Classification Of Living Things! Trivia Facts Quiz
All living things are categorized into groups based on shared characteristics. The living things are classified as prokaryotes ( bacteria and archaea), and eukaryotes (animals, plants, protists, and fungi). This quiz has been created to test your knowledge about the Classification of Living Things. Let's take this Review quiz and learn more! All the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a living organism?
- A.
They contain the chemicals Carbon, Oxygen, Helium, and Nitrogen
- B.
They respond to their surroundings
- C.
They have cellular organization
- D.
They reproduce
Correct Answer
A. They contain the chemicals Carbon, Oxygen, Helium, and NitrogenExplanation
Living organisms do contain the chemicals carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, as these elements are essential for life processes. However, helium is not a chemical that is typically found in living organisms. Therefore, the statement "They contain the chemicals Carbon, Oxygen, Helium, and Nitrogen" is not a feature of a living organism.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Today scientists understand that certain organisms are alike because of
- A.
Physical traits
- B.
Common ancestry
- C.
Observable features
- D.
Classification
Correct Answer
B. Common ancestryExplanation
The correct answer is "Common ancestry". This means that certain organisms share similarities because they have descended from a common ancestor. Through the process of evolution, organisms have inherited traits from their ancestors, leading to similarities in physical characteristics and observable features. This concept is fundamental to the field of biology and helps scientists understand the relationships and evolutionary history of different species.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The correct scientific name for a leopard gecko is
- A.
Eublepharis macularius
- B.
Eublepharis macularius
- C.
Eublepharis Macularius
- D.
Eublepharis Macularius
Correct Answer
B. Eublepharis maculariusExplanation
The correct scientific name for a leopard gecko is Eublepharis macularius. Scientific names are written in Latin and follow a specific format, with the genus name capitalized and the species name in lowercase. In this case, "Eublepharis" is the genus name and "macularius" is the species name. It is important to use the correct scientific name to accurately identify and classify organisms in the scientific community.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The experiment that provided evidence that life does not spontaneously generate was conducted by
- A.
Carolus Linneaus
- B.
Charles Darwin
- C.
Francesco Redi
- D.
Aristotle
Correct Answer
C. Francesco RediExplanation
Francesco Redi conducted an experiment that provided evidence against the spontaneous generation of life. In his experiment, Redi placed meat in two different jars - one covered and one uncovered. He observed that maggots only appeared in the uncovered jar where flies could access the meat, while the covered jar remained free of maggots. This experiment demonstrated that maggots did not spontaneously generate from the meat, but rather were produced by flies laying their eggs on the meat. This experiment challenged the prevailing belief in spontaneous generation and supported the idea of biogenesis, that life only arises from pre-existing life.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Does homeostasis refer to an organism need for which of the following?
- A.
Energy
- B.
Water
- C.
Stable internal conditions
- D.
Space
Correct Answer
C. Stable internal conditionsExplanation
Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions regardless of external changes. This includes regulating body temperature, pH levels, and nutrient levels, among others. Energy, water, and space are all important for the survival of an organism, but they are not the specific need that homeostasis refers to.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following was most likely the first step in the development of life on earth?
- A.
Multicellular organisms emerge
- B.
Bacteria formed
- C.
Emergence of organisms in oceans
- D.
Presence of an atmosphere containing nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane
Correct Answer
D. Presence of an atmosphere containing nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methaneExplanation
The presence of an atmosphere containing nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane is the most likely first step in the development of life on Earth. This is because these gases are essential for the formation of organic compounds and the creation of a suitable environment for the emergence of life. The presence of nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane would have provided the necessary building blocks and energy sources for the formation of simple organic molecules, which eventually led to the development of more complex life forms.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Linnaeus created a naming system for organisms that used the
- A.
Kingdom and Phylum
- B.
Class and Order
- C.
Order and Family
- D.
Genus and Species
Correct Answer
D. Genus and SpeciesExplanation
Linnaeus created a naming system for organisms called binomial nomenclature, which uses the scientific names of organisms based on their genus and species. This system allows for a standardized and universal way to identify and classify different species. The genus represents a group of closely related species, while the species represents a specific individual within that genus. By using the genus and species names, scientists can accurately communicate and refer to specific organisms, avoiding confusion and promoting clarity in scientific research and communication.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following BEST describes organisms of the same species?
- A.
They can mate (in nature) to produce offspring
- B.
They are similar closely related organisms
- C.
They live in the same type of habitat
- D.
Share different scientific names
Correct Answer
A. They can mate (in nature) to produce offspringExplanation
Organisms of the same species can mate in nature to produce offspring. This is because members of the same species share genetic similarities and are capable of reproducing with each other. Mating and producing offspring is a defining characteristic of a species and helps to maintain genetic diversity within the population.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The first classification system was developed by
- A.
Carolus Linneaus
- B.
Charles Darwin
- C.
Francesco Redi
- D.
Aristotle
Correct Answer
D. AristotleExplanation
Aristotle is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the first person to develop a comprehensive classification system for living organisms. His work, known as the "Scala Naturae" or "Ladder of Life," categorized organisms based on their complexity and placed them in a hierarchical order. Aristotle's classification system laid the foundation for future advancements in taxonomy and was influential for many centuries.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The broadest level of classification is
- A.
Kingdom
- B.
Phylum
- C.
Class
- D.
Order
Correct Answer
A. KingdomExplanation
The broadest level of classification is Kingdom. In the hierarchical system of classification, Kingdom is the highest category and represents the largest group of organisms. It is used to classify living organisms into five major groups: Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (fungi), Protista (protists), and Monera (bacteria). Kingdom classification is based on fundamental characteristics such as cell structure, mode of nutrition, and reproduction.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The theory of evolution was proposed by
- A.
Carolus Linneaus
- B.
Charles Darwin
- C.
Francesco Redi
- D.
Aristotle
Correct Answer
B. Charles DarwinExplanation
Charles Darwin is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the scientist who proposed the theory of evolution. Darwin's groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, presented evidence for natural selection and explained how species evolve over time. His theory revolutionized our understanding of the natural world and remains a cornerstone of modern biology.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The process by which species change over time is called
- A.
Natural selection
- B.
Classification
- C.
Evolution
- D.
Growing up
Correct Answer
C. EvolutionExplanation
Evolution is the correct answer because it refers to the process by which species change over time. It involves the gradual development and adaptation of organisms through genetic variations and natural selection. This process leads to the formation of new species and the diversity of life on Earth. Classification is the categorization of organisms based on their characteristics, while natural selection is a mechanism within evolution that determines which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction. "Growing up" is not a scientific term related to the process of species change over time.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The word “dichotomous” is defined as
- A.
Having one possible outcome
- B.
Having two possible outcomes
- C.
Having three possible outcomes
- D.
Having four or more possible outcomes
Correct Answer
B. Having two possible outcomesExplanation
The word "dichotomous" is defined as having two possible outcomes. This means that a situation or a choice can be divided into two distinct and mutually exclusive options. It implies that there are only two possibilities or alternatives available, and no other options are considered.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In which scenario would it make the most sense to use a field guide?
- A.
Trying to figure out the scientific name of a desert beetle found in Utah
- B.
Trying to look at the evolutionary relationship between two species of grass found in different parts of Europe
- C.
Determining what order a collection of aquatic invertebrates belongs to
- D.
Wanting to figure out what kinds of organisms are found in an intertidal zone along the beach
Correct Answer
D. Wanting to figure out what kinds of organisms are found in an intertidal zone along the beachExplanation
A field guide would be most useful in the scenario of wanting to figure out what kinds of organisms are found in an intertidal zone along the beach. A field guide is a book or resource that provides information and illustrations about different species of plants and animals in a specific geographic area. In the intertidal zone, there is a diverse range of organisms that can be found, including various types of marine plants, invertebrates, and sometimes even small fish. A field guide would help identify and learn about these different organisms, allowing for a better understanding of the intertidal ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is NOT a true statement?
- A.
Dichotomous keys consist of a set of paired statements
- B.
You always begin with step one in a dichotomous key
- C.
When using a dichotomous key always start at the beginning with each new organism
- D.
Every statement in a dichotomous key tells you what organism you are looking at
Correct Answer
D. Every statement in a dichotomous key tells you what organism you are looking atExplanation
A dichotomous key consists of a set of paired statements that help identify an organism. However, not every statement in a dichotomous key tells you what organism you are looking at. Some statements may help narrow down the options, but the final identification is made by considering multiple statements together. Therefore, the statement "Every statement in a dichotomous key tells you what organism you are looking at" is not true.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The statement “closely related organisms have similar chemical makeup” refers to
- A.
The “CHON” elements in their tissues
- B.
Their DNA
- C.
The structure of their cells
- D.
The kind of lipstick they bought at the mall
Correct Answer
B. Their DNAExplanation
The statement "closely related organisms have similar chemical makeup" refers to their DNA. DNA is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development and functioning of all living organisms. Closely related organisms share a common ancestry and therefore have similar DNA sequences, which determine their similarities in traits and characteristics. The chemical makeup of DNA, consisting of nucleotides containing the bases adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), is what allows for the inheritance of genetic information and the transmission of traits from one generation to the next.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What idea has changed the way biologists think about classification?
- A.
Theory of relativity
- B.
Theory of evolution
- C.
Laws of physics
- D.
Big bang theory
Correct Answer
B. Theory of evolutionExplanation
The theory of evolution has changed the way biologists think about classification. It introduced the concept of common ancestry and gradual change over time, leading to the development of the Linnaean classification system. This system categorizes organisms based on their evolutionary relationships and allows scientists to understand the diversity of life on Earth. The theory of evolution also emphasizes the importance of adaptation and natural selection, which further influences how biologists classify and understand different species.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What species did Darwin study to come up with his famous ideas?
- A.
Finches
- B.
Tortoises
- C.
Iguanas
- D.
Sea lions
Correct Answer
A. FinchesExplanation
Darwin studied finches to come up with his famous ideas. The Galapagos finches played a crucial role in his theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin observed that different species of finches on different islands had variations in their beak shapes and sizes, which allowed them to adapt to different food sources. This led him to propose that these variations were a result of natural selection, where the finches with advantageous beak traits were more likely to survive and reproduce. This study of finches provided evidence for the concept of adaptation and helped shape Darwin's theory of evolution.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The level of classification that contains organisms that are closely related but don’t necessarily interbreed successfully in nature is called the
- A.
Class
- B.
Order
- C.
Family
- D.
Genus
Correct Answer
D. GenusExplanation
The level of classification that contains organisms that are closely related but don't necessarily interbreed successfully in nature is called the genus. Genus is a taxonomic rank that groups together species that share common characteristics and are closely related. Organisms within the same genus are more closely related to each other than to organisms in different genera. While organisms within the same genus can interbreed, successful interbreeding is not a requirement for classification within the genus.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which part of an organism’s scientific name can be descriptive?
- A.
The genus
- B.
The species
- C.
The genus and species
- D.
It can’t – only the common name can
Correct Answer
B. The speciesExplanation
The species part of an organism's scientific name can be descriptive because it provides specific information about the organism's characteristics, traits, or habitat. The genus, on the other hand, is more general and represents a group of closely related species. Therefore, the species part is the one that can provide descriptive information about the organism.Rate this question:
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Apr 24, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Nov 17, 2008Quiz Created by
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