GED Science Life Science 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?
- They are too small to be seen without a microscope
- They cannot reproduce or carry out metabolism without a host cell (Correct answer)
- They do not contain any genetic material
- They are destroyed by antibiotics
Correct 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.
Question 2: A biome characterized by permafrost, very low temperatures, and low-growing mosses and lichens is the:
- Taiga
- Tundra (Correct answer)
- Temperate grassland
- Desert
Correct 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.
Question 3: In the carbon cycle, which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
- Cellular respiration
- Decomposition
- Combustion
- Photosynthesis (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and sunlight to produce glucose, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing carbon in organic compounds.
Question 4: 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?
- 0%
- 25%
- 50%
- 100% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 100%
All offspring of a PP × pp cross are Pp (heterozygous), and since purple is dominant, 100% will display purple flowers.
Question 5: Which body system is primarily responsible for fighting infections and maintaining immunity?
- Endocrine system
- Lymphatic/immune system (Correct answer)
- Nervous system
- Digestive system
Correct answer: Lymphatic/immune system
The lymphatic and immune system produces and deploys white blood cells and antibodies to identify and destroy pathogens.
Question 6: Homologous structures, such as the arm of a human and the wing of a bat, are evidence of:
- Convergent evolution
- Common ancestry (Correct answer)
- Analogous adaptation
- Spontaneous generation
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following processes produces genetically identical daughter cells?
- Meiosis I
- Meiosis II
- Mitosis (Correct answer)
- Fertilization
Correct answer: Mitosis
Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, used for growth and repair in the body.
GED Science Life Science 5
Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?