Science Life Science Flashcards

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?

Answer: They cannot reproduce or carry out metabolism without a host cell

Viruses lack the ability to independently reproduce or perform metabolic functions — they require a host cell's machinery to do so.

A biome characterized by permafrost, very low temperatures, and low-growing mosses and lichens is the:

Answer: Tundra

The tundra biome is defined by its frozen subsoil (permafrost), harsh cold climate, and limited vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs.

In the carbon cycle, which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?

Answer: Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce glucose, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing carbon in organic compounds.

A scientist cross-pollinates two pea plants: one with purple flowers (PP) and one with white flowers (pp). What percentage of offspring will have purple flowers?

Answer: 100%

All offspring of a PP × pp cross are Pp (heterozygous), and since purple is dominant, 100% will display purple flowers.

Which body system is primarily responsible for fighting infections and maintaining immunity?

Answer: Lymphatic/immune system

The lymphatic and immune system produces and deploys white blood cells and antibodies to identify and destroy pathogens.

Homologous structures, such as the arm of a human and the wing of a bat, are evidence of:

Answer: Common ancestry

Homologous structures share the same underlying bone structure because the species descended from a common ancestor, even if the structures now serve different purposes.

Which of the following processes produces genetically identical daughter cells?

Answer: Mitosis

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, used for growth and repair in the body.