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Biology
End of Course Test Review
Cells
Assessment of this domain will focus on the relationship between form and function in all cells
1. relating common organelles to their functions. These organelles include, but are not limited
to:
a) mitochondrion – The Powerhouse of the cell – a membrane bound organelle
that makes energy available to the rest of the cell
b) Golgi apparatus - a flattened stack of tubular membranes that modifies
proteins and packages them for distribution outside the cell
c) Vacuole - a membrane bound vesicle for the temporary storage of materials
d) Nucleus - control center of the cell that contains coded directions for the
production of proteins and cell division
e) Ribosome – organelles that help make proteins
f) Chloroplast - a double membrane organelle with thylakoids containing
chlorophyll where photosynthesis takes place
2. differentiating between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Cells without a nucleus or other membrane
bound organelles.
Organelles – flagella, ribosomes, cell wall,
plasma membrane, pili, and capsule
Pro = NO
Cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane
bound organelles.
Organelles – see above
Eu = True
3. comprehending the role of the cell membrane in maintaining a constant internal
environment
The property of the membrane that allows certain materials to pass through the cell while keeping others out
is called _Semi-permeability________
Polymer
Use
Phospholipid Selective permeability
bilayer
Proteins Transport proteins
Receptor proteins
Carbohydrate ID tags
chains
Additional Information
Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic portions
Contribute to selective permeability
Define the cell’s characteristics and help cells
identify chemical signals
4. understanding the mechanisms (active and passive transport) required to maintain
homeostasis in unicellular and multicellular organisms
Active Transport
Passive Transport
With or against the
concentration gradient?
Examples:
Against – requires energy
With – does NOT require energy
- Endocytosis – process in which a cell
surrounds a substance in the outside
environment, enclosing the substance in a
portion of the plasma membrane
- Exocytosis – secretion of materials from the
cell into the environment – it exits the cell
- diffusion – net movement of particles
from an area of high concentration to an
area of low concentration
- facilitated diffusion – transport proteins
move ions and small particles across the
plasma membranes
- osmosis – diffusion of water across a
selectively permeable membrane
5. determining chemical elements that are essential constituents of organic molecules –
essential elements are Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen
6. comparing the function of basic organic molecules in cells – see table below
7. determining the properties of basic biomolecules in living organisms – see table below
Polymer
Monomer
Examples/Uses
Carbohydrates monosaccharide Store energy (quick use), provide structural support
Proteins Amino acids
Lipids Fatty acids
Nucleic Acids Nucleotides
Transport substances, speed reactions, provide structural
support, make hormones
Store energy (long term energy), provide barriers
Store and communicate genetic information
8. comprehending the lock and key action of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions
All enzymes have 3 things in common:
1. substrates – the reactants that bind to the enzyme
2. active site – the specific location where a substrate binds on an enzyme
3. Induced fit: The way the active site changes shape to "embrace" the substrate
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering its activation energy ,which is the energy required to
start the reaction.
Know These:
Substrates:
Products:
Active Site:
See above
the changed substrate
See above
1. Unlike prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells have
the capacity to
A assemble into multi-cellular organisms
B establish symbiotic relationships with other
organisms
C obtain energy from the Sun
D store genetic information in the form of DNA
6. The assembly of proteins in a cell takes place in
the
A nucleus
B vacuoles
C ribosomes
D mitochondria
2. Inside eukaryotic cells are membrane -bound
structures called
A cell walls
B cilia
C organelles
D cytoplasm
7. Which of the following is an organism whose
cell(s) lack(s) membrane-bound organelles?
A nucleolus
B chromatin
C eukaryote
D prokaryote
3. The function of the cell organelle circled below
is to produce energy.
8. In all reptiles, birds, and mammals, the
processes of excretion, water and salt balance,
and the regulation of pH in body fluids are
controlled by the kidneys. This is an example of
the organism maintaining
A reabsorption
B homeostasis
C insulation
D hibernation
What is the name of this
organelle?
A Gogli apparatus
B mitochondrion
C nucleus
D ribosome
4. Which of the following examples illustrates
osmosis?
A Water leaves the tubules of the kidney in response to
the hypertonic fluid surrounding the tubules.
B Digestive enzymes are excreted into the small
intestine.
C White blood cells consume pathogens and cell debris
at the site of an infection.
D Calcium is pumped inside a muscle cell after the
muscle completes its contraction.
5. Food is commonly refrigerated at temperatures
2°C to 7°C to slow the rate of spoilage by
bacteria. Which of the following best explains
why refrigeration at these temperatures slows
the spoilage of food?
A Bacteria that cause food spoilage are killed by these
low temperatures.
B Bacteria that cause food spoilage multiply rapidly at
these temperatures.
C The enzymes in bacteria that cause food spoilage are
not active at these temperatures.
D The enzymes in bacteria that cause food spoilage are
denatured at these temperatures.
9. Proteins are long chains or polymers made up
of
A nucleotides
B carbohydrates
C amino acids
D lipids
10. Which of the following molecules provides the
greatest amount of energy per gram of mass
when metabolized?
A carbohydrate
B nucleic acid
C protein
D lipid
11. Which of the following environmental changes
can cause an increase in the rates of chemical
reactions in cells?
A increased temperature
B decreased enzyme concentrations
C increased activation energy requirement
D decreased diffusion rates
Biology
End of Course Test Review
Organisms
Assessment of this domain will focus on the following:
1. energy is needed by all organisms to carry out processes within the cell
a) understanding how organisms obtain the energy needed to sustain life
Know these:
Autotrophs: organisms that capture energy from sunlight or inorganic substances to
produce its own food; provides the foundation of the food supply for other organisms;
also called producer
Heterotrophs: organism that cannot make its own food and gets its nutrients and
energy requirements by feeding on other organisms; also called consumer
b) analyzing the processes of energy transformation and conversion within
types of organisms, such as plants and animals. See below
Photosynthesis:
Light Energy
6CO2 + 6H2O
C6H12O6 + 6O2
Light Reactions or light-dependant reactions take place in the Thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast. The
reactants of the light reactions are carbon dioxide and water. They give off oxygen to the atmosphere and
provide the dark reactions with an energy source and a hydrogen atom.
The Dark Reactions or light-independent reactions are also called the Calvin Cycle. They take place in the
stroma of the chloroplast and create a glucose molecule by combining hydrogen from the light reactions and
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Aerobic Respiration:
C6H12O6 + 6O2
6CO2 + 6H2O + 36 ATP
Glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm of the cell. It sends pyruvate into the mitochondria to be used in the
Krebs Cycle and it creates a net gain of energy of 2 ATP.
The Krebs Cycle (aka Citric Acid Cycle) uses the pyruvate from Glycolysis to move high energy electrons
to the electron transport chain. This process creates carbon dioxide which diffuses out of the cell and 2 ATP
molecules.
The Electron Transport Chain uses the high energy electrons from the Krebs cycle and oxygen to create
32 ATP molecules and 6 molecules of water per glucose molecule.
c) explaining how matter and energy are recycled through ecosystems
In an ecosystem, energy is not recycled. It flows from the producer to the primary consumers, to the
secondary consumers and finally to the tertiary consumers.
Nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water are recycled in an ecosystem. You should know what
these nutrient cycles look like/the steps involved in the cycles.
d) comparing the complexity of organisms to their method of obtaining energy –
see chart below
e) determining how energy is stored and released from the ATP-ADP cycle
ADP
ATP
2. modern Linnean classification systems are composed of six kingdoms
a) understanding the binomial nomenclature system of organism classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Scientific name for individual organisms
Cell Type
b) comprehending how scientific discovery leads to the addition of classification
groups – grouping organisms based on a set of criteria
c) associating similar organisms by their classification – see below
Archeabacteria
Eubacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote
Prokaryote
Unicelluar /
Multicellular
Unicellular
Heterotroph/
Autotroph
Can be both
Unicellular
Unicellular
Can be both
Can be both
Multicellular
except for
yeast
heterotroph
Multicellular
Multicellular
autotroph
heterotroph
1. In glycolysis, the first stage of cellular
respiration, ATP molecules are produced.
What is the net gain of ATP molecules (per
molecule of glucose) from glycolysis?
4. A group of prokaryotes that live in extreme
environments are the
A viruses
B protests
C eubacteria
D archaebacteria
A1
B2
C4
D 36
2. One main difference between members of the
Kingdoms Plantae and Animalia is the ability to
5. The complexity of body systems differs greatly
among organisms. Which of the following
organisms has developed organ systems for
obtaining and utilizing energy?
A obtain energy
B reproduce
C move
D exchange gases
A bacterium
B mushroom
C mouse
D virus
3. The function of chlorophyll in a light reaction is
to
6. Scientists have discovered a new species of
animal. Which would provide the best basis for
classifying this new species?
A bind CO2 to H2O
B split to produce O2
C trap light energy
D act as a source of CO2
A DNA comparison
B diet of animal
C habitat of animal
D appearance of animal
7. Which statement is true about viruses?
A They can reproduce.
B They are autotrophs.
C They contain organelles.
D They are living organisms.
Biology
End of Course Test Review
Genetics
Assessment of this domain will focus on the following:
1. DNA and RNA are two molecules essential for the transmission of genetic information
a) comprehending the role of DNA in cellular replication prior to mitosis
b) understanding the roles of DNA and RNA during meiosis
DNA & RNA
Similarities : DNA and RNA are nucleic acids, both are required for manufacturing proteins in the cell, they
are made up of strings of nucleotides.
Differences : DNA’s shape is described as a double helix and it cannot leave the nucleus of the cell. RNA
is single-stranded and leaves the nucleus. The 4 nitrogen bases found in DNA are adenine, thymine,
guanine and cytosine. RNA also has 4 nitrogen bases, however, instead of thymine, RNA contains uracil.
Nucleotide
Base Pairing Rules
Adenine
Thymine (only DNA)
Uracil (only RNA)
Guanine
Cytosine
Phosphate Group
Nitrogen Base
5-Carbon Sugar
Know how proteins are made in the cell
Describe the following two cellular processes. Be sure to include the following key terms.
Key Terms –
Helicase – an enzyme that is capable of unwinding DNA at a replication fork
RNA polymerase- catalyzes the addition of appropriate nucleotides to the new RNA strand
mRNA - molecules are long strands of RNA nucleotides that are formed complementary to
one strand of DNA
tRNA – smaller segments of RNA nucleotides that transport amino acids to the ribosome
Codon- three-base code in DNA or mRNA
Anticodon- complementary to a codon found on tRNA
Amino Acids- building block of proteins
Ribosome- simple cell organelle that helps to make proteins (site of protein production)
Polypeptide- A peptide, such as a small protein, containing many molecules of amino acids,
typically between 10 and100
Transcription – The first step of the central dogma involves the synthesis of mRNA from DNA in a process
called transcription. Through transcription, the DNA code is transferred to mRNA in the nucleus. The
mRNA then can take the code into the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.
Steps:
1.The DNA is unzipped in the nucleus and RNA polymerase, an enzyme that regulates RNA synthesis,
binds to a specific section where an mRNA will be synthesized.
2. As the DNA strand unwinds, the RNA polymerase initiates mRNA synthesis an moves along one of
the DNA strands in the 3` to 5` direction. The strand of DNA that is read by the RNA polymerase is
called the template strand, and mRNA is synthesized as a complement to the DNA nucleotides. The
DNA strand not used as the template strand is called the nontemplate strand. The mRNA transcript is
manufactured in a 5` to 3` direction, adding each new RNA nucleotide to the 3` end. Uracil is
incorporated instead of thymine as the mRNA molecule is made.
3. Eventually, the mRNA is released, and the RNA polymerase detaches from the DNA.
4. The new mRNA then moves out of the nucleus through nuclear pores into the cytoplasm.
Translation – Once the mRNA is synthesized and processed, it moves to a ribosome. Once in the cytoplasm,
the 5` end of the mRNA connects to the ribosome. This is where the code is read and translated to make a
protein through a process called translation.
Steps:
1. In translation, tRNA molecules act as the interpreters of the mRNA codon sequence.
2. The tRNA is folded into a cloverleaf shape and is activated by an enzyme that attaches a specific amino
acid to the 3` end.
3. At the middle of the folded strand, there is a three-base coding sequence called the anticodon. Each
anticodon is complementary to a codon on the mRNA. Though the code in DNA and RNA is read 5` to 3`,
the anticodon is read 3` to 5`.
Mitosis creates 2 diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent.
Steps of mitotic division:
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase/Cytokinesis
Prophase
X X
XX
*X *
Description of events:
 Nuclear
membrane
disintegrates
 Nucleolus
disappears
 Chromosomes
condense
 Mitotic spindle
begins to form
between the poles
Description of events:
 Chromosomes
attach to mitotic
spindle and align
along the equator
of the cell
Description of events:
 Microtubules
shorten, moving
chromosomes to
opposite poles
Description of events:
 Chromosomes
reach poles of the
cell
 Nuclear envelope
re-forms
 Nucleolus
reappears
 Chromosomes
decondense
Plant cells – cell plate
forms, dividing
daughter cells
Animal cells- cleavage
furrow forms at the
equator of cell and
pinches inward until
cell divides in two
5. the laws of genetics, put forth by Mendel, can be used to explain genetic variability
a) analyzing the effects of the law of independent assortment on genetic crosses – random
distribution of alleles occurs during gamete formation. Genes on separate chromosomes sort
independently during meiosis.
b) applying the concepts within the law of segregation to genetic crosses – two alleles for each trait
separate during meiosis. During fertilization, two alleles for that trait unite.
c) predicting the genotypic and phenotypic outcome of genetic crosses (law of dominant and
recessive traits)
Dominant – form of the trait that appears if it is present in one or two copies. Tt or TT
Recessive – form of the trait that only appears if it is present in two copies. Tt
Homozygous – an organism with two of the same alleles for a particular trait. TT or tt
Heterozygous – an organism with two DIFFERENT alleles for a particular trait. Tt
T - Tall
t - short
A pea plant that is heterozygous for the tall trait is crossed with a short pea plant. Complete the punnett
square for this cross and answer the questions that follow.
T
t
A genotype is: the organism’s allele pairs
Tt
tt
t
A phenotype is: the physical appearance of an organism for the trait in question
Tt
tt
t
What is the phenotypic ratio for this cross? 50% tall: 50% short or 2:2
What is the genotypic ratio for this cross? 50% Tt: 50% tt or 2:2
d) evaluating the role of each of these laws throughout the process of meiosis
Meiosis creates 4 haploid daughter cells that are NOT genetically identical to each other and to the parent.
Steps of meiotic division:
Metaphase I
Anaphase I
Telophase I
Prophase I
XX
XX
*
*
Description of events:
 Pairing of
homologous
chromosomes
occurs, each
chromosome
consists of two
chromatids
 Crossing over
produces
exchange of
genetic
information
 The nuclear
envelope breaks
down
 Spindles form
Description of events:
 Chromosome
centromeres
attach to spindle
fibers
 Homologous
chromosomes line
up at the equator
Description of events:
 Homologous
chromosomes
separate and
move to opposite
poles of the cell
Description of events:
 The spindles
break down
 Chromosomes
uncoil and form
two nuclei
 The cell divides
Prophase II
Metaphase II
Anaphase II
Telophase II/ Cytokinesis
X
X
*
*
Description of events:
 Chromosomes
condense
 Spindles form in
each new cell
 Spindle fibers
attach to
chromosomes
Description of events:
 Centromeres of
chromosomes line
up randomly at
the equator of
each cell
Description of events:
 Centromeres split
 Sister chromatids
separate and
move to opposite
poles
Description of events:
 Four nuclei form
around
chromosomes
 Spindles break
down
 Cells divide
6. alteration to the genetic material of germ cells can result in variation beyond that explained
by Mendelian genetics
a) evaluating the role of genetic variation in successive generations
b) analyzing the possible alterations that can occur during meiosis:
Describe the following types of mutations:
– Insertion: the insertion of an extra nitrogen base in DNA or RNA
–
Deletion: the deletion of a nitrogen base in DNA or RNA
–
Substitution: the substitution of one nitrogen base for another in DNA or RNA
–
Nondisjuction: cell division in which the sister chromatids do not separate
correctly, resulting in gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes
c) describe mutagenic factors found in the environment – Ultra-violet radiation and
chemicals
7. sexual reproduction results in genetic variation; asexual reproduction results in offspring
identical to their parents
8. DNA technology is changing modern industries
a) evaluating the results of DNA comparisons in forensic sciences – Forensic scientists use
DNA fingerprinting to identify suspects and victims in criminal cases, to determine
paternity and to identify soldiers killed in war.
b) justifying the use of gene therapy in medicine – Gene therapy can be used to correct
genetic disorders/diseases. Scientists inset a normal gene into a chromosome to replace
a dysfunctional gene.
c) predicting the effect of recombinant DNA on agricultural sciences – Many species of
plants have been genetically engineered to be more resistant to insect or viral pests.
Researchers are developing peanuts and soybeans that do not cause allergic reactions.
Rice plants with increased iron and vitamins that could decrease malnutrition are being
produced. Prospective crops include bananas that produce vaccines for infectious
diseases, such as hepatitis B, and plants that produce biodegradable plastics.
1. Information on mRNA is used to make a
sequence of amino acids into a protein by which
of the following processes?
A replication
B translation
C transcription
D transference
2. When an organism has two different alleles for
a trait, it is said to be
A recessive
B dominant
C homozygous
D heterozygous
6. A type of mutation that can alter DNA by the
loss of a nucleotide base is known as
A substitution
B crossing over
C deletion
D insertion
7. In Mendel’s experiments with a single trait, the
trait that disappeared in the first generation
and reappeared in the next generation is called
the
A homozygous trait
B dominant trait
C recessive trait
D heterozygous trait
3. What is a source of genetic variation?
A adaptation
B mutation
C respiration
D transpiration
4. Why is it important for the cells of multicellular organisms to undergo mitosis?
A Mitosis allows for reproduction with male and
female gametes.
B Mitosis increases variation within an organism.
C Mitosis produces cells that are different from
the original dividing cell.
D Mitosis produces identical cells to the original
dividing cell.
5. Which of the following is the correct basepairing rule for DNA?
A A-U; C-G
B A-G; T-C
C A-T; G-C
D A-C; T-G
8. DNA in an individual’s gametes will most likely
be altered before being passed to offspring if
exposed to
A x-rays
B loud sounds
C magnetic fields
D extreme temperatures
9. Genetic engineering techniques have been used
to produce all of the following effects except
A grow salt-tolerant crop plants
B decrease harvesting time
C make crop plants resistant to disease
D decrease soil nitrogen levels
10. In fruit flies, the gray body color (G) is
dominant to the ebony body color (g). What is
the genotypic ratio of the offspring of a
heterozygous gray female and an ebony male?
A 25% Gg, 75% gg
B 50% Gg, 50% gg
C 75% gray, 25% ebony
D 100% gray
Biology
End of Course Test Review
Ecology
Assessment of this domain will focus on the following:
1. understanding the relationship of the individual to a population, a community, an ecosystem
and a biome
Biotic factors are: living factors in the organism’s environment
Abiotic factors are: non-living factors in the organism’s environment
Primary Succession is: establishment of a community in an area of bare rock or bare sand, where no topsoil
is present
Secondary Succession is: orderly change that occurs in a place where soil remains after a community of
organisms has been removed
Category
Biosphere
Biome
Ecosystem
Community
Population
Definition
Relatively thin layer of Earth and its atmosphere that supports life
(atmosphere, land and water)
Large group of ecosystems that share the same climate and have similar types
of communities
Biological community and all the nonliving factors that affect it
Group of interacting populations that live in the same geographic area at the
same time
Group of organisms of the same species that occupy the same geographic
place at the same time
Anything that has or once had all the characteristics of life
Individual Organism
Population growth rates: how fast a specific population grows
Name and describe these two types of population growth
Exponential Growth – how a population would grow if there were no limits placed on it by the environment.
At first it grows slowly and then the rate of growth begins to rapidly increase.
Logistic Growth – occurs when the population’s growth slows or stops following exponential growth, at the
population’s carrying capacity.
Carrying Capacity – largest number of individuals in a species that an environment can support long-term
Exponential Growth
Logistic Growth
What are the definition to and examples of density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors?
Density dependent – environmental factor, such
as predation, disease and competition, that
depends on the number of members in a
population per unit area (Biotic factors)
Density independent – environmental factor,
such as storms and extreme heat or cold, that
affects populations regardless of their
density (Abiotic factors)
Know the basic biotic and abiotic factors for each of the following biomes:
Tundra – treeless biome with permanently frozen soil (permafrost) under the surface and average yearly
precipitation of 15-25 cm.
Tropical Rain Forest – hot, wet biome with year-round humity; contains Earth’s most diverse species of
plants and animals
Desert – area with low rainfall, whose annual rate of evaporation exceeds its annual rate of precipitation; can
support cacti and some grasses and animal species such as snakes and lizards
Grassland – biome characterized by fertile soils with a thick cover of grasses
Taiga – biome south of the tundra with dense evergreen forests and long, cold, dry winters
Temperate Deciduous Forest – biome south of the taiga characterized by broad-leafed, deciduous trees,
well defined seasons, and average yearly precipitation of 75-150 cm.
Freshwater – includes ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands. Plants and animals in this ecosystem are
adapted to the low salt content in freshwater and are unable to survive in areas of high salt concentration.
Only about 2.5% of water on Earth is freshwater.
Brackish water/intertidal – areas where land and water or saltwater and freshwater intermingle. Wetlands
and estuaries are common examples of transitional aquatic ecosystems.
Saltwater – Marine ecosystems have a significant impact on the planet. For example, through
photosynthesis, marine algae consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce over 50 percent of
the atmosphere’s oxygen.
2. assessing the flow of energy through an ecosystem and required components of a
successful environment
a) food chains – a simple model that shows how energy flows through an ecosystem
b) food webs – model representing the many interconnected food chains and pathways in
which energy flows through a group of organisms
c) energy pyramids – shows the amount of energy passed from one trophic level to the
next – 90% of all energy is not transferred to the level above it
d) nutrient cycling – the cycling of nutrients in the biosphere involves both matter in living
organisms and physical processes found in the environment such as weathering.
In an ecosystem, energy is not recycled. It flows from the producer to the primary consumer, to the
secondary consumer and finally to the tertiary consumer.
Nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water are recycled in an ecosystem. You should know what
these nutrient cycles look like/the steps involved in the cycles.
Water cycle
Carbon cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
3. explaining the negative impact humans have had on Earth
a) pollution - the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment
b) proposed global warming - an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature
that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse
effect
c) explosive population – growth of population in an exponential pattern
d) pesticide usage - a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests
e) herbicide usage - a substance or preparation for killing plants, esp. weeds
f)
resource consumption – the amount of resources used by individuals or communities
g) renewable resources – any resource replaced by natural processes more quickly than it
is consumed
h) non-renewable resources – any natural resource available in limited amounts or
replaced extremely slowly by natural processes.
4. evaluating the adaptive responses of organisms to their environments
a) plant tropisms
Tropism— response to an external stimulus in a specific direction
Geotropism— The growth of a living organism in response to gravity, as the downward growth of plant
roots
Phototropism— Growth or movement of a plant toward or away from a source of light
Thigmotropism— The turning or bending response of an organism upon direct contact with a solid surface
or object
b) animal behavior
Innate behavior— genetically based behavior
Instincts— An inborn pattern of behavior that is characteristic of a species and is often a response to specific
environmental stimuli
Territorial behavior— the methods by which an animal, or group of animals, protects its territory from
incursions by others of its species
Migration— seasonal movement of a group of animals to a new location for feeding and breeding
Habituation— decrease in an animal’s response after it has been repeatedly exposed to a specific stimulus
that has no positive or negative effects
Imprinting— permanent learning that occurs only within a specific period of time in an animal’s life
c) survival strategies
Mechanical defense— adaptations that protect the organism that are physical features, such as thorns on a
rose or horns on a bull
Chemical defense— adaptations that protect the organism that are chemicals, such as poisons secreted from
the body
1. In the food chain below, which population will
most likely decrease if snakes are removed from
the food chain?
7. Predators often feed on weak or sick animals in
an ecosystem. The role of the predator is
described as its
grass grasshopper frog snake
hawk
A grass
B grasshopper
C frog
D hawk
A community
B habitat
C niche
D population
2. Which element’s cycle depends on certain kinds
of bacteria to keep the element available to
other organisms?
A carbon
B hydrogen
C nitrogen
D phosphorus
3. The theory of global warming suggests that a
trend toward warmer temperatures on Earth
will cause glaciers to lose mass. Which result is
a major consequence of glacial melting?
A flooding coastal regions
B destruction of fossil records
C increased saltiness of the oceans
D an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide
4. What characteristics of some pine trees allow
the species to survive a sudden environmental
change?
A modified leaves from needle bundles
B seeds that germinate after fires
C pollen that is easily carried by wind
D bark that is lightly colored
5. A group of organisms of a certain species that is
in one area at a given time is known as
A an ecosystem
B a community
C a population
D a trophic level
6. As energy flows through an ecosystem, at each
trophic level it
A increases
B decreases
C fluctuates
D remains the same
8. Lightning causes a fire that destroys all the
plants in a forest community. Which of the
following will MOST likely be the first to
occupy the burned area?
A oak seedlings
B pine trees
C grasses and annual plants
D woody shrubs
9. The state of California has several large cities
and very productive croplands that divert and
use large amounts of water from rivers. What is
one damaging effect of this use of the rivers’
water?
A increased amounts of solid waste
pollution in oceans
B decreased amounts of fresh water
in marshes and estuaries
C changes in local rainfall amounts
D changes in upstream water tables
10. Plants that live in the rain forest have many
adaptations to their environment. Some plants,
such as vines, have adaptations that allow them
to attach themselves to the trunks of trees.
These adaptations allow vines to successfully
compete for which of the following limited
resources in the rain forest?
A sunlight
B water
C carbon dioxide
D oxygen
11. Birds have been observed puffing up their
feathers under certain conditions. By trapping
air between feathers, this behavior helps the
bird
A hide from enemies
B expend less energy during flight
C shelter offspring
D trap body heat
Biology
End of Course Test Review
Evolution
Assessment of this domain will focus on the following:
1. understanding how scientific theories are developed
The first theory regarding evolution was called the inheritance of acquired characteristics theory.
Lamarck believed that organisms changed during their own lifetimes in order to meet the needs of their
environment. Lamarck believed that the long neck of a giraffe resulted from the animal stretching to reach
higher leaves in trees during times when food was scarce. He also believed that if an organ was not used, it
would “waste away” and eventually not be acquired by future generations. We know this was INCORRECT.
Know: Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution by natural selection - A more convincing theory of
evolution was provided by Charles Darwin in his book The Origin of Species in 1859. Darwin thought that
organisms that are best suited to their environment would be able to reproduce and pass on their
characteristics to future generations. Those that didn’t would gradually die out before being able to
reproduce. This idea is known as natural selection. Natural selection occurs because there are differences, or
variations, between organisms of the same species. If the difference results in one animal being better able to
compete for food or mating, that animal is more likely to survive and reproduce. Eventually, those animals
that do not possess that characteristic will become small in number and will die out.
His trip on the HMS Beagle – Charles Darwin was hired as a naturalist on the HSM Beagle as it
surveyed the coast of South America. His job was to collect biological and geological specimens during the
ship’s travels.
His observations on the Galapagos Islands - The finches that Charles Darwin observed in the
Galapagos Islands on his famous voyage developed different bills that were specialized for certain types of
food. Differences between similar species suggest that the animals came from a common ancestor but
developed characteristics specific for their needs.
Know how geographic isolation & reproductive isolation leads to the development of a new species
Geographic Isolation - The distribution of plants and animals that Darwin saw first suggested evolution to
Darwin. Patterns of migration were critical to Darwin when he was developing his theory. Evolution is
intimately linked with climate and geological forces. The physical separation of members of a population.
Populations may be physically separated when their original habitat becomes divided. Example: when new
land or water barriers form
Reproductive Isolation - the inability of a species to breed successfully with related species due to
geographical, behavioral, physiological, or genetic barriers or differences
2. comparing the geologic history of a species
a) biodiversity – number of different species living in a specific area
b) Ancestry – ancestral character – morphological or biochemical feature present in various
groups within the line of descent.
c) rate of evolution - a measurement of the rate of genotype change of species and
organisms over a period of time
Adaptive Radiation (divergent evolution) is: diversification of a species into a number of different species,
often over a relatively short period of time
Convergent evolution is: - describes the acquisition of the same biological trait in unrelated lineages.The
wing is a classic example of convergent evolution in action. Although their last common ancestor did not
have wings, birds and bats do, and are capable of powered flight. The wings are similar in construction, due
to the physical constraints imposed upon wing shape. Similarity can also be explained by shared ancestry, as
evolution can only work with what is already there—thus wings were modified from limbs, as evidenced by
their bone structure. Traits arising through convergent evolution are termed analogous structures, in contrast
to homologous structures, which have a common origin.
Ecosystem diversity is: variety of ecosystems in the biosphere
Species diversity is: in a biological community, the number and abundance of different species
Genetic diversity is: variety of inheritable characteristics or genes in an interbreeding population
Gradualism is: theory that evolution occurs in small, gradual steps over time.
Punctuated equilibrium is: theory that evolution occurs with relatively sudden periods of speciation
followed by long periods of stability
3. evaluating the scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution
a) fossil record - Fossils are traces of previously living organisms. They include imprints of life
forms, bones, or any other natural recording of past life. Scientists can find the age of fossils
through a procedure known as radioactive dating. Because of the time-line scientists have been
able to create, they have found that organisms have become more complex over time. Life has
existed on Earth for millions of years. We get our information about life long ago from fossils.
A fossil is any evidence an organism left behind. A fossil becomes permanent through a process
called fossilization. Fossilization begins as an organism is buried in volcanic ash or sediments. As
more sediments pile up on the burial site, they exert more pressure on the remains. Over a long
period of time, chemical changes and pressure transform the organism’s remains into a fossil.
b) biochemistry - Common ancestry can be seen in the complex metabolic molecules that many
different organisms share.
c) embryologic development - Vertebrate embryos exhibit homologous structures during certain
phases of development but become totally different structures in the adult forms.
d) homologous structures – anatomically similar structure inherited form a common ancestor.
Think structure of human arm, whale flipper and bird wing.
4. analyzing the effect of natural selection on species
Fitness – measure of a trait’s relative contribution to the following generation
Stabilizing Selection – most common form of natural selection in which organisms with extreme
expressions of a trait are removed
Directional Selection – shift of a population toward an extreme version of a beneficial trait
Disruptive Selection – process in which individuals with average traits are removed, creating two
populations with extreme traits
5. understanding chemical resistance as a modern example of biological evolution
The chemical arsenal we have developed in an attempt to rid our homes of rodents and our crops of insects is
losing its power. We have simply caused pest populations to evolve, unintentionally applying artificial
selection in the form of pesticides. Individuals with a higher tolerance for our poisons survive and breed, and
soon resistant individuals outnumber the ones we can control.
1.
Ancestors of the koala lived on the ground, but
modern koalas live in trees and eat eucalyptus
leaves, which are poisonous to most other animals.
The difference between the ancestor and modern
koalas was caused by
A the presence of homologous structures
B the presence of vestigial organs
C selective breeding
D natural selection
2.
Horses and tapirs have a common ancestor, but they
now look very different from one another. Horses
are now grassland animals adapted for grazing on
grass and shrubs. Tapirs are jungle animals that live
in dense forests and eat fruit, leaves, and aquatic
vegetation. Which of the following led to the
development of such differences in the two species?
A selective breeding
B convergent evolution
C DNA hybridization
D natural selection
3.
Fossils of Archaeopteryx show that this animal had
feathers, like a bird. It also had a bony tail, teeth,
and claws on its wings, like a reptile. These fossils
are evidence that support the idea that
A birds and reptiles have a common ancestor
B birds have changed very little over millions of years
C reptile species are more advanced than bird species
D reptiles are warm-blooded like birds
4.
Although the arctic fox and the kit fox are closely
related, they look very different because the
individuals
A acquired traits during their lifetimes that contributed to
survival
B with traits most suited to their environment reproduced
most successfully
C migrated long distances to environments that most suited
their traits
D passed on to their offspring acquired behaviors that were
helpful
5.
Some viral diseases require only one vaccination,
which lasts for years. For other diseases such as the
flu, vaccinations last only one season. The flu vaccine
lasts such a short time because the flu virus
A is more easily transmitted than other viruses
B mutates much more rapidly than other viruses
C is less dangerous than other viruses
D is much smaller than other viruses
6.
Which of the following is considered by most
biologists to be the most accurate in supporting the
theory of evolution?
A fossils
B embryology
C DNA sequencing
D genetic equilibrium
7.
The development of radiocarbon dating allows
scientists to see how many times carbon atoms have
been through half-lives. Since scientists know the
length of a C-14 half-life, they can gain knowledge
about fossils using the C-14 dating technique. When
radiocarbon dating was introduced, it changed the
way people thought about how organisms evolved
because the technique showed
A how long ago some organisms
were alive
B that eating habits have changed
in some animals
C how different the chemical
composition was long ago
D that most plants were
Gymnosperms
8.
There are currently millions of species of organisms
and new species are still being discovered.
Based on Darwin’s theory of evolution, which of the
following best describes how millions of species have
developed?
A Organisms passed on acquired
characteristics to evolve from
lower life forms to higher life
forms.
B Organisms were selectively bred
to create different species.
C Completely different species
crossed with one another to form
the many different organisms.
D Different genetic variations in
organisms were selected in
different environments.
9.
Which of the following best supports the idea that
organisms and environments have changed over
time?
A the discovery of fossilized fern
plants in Antarctica
B the production of sterile hybrid
animals such as the mule
C the many different species of
plants in tropical areas
D the ability of many animals to
learn new behaviors
10. The cotton whitefly has become a key pest for
farmers, damaging many kinds of crops. The cotton
whitefly has developed resistance to a variety of
pesticides. Pesticide resistance would most likely
develop in insects that
A reproduce rapidly
B feed on few types of plants
C undergo complete
metamorphosis
D live in very limited regions