University of Michigan BIO171: Introductory
Biology: Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution –
Final Exam With Questions And Rationalized
Answers
COURSE OVERVIEW
BIO171 Introductory Biology: Ecology, Genetics, and
Evolution is a one-term introductory course that imparts
factual and conceptual knowledge on the origin and
complex interactions of the earth's biodiversity and
ecosystems. The course is intended for students planning to
major in biology or enter health professions (medicine,
nursing, dentistry, veterinary science, public health, etc.).
The final exam is cumulative, testing knowledge from the
entire course.
Key Topics Covered on the Final Exam:
• The Scientific Method & The Tree of Life
• Evolution (Mechanisms, Speciation, Phylogenetics)
• Genetics & Inheritance (Mendelian Genetics, Molecular
Genetics, Gene Expression)
, • Ecology (Population, Community, Ecosystem Ecology)
• Biodiversity & Conservation
• The History of Life on Earth
• Plant and Animal Diversity
PART 1: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD & THE TREE OF LIFE
(Questions 1-20)
Question 1
What are the four key characteristics of living organisms?
• A) Complexity, reproduction, response to environment,
and capacity to evolve
• B) Movement, respiration, sensitivity, and growth
• C) Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, digestion, and
excretion
• D) Metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation
• Answer: A
• Rationale: The four key characteristics of living
organisms are complexity with precise spatial
organization, the ability to reproduce, the ability to
, change in response to the environment, and the
capacity to evolve.
Question 2
What are the three domains of life?
• A) Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi
• B) Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
• C) Prokaryota, Eukaryota, and Protista
• D) Monera, Protista, and Animalia
• Answer: B
• Rationale: The three domains of life are Bacteria,
Archaea, and Eukarya. This classification is based on
differences in ribosomal RNA and other molecular
characteristics.
Question 3
What is the correct order of the taxonomic hierarchy from
broadest to most specific?
• A) Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus, Species
, • B) Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus,
Species, Domain
• C) Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus, Species
• D) Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum,
Kingdom, Domain
• Answer: A
• Rationale: The taxonomic hierarchy from broadest to
most specific is: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class,
Order, Family, Genus, Species. A common mnemonic is
"Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup."
Question 4
What is a scientific theory?
• A) A guess about how something works
• B) A broad, well-supported explanation of the natural
world
• C) A hypothesis that has been proven true
• D) An untested idea
• Answer: B
Biology: Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution –
Final Exam With Questions And Rationalized
Answers
COURSE OVERVIEW
BIO171 Introductory Biology: Ecology, Genetics, and
Evolution is a one-term introductory course that imparts
factual and conceptual knowledge on the origin and
complex interactions of the earth's biodiversity and
ecosystems. The course is intended for students planning to
major in biology or enter health professions (medicine,
nursing, dentistry, veterinary science, public health, etc.).
The final exam is cumulative, testing knowledge from the
entire course.
Key Topics Covered on the Final Exam:
• The Scientific Method & The Tree of Life
• Evolution (Mechanisms, Speciation, Phylogenetics)
• Genetics & Inheritance (Mendelian Genetics, Molecular
Genetics, Gene Expression)
, • Ecology (Population, Community, Ecosystem Ecology)
• Biodiversity & Conservation
• The History of Life on Earth
• Plant and Animal Diversity
PART 1: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD & THE TREE OF LIFE
(Questions 1-20)
Question 1
What are the four key characteristics of living organisms?
• A) Complexity, reproduction, response to environment,
and capacity to evolve
• B) Movement, respiration, sensitivity, and growth
• C) Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, digestion, and
excretion
• D) Metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation
• Answer: A
• Rationale: The four key characteristics of living
organisms are complexity with precise spatial
organization, the ability to reproduce, the ability to
, change in response to the environment, and the
capacity to evolve.
Question 2
What are the three domains of life?
• A) Animalia, Plantae, and Fungi
• B) Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya
• C) Prokaryota, Eukaryota, and Protista
• D) Monera, Protista, and Animalia
• Answer: B
• Rationale: The three domains of life are Bacteria,
Archaea, and Eukarya. This classification is based on
differences in ribosomal RNA and other molecular
characteristics.
Question 3
What is the correct order of the taxonomic hierarchy from
broadest to most specific?
• A) Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus, Species
, • B) Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus,
Species, Domain
• C) Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family,
Genus, Species
• D) Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum,
Kingdom, Domain
• Answer: A
• Rationale: The taxonomic hierarchy from broadest to
most specific is: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class,
Order, Family, Genus, Species. A common mnemonic is
"Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup."
Question 4
What is a scientific theory?
• A) A guess about how something works
• B) A broad, well-supported explanation of the natural
world
• C) A hypothesis that has been proven true
• D) An untested idea
• Answer: B
