Life Science Practice Questions

1. 1. Which of the following describes the proper pathway of blood through the heart?
   1. vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta
   2. vena cava → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary vein → pulmonary artery → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta
   3. vena cava → right atrium → left atrium → pulmonary artery → pulmonary vein → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta
   4. vena cava → right atrium → left atrium → pulmonary vein → pulmonary artery → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

   To make a prediction on this question, think about what kind of blood flows into and out of the heart.

2. 2. Most human digestion takes place in the
   1. esophagus
   2. stomach
   3. small intestine
   4. large intestine

   The small intestine is the largest digestive organ and does the most work in breaking down food into materials the body can use.

3. 3. Which blood type can be donated to anyone?
   1. A positive
   2. B negative
   3. O negative
   4. AB positive

   Type O negative blood, also known as the “universal donor” type, can be donated to anyone.

4. 4. A typical human gamete contains
   1. 2 chromosomes
   2. 23 chromosomes
   3. 46 chromosomes
   4. 92 chromosomes

   A typical human gamete contains half the number of chromosomes as a normal cell, or 23.

5. 5. Which of the following is an example of a primary consumer?
   1. moss
   2. mushroom
   3. jackal
   4. deer

   A deer is an example of a primary consumer; that is, an animal that consumes only vegetation.

6. 6. How many domains are recognized in taxonomy?
   1. 3
   2. 5
   3. 7
   4. 9

   There are three domains in taxonomy: Eukaryota, Bacteria, and Archaea.

7. 7. Which of the following best describes the difference between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells?
   1. Prokaryotic cells do not have nuclei.
   2. Prokaryotic cells are only found in plants.
   3. Eukaryotic cells are only found in plants.
   4. Eukaryotic cells do not have nuclei.

   Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, do not have nuclei. Their genetic material is contained within main part of the cell body. Eukaryotic cells do contain nuclei where all genetic material is contained. Eukaryotic cells are plant, animal, fungi and protist cells.

8. 8. The cell membrane that surrounds an animal cell is a
   1. non-permeable structure
   2. semi-permeable structure
   3. fully permeable structure
   4. cell wall

   Animal cells have semi-permeable membranes which allow for osmosis. Osmosis is essential for maintaining homeostasis within the cell and -preventing it from shrinking or bursting.

Earth and space science is the study of the Earth and the universe around it. For purposes of the ASVAB, it’s helpful to know a few facts about our planet and the solar system in which it travels.