Unit 1: Chemical, cellular, & evolutionary foundations

Question 1

Learning Objectives

Answer 1

1. Distinguish between science (scientific method) and
   other forms of investigation/exploration.
2. Use the scientific method to make observations,
   develop hypotheses, design experiments, and develop
   models
3. Explain why cells are considered the fundamental unit
   of life.
4. Recognize how evolution explains the unity and
   diversity of life.
5. Explain how the interaction of organisms with each
   other and their environment impacts evolution.
6. Explain the statement “humans have become major
   agents in ecology and evolution”.

Question 2

Independent variable

Answer 2

The variable
that is deliberately changed

Question 3

Dependent variable

Answer 3

what is being
measured

Question 4

Control variables

Answer 4

variable that stay
the same during the experiment

Question 5

Scientific method

Answer 5

1. Question
2. Research
3. Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Data Analysis
6. Conclusion
7. Communication.

Question 6

Inductive Reasoning

Answer 6

a type of reasoning that involves drawing a general conclusion from a set of specific observations.

“bottom-up”

Question 7

Deductive reasoning

Answer 7

a logical approach where you progress from general ideas to specific conclusions

“top-down”

Question 8

Properties of Life

Answer 8

– Order (organization)
– Sensitivity or Response to
Stimuli
– Reproduction
– Growth and Development
– Regulation
– Homeostasis
– Energy Processing

Question 9

Cell Theory

Answer 9

– All cells arise from other cells
– All organisms are composed of one or more
cells

Question 10

What property of
life does cell theory come from?

A. Order (organization)
B. Sensitivity or Response to Stimuli
C. Reproduction
D. Growth and Development
E. Energy Processing

Question 11

Order the
following from least to most
complex:

A. Ecosystem, organ system, community, molecule, cell
B. Organ system, community, ecosystem, cell, molecule
C. Community, molecule, organ system, cell, organ system
D. Cell, molecule, organ system, community, ecosystem
E. Molecule, cell, organ system, community, ecosystem

Question 12

Atom

Answer 12

smallest unit
of an element that still
retains the element’s
properties

Question 13

Molecule

Answer 13

A cluster of
atoms held
together by
chemical bonds

Question 14

Organelle

Answer 14

A structure
within a cell
that performs a
specific function

Question 15

Cell

Answer 15

The simplest entity that has all
the properties of life

Question 16

Tissue

Answer 16

A group of similar cells that carries
out a particular function in an
organism

Question 17

Organ

Answer 17

A structure
consisting of two or
more tissues that
performs specialized
functions within an
organism

Question 18

Organ System

Answer 18

A group of body
parts that carries out a particular
function in an organism

Question 19

Organism

Answer 19

individual
composed of many
coordinated organ
systems

Question 20

Population

Answer 20

group of
individuals of the same species
occupying a specific area
(species = organisms that
interbreed)

Question 21

Community

Answer 21

all
populations of all species occupying a specific area

Question 22

Ecosystem

Answer 22

A
community and its physical
environment
All biotic and abiotic
components of a certain
area

Question 23

Biosphere

Answer 23

Those
regions of the earth’s
waters, crust and
atmosphere in which
organisms can exist.
The global ecosystem

Question 24

Which of the
following do the three domains of life
all have in common?
1. Made of cells
2. Contain mitochondria
3. Contain a phospholipid bilayer (plasma
membrane)

Answer 24

1 and 3

Question 25

Which one of the following
statements about viruses is incorrect?

A. Most viruses use cellular machinery to
replicate their genetic material.
B. The genomes of viruses are enclosed in a
protein coat and occasionally a lipid bilayer
envelope.
C. Viruses possess the ability to harness energy
from the environment.
D. Viruses are valuable tools in biological
research.
E. Some types of viruses integrate their
genomes into the genome of the host organism.

Answer 25

C. Viruses possess the ability to harness energy

Question 26

Which one of the following
organisms has been most damaged by the
influence of humans?

A. rats
B. corn
C. cockroaches
D. apples
E. white rhinos

Answer 26

E. White Rhinos

Question 27

If the duration of life on
Earth was on a scale of 20,000 days, for how
many of those days would the human species
be present?

A. 1
B. 100
C. 2000
D. 10,000
E. 20,000

Answer 27

A. 1