Exam 1: An Introduction to Life on Earth

Which group has prokaryotic individuals?

In which kingdom does a multicellular, eukaryotic, photosynthetic organism belong?

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus belong to the domains Bacteria and_________ .

A good experiment should include as many variables as possible at the same time.

Describe at least two cellular-level differences between a photosynthetic prokaryote and a plant.

The instructions for producing and maintaining life are contained in what molecule?

The basic unit of life is the _________.

Of the following levels of organization, Archaea have

Which of the following is a characteristic of living organisms?

Which of these would be an example of a NON-scientific study?

A hypothesis is typically stated as an ʺIf . . . thenʺ statement.

The energy that sustains life ultimately comes from sunlight.

Suppose that a meteorite crashes into Earth and a sample of it is taken to a local research lab for analysis. Embedded several inches within the rocky structure, a microscopic cluster of dormant, spore-like structures is found. The scientists culture some of this material in a standard microbiological nutrient broth, and they are surprised to find many single-celled ʺorganismsʺ moving around, growing, and reproducing in the broth. The ʺorganismsʺ behave the same in both daylight and dark conditions, do not require oxygen, and thrive under a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. They stop moving, growing, and reproducing, however, when fewer nutrients are available in the medium. In this scenario, the ʺorganismsʺ most closely resemble a(n)

Adaptations aid in the survival and reproduction of an organism in a particular environment.

Which is NOT an example of evolution?

List four characteristics of living things, and give an example to illustrate each.

The concept of evolution is based on

Photosynthetic plants are considered ?self-feeders,? or _________.

Which of the following is an example of a natural cause?

Imagine that in 2020 you are the top biologist at a research station studying biodiversity in Costa Rica. A young scientist brings you a sample from a previously unexplored site. She asks you to look at the sample and determine whether it indeed contains microscopic, living organisms. As you begin your investigations, you must first decide what characteristics distinguish life from nonlife. How would you differentiate a living organism from nonliving matter (including viruses and prions)?