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Content Benchmark L.8.D.3
Students know an organism’s behavior is based on both experience and on the species’
evolutionary history. E/S
Sample Test Questions
1st Item Specification: Know some mechanisms of biological evolution (e.g., natural
selection, competition and survival, variation and adaptation, and genetic mutation).
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
1. The gradual change in a species over time is called
A. mutation.
B. evolution.
C. migration.
D. variation.
2. Scientists infer that related species inherited many of the same genes from
A. relative dating.
B. a common ancestor.
C. sedimentary rock.
D. different ancestors.
3. Which term refers to the process by which organisms, that are better adapted to their
environment, are more likely to survive and reproduce?
A. Variation
B. Competition
C. Overproduction
D. Natural selection
4. Natural selection can lead to evolution because within a species
A. useful variations accumulate over time.
B. unfavorable variations accumulate over time.
C. all individuals are developmental organisms.
D. all individuals have identical traits.
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
5. Which factor does NOT affect the process of natural selection?
A. Overproduction
B. Competition
C. Variation
D. Fossilization
6. Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation?
A. The webbed feet of a duck.
B. The spines of a cactus.
C. A spider spinning a web.
D. The trunk of an elephant.
2nd Item Specification: Know that differences among individuals within a species can
yield advantages and/or disadvantages in survival and/or reproduction.
Depth of Knowledge Level 1
7. Differences among individuals of the same species are called
A. traits.
B. predators.
C. variations.
D. selections.
8. Changes in a gene or chromosome which can lead to variations in an individual are
called
A. alleles.
B. mutations.
C. offspring.
D. camouflage
9. An inherited characteristic that improves the chances for an organism to survive and
reproduce is a(n)
A. adaptation.
B. evolution.
C. response.
D. stimulus.
10. Variation within a species makes some individuals better suited for survival in their
environment. This is known as
A. survival of the fittest.
B. artificial intelligence.
C. circadian behavior.
D. insight learning.
Depth of Knowledge Level 2
11. Birds have different shaped beaks for eating certain types of food. The shape of a
bird’s beak is an example of
A. camouflage.
B. an adaptation.
C. conditioning.
D. a stimulus.
12. Albino organisms do not have any pigment in their skin. This is considered a harmful
mutation because these organisms
A. get lost in the snow.
B. easily attract a mate.
C. will most likely create a new species.
D. cannot hide well from predators.
Constructed Response L.8.D.3
1. Generally, a change in a species is caused by genetic variation. With each new
generation there is a new combination of genes, and over time, different species can
develop. Sometimes, a sudden change in a gene can occur within an organism. This
change is called a mutation.
A. Explain how some mutations can be helpful.
B. Explain how some mutations can be harmful.
C. Comment on what role mutations play in the evolution of a species, and
support your thoughts with evidence.
Content Benchmark L.8.D.3
Students know an organism’s behavior is based on both experience and on the species’
evolutionary history. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
1. B, DOK Level 1
2. B, DOK Level 1
3. D, DOK Level 1
4. A, DOK Level 1
5. D, DOK Level 2
6. C, DOK Level 2
7. C, DOK Level 1
8. B, DOK Level 1
9. A, DOK Level 1
10. A, DOK Level 1
11. B, DOK Level 2
12. D, DOK Level 2
Constructed Response L.8.D.3 Score Rubric:
Response addresses all parts of the question clearly and correctly.
3 Points
If the mutation is helpful, then the organism will be better suited for survival in
its environment. As a result, the organism is more likely to survive and
reproduce, passing the trait on to future generations. Eventually the species
changes, which may result in the evolution of a new species. If the mutation is
harmful, the organism will probably die before passing on the trait. Thus,
having no effect on the evolution of the species.
2 Points
Response addresses all parts of the question and includes only minor errors.
1 Point
Response does not address all parts of the question.
0 Points
The response is totally incorrect or no response.