Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Life on Earth
Self Test
1. A fundamental characteristic of life on Earth is that __________.
a. living things have a complex, organized structure based on inorganic molecules
b. living things passively acquire materials and energy from their environment and convert them
into different forms
c. living things grow and reproduce
d. living things reproduce, using information stored in RNA
e. none of the above
f. The first, second, and third answers above are correct.
Answer: c
Hint: Please review section 1.1 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Living things are based largely on organic (carbon-containing) molecules.
b. Incorrect. Living things actively acquire material and energy.
c. Correct.
d. Incorrect. Information for reproduction and other processes is stored in DNA.
e. Incorrect. At least one of the statements above is correct.
f. Incorrect. At least one of these statements is incorrect.
2. Homeostasis is the process by which __________.
a. living things maintain their complex structure and the internal conditions needed to sustain life
b. living things reproduce
c. some organisms can enter a kind of suspended animation to survive harsh conditions
d. like organisms associate with like organisms
Answer: a
Hint: Please review section 1.1 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Correct.
b. Incorrect. Homeostasis is not the process by which organisms reproduce.
c. Incorrect. Although "stasis" may sound like suspended animation, homeostasis refers to a
different process entirely.
d. Incorrect. Homeostasis is not involved in determining associations of organisms.
3. Which of the following groups of organisms contains prokaryotic cells? Please select the most appropriate answer.
a. Bacteria
b. Archaea
c. Plantae
d. Bacteria and Archaea
Answer: d
Hint: Please review section 1.2 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. There is a better answer to this question.
b. Incorrect. There is a better answer to this question.
c. Incorrect. Plants contain only eukaryotic cells.
d. Correct.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
4. Organisms that can extract energy from light are called __________; organisms that must obtain energy from
molecules made by other organisms are called __________.
a. herbivores, carnivores
b. photosynthetic, herbivores
c. heterotroph, autotroph
d. autotroph, heterotroph
Answer: d
Hint: Please review section 1.2 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Both of these terms refer to organisms that must obtain their energy from molecules
synthesized by other organisms.
b. Incorrect. Not all organisms that must obtain their energy from molecules synthesized by other
organisms are herbivores. In addition, a different term is more accurate for describing organisms
that can extract energy from light.
c. Incorrect. You're on the right track—reread the question and recall what "auto" means.
d. Correct.
5. Science assumes that natural laws (such as the law of gravity) __________.
a. apply uniformly through space and through time
b. apply in the laboratory but not in nature
c. change with time
d. differ depending on the location of the observer
Answer: a
Hint: Please review section 1.3 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Correct.
b. Incorrect. A basic assumption of science is that the natural laws observed at one place in the
universe (including a laboratory) will be the same in other places in the universe.
c. Incorrect. A basic assumption of science is that the natural laws we observe today similarly
existed in the past and will exist in the future.
d. Incorrect. A basic assumption of science is that the natural laws observed at one place in the
universe will be the same in other places in the universe.
6. The process of evolution involves __________.
a. natural selection of organisms that produce more offspring in certain environmental conditions
b. changes in a species due to mutations
c. adaptation of an organism to its environment
d. all of the above
e. the first and third answers above
Answer: d
Hint: Please review section 1.4 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Evolution does involve natural selection, but there is a better answer to this question.
b. Incorrect. Evolution does involve changes in a species due to mutations, but there is a better
answer to this question.
c. Incorrect. Evolution does involve adaptation, but there is a better answer to this question.
d. Correct.
e. Incorrect. The first and third answers are correct, but so is the second answer.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
7. You discover a new type of organism in the back of your fridge. Luckily, your roommate is a biology major and
takes you to the lab where he works. You put a small piece of the fuzzy critter under the microscope and see that it is
made of very simple, single cells with no nucleus. What type of organism might this be?
a. Bacteria
b. Archaea
c. Bacteria or Archaea
d. Fungus
Answer: a
Hint: Please review section 1.2 of your text.
Feedback:
a. Correct.
b. Incorrect. This one is a little bit tricky. It is true that Archaea are single-celled prokaryotes.
However, organisms in the domain Archaea grow only in very harsh environments such as boiling
water springs. You won't find one in your fridge.
c. Incorrect. This one is a little bit tricky. It is true that Archaea are single-celled prokaryotes.
However, organisms in the domain Archaea grow only in very harsh environments such as boiling
water springs. You won't find one in your fridge.
d. Organisms in the Kingdom Fungi are eukaryotic.
8. A scientist is testing whether a new cancer drug will work on prostate cancer in humans. To properly interpret
results of an experiment, control experiments are needed. Which of the following treatments would serve as a control
in these experiments, so that the researchers can conclude that the changes that they see in the patients are due to
the drug?
a. Different doses of the drug are administered to patients.
b. Some patients receive a "mock" injection that contains the same solution base and the same
volume as the drug but does not actually contain the drug itself.
c. At least 1000 individuals are treated with the drug.
d. Patients at three different hospitals, each in a different state, are treated with the drug.
e. Both the second and fourth answers are correct.
Answer: e
Hint: Please review section 1.3 of the text.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Administering different doses doesn't tell the researcher whether the changes
observed in the patients are due to the drug itself.
b. Incorrect. Results from this experiment will allow the researchers to conclude that any changes
seen with the drug treatment are actually due to the drug and not some other factor. Look for a
better answer.
c. Incorrect. This aspect of the experiment will test whether the results are reproducible.
d. Incorrect. This aspect of the experiment will test whether the results are reproducible at other
hospitals. If improvements are seen at one hospital but not another, it would indicate that factors
other than the drug treatment are important.
e. Correct. A control is intended to isolate and eliminate all potential influences but the drug,
process, or therapy being tested.
9. Your textbook lists seven characteristics that living organisms possess as a group. However, if you could distill
these seven characteristics down to two general descriptive properties held in common by all living organisms, what
would they be?
a. macromolecular complexity and multiple levels of organization
b. atoms and elements
c. cellular structure and genetics
d. chemical relationships and diversity
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
Answer: a
Hint: This is a little tough, but try to think "outside the box" on this question. Look for characteristics/features that link
the listed characteristics shared by living organisms.
Feedback:
a. Correct. Living organisms are composed of organic macromolecules arranged along hierarchical
levels of organization.
b. Incorrect. All matter (e.g., rocks, glass, plastics) is made of atoms and elements too, not just
living organisms.
c. Incorrect. These characteristics are too limiting to be considered generally descriptive.
d. Incorrect. Chemical interactions are found in all matter. "Diversity" is too vague to be generally
descriptive.
10. The organic complexity and organization characteristic of living organisms depends on the periodic capture of raw
materials and energy. Ultimately, the source of these materials and energy is __________.
a. metabolism
b. photosynthesis
c. the sun
d. other life-forms
Answer: c
Hint: The important point to consider is energy "source."
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Metabolic reactions use energy.
b. Incorrect. This is a metabolic process that captures one energy form (sunlight), and converts it to
another (glucose).
c. Correct. Energy from the sun, converted by photosynthetic plants, is passed along the food chain
through the vast majority of organisms. Exception: deep-sea organisms dependent upon
geothermal energy that vents through rifts in the seafloor.
d. Incorrect. Living organisms utilize, or burn, energy in the form of the carbohydrate, glucose.
11. Energy, like gasoline for your car, is required for organisms to survive, and even thrive, in the face of diverse
environments. An autotrophic organism __________.
a. would be one who derived its energy from internalizing the cellular matter of other organisms
(i.e., eats others)
b. would be one who derived its energy from a renewable external energy source such as sunlight
(i.e., photosynthetic organisms)
c. would include cucumbers growing in your garden
d. Both the second and third answers are correct.
Answer: d
Hint: The important term here is autotrophic.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. This is the definition of heterotroph.
b. Correct. But this is not the only correct answer.
c. Correct. But this is not the only correct answer.
d. Correct. This is the best answer, because it includes the definition and an example of an
autotroph.
12. Another way to describe the "scientific method" would be that it is __________.
a. a conceptual and ethical framework that guides scientific inquiry
b. dependent upon observations leading to a hypothesis and careful experimental design and
scrutiny of experimental results (data), leading to a conclusion that refutes or supports the
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
hypothesis
c. dependent upon "getting the word out" to other scientists via peer-reviewed publications,
including electronic journals
d. all of the above
Answer: d
Hint: This question requires you to "think outside the box" and mentally "stretch" a bit.
Feedback:
a. Correct. But this is not the only correct answer.
b. Correct. But this is not the only correct answer.
c. Correct. But this is not the only correct answer.
d. Correct. This is the best answer.
13. Experiments are carefully designed in an attempt to __________.
a. test a single experimental variable
b. test multiple experimental variables
c. prove a hypothesis
d. none of the above
Answer: a
Hint: The best experiments are those that permit rigorous testing and careful analysis of data.
Feedback:
a. Correct. Testing a single variable allows you to minimize experimental error.
b. Incorrect. Experiments designed in an effort to test multiple variables are very difficult to carry
out, much less be able to generate data upon which to formulate any defensible conclusion.
c. Incorrect. You are never CERTAIN that you have controlled all but the "experimental" variable;
therefore, a hypothesis can be supported but NOT proven.
d. Incorrect.
14. Natural selection is best measured by __________.
a. numerous adaptations
b. reproductive success
c. biodiversity
d. rate of environmental change
Answer: b
Hint: "Survival of the fittest" may be commonly associated with Darwin's central tenet of natural selection, but survival
alone won't continue, or extend, an organism's genes.
Feedback:
a. Incorrect. Successful adaptations increase the chances of surviving changes in the environment.
b. Correct. The more offspring produced, the greater the chance a genotype will be passed to
subsequent generations.
c. Incorrect. This term refers to the degree of species diversity within a particular ecological habitat.
d. Incorrect. An organism must adapt to environmental changes, but the rate of change is not a
measure of natural selection.
15. A basic understanding of basic biological concepts __________.
a. permits a deeper, and sometimes profound, appreciation of the world around us
b. is just a set of facts and ideas about the world around us
c. is necessary only for biology majors
d. often decreases our appreciation (i.e., effectively dehumanizes) our appreciation of the world
around us
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
Answer: a
Hint: This is something of a philosophical question, but it has direct relevance to our daily lives.
Feedback:
a. Correct. As much as we try to set ourselves apart, and above, other organisms, we need to
understand the biological relationships that link us to the world around us.
b. Incorrect. Biology means "the study of life." To study biological life, you must be equipped with
more than a set of facts.
c. Incorrect.
d. Incorrect.
16. Which of the following terms includes all of the others?
a. molecule
b. atom
c. subatomic particle
d. electron
Answer: a
Hint: See section 1.1.
Feedback:
a. A molecule is composed of elements which are composed of different atoms and subatomic
particles.
b. An atom is the building block of a molecule.
c. Atoms are composed of subatomic particles. This choice is the least inclusive of all possible
answers.
d. An electron is a type of subatomic particle.
17. The diversity of life is mainly due to __________.
a. atoms
b. genetic variation
c. prokaryotic cells
d. organ systems
Answer: b
Hint: See section 1.1. Think genetics!
Feedback:
a. Atoms do not play a direct role in diversity.
b. Differences in DNA make living things different.
c. This is unrelated to the original question.
d. Organ systems do not play a role in diversity. They play a role in maintaining homeostasis.
18. You are a NASA scientist and have discovered an organism in outer space that contains its genetic material in
the cytoplasm rather than in a nucleus. Given this characteristic, how might you classify this organism?
a. heterotroph
b. eukaryote
c. prokaryote
d. autotroph
Answer: c
Hint: See section 1.2. Note differences in cell types.
Feedback:
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
a. This category is related to energy acquisition, which is not addressed in this question.
b. Eukaryotes do contain a nucleus.
c. Prokaryotes do not contain a nucleus, so their DNA is present in the cytoplasm.
d. This category is related to energy acquisition, which is not addressed in this question.
19. Your baby starts crying. Since she hasn't eaten in two hours, you declare, "The baby must be hungry." Your
statement is a(n) __________.
a. hypothesis
b. experiment
c. conclusion
d. observation
Answer: a
Hint: Define the steps of the scientific method.
Feedback:
a. It is an educated guess based on past experiences.
b. An experiment would have been if you fed the baby to see if that was why she was crying.
c. A conclusion is based on interpreting facts from an experiment. No experiment was done here.
d. The observation is that the baby is crying.
20. Natural selection would be best illustrated by which of the following?
a. a bacterial cell in the human body that dies when a person takes antibiotics
b. a bacterial cell in the human body with a genetic variation that allows it to survive when the
person take antibiotics
c. a bacterial cell in the human body that mutates itself when a person takes antibiotics
Answer: b
Hint: Find the definition of the term natural selection.
Feedback:
a. Natural selection would involve the bacterial cell surviving.
b. This cell has a change that allows it to survive in the new environment with the antibiotics.
c. Natural selection involves survival of organisms with favorable traits, not the development of
favorable traits.
21. The units of heredity that provide information needed to control life are the ____________________.
Answer: genes
Hint: Read section 1.1 for information on heredity.
22. A process called ____________________ allows organisms to keep conditions in their bodies fairly constant.
Answer: homeostasis
Hint: Read section 1.3 for more information.
23. The most important force in evolution is ____________________.
Answer: natural selection
Hint: Read section 1.7 for information on evolution.
24. In a scientific experiment, one must have a ____________________ in which all factors remain constant.
Answer: control
Hint: Read section 1.3 for information on the scientific method.
25. Structures, physiological processes, or behaviors that aid survival and reproduction in a particular environment
are ____________________.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
Answer: adaptations
Hint: Read section 1.4 for information on evolution.
26. A ____________________ is a supposition of prediction, based on previous observations, that is given as a
possible explanation for an observed phenomenon.
Answer: hypothesis
Hint: Read section 1.3 for information on the scientific method.
27. The diagram below indicates the levels of organization of matter found in the natural world. Match each illustration
with the correct term.
Answer:
Label A: biosphere
Label B: tissue
Label C: organ system
Label D: population
Label E: community
Hint: See Figure 1-2 in the text.
Feedback:
A:
B: Tissues are aggregates of similar cells.
C: An organ system is a group of organs all performing one function in the body.
D: A population is composed of many individuals of the same species.
E: A community includes two or more populations living and interacting in a given area.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
B:
A: The biosphere includes that part of Earth inhabited by living organisms and includes both living
and nonliving portions.
C: An organ system is a group of organs all performing one function in the body.
D: A population is composed of many individuals of the same species.
E: A community includes two or more populations living and interacting in a given area.
C:
A: The biosphere includes that part of Earth inhabited by living organisms and includes both living
and nonliving portions.
B: Tissues are aggregates of similar cells.
D: A population is composed of many individuals of the same species.
E: A community includes two or more populations living and interacting in a given area.
D:
A: The biosphere includes that part of Earth inhabited by living organisms and includes both living
and nonliving portions.
B: Tissues are aggregates of similar cells.
C: An organ system is a group of organs all performing one function in the body.
E: A community includes two or more populations living and interacting in a given area.
E:
A: The biosphere includes that part of Earth inhabited by living organisms and includes both living
and nonliving portions.
B: Tissues are aggregates of similar cells.
C: An organ system is a group of organs all performing one function in the body.
D: A population is composed of many individuals of the same species.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
28. The diagram seen here is a continuation of the previous organization of matter diagram. Complete this diagram
by matching the proper term with each illustration.
Answer:
Label A: cell
Label B: organelle
Label C: molecule
Label D: atom
Hint: See Figure 1-2 in the text.
Feedback:
A:
B: Organelles are structures within cells that perform specific functions.
C: Molecules are combinations of atoms.
D: Atoms are the smallest particle of an element retaining the properties of that element.
B:
A: Cells are the smallest unit of life.
C: Molecules are combinations of atoms.
D: Atoms are the smallest particle of an element retaining the properties of that element.
C:
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
A: Cells are the smallest unit of life.
B: Organelles are structures within cells that perform specific functions.
D: Atoms are the smallest particle of an element retaining the properties of that element.
D:
A: Cells are the smallest unit of life.
B: Organelles are structures within cells that perform specific functions.
C: Molecules are combinations of atoms.
29. Identify the structures indicated on this color-enhanced image of a plant cell.
Answer:
Label A: organelles
Label B: cell wall
Label C: nucleus
Label D: nuclear membrane
Label E: cell membrane
Hint: See Figure 1-3 in the text.
Feedback:
A:
B: The cell wall is the outermost layer of the plant cell.
C: The nucleus is the largest of the organelles, usually near the center of the cell.
D: The nucleus is the large, membrane-bound central organelle housing DNA.
E: The nuclear membrane separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
B:
A: The cell membrane lies directly under the cell wall and separates the cell from the surrounding
fluids.
C: The nucleus is the largest of the organelles, usually near the center of the cell.
D: The nucleus is the large, membrane-bound central organelle housing DNA.
E: The nuclear membrane separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.
C:
A: The cell membrane lies directly under the cell wall and separates the cell from the surrounding
fluids.
B: The cell wall is the outermost layer of the plant cell.
D: The nucleus is the large, membrane-bound central organelle housing DNA.
E: The nuclear membrane separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.
D:
A: The cell membrane lies directly under the cell wall and separates the cell from the surrounding
fluids.
B: The cell wall is the outermost layer of the plant cell.
C: The nucleus is the largest of the organelles, usually near the center of the cell.
E: The nuclear membrane separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.
E:
A: The cell membrane lies directly under the cell wall and separates the cell from the surrounding
fluids.
B: The cell wall is the outermost layer of the plant cell.
C: The nucleus is the largest of the organelles, usually near the center of the cell.
D: The nucleus is the large, membrane-bound central organelle housing DNA.
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Biology: Life on Earth 7e
Student Self Test Questions and Answers
30. Identify the structures indicated with A, B, and C on the micrograph below.
Answer:
Label A: oral groove
Label B: contractile vacuole
Label C: food vacuoles
Hint: See Figure 1-8 in the text.
Feedback:
A:
B: Contractile vacuoles are large and have a star-shaped appearance.
C: Food vacuoles are generally small and appear dense.
B:
A: The oral groove is found near the edge of the cell and serves as a mouth.
C: Food vacuoles are generally small and appear dense.
C:
A: The oral groove is found near the edge of the cell and serves as a mouth.
B: Contractile vacuoles are large and have a star-shaped appearance.
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