Themes and Concepts of Biology Quiz
The question sheet
Reveal any answer as you study-
Which is the smallest and most fundamental unit of matter?
- Cell
- Atom
- Molecule
- Organelle
Reveal answer
Answer: Atom
Source evidence
PDF page 33: Living things are highly organized and structured, following a hierarchy that can be examined on a scale from small to large. The atom is the smallest and most fundamental unit of matter. It consists of a nucleus surrounded by electrons. Atoms form molecules. A molecule is a chemical structure consisting of at least two atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds. Many molecules that are biologically important are macromolecules, large molecules that are typically formed by polymerization (a polymer is a large molecule that is made by combining smaller units called monomers, which are simpler
PDF page 44: abstract opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions applied science form of science that aims to solve real-world problems atom smallest and most fundamental unit of matter basic science science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge biochemistry study of the chemistry of biological organisms biology the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments biosphere collection of all the ecosystems on Earth botany study of plants cell smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things community set of populations inhabiting a particular area conclusion section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings control part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment deductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results descriptive science (also, discovery science) form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate discussion section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question ecosystem all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment eukaryote organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles evolution process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species and some species become extinct falsifiable able to be disproven by experimental results homeostasis ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions hypothesis suggested explanation for an observation, which can be tested hypothesis-based science form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers inductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion introduction opening section of a scientific paper, which provides background information about what was known in the field prior to the research reported in the paper
-
According to the text, how many key characteristics define life?
- Nine
- Seven
- Twelve
- Five
Reveal answer
Answer: Nine
Source evidence
PDF page 30: All living organisms share several key characteristics or functions: order, sensitivity or response to the environment, reproduction, adaptation, growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, energy processing, and evolution. When viewed together, these nine characteristics serve to define life. Order
-
Why are viruses NOT considered living organisms?
- They are not made of cells
- They cannot cause disease
- They lack genetic material
- They reproduce alone
Reveal answer
Answer: They are not made of cells
Source evidence
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
PDF page 47: a. They are not made of cells.
-
A group of similar cells carrying out related functions forms a:
- Organelle
- Organ
- Organ system
- Tissue
Reveal answer
Answer: Tissue
Source evidence
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
PDF page 44: microbiology study of the structure and function of microorganisms molecular biology study of biological processes and their regulation at the molecular level, including interactions among
-
All individuals of a species living within a specific area form a:
- Community
- Ecosystem
- Biosphere
- Population
Reveal answer
Answer: Population
Source evidence
PDF page 44: microbiology study of the structure and function of microorganisms molecular biology study of biological processes and their regulation at the molecular level, including interactions among
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
-
The sum of populations inhabiting a particular area is a:
- Organ system
- Ecosystem
- Biosphere
- Community
Reveal answer
Answer: Community
Source evidence
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
-
An ecosystem consists of living things plus which additional components?
- The entire biosphere
- Abiotic, nonliving parts
- Only other populations
- Only microorganisms
Reveal answer
Answer: Abiotic, nonliving parts
Source evidence
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
PDF page 44: abstract opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions applied science form of science that aims to solve real-world problems atom smallest and most fundamental unit of matter basic science science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge biochemistry study of the chemistry of biological organisms biology the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments biosphere collection of all the ecosystems on Earth botany study of plants cell smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things community set of populations inhabiting a particular area conclusion section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings control part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment deductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results descriptive science (also, discovery science) form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate discussion section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question ecosystem all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment eukaryote organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles evolution process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species and some species become extinct falsifiable able to be disproven by experimental results homeostasis ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions hypothesis suggested explanation for an observation, which can be tested hypothesis-based science form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers inductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion introduction opening section of a scientific paper, which provides background information about what was known in the field prior to the research reported in the paper
-
The collection of all ecosystems on Earth is called the:
- Community
- Biosphere
- Domain
- Population
Reveal answer
Answer: Biosphere
Source evidence
PDF page 35: Some cells contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes; these are called organelles. Organelles are small structures that exist within cells. Examples of organelles include mitochondria and chloroplasts, which carry out indispensable functions: mitochondria produce energy to power the cell, while chloroplasts enable green plants to utilize the energy in sunlight to make sugars. All living things are made of cells; the cell itself is the smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms. (This requirement is why viruses are not considered living: they are not made of cells. To make new viruses, they have to invade and hijack the reproductive mechanism of a living cell; only then can they obtain the materials they need to reproduce.) Some organisms consist of a single cell and others are multicellular. Cells are classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotes are single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membranebound nuclei; in contrast, the cells of eukaryotes do have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus. In larger organisms, cells combine to make tissues, which are groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions. Organs are collections of tissues grouped together performing a common function. Organs are present not only in animals but also in plants. An organ system is a higher level of organization that consists of functionally related organs. Mammals have many organ systems. For instance, the circulatory system transports blood through the body and to and from the lungs; it includes organs such as the heart and blood vessels. Organisms are individual living entities. For example, each tree in a forest is an organism. Single-celled prokaryotes and single-celled eukaryotes are also considered organisms and are typically referred to as microorganisms. All the individuals of a species living within a specific area are collectively called a population. For example, a forest may include many pine trees. All of these pine trees represent the population of pine trees in this forest. Different populations may live in the same specific area. For example, the forest with the pine trees includes populations of flowering plants and also insects and microbial populations. A community is the sum of populations inhabiting a particular area. For instance, all of the trees, flowers, insects, and other populations in a forest form the forest’s community. The forest itself is an ecosystem. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, non-living parts of that environment such as nitrogen in the soil or rain water. At the highest level of organization (see this figure), the biosphere is the collection of all ecosystems, and it represents the zones of life on earth. It includes land, water, and even the atmosphere to a certain extent.
PDF page 44: abstract opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions applied science form of science that aims to solve real-world problems atom smallest and most fundamental unit of matter basic science science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge biochemistry study of the chemistry of biological organisms biology the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments biosphere collection of all the ecosystems on Earth botany study of plants cell smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things community set of populations inhabiting a particular area conclusion section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings control part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment deductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results descriptive science (also, discovery science) form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate discussion section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question ecosystem all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment eukaryote organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles evolution process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species and some species become extinct falsifiable able to be disproven by experimental results homeostasis ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions hypothesis suggested explanation for an observation, which can be tested hypothesis-based science form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers inductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion introduction opening section of a scientific paper, which provides background information about what was known in the field prior to the research reported in the paper
-
A movement toward a stimulus is considered which type of response?
- Passive
- Positive
- Negative
- Neutral
Reveal answer
Answer: Positive
Source evidence
PDF page 31: Organisms respond to diverse stimuli. For example, plants can bend toward a source of light, climb on fences and walls, or respond to touch (Figure 1.11). Even tiny bacteria can move toward or away from chemicals (a process called chemotaxis) or light (phototaxis). Movement toward a stimulus is considered a positive response, while movement away from a stimulus is considered a negative response.
-
Homeostasis literally means:
- Steady state
- Gradual change
- Cell division
- Energy processing
Reveal answer
Answer: Steady state
Source evidence
PDF page 32: In order to function properly, cells need to have appropriate conditions such as proper temperature, pH, and appropriate concentration of diverse chemicals. These conditions may, however, change from one moment to the next. Organisms are able to maintain internal conditions within a narrow range almost constantly, despite environmental changes, through homeostasis (literally, “steady state”). For example, an organism needs to regulate body temperature through a process known as thermoregulation. Organisms that live in cold climates, such as the polar bear (Figure 1.13), have body structures that help them withstand low temperatures and conserve body heat. Structures that aid in this type of insulation include fur, feathers, blubber, and fat. In hot climates, organisms have methods (such as perspiration in humans or panting in dogs) that help them to shed excess body heat.
-
Which phrase best describes the source of life's diversity?
- Evolution
- Reproduction
- Regulation
- Homeostasis
Reveal answer
Answer: Evolution
Source evidence
PDF page 37: source of this diversity is evolution, the process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species.
PDF page 44: abstract opening section of a scientific paper that summarizes the research and conclusions applied science form of science that aims to solve real-world problems atom smallest and most fundamental unit of matter basic science science that seeks to expand knowledge and understanding regardless of the short-term application of that knowledge biochemistry study of the chemistry of biological organisms biology the study of living organisms and their interactions with one another and their environments biosphere collection of all the ecosystems on Earth botany study of plants cell smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living things community set of populations inhabiting a particular area conclusion section of a scientific paper that summarizes the importance of the experimental findings control part of an experiment that does not change during the experiment deductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses a general inclusive statement to forecast specific results descriptive science (also, discovery science) form of science that aims to observe, explore, and investigate discussion section of a scientific paper in which the author interprets experimental results, describes how variables may be related, and attempts to explain the phenomenon in question ecosystem all the living things in a particular area together with the abiotic, nonliving parts of that environment eukaryote organism with cells that have nuclei and membrane-bound organelles evolution process of gradual change during which new species arise from older species and some species become extinct falsifiable able to be disproven by experimental results homeostasis ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions hypothesis suggested explanation for an observation, which can be tested hypothesis-based science form of science that begins with a specific question and potential testable answers inductive reasoning form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion introduction opening section of a scientific paper, which provides background information about what was known in the field prior to the research reported in the paper
-
On a phylogenetic tree, internal nodes represent:
- Ancestors that diverged
- Extinct populations
- Random mutations
- Recent species
Reveal answer
Answer: Ancestors that diverged
Source evidence
PDF page 37: Evolutionary biologists study the evolution of living things in everything from the microscopic world to ecosystems. The evolution of various life forms on Earth can be summarized in a phylogenetic tree (Figure 1.17). A phylogenetic tree is a diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among biological species based on similarities and differences in genetic or physical traits or both. A phylogenetic tree is composed of nodes and branches. The internal nodes represent ancestors and are points in evolution when, based on scientific evidence, an ancestor is thought to have diverged to form two new species. The length of each branch is proportional to the time elapsed since the split.
Biology for AP Courses
Biology for AP Courses by OpenStax, used under CC BY 4.0. Changes made by Stratacademy.
Make your own — free
Turn any notes into a game in under a minute. Free to start.