C190 Introduction to Biology (WGU) Test Questions and Answers

Population All the individuals of the same species that occupy the same area and are likely to breed with one another. Organ A collection of tissues grouped together based on a common general function. Some common ________ in the human body are the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ecosystem All the living (biotic) things in a particular area together with the abiotic (nonliving) materials and conditions in that area; i.e., a biological community and its physical environment. Cell The smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in life. Fluid-filled spaces bound by a membrane. When first formed, include DNA and other macromolecules and are organized to grow, reproduce, and respond to changes in the external environment. Biology The scientific study of life. Including anatomy, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, genetics, immunology, and physiology. Biotic An adjective that describes living organisms or their remains. Common characteristics are that they use energy and raw materials to grow, sense, and respond to changing environments; they reproduce; and they consist of one or more cells. Abiotic An adjective that describes nonliving materials in the environment, such as sunlight, rain, gases in the air, rocks, and chemicals in the soil. Atom The basic unit of matter that cannot be further broken down without losing its unique properties. Consists of a dense nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electrons. Biome A large naturally occurring community of plants and animals occupying a major habitat. Examples include tropical forest and arctic tundra. Biosphere All areas on, within, and around the planet Earth that are capable of supporting life. Community All of the populations interacting with each other within a specified area. Macromolecule A large and complex molecule formed by combining smaller subunits producing a larger unit consisting of many atoms with new properties.