Bio 116 Exam 1 questions with correct answers

What are the 8 characteristics of life? Answer 1. Common chemical components (proteins, nucleic acids, etc) 2. Composed of Cell(s) 3. Be able to grow 4. Cells obtain energy from environment 5. Have universal genetic code 6. Similar genes 7. Evolving populations 8. Maintain homeostasis......must have all 8 to be considered living What is the scientific method? Answer Make observations, ask questions, make a testable hypothesis, make a prediction, conduct experiment..........results may lead to more questions thus more experiments What is a scientific theory? Answer a far-reaching explanation supported by such wide body of evidence that it's considered scientific fact; start as hypothesis that goes through many tests with no significant contradictory evidence Approximately how old is the Earth and how long ago did life first appear? Answer Earth = 4.6 billion years old and the oldest life is 3.8 billion years old *humans developed about 500,00 years ago What is stratigraphy and how is it used as a datin