living environment regents questions

A child with cystic fibrosis has an altered protein in his cells that stops chloride ions from leaving the cells. This protein most likely affects the functioning of (1) cell membranes (3) mitochondria (2) nuclei (4) ribosomes

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A dog gave birth to the three puppies shown in the photograph below. One of the puppies has darker fur on its face than the other two. Which two biological processes account for this difference between the puppies? (1) meiosis and recombination (2) meiosis and cloning (3) mitosis and differentiation (4) mitosis and cloning

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A reproductive system is represented in the diagram below. Which structure is correctly paired with its reproductive function? (1) A - pathway of gametes (2) B - synthesis of progesterone (3) C - production of sperm (4) D - regulation of homeostasis

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A shark and a dolphin have similarly shaped bodies and fi ns. However, these two organisms are not closely related: The shark is a fi sh, and the dolphin is a mammal. Some species may have similar body structures even if they are not related because they evolved in (1) similar environments and specifi c traits increased their chances of survival (2) similar environments and were exposed to factors that caused exactly the same mutations (3) different environments, but tried to adapt in the same ways so they could survive (4) different environments, but ate similar foods that affected their growth and development

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Before a new shopping center can be built on previously undeveloped land, the builders must submit a proposal to the local government for approval. Which statement identifi es an environmental concern associated with the development of the shopping center? (1) Building the center would decrease resources needed by local organisms. (2) The new shopping center would increase competition with already existing businesses. (3) Building the center would decrease the amount of pollution in the area. (4) The new shopping center would increase the biodiversity of the area

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Mad cow disease is a fatal disease that destroys brain tissue. Researchers have found that a prion protein, which is an abnormally constructed molecule, is responsible. Which statement best describes the characteristics a protein must have to function correctly? (1) A protein is a long chain of amino acids folded into a specific shape. (2) A protein is a long chain of simple sugars folded into a specific shape. (3) A protein is made of amino acids synthesized into a short, circular chain. (4) A protein is made of simple sugars synthesized into a short, circular chain

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Many biotic factors affect individuals in a population. An example of an organism being directly affected by abiotic factor is (1) a squirrel cannot find a mate (2) a flood washes away a maple tree (3) a plant is in a dark room (4) a chipmunk finds a rock pile to use for a home

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Natural selection produces changes most quickly in (1) species with short reproductive cycles (2) individual pathogens killed by antibiotics (3) complex multicellular organisms (4) individuals that produce a small number of offspring

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Proteins, starch, and DNA are similar in that they are all (1) organic compounds (2) parts of genes (3) made of amino acids (4) made of simple sugars

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The change observed in the number of green and brown beetles in the population is most likely due to (1) natural selection (3) gene manipulation (2) selective breeding (4) a common ancestor

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The diagram below represents a cell that produces digestive enzymes. Which cellular structure would be the most likely location for the synthesis of these enzymes? (1) 1 (3) 3 (2) 2 (4)

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The diagram below represents a food web. 4 3 2 1 Which level contains organisms that carry out autotrophic nutrition? (1) 1 (3) 3 (2) 2 (4) 4

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The movement of molecules from side A to side B is an example of the process of (1) active transport (2) chromatography (3) cellular respiration (4) diffusion

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When people receive organ transplants, they often need to take medications that decrease immune responses because (1) transplanted organs contain antigens that can trigger white blood cell activity (2) hormones present in replacement organs prevent the synthesis of antibiotics (3) transplanted organs produce their own antibiotics (4) antigens present in these organs attack antibodies already present in the blood

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Which level of the pyramid below is correctly paired with the type of organism that would most likely be found at that level in an ecosystem? Level A Level B Level C Level D (1) Level A - producers (2) Level B - carnivores (3) Level C - herbivores (4) Level D - decomposers

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Which life process carried out by a green plant is represented in the diagram below? Energy released Carbon Dioxide + Water Life Process Oxygen Food (1) respiration (3) digestion (2) photosynthesis (4) replication

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A chemical was added to hand sanitizers and dish detergents to kill bacteria. Certain species of bacteria are no longer killed by this chemical. One likely reason for the decreased effectiveness of this chemical is that these bacteria have (1) slower metabolic rates (2) a mutation for resistance (3) been selectively bred for survival (4) an adaptation to a different niche

2

A fruit fly is classified as a consumer rather than as a producer because it is unable to (1) reproduce asexually (2) synthesize its own food (3) release energy stored in organic molecules (4) remove wastes from its body

2

According to scientists, ocean waves could be a source of energy. Devices are being designed to capture the energy from waves and supply electricity to coastal areas. A direct benefi t of utilizing this technology to produce energy would be the (1) destruction of habitats near the devices (2) decreased use of nonrenewable resources (3) release of gases needed for photosynthesis (4) increased use of fi nite resources

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Homeowners have been encouraged to learn how to identify invasive plants and to remove them if they fi nd them. The most likely reason for removing invasive plants is to (1) allow only one type of native plant to grow (2) preserve biodiversity (3) eliminate unfamiliar food sources (4) increase the rate of ecological succession

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In response to an increasing blood glucose level, the human body will normally (1) store the glucose in cell nuclei (2) release a hormone that lowers the blood glucose (3) produce a hormone that destroys the glucose (4) use the excess glucose to make proteins

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It is recommended that people avoid excessive use of tanning beds. Exposure to the radiation emitted by tanning beds can cause skin cancer. This cancer is the direct result of a (1) change in a starch molecule (2) mutation in the genetic material (3) mutation in a protein (4) change in a fat molecule

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Lobsters prey on sea hares, which are marine animals. The lobsters find their prey through a sense of smell. The sea hares defend themselves by squirting ink at the lobster, as shown in the photo below. The ink sticks to the lobster, interfering with its sense of smell. The most likely reason the sea hare can escape is because the sea hare ink (1) pushes the sea hare away rapidly as the ink is expelled (2) blocks a receptor on certain cells in the lobster (3) causes the lobster to change its prey (4) prevents movement of the lobster

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One characteristic of a stable ecosystem is (1) a high number of predators (2) an interdependence of organisms (3) a lack of biodiversity (4) an increase in human interference

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The burning of fossil fuels has harmed the environment by (1) decreasing acid rain in the northeast United States (2) adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere (3) increasing biodiversity in the lakes and ponds of the Adirondacks (4) depleting the ozone shield directly over western New York State

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The kidney is an organ that collects wastes and excess water from the blood and sends them to the bladder where they are stored before being removed from the body. Which two systems work together to perform this function? (1) immune and respiratory (2) circulatory and excretory (3) skeletal and nervous (4) digestive and circulatory

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Which cellular change in an organism could be inherited by the next generation? (1) a change in the ribosomes in the pancreas of a squirrel (2) the deletion of a single DNA base in a sperm cell of a trout (3) a decrease in the size of a vacuole in a rose leaf cell (4) the transfer of a piece of a chromosome in the skin cell of a raccoon

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Which life function is not necessary for an individual organism to stay alive? (1) nutrition (3) regulation (2) reproduction (4) excretion

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Which row in the chart below shows a direct relationship that can exist between two living organisms? Row Relationship (1) producer - carnivore (2) predator - prey (3) parasite - prey (4) carnivore - host

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16 Scientists are developing a malaria vaccine that would most likely contain (1) weakened drugs used to treat the symptoms of malaria (2) white blood cells from the malaria-infected individuals (3) a weakened form of the malaria-causing organism (4) antibodies made from the malaria-causing organism

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A kitten was born with black fur and green eyes. The fur and eye color of its parents are shown in the chart below. Cat Fur Eye Color Father striped green Mother black yellow Kitten black green Which statement helps explain why the kitten has black fur? (1) Chromosomes present on the genes code for the characteristics of its fur. (2) Genetic mutations always cause the fur color and eye color to change. (3) Offspring receive genetic information from both parents. (4) Gene expression is changed in every generation, resulting in evolution.

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An example of recycling is (1) using a paper cup instead of a mug (2) turning off the lights when leaving a room (3) using plastic from a soda bottle to make a certain type of clothing (4) using two paper towels rather than fi ve to clean up a spill

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For centuries, humans have used resources from coastal areas and open ocean waters. An example of an activity that would promote the conservation of coastal areas and ocean resources is (1) harvesting large numbers of different fish species (2) allowing all-terrain vehicles access to beach areas (3) creating protected zones of natural grasses and shrubs in beach areas (4) encouraging the construction of factories along the ocean shoreline

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Organisms contain compounds such as proteins, starches, and fats. The chemical bonds in these compounds can be a source of (1) amino acids (3) energy (2) simple sugars (4) enzymes

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Scientists have been investigating a way to recreate extinct species such as the saber-toothed cat Which technique would use DNA from an extinct species to recreate an organism of the species? (1) natural selection (3) cloning (2) differentiation (4) selective breeding

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Scientists have recently discovered a community of bacteria and clams living under an ice shelf in Antarctica. These organisms live under 600 feet of ice, in the absence of sunlight, and in temperatures considered too cold for most living organisms. The location where these organisms live is unusual because (1) only biotic factors control the size of the populations (2) bacteria and clams are found in the same area (3) of the abiotic factors found in their environment (4) green plants make energy-rich compounds available

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Scientists have studied the return of plant life on Mount St. Helens ever since the volcano erupted in 1980. Wildfl owers began colonizing the area, followed by shrubs and small trees. Scientists predict that it will likely take hundreds of years before the area returns to a forest dominated by fi r and hemlock trees. These changes are an example of (1) humans degrading an ecosystem by removing wildflowers (2) the loss of genetic variation in a plant species (3) the growth of a forest through ecological succession (4) the biological evolution of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees

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Some states require shoppers to pay a deposit on certain beverage containers made of plastic and glass. When shoppers return the containers, their deposits are returned to them. How is this system intended to help the environment? (1) It encourages people to buy products that do not have a deposit. (2) It reduces the amount of money shoppers actually spend. (3) It reduces the amount of plastics and glass put into landfills. (4) It forces manufacturers to reduce air pollution when they are making the containers

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The most likely result of completely removing carbon dioxide from the environment of a plant is that sugar production will (1) continue at the same rate (2) increase and oxygen production will also increase (3) increase and oxygen production will stay the same (4) decrease and eventually stop

4

The bobolink is a small blackbird that nests in fi elds of tall grass. It breeds in the summer across much of southern Canada and the northern United States. It migrates long distances, wintering in southern South America. The numbers of these birds are declining due to disruption of the areas where they live. In order to save these birds from extinction, the best course of action would be to (1) prevent the birds from migrating to South America (2) encourage farmers to let their hay fields undergo succession (3) work to protect bobolink habitats in South and North America (4) capture all the bobolinks and keep them safe in zoos

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The diagram below represents some steps in a procedure used in the fi eld of biotechnology. Enzymes Cut bacterial DNA Gene for human insulin Inserted into bacterial cell Bacterial cell This bacterial cell can now be used to produce (1) the bacterial gene for insulin that can be inserted into humans (2) human genes for enzymes that can be inserted into humans (3) insulin that can be used by humans (4) enzymes necessary to treat human diseases

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The sequence that best illustrates the flow of energy through an ecosystem is (1) sunlight → plant → wolf → rabbit (2) plant → sunlight → rabbit → wolf (3) sunlight → plant → rabbit → wolf (4) wolf → rabbit → plant → sunlight

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Which activity would eventually result in a stable ecosystem? (1) deforestation in an area to increase space for the species living there (2) mowing a large fi eld so it can be used for recreation (3) allowing native plants to grow undisturbed in an abandoned fi eld (4) spraying pesticides on a fi eld at the end of each growing season

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Which change is an example of maintaining dynamic equilibrium? (1) A plant wilts when more water is lost from the leaves than is lost by the roots. (2) A plant turns yellow when light levels are very low. (3) Insulin is released when glucose levels in the blood are high. (4) A person sweats when the environmental temperature is low

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Which statement best describes what is most likely to occur if an animal population grows larger than the carrying capacity of its environment? (1) The birth rate will increase. (2) Both the birth rate and death rate will decrease. (3) The death rate will increase. (4) Neither the birth rate nor the death rate will decrease.

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Which structures regulate water loss and gas exchange in the leaves of plants? (1) vacuoles (3) guard cells (2) chloroplasts (4) mitochondria

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15 Which row in the chart below correctly pairs a human activity with its impact on the environment? Row Human Activity Impact (1) decrease in the use of pesticides erosion of rock in the soil (2) increase in housing developments improvement in air quality (3) increase in human population reduction in water usage (4) decrease in recycling reduction in amount of available resources

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As a result of habitat destruction, the size of the Florida panther population has been drastically reduced. It is estimated that there are only 100 to 160 Florida panthers in the wild. Which statement best explains why the Florida panther population may not continue to evolve? (1) There is no longer a chance of mutations occurring in the population. (2) There is a lack of competition for limited environmental resources. (3) There is no longer a chance of a trait providing a reproductive advantage to the population. (4) There is a lack of genetic variation for selection to act upon

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Energy drinks have become increasingly popular. Some of these drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which is known to increase heart rates in most individuals. This effect on the heart rate can be dangerous because it can lead to (1) a disruption in the absorption of starch (2) an increase in blood volume (3) a decrease in oxygen levels (4) an imbalance in homeostasis

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Phosphorus is necessary for the growth of healthy plants. Scientists are developing plants that can grow in phosphorus-poor soil. Some of these new varieties, produced in a lab, make extra copies of a protein that helps them obtain more phosphorus from the soil. The process being used to develop these new varieties is most likely (1) paper chromatography (2) natural selection (3) direct harvesting (4) genetic engineering

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Several companies now offer DNA "banking services," where DNA is extracted from a pet and is stored so that a "replacement pet" might be produced using cloning techniques when the original pet dies. Which statement best explains why the replacement pets that are produced in this way might not look or act like the original? (1) The new animal must get the DNA from two different parents, not just one cell. (2) Mutations could occur that change the cloned animal into a completely different species. (3) Recombination of the cells as they are cloned will make the resulting pet act differently. (4) The environment could infl uence how genes are expressed, changing how the animal looks and acts.

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The emerald ash borer is an insect that is thought to have been accidentally brought to the United States from China in shipping containers. It attacks ash trees, eventually killing the trees, destroying an important part of the ecosystem. The presence of the emerald ash borer in the United States can be used as an example of how humans have (1) purposely introduced an insect to correct a problem in an ecosystem (2) used an insect to remove one insect species and replace it with another (3) worked to increase the biodiversity in a particular area (4) altered the equilibrium in an ecosystem by introducing a new species

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The hemlock wooly adelgid is an invasive insect species that is destroying native hemlock trees in New York State. These insects can upset natural ecosystems because they (1) provide food for native bird species (2) can carry diseases that can be spread to pets (3) increase biodiversity in New York State forests (4) disrupt habitats that native species depend upon

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Which method of collecting data would provide the most accurate information about how an ecosystem is being affected by human development? (1) The people in the neighborhood record the number of birds they see in the area both before and after the construction of a new building. (2) Deer in the area are identified before construction so that scientists can see where they go after the building is finished. (3) More trees are planted in the area around the construction site to allow the animals a new place to live. (4) The population size is recorded for each species present in the construction area before and after the building is completed

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Which statement is an accurate description of genes? (1) Proteins are made of genes and code for DNA. (2) Genes are made of proteins that code for nitrogen bases. (3) DNA is made of carbohydrates that code for genes. (4) Genes are made of DNA and code for proteins

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