Question 1

"Cryptobiosis" is a state of almost total water loss found in some roundworms,rotifers,and tardigrades and was previously considered a near cessation of metabolism.Recently,a British Museum botanist accidentally spilled fluid on a 120+year-old herbarium mount of a lichen.Fearing damage to the specimen,he immediately inspected it under the microscope and found tardigrades "waking up." This observation
A) supports the claim that the tardigrades were dead but began respiring again at a very slow rate after the fluid was added.
B) makes it possible that we can bring most dead animals back to life.
C) contradicts both the cell theory and evolutionary theory.
D) indicates metabolism did not stop, and that organization and water made it sufficient to maintain the possibility for "life."

Accepted Answer

The observation of tardigrades waking up after almost 120 years of cryptobiosis (a state of almost total water loss) suggests that metabolism did not stop completely and that even a minimal amount of organization and water could be sufficient to maintain the possibility for "life." This supports option D. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the tardigrades were dead, that this observation has implications for resurrecting dead animals or that it contradicts established scientific theories.

Question 2

Which statement about environmental interaction is NOT correct?
A) Study of organisms and their interactions with the environment is called ecology
B) To study ecology, we must separate living organisms from their environment
C) The evolutionary history of a lineage is connected to the environment where it lived
D) Organisms are intimately connected with their physical environment

Accepted Answer

To study ecology, we must NOT separate living organisms from their environment. Ecology is the study of how living organisms interact with their environment and how those interactions affect their survival and reproduction. Therefore, it is important to study organisms in their natural environment to understand their ecological relationships.

Question 3

All of the chemical energy transformations that occur within a cell constitute
A) evolution.
B) metabolism.
C) adaptation.
D) homeostasis.

Accepted Answer

The chemical energy transformations that occur within a cell are referred to as metabolism. Metabolism includes all of the chemical reactions that a cell carries out, including processes such as the breakdown of food molecules for energy, the synthesis of new molecules, and the elimination of wastes. Evolution (A) refers to the process by which species change over time, adaptation (C) refers to traits that help an organism survive and reproduce in a specific environment, and homeostasis (D) refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism. While all of these processes are important for the functioning of an organism, they are not equivalent to the overall set of chemical reactions that make up metabolism.

Question 4

The property of living organisms that involves a unique and complex molecular organization is called
A) growth.
B) development.
C) metabolism.
D) reproduction.
E) chemical uniqueness.

Accepted Answer

Chemical uniqueness refers to the complex and unique molecular composition and structure found in living organisms, distinguishing them from non-living matter. This includes the presence of macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids organized in specific ways to support life processes.

Question 5

The structure of a brick does not predict the design of a home.Study of muscle tissues does not allow you to predict the design of a bird or snake.Such examples demonstrate
A) the essential properties found in all forms of life.
B) the hierarchy of organization from atom to biosphere.
C) deterministic philosophy or how all phenomena are predictable effects of causes.
D) emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining component parts.

Accepted Answer

The examples given demonstrate emergent properties that cannot be predicted by examining component parts. The design of a home cannot be predicted simply by looking at the bricks and similarly, the design of a bird or snake cannot be predicted by studying muscle tissues alone. This highlights the concept of emergent properties, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Question 6

Reproduction of organisms involves the apparently contradictory phenomena of
A) cellular and noncellular structures.
B) catabolism and anabolism.
C) adaptation and evolution.
D) variation and heredity.

Accepted Answer

Reproduction involves creating new individuals that share characteristics with their parent(s) through a combination of genetic variation and inherited traits. This is achieved through the processes of meiosis, fertilization, and inheritance of genetic material. Therefore, reproduction involves both variation (resulting from genetic recombination and mutation) and heredity (resulting from the passing on of genetic information from parent to offspring). Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe the processes of reproduction.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of living organisms?
A) Unique and complex molecular organization
B) Response to stimuli in environment
C) Reproduction
D) Metabolism
E) All of the choices are characteristics of living organisms

Accepted Answer

All of the given choices are characteristics of living organisms.

Question 8

Which hierarchy of organization is seen in multicellular organisms such as animals,going from smallest to largest?
A) Cell, organ, tissue, organism
B) Cell, organ, organ system, tissue
C) Cell, tissue, organ system, organism
D) Organism, organ system, organ, tissue
E) Tissue, organ system, cell, organism

Accepted Answer

The hierarchy of organization in multicellular organisms such as animals is from smallest to largest: cell, tissue, organ system, organism. Choice C is the only option that follows this sequence correctly.

Question 9

"Self-replicating molecular assemblage" is a classic definition of life.However,clay particles in clay soil contain aluminum and iron compounds that determine the pattern of particles in adjacent layers over time and,therefore,represent a self-replicating molecular assemblage.What can we conclude?
A) Clay soil is living
B) Clay soil is not living because there was no molecular change involved
C) Clay soil is not living because no carbon is involved; otherwise, such replication would be living
D) Clay soil is not living because what is described is a simple repetitive process without the ability to evolve or respond to the environment

Accepted Answer

The fact that clay particles contain self-replicating molecular assemblage does not necessarily mean they are living organisms. Clay soil does not exhibit other essential characteristics of life, such as metabolism or growth, and the self-replication process does not allow for evolution or response to the environment. Therefore, it can be concluded that clay soil is not living.

Question 10

A cell dies and its complex organic molecules degrade into a mass of simple molecules no more organized than the non-living matter outside the cell.This feature of life,which is now lost,is
A) growth and reproduction.
B) adaptability.
C) metabolism.
D) irritability.
E) complexity and hierarchical organization.

Accepted Answer

The feature of life that is lost when a cell dies and its organic molecules degrade is complexity and hierarchical organization. This is because the complex structures and organization of living cells are what distinguish them from non-living matter. The other choices (growth and reproduction, adaptability, metabolism, and irritability) are also important features of living organisms, but they do not specifically relate to the loss of complexity and hierarchical organization in a dead cell.

Question 11

A characteristic of science is that
A) it is not explained by natural laws.
B) its hypotheses are testable.
C) its conclusions are final.
D) it is not falsifiable.
E) it seeks to define the vitalistic forces of life.

Accepted Answer

A characteristic of science is that its hypotheses are testable, meaning that they can be subjected to empirical investigation and potentially falsified through experimentation or observation. This is a critical aspect of the scientific process as it allows for the constant refinement and improvement of scientific theories and our understanding of the natural world.

Question 12

Embryos,larvae,and metamorphosis are related to which characteristic of living systems?
A) Development
B) Metabolism
C) Movement
D) Environmental interaction

Accepted Answer

Embryos, larvae, and metamorphosis are all processes of development, which is a characteristic of living systems. Development refers to the changes that occur in an organism over time as it grows and matures, including the formation of specialized cells, tissues, and organs.

Question 13

Which best describes the first law of thermodynamics?
A) Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but it can change from one energy form to another
B) Energy can be created from matter or used to produce matter
C) Useful energy is lost as heat whenever an energy transfer occurs
D) Energy transfers are always 100% efficient in changing energy from one form to another

Accepted Answer

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transformed or converted from one form to another, such as from chemical energy to thermal energy. This is why it is often referred to as the law of energy conservation. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the first law of thermodynamics.

Question 14

The role of principles in zoology is best described as
A) researchers should maintain high principles of conduct in research.
B) zoology rests solely upon expansion of principles of chemistry and physics.
C) principles of zoology are derived by study of a few different animals and then finding central unifying principles.
D) past principles may be discarded as new principles replace them.
E) none of the choices offer a thorough description of principles underlying zoology.

Accepted Answer

The role of principles in zoology encompasses a broader scope than any of the options provided. It involves ethical conduct in research (A), but also relies on principles beyond just chemistry and physics (B), derives insights from a wide range of animal studies (C), and evolves over time with new discoveries (D), making none of the choices a complete description.

Question 15

Which of the following characteristics is NOT required for the life of an individual organism to continue?
A) To maintain chemical uniqueness and organization
B) To respond to stimuli
C) To evolve
D) To possess a genetic program to control cell processes

Accepted Answer

While evolution is necessary for the survival of a population or species over time, it is not a requirement for the life of an individual organism to continue. The other three characteristics listed are essential for an individual organism to survive and function properly.

Question 16

The main function of a genetic program is to
A) maintain metabolism in living systems.
B) respond to environmental stimuli.
C) provide fidelity of inheritance and allow for genetic variation.
D) regulate development of multicellular creatures.

Accepted Answer

The main function of a genetic program is to provide fidelity of inheritance and allow for genetic variation. This is achieved through the DNA sequence of genes that are passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that offspring receive the same genetic information as their parents while also allowing for random mutations and genetic recombination to introduce variability in the population. While genetic programs do play a role in development and response to the environment, their primary function is to ensure the transmission of genetic information.

Question 17

A molecular pathway in the liver that is responsible for breaking down complex molecules into simple molecules for excretion as wastes is an example of
A) anabolism.
B) catabolism.
C) adaptation.
D) entropy.

Accepted Answer

The process described involves breaking down complex molecules (catabolism), rather than building them up (anabolism). Adaptation and entropy are not relevant to this specific process.

Question 18

Which statement about living things is FALSE?
A) Living things are made up of cells
B) Living things obey the laws of chemistry and physics
C) Living things show organization and other common characteristics of life
D) Emergent properties arise from interactions among the components of a system
E) Living things are composed only of organic elements, whereas nonliving things are made up of inorganic elements

Accepted Answer

The statement "Living things are composed only of organic elements, whereas nonliving things are made up of inorganic elements" is false. While organic compounds are important to living things, they are not the only types of compounds found in living organisms. Additionally, not all nonliving things are made up of inorganic elements - there are many organic compounds and materials that exist outside of living organisms.

Question 19

The second law of thermodynamics,or entropy law,means that for living organisms
A) maintaining cellular organization requires continual energy input.
B) there is a tendency in nature to greater molecular organization.
C) energy stored by plants is unavailable for animals.
D) energy is of less concern than matter.

Accepted Answer

The second law of thermodynamics states that there is a natural tendency in the universe towards increased disorder, or entropy. Living organisms are constantly working to maintain their cellular organization and decrease their internal entropy, but this requires a continual input of energy. Therefore, choice (A) is the best answer.

Question 20

Irritability is related to which general property of living systems?
A) Development
B) Metabolism
C) Evolution
D) Environmental interaction

Accepted Answer

Irritability is the response of living organisms to a stimulus in their environment, which is a form of environmental interaction. A is incorrect because development refers to the process of growth and differentiation of cells in an organism. B is incorrect because metabolism is the set of biochemical reactions that occur in a living system to maintain life. C is incorrect because evolution refers to the changes in the inherited characteristics of populations over generations.

Quiz 1: Life: Biological Principles and the Science of Zoology

Which statement about environmental interaction is NOT correct?

All of the chemical energy transformations that occur within a cell constitute

The property of living organisms that involves a unique and complex molecular organization is called

The structure of a brick does not predict the design of a home.Study of muscle tissues does not allow you to predict the design of a bird or snake.Such examples demonstrate

Reproduction of organisms involves the apparently contradictory phenomena of

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of living organisms?

Which hierarchy of organization is seen in multicellular organisms such as animals,going from smallest to largest?

"Self-replicating molecular assemblage" is a classic definition of life.However,clay particles in clay soil contain aluminum and iron compounds that determine the pattern of particles in adjacent layers over time and,therefore,represent a self-replicating molecular assemblage.What can we conclude?

A cell dies and its complex organic molecules degrade into a mass of simple molecules no more organized than the non-living matter outside the cell.This feature of life,which is now lost,is

A characteristic of science is that

Embryos,larvae,and metamorphosis are related to which characteristic of living systems?

Which best describes the first law of thermodynamics?

The role of principles in zoology is best described as

Which of the following characteristics is NOT required for the life of an individual organism to continue?

The main function of a genetic program is to

A molecular pathway in the liver that is responsible for breaking down complex molecules into simple molecules for excretion as wastes is an example of

Which statement about living things is FALSE?

The second law of thermodynamics,or entropy law,means that for living organisms

Irritability is related to which general property of living systems?