Chapter 1: Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry
1. Which of the following best describes the concept of evolution in biology?
A) A process that leads to changes in organisms over time
B) A system where species remain unchanged
C) A random and unorganized process
D) A theory explaining the origin of life on Earth
Answer: A) A process that leads to changes in organisms over time
Rationale: Evolution in biology refers to the change in the genetic composition of
populations over time, which can lead to the development of new species. It is a
well-organized process driven by natural selection and other mechanisms. Options B
,and C are incorrect because species do change over time, and the process is not
random. Option D confuses evolution with theories about the origin of life.
2. Which level of biological organization includes all of the others in the list below?
A) Ecosystem
B) Community
C) Population
D) Organism
Answer: A) Ecosystem
Rationale: An ecosystem includes all living organisms in a particular area
(community), the populations of those organisms, and the physical environment
(non-living factors). The other options (community, population, organism) are
smaller and nested within ecosystems.
3. In a scientific experiment, why is a control group important?
A) It ensures that all variables are tested equally
B) It provides a baseline to compare the effects of the experimental variable
C) It eliminates the need for replication
D) It allows researchers to manipulate the outcomes of the experiment
Answer: B) It provides a baseline to compare the effects of the experimental variable
Rationale: The control group is essential for comparison because it is not exposed to
the experimental treatment, allowing scientists to see if the treatment has any
effect. Option A is incorrect because not all variables are tested equally, and C is
incorrect because replication is still important. Option D is wrong because
manipulating outcomes is not the purpose of the control group.
Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life
4. Which of the following is a trace element required by most living organisms?
A) Oxygen
,B) Carbon
C) Nitrogen
D) Iron
Answer: D) Iron
Rationale: Iron is considered a trace element because organisms need it in very small
amounts, but it is essential for biological processes like oxygen transport in blood
(hemoglobin). Options A, B, and C are not trace elements as they are required in
larger quantities.
5. Covalent bonds between atoms in a molecule form when:
A) Atoms share protons
B) Atoms share electrons
C) One atom donates electrons to another
D) Electrons are transferred between atoms
Answer: B) Atoms share electrons
Rationale: Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of
electrons, allowing each to fill its outer electron shell. Options A, C, and D describe
other types of atomic interactions, such as ionic bonds or interactions involving
protons, which do not form covalent bonds.
Chapter 3: Water and Life
6. The property of water that allows it to stick to other substances is called:
A) Cohesion
B) Adhesion
C) Surface tension
D) Evaporation
Answer: B) Adhesion
Rationale: Adhesion refers to water's ability to stick to other surfaces, such as plant
cell walls, due to hydrogen bonding. Cohesion (option A) refers to water molecules
sticking to each other, surface tension (option C) is a result of cohesion, and
, evaporation (option D) is a phase change rather than a property of water's
interaction with surfaces.
7. What makes water an excellent solvent?
A) Its ability to dissolve non-polar substances
B) Its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds
C) Its large molecular size
D) Its low boiling point
Answer: B) Its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds
Rationale: Water is an excellent solvent due to its polarity, which allows it to dissolve
many substances by forming hydrogen bonds with them. Non-polar substances
(option A) do not dissolve well in water, and options C and D do not relate to water’s
solvent capabilities.Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
8. Which functional group is commonly involved in energy transfer in biological
molecules?
A) Carboxyl group (-COOH)
B) Amino group (-NH2)
C) Phosphate group (-PO4)
D) Hydroxyl group (-OH)
Answer: C) Phosphate group (-PO4)
Rationale: The phosphate group is a key player in energy transfer, especially in ATP,
where the release of a phosphate group provides energy for cellular processes.
Carboxyl (option A) and amino groups (option B) are involved in protein structure,
while hydroxyl groups (option D) are often found in alcohols but are not primarily
involved in energy transfer.
Chapter 5: The Structure and Function of Large Biological Molecules
9. Which of the following is a polymer of glucose that serves as a form of energy
storage in animals?
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