physiology BOTH study plants and animals. What’s the difference between them?

Answer 14

Anatomy studies the STRUCTURE; physiology studies the FUNCTION.

Question 15

What are the characteristics of a scientific hypothesis?

Answer 15

It must be falsifiable (if incorrect), and it must make predictions.

Question 16

How is a discovery based science conducted?

Answer 16

Data is collected and analyzed WITHOUT a pre-conceived hypothesis