STAAR

State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness

Biology

Administered May 2016

RELEASED

Copyright 2016, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
 BIOLOGY

Biology
Page 3
DIRECTIONS

Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the question from
the four answer choices provided. Then fill in the answer on your answer
document.

1 The four butterflies in the illustrations represent the offspring in the F1 generation.

Which statement is best supported by the phenotypes of these offspring?

A The F1 generation is composed only of males.

B Two of the offspring in the F1 generation will not be able to reproduce.

C The F1 generation is the result of a dihybrid cross.

D Two of the offspring in the F1 generation will experience a spontaneous mutation.

Biology
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 2 The 1918 influenza epidemic killed between 50 million and 100 million people worldwide. This
epidemic happened near the end of World War I. More people died from the influenza
epidemic than were killed in the war. Which of the following explains why this virus was so
deadly worldwide?

F Infected soldiers returning from the war spread the virus when they coughed.

G Food was scarce because of the war, so people were undernourished, and their immune
systems were weakened.

H Medical personnel often became ill as a result of exposure to airborne virus particles.

J All of the above

3 The amount of energy the producers in this energy pyramid provide the primary consumers is
54,000 joules. From this amount, 540 joules are provided to the tertiary consumers.

Tertiary consumers

Secondary consumers

Primary consumers

Producers

Based on this model, how much of the energy was provided to secondary consumers?

A 53,460 J

B 5,400 J

C 540 J

D 54 J

Biology
Page 5
 4 The survival of a species depends on its ability to adapt to changes in the environment. A
species must be capable of surviving and reproducing despite changes to food sources,
climate, or threats from predators. Which statement correctly describes a way that mutations
increase the likelihood that a species will survive in a changing environment?

F Mutations are a source of variation in the species.

G Mutations are the cause of disease in the species.

H Mutations are not harmful when they occur in somatic cells of the species.

J Mutations are always passed on to subsequent generations of the species.

5 The diagram represents one way an enzyme can be inhibited.

Substrate

Enzyme
inhibitor

Enzyme

Which statement explains the effect of an inhibitor on an enzyme?

A A substrate will be able to bond with the enzyme.

B The enzyme will likely be attacked by immune cells.

C The enzyme will be unable to produce more enzymes.

D A substrate will be unable to attach to the enzyme.

Biology
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 6 Four different nucleotides are used as building blocks of DNA. Which of the following can be
used to distinguish one nucleotide from another?

F The nitrogenous base

G The shape of the deoxyribose sugar

H The length of the phosphate group

J The type of fatty acid

7 The green frog (Lithobates clamitans clamitans) is found in many parts of the United States.
The table contains some information about this frog.

Reproduction Facts for L. clamitans clamitans

Breeding season Late spring
Length of breeding season 1 to 3 months
Breeding habitats Swamps, ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams
Number of eggs per clutch 1,000 to 5,000
When eggs hatch 3 to 7 days

Why does the ability to lay 1,000 to 5,000 eggs increase the fitness of the species
L. clamitans clamitans?

A It increases opportunities for offspring to compete for limited resources.

B It increases the probability that some offspring will survive long enough to reproduce.

C It increases the probability that moving water will promote gene flow from one population
to another.

D It increases the chance of the recombination of alleles, leading to genetic drift in the
population.

Biology
Page 7
 8 Food webs such as the one shown were first used in 1927 by the animal ecologist Charles
Elton. The food web below represents the feeding relationships among organisms in an
Alaskan ecosystem.

Alaskan Ecosystem
Foxes Rats Gulls

Kittiwakes
Puffins Auklets

Salmon Sand lances

Cephalopods

Zooplankton
Decomposers

Phytoplankton

An environmental change that removed which of these organisms from the ecosystem would
cause the most instability in the ecosystem?

F Auklets

G Foxes

H Salmon

J Zooplankton

9 During the final stages of human gestation, receptors for the hormone oxytocin increase on
the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. The release of oxytocin during labor stimulates the
smooth muscle tissue in the wall of the uterus. The vigorous contraction of the uterine smooth
muscle helps push the baby through the birth canal so that delivery can occur. This process
involves the interaction of which organ systems?

A Endocrine and muscular only

B Endocrine and reproductive only

C Endocrine, muscular, and reproductive

D Endocrine, reproductive, and excretory

Biology
Page 8
 10 In the early 1900s a scientist hypothesized a link between DNA and the production of proteins
in the cytoplasm. However, the fact that DNA could not be found outside the nucleus led
scientists to believe that another substance was also involved in the synthesis of protein in
the cytoplasm. In the 1940s scientists performed an experiment that ultimately identified the
site of protein synthesis. They also identified the molecule responsible for transporting
information from the nucleus to the site of protein synthesis. What was this newly identified
molecule?

F A gene

G mRNA

H ATP

J Thymine

11 During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This exchange of

genetic material

A increases the genetic variation

B reduces the diploid number to the haploid number

C increases the haploid number to the diploid number

D reduces the probability of mutations

Biology
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 12 As a fertilized egg divides, the cells differentiate because they

F contain a lipid bilayer

G can clump together

H metabolize sugars rapidly

J have specific genes activated

13 The photograph shows monarch butterflies landing on plants where there are thousands of
other monarch butterflies. These butterflies feed on milkweed plants as they travel south for
the winter, covering distances of 5,000 km or more each year. However, the population of
these butterflies has been steadily declining over the last 20 years.

Albertoloyo/Dreamstime.com

What is the most likely reason the population of these butterflies has been declining?

A The number of bird species evolving to prey on butterflies has increased.

B The butterflies are evolving to tolerate cold weather in the northern United States and
southern Canada.

C The increase in yearly temperatures has warmed the northern habitats.

D The number of milkweed plants along the butterflies migratory route has decreased.

Biology
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 14 Bactrian camels, dromedaries, llamas, and alpacas are all members of the same taxonomic
family, Camelidae. Members of this family all have two toes, no hooves, true canine teeth,
and a split upper lip. The family Camelidae originated in North America. The physical features
of animals in this family and the familys geographical origin provide evidence that all these
animals

F live in the same type of ecosystem

G have slowly evolved to become herbivores

H have a common ancestor

J exchanged DNA at some point in the past

15 Which statement best describes the relationship between the products of photosynthesis and
the reactants in cellular respiration?

A The products of photosynthesis serve as the reactants in cellular respiration to provide

chemical energy.

B The products of photosynthesis combine with the reactants in cellular respiration to

remove ATP from cells.

C The products of photosynthesis inhibit the reactants in cellular respiration in the presence
of light.

D The products of photosynthesis change the structure of the reactants in cellular respiration
in the presence of light.

Biology
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 16 Health professionals sometimes recommend nutritional supplements that contain a variety of
species of bacteria to promote good digestive health. The product label for one of these
supplements is shown.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 packet (3.3g) Servings per Container: 7
Amount Per Serving % DV**
Calories 8
Calories from fat 0
Total Carbohydrate 2g <1%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Soluble Fiber 2g ***
FOS (fructooligosaccharide) 2,000mg ***
Proprietary Probiotic Blend
Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bd-02) 84.5 billion ***
Lactococcus lactis (Ll-23) 32.5 billion ***
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
*** Daily Value not established

Why does this type of bacteria-filled supplement benefit human health instead of causing
illness?

F Stomach acids and digestive enzymes kill the bacteria in this type of supplement,
protecting the person against future infections by live organisms.

G The human digestive system contains billions of beneficial bacteria that enhance digestion
and nutrient absorption, synthesize vitamins, and help limit the growth of harmful
bacteria.

H These species of bacteria remove all the other species of microorganisms living in the
human digestive system and ensure that no microorganisms survive to contaminate the
body.

J These bacteria are able to deactivate viruses that may inhabit the human digestive system
and are used to protect against further viral infections.

Biology
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 17 The initial steps in gene expression are modeled below. Double-stranded DNA first unwinds
into two strands.

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

Double-
stranded DNA

Which process and product are represented in Diagram 2?

A Process: transcription; product: mRNA

B Process: translation; product: protein

C Process: replication; product: tRNA

D Process: recombination; product: polymerase

18 While visiting a national park, a student encounters an unfamiliar organism in a damp area
near a body of water. The student notes that the organism is about 10 cm long, has four legs,
and has a tail. The organism is black with small white spots on its smooth, moist skin. It also
appears to have an internal skeletal system. To which class does the organism most likely
belong?

F Reptilia

G Amphibia

H Mammalia

J Insecta

Biology
Page 13
 19 During ecological succession, how does the growth of young hardwoods affect the organisms
living in an ecosystem?

A Grasses and low shrubs are unable to obtain the amount of light they need to survive, so
there are small numbers of them.

B The trees provide shelter and food for a variety of mammals, insects, and birds.

C In autumn, falling leaves provide a source of energy for decomposers such as fungi.

D All of the above

20 Human bone, muscle, and nerve cells all contain the same number of chromosomes with the
same complement of genes. What enables these cells to perform specialized activities?

F The ability of some cells to remove unnecessary DNA sequences

G The regulation of gene expression within each cell type

H The mutation of genes within each cell type

J The use of different methods of cell division

Biology
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 21 Some relationships between different organisms are shown in the table.

Relationship Description

1 A lion stalks, captures, and eats a Cape buffalo.

A tapeworm enters the digestive system of a
2 human and consumes the nutrients in the intestines
so that they are not available to the human.
A cattle egret follows cattle around and eats insects
3 disturbed by the movement of the cattle, but the
cattle are unaffected.
A green anole and a brown anole use the same
4
resources to survive in a vacant yard near a pond.

Which table correctly identifies each type of interaction described?

Type of Type of
Relationship Relationship
Interaction Interaction

A 1 Parasitism C 1 Predation
2 Predation 2 Parasitism
3 Commensalism 3 Competition
4 Competition 4 Commensalism

Type of Type of
Relationship Relationship
Interaction Interaction

B 1 Competition D 1 Predation
2 Parasitism 2 Parasitism
3 Commensalism 3 Commensalism
4 Predation 4 Competition

Biology
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 22 Cytokinins are a class of plant hormones that help regulate growth by promoting cell division.
Cytokinins are produced mainly in meristematic tissue, where most plant growth occurs.
Which system carries cytokinins produced in the roots to the rest of the plant?

F Vascular system

G Dermal system

H Reproductive system

J None of these

23 A prey population consists of individuals with a variety of running speeds.

Variation of Running Speeds

Running speed
of predator
Number of Prey Animals

Prey animals better

able to survive

Slow Fast
Running Speed

The adaptation that allows some of these animals to run fast would be an example of natural
selection if it helps them

A survive and undergo mutations in their DNA

B lower the mortality rates of the population

C produce offspring that run at average speeds

D reproduce and increase the frequency of their genes in the population

Biology
Page 16
 24 The diagram shows cells in different phases of mitosis. A student is trying to find a cell in a
particular phase of mitosis. The student is looking for evidence that spindle fibers are
separating the chromosomes to ensure that each new nucleus has one copy of each
chromosome.

1 2 3 4

Which cell is in the phase of mitosis that the student is searching for?

F Cell 1

G Cell 2

H Cell 3

J Cell 4

Biology
Page 17
 25 The quiver tree grows in desert areas in southern Africa. In recent decades average
temperatures have been rising in southern Africa. Scientists predict that this warming trend
will continue. Quiver trees in the hottest parts of their range near the equator are dying, but
quiver trees at high elevations or in parts of the range that are farther from the equator are
growing and reproducing.

iStock.com/brytta
Which of these best explains what is happening to the quiver tree population in southern
Africa?

A Individual quiver trees are unable to adjust to the rising temperatures, and only those in
cooler parts of the range will survive.

B The quiver tree species is unable to survive rising temperatures throughout its range. The
species is likely to undergo rapid extinction.

C Individual quiver trees can quickly adapt to rising temperatures. Individual trees will
change their method of seed dispersal in cooler parts of the range.

D The quiver tree species will survive by producing offspring suited for warmer
temperatures.

Biology
Page 18
 26 Scientists studying illnesses caused by chemically contaminated food conduct research to
minimize the effects of these diseases on society. These chemicals harm the body through
interactions between the digestive system and the immune system. Scientists conducting this
research are likely to describe which of these interactions between the digestive and immune
systems?

F Chemicals enter the immune system through a break in the skin. The chemical
contamination is then passed to the digestive system by the circulatory system.

G The immune system transforms the chemicals in the contaminated foods into harmless
chemicals. These harmless chemicals are then broken down by the digestive system.

H When contaminated foods are eaten, the immune system prevents the chemicals from
entering the digestive system.

J Chemicals enter the digestive system through contaminated foods. Once in the body, the
chemical contaminants impair the bodys ability to fight off infectious diseases.

27 Nitrogenous bases are located on both strands of the DNA double helix. What is the
significance of the nitrogenous bases?

A The number of adenines and cytosines determines the type of RNA that will be produced.

B The order of nitrogenous bases determines the order of amino acids in the proteins
synthesized.

C The amount of thymine and guanine in the DNA molecules determines the length of the
genes.

D The type of hydrogen bonding between the nitrogenous bases determines which amino
acid will be added to the peptide chain.

Biology
Page 19
 28 This diagram shows cellular activity across a cell membrane.

Glucose in high concentrations

outside the cell

Cell membrane

Glucose in low concentrations

inside the cell

Which two processes does this diagram most directly model?

F Energy conversions and synthesis of new molecules

G Synthesis of new molecules and homeostasis

H Transport of molecules and energy conversions

J Homeostasis and transport of molecules

29 In the early 1980s scientists were able to produce two biomolecules by splicing a human gene
into the bacterium E. coli to make recombinant human insulin and growth hormone. Which
statement best explains why this experiment was successful?

A Human cells are eukaryotic, and E. coli cells are prokaryotic.

B All living organisms share the same genome.

C The genes for all organisms are composed of the same building blocks.

D The human body contains many types of bacteria, including E. coli.

Biology
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 30 Kidneys are part of the excretory system in a human body. They purify the impure blood and
send it back to the rest of the body. Which system is mainly responsible for the transport of
plasma to the kidneys?

F Respiratory system

G Circulatory system

H Muscular system

J Nervous system

31 Part of a hydrothermal vent food web is represented in the diagram.

Octopuses

Ratfish

Galatheid Zoarcid
crabs fish

Mussels
Amphipods

Tubeworms
Zooplankton

Chemosynthetic Symbiotic
bacteria bacteria

Which organisms are both secondary and tertiary consumers in this food web?

A Chemosynthetic bacteria and amphipods

B Zooplankton and mussels

C Ratfish and octopuses

D Galatheid crabs and zoarcid fish

Biology
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 32 Five general characteristics of organisms in kingdoms Plantae or Fungi are listed in the box.

General Characteristics

1. Alternation of generations possible

2. Are mostly nonmotile
3. Are eukaryotic
4. Are photosynthetic
5. Are vascular and have a wide variety of specialized tissues

Which table correctly lists the characteristics of the organisms in the two kingdoms?

Characteristic Kingdom Kingdom Characteristic Kingdom Kingdom

Plantae Fungi Plantae Fungi

1 1
F H
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5

Characteristic Kingdom Kingdom Characteristic Kingdom Kingdom

Plantae Fungi Plantae Fungi

1 1
G J
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5

Biology
Page 22
 33 Several structures work together to allow flowering plants to reproduce. The diagram shows a
typical flower.

Anther
X
Filament
}Y

}
Stigma
Style Z
Ovary

Sepal

Which table correctly identifies the function of each structure or group of structures in the
reproduction of the plant?

X Pollen production
A Y Pollen transfer
Z Production of eggs

X Attraction of pollinators
B Y Production of male sex cells
Z Egg production and embryo development

X Protection for embryo

C Y Supply nourishment to embryo
Z Place of embryonic development

X Photosynthesis
D Y Production of cells that protect internal organs
Z Production of egg and sperm

Biology
Page 23
 34 Cells pass through a G2 checkpoint before entering mitosis. Ideally, if DNA damage is
detected, the cells do not enter mitosis until the damage is repaired. Why is DNA damage
repaired before cells enter mitosis?

F So that another round of DNA synthesis does not have to take place

G So that the chromosomes can align at the metaphase plate during mitosis

H So that the cytoplasm can be divided equally between the two daughter cells

J So that healthy daughter cells are produced, allowing the organism to continue growing

Biology
Page 24
 35 The table shows a DNA sequence and three types of mutations that can change the DNA
sequence.

Mutation Mutation Mutation

Original
1 2 3

DNA codon TTC ATC TTT TCC

mRNA codon AAG UAG AAA AGG

mRNA Codon Chart

Second Position
U C A G
code Amino Acid code Amino Acid code Amino Acid code Amino Acid
UUU UCU UAU UGU U
Phe Tyr Cys
UUC UCC UAC UGC C
U Ser
UUA UCA UAA STOP UGA STOP A
Leu
UUG UCG UAG STOP UGG Trp G
CUU CCU CAU CGU U
His
CUC CCC CAC CGC C
C Leu Pro Arg

Third Position
First Position

CUA CCA CAA CGA A

Gln
CUG CCG CAG CGG G
AUU ACU AAU AGU U
Asn Ser
AUC Ile ACC AAC AGC C
A Thr
AUA ACA AAA AGA A
Lys Arg
AUG Met ACG AAG AGG G
GUU GCU GAU GGU U
Asp
GUC GCC GAC GGC C
G Val Ala Gly
GUA GCA GAA GGA A
Glu
GUG GCG GAG GGG G

Which mutation will cause translation to stop?

A Mutations 1 and 3 only

B Mutation 1 only

C Mutation 2 only

D Mutations 1, 2, and 3

Biology
Page 25
 36 The picture shows a 3-D model of a virus called a bacteriophage. Bacteriophages can infect
bacteria such as E. coli.

Sebastian Kaulitzki/Dreamstime.com
In what way are the bacteriophage and E. coli alike?

F They contain antibodies.

G They reproduce by mitosis.

H They have identical genomes.

J They lack membrane-bound organelles.

Biology
Page 26
 37 This dichotomous key can be used to identify some conifers.

Step Characteristic Identification

1a Leaves are needle-like Go to 2

1b Leaves are flattened and scale-like Go to 10
2a Leaves are in clusters Go to 3
2b Single leaves Go to 9
3a Two to five leaves in a cluster Go to 4
3b More than five leaves in a cluster Go to 8
4a Leaves mostly five in a cluster White pine
4b Leaves two or three in a cluster Go to 5
5a Leaves mostly three in a cluster Go to 6
5b Leaves mostly two in a cluster Black pine
6a Twisted leaves that are less than 13 cm long Pitch pine
6b Straight leaves that are more than 13 cm long Go to 7
7a Leaves 13 to 25 cm long; thorny cones Loblolly pine
7b Leaves mostly over 25 cm long; no thorns on cones Longleaf pine
8a Leaves in clusters of 20 to 40 Larch
8b Leaves are stiff and four sided True cedar
9a Needles are short and sharp Giant sequoia
9b Needles are longer than 12 mm Hemlock
10a Soft and leathery cones Juniper
10b Woody cones Cypress

Based on the key, which of these best describes the leaves and cones of the longleaf pine?

A Needle-like straight leaves that are mostly over 25 cm long and found in clusters of three;
no thorns on cones

B Flattened and scale-like leaves that are mostly over 25 cm long; soft and leathery cones

C Needle-like straight leaves with a length of 25 cm that are mostly found in clusters of five;
thorny cones

D Leaves with a length of 25 cm that are found in clusters of more than five; no thorns on
cones

Biology
Page 27
 38 People who have Alzheimers disease experience an increasing loss of brain function and
cognition over time. Alzheimers is characterized by a buildup of abnormal protein fragments
that damage brain cells. Recently scientists have discovered an enzyme, BACE2, that
decreases these abnormal protein fragments in the brain of a person with Alzheimers disease.
Which statement explains how BACE2 most likely works?

F BACE2 breaks down into smaller pieces that react with the abnormal protein fragments,
forming more complex molecules.

G BACE2 speeds up the reaction that breaks down the abnormal protein fragments.

H BACE2 molecules link several abnormal protein fragments together, forming a complete
protein.

J BACE2 is a reactant that combines with the abnormal protein fragments.

Biology
Page 28
 39 The complex carbohydrates pictured below are made by linking molecules of glucose.

Starch

Cellulose

Glycogen

In all three complex carbohydrates, the subunits of glucose are bonded together differently.
Because they have different structures, they most likely

A contain different chemical elements

B form different proteins

C carry different nucleotides

D perform different functions

Biology
Page 29
 40 In 2010, scientists excavated a skull fossil that provides evidence of a newly discovered
species of big cat. Based on the evidence, scientists hypothesize that big cats branched off
from smaller wild cats about 6 million years ago. Which of these resources did the scientists
most likely rely on to form their hypothesis?

F A food web showing feeding relationships of organisms where the fossil skull was found

G Population and migration data for small wild cats living in the ecosystem where the skull
was found

H The fossil record and DNA comparisons of big cats and small cats

J The historical record of interactions between different species of big cats

41 Which of the following is most likely to cause the greatest disruption to an ecosystem?

A Emptying an aquarium containing non-native species into a local waterway

B Cutting down a small cedar tree to make holiday decorations

C Cleaning the windshield of a car with an alcohol-based glass cleaner

D Mowing the lawn in a city park

Biology
Page 30
 42 The table lists and describes three types of cells from prepared slides that students observed
with a microscope.

Type of Cell Cell Description

Flat, plate-like cell that forms part of a single

Squamous cell
layer of epithelial tissue
Disk-shaped cell containing hemoglobin and
Erythrocyte
lacking a nucleus
Mobile cell containing very little cellular material
Gamete
except for the nucleus

Which of these sets of slides could students have used for their observations?

Squamous cell: cheek cell Squamous cell: cheek cell

F Erythrocyte: skin cell H Erythrocyte: red blood cell
Gamete: ovum Gamete: sperm cell

Squamous cell: red blood cell Squamous cell: ovum

G Erythrocyte: white blood cell J Erythrocyte: white blood cell
Gamete: sperm cell Gamete: skin cell

43 Which statement best describes the differences in species diversity between an ecosystem
beginning the process of primary succession and one beginning the process of secondary
succession?

A Species diversity is much greater in the ecosystem undergoing primary succession

because that ecosystem is experiencing a longer period with a lack of competition for
space.

B No differences in species diversity exist because both ecosystems initially lack living
organisms.

C Species diversity is much greater in the ecosystem undergoing primary succession

because the lack of soil provides a greater area for organisms to claim niches.

D Species diversity is greater in the ecosystem undergoing secondary succession because

the soil already contains seeds and spores of various species.

Biology
Page 31
 44 The photograph shows a laboratory investigator examining samples of DNA in a procedure
called PCR, or polymerase chain reaction. Using PCR, the investigator can create thousands or
even millions of copies of a fragment of DNA for closer investigation.

Anyaivanova/Dreamstime.com
In which of these situations would PCR be most useful?

F When only a small amount of DNA is available, such as at a crime scene

G When the DNA of identical twins is being mapped

H When the genome of a population is being analyzed for preventable diseases

J When the blood type of a DNA donor is known

Biology
Page 32
 45 The graph models core body temperature during a rapid change in environmental conditions.

37.5 Sweating
Core Body Temperature (C)

Vasodilation

37.0

Vasoconstriction

36.5 Shivering

Time

Which statement explains the pattern in the graph?

A Body temperature varies in a predictable pattern during the day.

B Body temperature is controlled by an internal feedback mechanism.

C Vasodilation and vasoconstriction are dependent on the time of day.

D Vasodilation and vasoconstriction trigger an immediate increase in body temperature.

46 Chickens can have different types of feathers. Frizzled feathers curl toward a chickens head.
Assume that feather type is determined by a single gene and that the allele for frizzled
feathers is dominant over the allele for straight feathers. In a cross between two chickens
with straight feathers, what percentage of the offspring can be expected to have frizzled
feathers?

F 0%

G 25%

H 50%

J 100%

Biology
Page 33
 47 The table shows some observations made by four students during a field trip to a nature area.

Nature Field Trip

Student Observations

1 10 white-tailed deer

2 blue jays, 3 northern cardinals, and 1 house

2
sparrow eating seeds

1 snapping turtle on a rock; 2 snapping turtles

3
near the edge of a pond

6 bullfrogs in a pond; 30 bullfrog tadpoles

4
hatching from eggs

Which student made observations of a community of organisms?

A Student 1

B Student 2

C Student 3

D Student 4

48 Atmospheric nitrogen has to be combined with other elements, or fixed, in order to be used
by plants. Lightning is one way that nitrogen is fixed. When lightning occurs, the extreme
heat breaks the bonds in nitrogen molecules, allowing nitrogen to combine with oxygen and
form nitrogen oxides. In what way is most of the nitrogen fixed by lightning made available
for use by plants?

F It is moved by the wind toward dry areas.

G It is incorporated into the exoskeletons of flying insects that eat plants.

H It is inhaled and exhaled by birds roosting in trees during rainstorms.

J It is carried by rain to the soil.

Biology
Page 34
 49 Plants called sundews have rounded green leaves with many hair-like structures. The ends of
these structures contain enzymes in a sticky liquid that looks like nectar or moisture, as
shown in the picture. The hairs do not react to dust or nonliving material but will bend inward
when insects get caught in the sticky liquid. Sundews digest trapped insects over a period of a
few days.

Dmitry Maslov/Dreamstime.com
Based on this information, what functions do the specialized leaves of sundews perform?

A Provide water to the plant and perform photosynthesis

B Respond to stimuli and anchor the plant

C Provide nutrients to the plant and respond to stimuli

D Release pollen to insects and perform photosynthesis

50 Oncogenes are mutated forms of genes. Oncogenes can transform a cell into a tumor cell.
Some tumor cells are benign, while others are malignant. How does the presence of an
oncogene lead to the formation of a tumor?

F ATP production is inhibited.

G Cell division is unregulated.

H Somatic cell growth is inhibited.

J Antibody activity is unregulated.

Biology
Page 35
 51 Scientists around the world use a standardized taxonomic system. Why would scientists want
to use a taxonomic system that is standardized?

A In order to avoid confusion with the identification of organisms

B Because Linnaeus established the system

C So that Latin names can be applied for a practical purpose

D In order to place organisms in different groups

52 Each strand of a DNA molecule contains nitrogenous bases that pair with other nitrogenous
bases in very specific ways. A diagram of a section of DNA is shown.

DNA Strand
3 5
T G T A G C T G C G C G T

Which DNA strand is complementary to the one shown above?

F A G U G C U G C G C G U A
5 3

G T G T A G C T G C G C G T
5 3

H A C A T C G A C G C G C A
5 3

J T C G C G C A G C T A C A
5 3

Biology
Page 36
 53 A student performed an investigation in which two ivy plants were planted in two separate
containers. One of the containers had earthworms mixed in with the soil, and the other
container had soil and no earthworms. The plants were given the same amount of water and
exposed to the same amount of sunlight. The student observed that after several weeks of
growth, the plant exposed to earthworms appeared to be healthier and exhibited more
growth. To conclude that the relationship between the plant and the earthworm is an example
of mutualism, the student must perform follow-up investigations that do which of the
following?

A Determine whether the earthworms damage the soil in any way

B Determine whether the earthworms benefit from being with the plant

C Determine whether the water given to the plant is unpolluted

D Determine whether the other plant in the investigation suffers as a result of not being
exposed to earthworms

Biology
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 54 Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lack shells. Many of these gastropods retain the
foul-tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them when threatened. The bright coloration of
the nudibranchs warns predators to avoid them.

Nudibranch

gator/Fotolia
Based on this information, how has adaptation allowed marine gastropods to be successful
without a shell?

F They find enough food as they move through the marine environment.

G They blend in with their environment to hide from their predators.

H They are not attacked by most predators and are able to reproduce successfully.

J They have bright colors that attract a mate.

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Biology
May 2016