,
,
,7e Biological Science: Chapter 1 Biology and the Tree of Life
1) The pattern component of the cell theory claims that all organisms consist of cells.
A) true
B) false
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
2) How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific hypothesis?
A) There is no difference—the terms are interchangeable.
B) A theory is an explanation for a very general phenomenon or observation; hypotheses treat
more specific observations.
C) A hypothesis is an explanation for a very general phenomenon; theories treat more specific
issues.
D) Theories define scientific laws; hypotheses are used to set up experiments.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
3) Algae in the genus Caulerpa typically grow to a length of over half a meter and have
structures similar to stems, leaves, and roots. Reproduction occurs when adults produce sperm
and eggs that fuse to form offspring. Each adult Caulerpa, however, consists of just a single cell.
Which of the following statements is true?
A) Caulerpa violate the pattern component of the cell theory—that all organisms consist of cells.
B) Caulerpa violate the process component of the cell theory—that all cells come from
preexisting cells.
C) Caulerpa violate both the pattern and process components of the cell theory.
D) The existence of Caulerpa is consistent with the cell theory.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
4) Which statement about spontaneous generation is FALSE?
A) Pasteur demonstrated that it does not occur under normal laboratory conditions.
B) It apparently occurred at least once–when life on Earth began.
C) It occurs every time a new species evolves from a preexisting species.
D) It addresses the formation of living cells from previously nonliving material.
,Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
,5) Recall Pasteur's experiment on spontaneous generation. Originally, he used sealed and
unsealed flasks instead of swan-necked and unsealed flasks. Critics claimed that the experiment
was inconclusive. Which of the following criticisms would be addressed by using a swan-necked
flask instead of the sealed flask?
A) The broth was heated too intensively.
B) There had not been enough time for spontaneous generation to occur.
C) Fresh air is required for spontaneous generation.
D) The broth was not nutritious enough.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension/Applying
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
6) Which of the following is the best example of a heritable variation?
A) skin cancer
B) amputation
C) red hair
D) love for music
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-1. Name five fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms.
7) How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
A) Artificial selection occurs only in computer simulations, not with actual organisms.
B) Artificial selection is based on conscious choices by humans.
C) Artificial selection occurs only with plants.
D) Artificial selection is not based on heritable variation, but on new mutations.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
,8) Over the past several decades, natural selection has caused populations of Staphylococcus
aureus (an infectious wound bacterium) to evolve resistance to most antibiotics. If antibiotic use
were stopped, what would you predict would happen to these S. aureus populations?
A) They will go extinct without the antibiotic.
B) The populations will begin colonizing new environments.
C) The frequency of nonresistant forms will increase in these populations.
D) The frequency of resistant forms will definitely increase in these populations.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
9) Environments all over the world are changing as a result of global warming. Could this
influence natural selection?
A) No. The environment is always changing. Global warming is nothing new.
B) Yes. Traits that help individuals produce more offspring in warmer environments will
increase in frequency.
C) No. The only change will be that species from hot environments will expand their ranges.
D) Yes. Mutations occur more frequently in hot environments.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
10) The "heat" in chili peppers is due to a molecule called capsaicin. Suppose you breed chili
peppers that have low amounts of capsaicin over many generations in order to make them milder
(have less capsaicin). What process is occurring?
A) heritable variation
B) environmental change
C) natural selection
D) artificial selection
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension/Remembering
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
,11) The "heat" in chili peppers is due to a molecule called capsaicin. Suppose you breed only the
hottest chili peppers over many generations–predict the characteristics of the resulting
individuals.
A) larger fruits
B) smaller fruits
C) less capsaicin
D) more capsaicin
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
12) Starting from the wild mustard Brassica oleracea, breeders have created the strains known as
Brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Which of the following statements is supported by
this observation?
A) In this species, there is enough heritable variation to create a variety of features.
B) Heritable variation is low–otherwise the wild strain would have different characteristics.
C) Natural selection has not occurred very frequently in the wild populations.
D) In this species, most of the variation present is due to differences in soil, nutrition, amount of
sunlight, or other aspects of the environment.
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
13) Which of the following best reflects a phylogenetic conclusion regarding chimpanzees and
baboons?
A) They are grouped together because they both have opposable thumbs.
B) They are grouped together because they both feed their young breast milk.
C) They are grouped together because they have a common ancestor in recent history.
D) They are grouped together because they live in similar habitats.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
,14) One aspect of Darwin's theory of natural selection is that adaptations not useful to fitness are
lost faster if they have a greater cost. With this in mind, which of the following explanation is
most likely true?
A) Our little toe is not going away in the near future.
B) The human appendix must currently serve an essential function or it would not be in our
bodies.
C) It is a mystery why we do not have tails.
D) Humans are relatively hairless because we look better without hair.
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
15) Many phylogenetic trees are based on DNA sequence similarities. What is the practical result
of this similarity?
A) Closely related species will not look similar to each other.
B) Artificial selection can bring closely related species even closer to each other.
C) Species with very similar DNA will have similar structures, enzymes, and appearance.
D) Mitochondrial DNA might be different from nuclear DNA.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
16) Which of the following would not be a good reason for studying SSU RNA to understand the
major branches in the evolutionary history of life?
A) This molecule is found in every species.
B) It is passed on through evolutionary history with only minor modifications.
C) It is a necessary part of the cellular machinery for reproduction and other purposes.
D) It mutates very frequently.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
, 17) In the Linnaean classification system, which taxon would generally include the largest
number of species?
A) family
B) phylum
C) order
D) genus
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
18) Why did the five-kingdom system of classification fall out of favor?
A) It was too complex—Linnaeus' original two-kingdom system was more useful.
B) It was too difficult to distinguish plants from fungi and animals from protistans.
C) There were too few monerans to justify their classification at the kingdom level.
D) It did not reflect the actual evolutionary relationships among organisms very well.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
19) What do the nodes and branch points on a phylogenetic tree represent?
A) species
B) new kingdoms or domains
C) ancestral groups that split into two descendant groups
D) groups that got new names
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
20) On an evolutionary tree, any group that includes a common ancestor and all of its
descendants is called monophyletic ("one-tribe"). Draw the tree for Bacteria, Archaea, and
Eukarya. Are prokaryotes monophyletic?
A) yes
B) no
Answer: B
Explanation: B) This is an important and sometimes difficult-to-grasp concept that can be
emphasized by class discussion.
,
,7e Biological Science: Chapter 1 Biology and the Tree of Life
1) The pattern component of the cell theory claims that all organisms consist of cells.
A) true
B) false
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
2) How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific hypothesis?
A) There is no difference—the terms are interchangeable.
B) A theory is an explanation for a very general phenomenon or observation; hypotheses treat
more specific observations.
C) A hypothesis is an explanation for a very general phenomenon; theories treat more specific
issues.
D) Theories define scientific laws; hypotheses are used to set up experiments.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
3) Algae in the genus Caulerpa typically grow to a length of over half a meter and have
structures similar to stems, leaves, and roots. Reproduction occurs when adults produce sperm
and eggs that fuse to form offspring. Each adult Caulerpa, however, consists of just a single cell.
Which of the following statements is true?
A) Caulerpa violate the pattern component of the cell theory—that all organisms consist of cells.
B) Caulerpa violate the process component of the cell theory—that all cells come from
preexisting cells.
C) Caulerpa violate both the pattern and process components of the cell theory.
D) The existence of Caulerpa is consistent with the cell theory.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
4) Which statement about spontaneous generation is FALSE?
A) Pasteur demonstrated that it does not occur under normal laboratory conditions.
B) It apparently occurred at least once–when life on Earth began.
C) It occurs every time a new species evolves from a preexisting species.
D) It addresses the formation of living cells from previously nonliving material.
,Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
,5) Recall Pasteur's experiment on spontaneous generation. Originally, he used sealed and
unsealed flasks instead of swan-necked and unsealed flasks. Critics claimed that the experiment
was inconclusive. Which of the following criticisms would be addressed by using a swan-necked
flask instead of the sealed flask?
A) The broth was heated too intensively.
B) There had not been enough time for spontaneous generation to occur.
C) Fresh air is required for spontaneous generation.
D) The broth was not nutritious enough.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.1
Bloom's Level: Comprehension/Applying
LOs: Chp1-2. Describe the two components of the cell theory.
6) Which of the following is the best example of a heritable variation?
A) skin cancer
B) amputation
C) red hair
D) love for music
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-1. Name five fundamental characteristics shared by all living organisms.
7) How does artificial selection differ from natural selection?
A) Artificial selection occurs only in computer simulations, not with actual organisms.
B) Artificial selection is based on conscious choices by humans.
C) Artificial selection occurs only with plants.
D) Artificial selection is not based on heritable variation, but on new mutations.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
,8) Over the past several decades, natural selection has caused populations of Staphylococcus
aureus (an infectious wound bacterium) to evolve resistance to most antibiotics. If antibiotic use
were stopped, what would you predict would happen to these S. aureus populations?
A) They will go extinct without the antibiotic.
B) The populations will begin colonizing new environments.
C) The frequency of nonresistant forms will increase in these populations.
D) The frequency of resistant forms will definitely increase in these populations.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
9) Environments all over the world are changing as a result of global warming. Could this
influence natural selection?
A) No. The environment is always changing. Global warming is nothing new.
B) Yes. Traits that help individuals produce more offspring in warmer environments will
increase in frequency.
C) No. The only change will be that species from hot environments will expand their ranges.
D) Yes. Mutations occur more frequently in hot environments.
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
10) The "heat" in chili peppers is due to a molecule called capsaicin. Suppose you breed chili
peppers that have low amounts of capsaicin over many generations in order to make them milder
(have less capsaicin). What process is occurring?
A) heritable variation
B) environmental change
C) natural selection
D) artificial selection
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Comprehension/Remembering
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
,11) The "heat" in chili peppers is due to a molecule called capsaicin. Suppose you breed only the
hottest chili peppers over many generations–predict the characteristics of the resulting
individuals.
A) larger fruits
B) smaller fruits
C) less capsaicin
D) more capsaicin
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
12) Starting from the wild mustard Brassica oleracea, breeders have created the strains known as
Brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Which of the following statements is supported by
this observation?
A) In this species, there is enough heritable variation to create a variety of features.
B) Heritable variation is low–otherwise the wild strain would have different characteristics.
C) Natural selection has not occurred very frequently in the wild populations.
D) In this species, most of the variation present is due to differences in soil, nutrition, amount of
sunlight, or other aspects of the environment.
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.2
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
13) Which of the following best reflects a phylogenetic conclusion regarding chimpanzees and
baboons?
A) They are grouped together because they both have opposable thumbs.
B) They are grouped together because they both feed their young breast milk.
C) They are grouped together because they have a common ancestor in recent history.
D) They are grouped together because they live in similar habitats.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
,14) One aspect of Darwin's theory of natural selection is that adaptations not useful to fitness are
lost faster if they have a greater cost. With this in mind, which of the following explanation is
most likely true?
A) Our little toe is not going away in the near future.
B) The human appendix must currently serve an essential function or it would not be in our
bodies.
C) It is a mystery why we do not have tails.
D) Humans are relatively hairless because we look better without hair.
Answer: A
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Applying
LOs: Chp1-3. Briefly explain the theory of natural selection, and clarify the two conditions that
are necessary and sufficient for natural selection to bring about evolutionary change in a
population.
15) Many phylogenetic trees are based on DNA sequence similarities. What is the practical result
of this similarity?
A) Closely related species will not look similar to each other.
B) Artificial selection can bring closely related species even closer to each other.
C) Species with very similar DNA will have similar structures, enzymes, and appearance.
D) Mitochondrial DNA might be different from nuclear DNA.
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
16) Which of the following would not be a good reason for studying SSU RNA to understand the
major branches in the evolutionary history of life?
A) This molecule is found in every species.
B) It is passed on through evolutionary history with only minor modifications.
C) It is a necessary part of the cellular machinery for reproduction and other purposes.
D) It mutates very frequently.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
, 17) In the Linnaean classification system, which taxon would generally include the largest
number of species?
A) family
B) phylum
C) order
D) genus
Answer: B
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
18) Why did the five-kingdom system of classification fall out of favor?
A) It was too complex—Linnaeus' original two-kingdom system was more useful.
B) It was too difficult to distinguish plants from fungi and animals from protistans.
C) There were too few monerans to justify their classification at the kingdom level.
D) It did not reflect the actual evolutionary relationships among organisms very well.
Answer: D
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
19) What do the nodes and branch points on a phylogenetic tree represent?
A) species
B) new kingdoms or domains
C) ancestral groups that split into two descendant groups
D) groups that got new names
Answer: C
Reference: Section 1.3
Bloom's Level: Remembering
LOs: Chp1-4. Read a phylogenetic tree, and understand the role of similarities and differences in
constructing phylogenetic trees.
20) On an evolutionary tree, any group that includes a common ancestor and all of its
descendants is called monophyletic ("one-tribe"). Draw the tree for Bacteria, Archaea, and
Eukarya. Are prokaryotes monophyletic?
A) yes
B) no
Answer: B
Explanation: B) This is an important and sometimes difficult-to-grasp concept that can be
emphasized by class discussion.
