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Unit 1 of 5

Unit 1: Biological Science

Study guide for CLEP CLEP Natural Sciences — Unit 1: Biological Science. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

349

Practice Questions

32

Flashcards

4

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Cell structure, function, and reproduction
Genetics, DNA, and heredity
Evolution and natural selection
Ecology: ecosystems, populations, and biodiversity

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 349.

Q1MEDIUM

What is the role of apoptosis in development?

A) Cell proliferation
B) Cell differentiation
C) Cell migration
D) Programmed cell death
E) Tissue regeneration
Show Answer

Answer: D — Programmed cell death is correct because apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a process by which cells die and are removed, playing a crucial role in shaping tissues and organs during development.

Q2MEDIUM

Which geologic principle states that older rocks are buried beneath younger rocks?

A) Law of Superposition
B) Law of Original Horizontality
C) Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships
D) Law of Inclusions
E) Law of Faunal Succession
Show Answer

Answer: A — Law of Superposition is correct because it states that in any undisturbed sequence of rocks deposited in layers, the youngest layer is on top and the oldest on the bottom, each layer being younger than the one beneath it and older than the one above it.

Q3EASY

What process occurs when a single species splits into two distinct species?

A) Genetic drift
B) Natural selection
C) Speciation
D) Mutation
E) Gene flow
Show Answer

Answer: C — Speciation is correct because it is the process by which a single species splits into two distinct species, resulting in reproductive isolation between the two new species, since they can no longer interbreed.

Q4MEDIUM

A forest ecosystem is an example of a biological system that exhibits properties of biocomplexity and diversity, enabling it to be more resilient and flexible in responding to environmental changes. Which of the following is a characteristic of such a system?

A) The whole system is equal to the sum of its individual parts
B) The system's properties emerge from the interactions among its individual components
C) The system's diversity decreases its ability to respond to environmental changes
D) The system's complexity makes it more vulnerable to environmental disruptions
E) The system's properties are determined by its most dominant species
Show Answer

Answer: B — Biological systems exhibit emergent properties due to interactions among components, making them more resilient and flexible.

Q5MEDIUM

Which process occurs when an organism's genetic information is passed from one generation to the next?

A) Mutation
B) Genetic drift
C) Gene expression
D) Heredity
E) Natural selection
Show Answer

Answer: D — Heredity is correct because heredity refers to the passing of traits from parents to offspring, whereas A is incorrect as mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence.

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Study Tips for Unit 1: Biological Science

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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