Biology Quiz: The Study of Life and the Nature of Science

Name: ___________________________

Grade/Section: ___________________

Date: ___________________________

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on the space provided before the number.

1. Which of the following BEST describes biology?

A. The study of rocks and minerals

B. The study of chemicals and their reactions

C. The study of life and living organisms

D. The study of stars and galaxies

2. What is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things?

A. Organ

B. Cell

C. Atom

D. Molecule

3. How are tissues, organs, and organ systems related in terms of biological organization?

A. Tissues are made of organ systems

B. Organ systems are made of tissues only

C. Organs are made of organ systems

D. Tissues form organs, and organs form organ systems

4. Which characteristic of life explains how a sunflower turns toward sunlight?

A. Responds to stimuli

B. Requires energy

C. Reproduces

D. Displays organization

5. Which of the following would NOT be considered a function of a biologist?

A. Studying the genetic causes of diseases

B. Developing drought-resistant crops

C. Creating abstract paintings

D. Preserving endangered species

6. Which characteristic is being demonstrated when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly?

A. Maintains homeostasis

B. Responds to stimuli

C. Reproduction

D. Grows and develops

7. An animal that eats other animals for energy is demonstrating which characteristic of life?

A. Maintains homeostasis

B. Grows and develops

C. Requires energy

D. Displays organization

8. What is a stimulus in biological terms?

A. A type of organ

B. Anything that causes a reaction in an organism

C. The product of digestion

D. A characteristic of nonliving things

9. Why is reproduction vital for a species?

A. It increases food availability

B. It ensures the continuation of the species

C. It improves weather patterns

D. It allows for greater metabolic rates

10. What term describes the regulation of internal conditions to maintain life?

A. Evolution

B. Homeostasis

C. Digestion

D. Respiration

11. Scientific inquiry involves:

A. Relying on opinions and personal beliefs

B. Guessing and drawing conclusions without data

C. Observations and experimentation

D. Avoiding creativity and innovation

12. What is an adaptation?

A. A temporary behavior

B. A personal skill

C. An inherited trait that enhances survival

D. A learned activity in an organism's life

13. Which example BEST shows homeostasis?

A. Sweating to cool down

B. Blinking to avoid dust

C. Sleeping at night

D. Stretching after exercise

14. Which of the following activities would a field biologist MOST likely do?

A. Study fossils

B. Calculate math equations

C. Observe animals in their natural habitat

D. Read literature for leisure

15. What is the role of sunlight for many unicellular organisms?

A. To heat the environment

B. To allow movement

C. To provide energy for making food

D. To absorb minerals

16. Why are scientific experiments repeated by other scientists?

A. To improve social connections

B. To waste less time

C. To gain profit

D. To validate and confirm the results

17. Which statement about living things is TRUE?

A. All living things are made of organs

B. All living things grow by external factors only

C. All living things are made of one or more cells

D. All living things are microscopic

18. How does science differ from other fields of study?

A. It relies on myths and legends

B. It encourages opinions over data

C. It promotes supernatural explanations

D. It uses evidence and experimentation

19. Which example BEST demonstrates an adaptation?

A. Camouflage in chameleons

B. A dog barking at noise

C. A person brushing their teeth

D. A baby crying for milk

20. Which of the following is NOT one of the eight characteristics of life?

A. Made of cells

B. Has emotions

C. Responds to stimuli

D. Grows and develops