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MTEL Biology Test Answer Key

1. B: Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of the interactions of the physical, chemical and biological parts of all living and non-living things that occur naturally on earth. Components include anything not man-made or created from or a by-product of human activity.

2. C: Cell Theory states the cell is the basic building block of all living things. Evolution is a result of natural selection and changes in the gene pool. Homeostasis is a self-regulating, physiological process that keeps biological systems stable and in proper balance internally no matter what is happening in the external environment.

3. D: Scientific Inquiry is used to explore theories and develop explanations for natural phenomena. It has two functions: to provide a description of how something happens and explain why the process succeeds or fails. 

4. B: The earth sciences or geosciences study the earth, the only known life-baring planet. This field is concerned with the lithosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. These three working together create the conditions needed to sustain the biosphere, which is comprised of all living organisms, i.e. life science or biology.  

5. C: Biodiversity (biological diversity) encompasses all living things and the ecosystems they create. It is The Web of Life that has evolved over 3.5 billion years by natural processes and human influences. To study an ecosystem properly, all living creatures, humans included, that populate the interactive community and share the air, water and soil must be considered.