Science Past Regents Questions

A DNA segment removed from neurospora (a pink mold) contained the base sequence G-T-C-C-A-T-G-C-A. A similar segment of DNA removed from neurospora that had been exposed to radiation for several hours had the base sequence G-T-C-C-A-T. This change in the base sequence is an example of (1) a deletion (2) an insertion (3) a substitution (4) a replication

1

A serious threat to biodiversity is (1) habitat destruction (2) maintenance of food chains (3) competition within a species (4) a stable population size

1

A student set up a small freshwater fish tank. The tank included water, fish, gravel, a snail, and plants, as represented below. Which statement best describes an activity performed by a student investigating an abiotic factor using this setup? (1) He records the temperature of the water. (2) He feeds the fish 0.5 gram of fish food twice a day. (3) He measures the growth of the plants with a metric ruler. (4) He observes the snail scrape algae off the gravel.

1

Agriculturists have developed some varieties of vegetables from common wild mustard plants, which reproduce sexually. Which statement best explains the development of these different varieties of vegetables? (1) Different varieties can develop from a single species as a result of the recombination of genetic information. (2) Different species can develop from a single species as a result of the effect of similar environmental conditions. (3) Mutations will occur in the genes of a species only if the environment changes. (4) Variations in a species will increase when the rate of mitosis is decreased.

1

Although the digestive system is primarily responsible for the breakdown of food, this process can be disrupted if the circulatory system malfunctions. The best explanation for this disruption is that (1) human body systems interact with each other to perform life functions (2) the circulatory system is the control center of the body (3) the digestive system and the circulatory system have many organs in common (4) the circulatory system is responsible for the coordination of life functions, including the breakdown of food

1

Bacteria and humans are similar in that they both (1) contain genetic material (2) are single-celled (3) lack cell organelles (4) carry out autotrophic nutrition

1

Because of an attractive tax rebate, a homeowner decides to replace an oil furnace heating system with expensive solar panels. The trade-offs involved in making this decision include (1) high cost of solar panels, reduced fuel costs, and lower taxes (2) low cost of solar panels, increased fuel costs, and higher taxes (3) increased use of fuel, more stable ecosystems, and less availability of solar radiation (4) more air pollution, increased use of solar energy, and greater production of oil

1

Every time a child visited a cousin who has two cats, the child's eyes turned red, itched, and began to water. Then, the child began to have trouble breathing. It is most likely that the child reacted this way because (1) normally harmless cat antigens stimulated the immune system (2) it is difficult for the respiratory system to filter cat antigens out of the inhaled air (3) cat antigens are a health hazard, since they always cause disease (4) cat antigens stop the immune system from making antibodies, so bacteria cause these responses

1

Fossil fuels have been used for years as a source of energy. Even though there are many negative issues associated with the use of fossil fuels, they continue to be used to a great extent. This is most likely because (1) they have been commercially available as an energy source (2) there are alternatives to these types of fuels (3) they have had a positive effect on global temperatures (4) fossil fuels can be burned to produce large quantities of carbon dioxide

1

Global warming has been linked to a decrease in the (1) size of the polar ice caps (2) temperature of Earth (3) rate of species extinction (4) rate of carbon dioxide production

1

Human reproduction usually involves (1) internal fertilization and internal development (2) external fertilization and external development (3) internal fertilization and external development (4) external fertilization and internal development

1

Male turkeys are birds that naturally strut and display their large tail feathers, which attracts female turkeys. This display is an example of (1) a behavioral adaptation (2) selective breeding (3) asexual reproduction (4) a learned behavior

1

Occasionally, during pregnancy, the placenta can separate from the uterus. This causes a disruption in development and sometimes death of the fetus. Harm to the developing fetus might occur because the placenta (1) transfers oxygen and nutrients to the fetal blood (2) sends maternal blood into the fetus (3) supplies milk for the fetus (4) breaks down wastes of the fetus

1

Overfishing has depleted the rich harvests of fish from the oceans. As a solution, a large industry that cultivates shrimp and fish in warm coastal ponds has been developed. To make way for these ponds, mangrove forests are cut down. Local organisms are displaced. In order for people to decide if this new fish farming technology is a good long-term solution, they must consider (1) the risks and costs as well as the benefits (2) that the mangrove forests would probably die off someday anyway (3) that food production is always more important than any other concern (4) the number of fish produced in the first year as compared with ocean fishing

1

Plants that live in hot, dry climates have evolved mechanisms to help conserve limited water supplies. One example is the closing of leaf openings by guard cells during the day to decrease water loss from their leaves. This detection of and response to an environmental stimulus is an example of (1) a feedback mechanism (2) a genetic mutation (3) an organ malfunction (4) an allergic reaction

1

Potato farmers in Ireland during the mid 1800s all grew the same type of potato. The potato plants were all produced as clones of one another. When a fungus infected the crop, all of the potatoes were destroyed. This occurred because these potato plants (1) had little genetic variability (2) had increased biodiversity (3) were the product of fertilization (4) were the result of biotechnology

1

The failure to regulate the pH of the blood can affect the activity of (1) enzymes that clot blood (2) red blood cells that make antibodies (3) chlorophyll that carries oxygen in the blood (4) DNA that controls starch digestion in the blood

1

The flow of energy in an ecosystem is best described as energy moving in (1) one direction from the Sun to the producers and then to the consumers (2) one direction from a consumer to a producer and then to the Sun as heat and light (3) two directions between the producers that are present (4) two directions, back and forth, between the producers and the consumers

1

The hormone adrenaline can affect only cells with (1) appropriately shaped receptors (2) the appropriate antibodies (3) ribosomes that produce adrenaline (4) genes that break down adrenaline

1

Water pollution as a result of fertilizer runoff from farms is harmful because it initially (1) changes the chemical composition of nearby streams and lakes (2) adds ozone to the atmosphere, increasing global temperatures (3) decreases the water temperature of streams and lakes (4) decreases the amount of nutrient recycling in lakes

1

What is the main function of a vacuole in a cell? (1) storage (2) coordination (3) synthesis of molecules (4) release of energy

1

Which factor would be least likely to contribute to the development of a new species? (1) plentiful resources within the environment occupied by the species (2) increased genetic variation within the species (3) changes in the environment of the species (4) the ability of the species to increase its numbers by sexual reproduction

1

Which sequence best represents the flow of energy through an ecosystem? (1) Sun → green plants → herbivores → carnivores (2) Sun → herbivores → producers → consumers (3) green plants → carnivores → consumers → herbivores (4) consumers → carnivores → herbivores → producers

1

Which statement concerning sexual reproduction is correct? (1) It is not necessary in order for the individual to survive. (2) The offspring are identical to the parent. (3) It is necessary in order for the individual to survive. (4) The offspring are identical to each other.

1

Which statement describes a situation that would reduce the stability of a forest ecosystem? (1) A fierce predator is removed from the ecosystem. (2) The number of producers remains constant in the ecosystem. (3) Organisms frequently interact within the ecosystem. (4) The energy in the ecosystem flows from the Sun.

1

Which statement is correct concerning hereditary information? (1) A chromosome is composed of many genes. (2) A gene is composed of many chromosomes. (3) Each chromosome carries the same information. (4) Each gene carries the same information.

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Which structure produces chemicals that regulate the reproductive cycle? (1) ovary (2) oviduct (3) uterus (4) vagina

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Young birds that have been raised in isolation from members of their species build nests characteristic of their species. This suggests that the nest-building behavior is (1) genetically inherited from parents (2) learned by watching members of their species (3) a disadvantage to the survival of the species (4) a direct result of the type of food the bird eats

1

A characteristic that an organism exhibits during its lifetime will only affect the evolution of its species if the characteristic (1) results from isolation of the organism from the rest of the population (2) is due to a genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism (3) decreases the number of genes in the body cells of the organism (4) causes a change in the environment surrounding the organism

2

A finite resource in the environment that keeps a population from steadily increasing is known as (1) dynamic equilibrium (2) a limiting factor (3) a reproductive enzyme (4) ecological succession

2

A manatee is a water-dwelling herbivore on the list of endangered species. If manatees were to become extinct, what would be the most likely result in the areas where they had lived? (1) The biodiversity of these areas would not be affected. (2) Certain producer organisms would become more abundant in these areas. (3) Other manatees would move into these areas and restore the population. (4) Predators in these areas would occupy higher levels on the energy pyramid.

2

A mutation occurring in a human can be passed from parent to offspring when it occurs in a (1) lung cell, due to exposure to a toxic gas (2) gamete formed in the ovary (3) body cell undergoing mitosis (4) heart cell with chromosome damage

2

A scientist at a large natural history museum has a collection of fossils that were found throughout the world. Only a few of the fossils represent species that are still alive on Earth today. One reason for this is that (1) most of the species that have ever lived on Earth are alive today (2) most of the species that have ever lived on Earth are extinct (3) fossils of only extinct species have been found (4) species alive today will not form any fossils for future discovery by scientists

2

An ecosystem is self-sustaining as long as organisms have sufficient quantities of energy, oxygen, minerals, and water. When organisms die, some of these materials are recycled back to plants in the ecosystem primarily through the activity of (1) predators (2) decomposers (3) pathogens (4) parasites

2

Caffeine is a compound found in the seeds of many different plants, such as coffee beans, cola nuts, and cacao beans (the source of chocolate). The presence of this chemical in all three types of plants suggests that these plants (1) inherited identical mutations (2) share a common ancestry (3) were exposed to the same type of radiation in the past (4) were cloned from a caffeine plant

2

Fishermen have harvested certain fish to the point where the population of that fish is decreasing. This level of direct harvesting could cause (1) ecosystems to be improved for future generations (2) ecosystems to be severely damaged (3) the restoration of environmental stability (4) all other fish species to increase in number

2

Human population has increased dramatically over time. A consequence of these changes is (1) an increase in the numbers and kinds of organisms worldwide (2) a decrease in the availability of natural resources (3) a decrease in deforestation due to technological improvements (4) an increase in biosphere stability

2

If 15% of a DNA sample is made up of thymine, T, what percentage of the sample is made up of cytosine, C? (1) 15% (2) 35% (3) 70% (4) 85%

2

In the cell shown below, which lettered structure is responsible for the excretion of most cellular wastes? (1) nucleus (2) cell membrane (3) vacuole (4) lysosome

2

Materials are transported within a single-celled organism by the (1) nucleus (2) cytoplasm (3) mitochondrion (4) ribosome

2

Members of a bird-watching club observed the activities of three species of birds for an entire spring and summer. They noticed that the different species fed at different heights in the same pine tree. Which ecological concept is supported by this observation? (1) Organisms that feed on different foods in the same area of an ecosystem fill the same niche. (2) Organisms that live in the same ecosystem can occupy different niches in the ecosystem. (3) Different species feeding in the same ecosystem will eventually compete with each other, eliminating all the species except one. (4) Different species living in the same area of an ecosystem usually have the same physical characteristics.

2

One way that humans could have a positive impact on local environments is to (1) generate waste products as a result of technological advances (2) use resources that are renewable (3) increase planting large areas of one crop (4) increase the use of pesticides

2

Rabbits produce large numbers of offspring during each reproductive season, yet the number of rabbits within a given population changes very little from year to year. The stability of the population size is most likely the result of (1) the development of mutations in young rabbits (2) environmental factors that keep the population in check (3) rabbits continuing to reproduce when the population is large (4) the survival of more female rabbits than male rabbits

2

Several structures are labeled in the diagram of a puppy shown below. Every cell in each of these structures contains (1) equal amounts of ATP (2) identical genetic information (3) proteins that are all identical (4) organelles for the synthesis of glucose

2

Shrimp that live in the cold waters off Alaska will die if introduced into warm water. One likely reason these shrimp do not survive is that enzymes in the shrimp (1) start to replicate (2) change shape (3) are composed of fat molecules that melt (4) break down into small starch molecules

2

The Eurasian water milfoil is a nonnative species, which was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant, and is now found growing in many lakes in New York State. It has few natural enemies, and grows rapidly, crowding out many native species. This plant ruins fishing areas and interferes with boating and other water sports. This is an example of (1) human consumption of finite resources (2) an unintended consequence of adding an organism to an ecosystem (3) an abiotic factor having a negative effect on an ecosystem (4) the introduction of a species that has increased the long-term biodiversity of an ecosystem

2

The basic building blocks of a protein are (1) glucose molecules (2) amino acids (3) hormones (4) fats

2

The coded information that the cell uses to synthesize many different proteins is stored in (1) lysosomes (2) nucleus (3) cell membrane (4) cytoplasm

2

The diagram below represents a food pyramid in an ecosystem. The best explanation for the decrease in the amount of energy transferred to each succeeding level is that much of the energy is (1) consumed by predators (2) released as heat (3) stored within inorganic materials (4) used in photosynthesis

2

The molecule DNA contains the four bases listed below. A - adenine C - cytosine G - guanine T - thymine Which base pairings normally occur during DNA replication? (1) Guanine pairs with cytosine. Thymine pairs with thymine. (2) Adenine pairs with thymine. Cytosine pairs with guanine. (3) Thymine pairs with guanine. Cytosine pairs with adenine. (4) Cytosine pairs with cytosine. Thymine pairs with thymine.

2

The primary function of the human male reproductive system is to (1) provide a site for fertilization (2) produce and transport gametes (3) protect and nourish the embryo (4) prevent urine from leaving the body

2

The shape of each of the enzyme molecules is important because (1) molecules having different shapes are always found in different organisms (2) the shape of a molecule determines how it functions in chemical reactions (3) the shape of a molecule determines the age of an organism (4) if the shape of any molecule in an organism changes, the DNA in that organism will also change

2

Three days after an organism eats some meat, many of the organic molecules originally contained in the meat would be found in newly formed molecules of (1) glucose (2) protein (3) starch (4) oxygen

2

When a paramecium, a single-celled organism, is living under stressful conditions, it sometimes switches from asexual to sexual reproduction. The main advantage when this switch occurs is that the paramecium is most likely to (1) produce fewer offspring (2) increase variation among its offspring (3) avoid having to find a mate (4) produce clones of itself

2

When an organism reproduces asexually, it usually has (1) only one parent, and half as much DNA as the parent (2) only one parent, and the same chromosome number as the parent (3) two parents, and twice as much DNA as either parent (4) two parents, and the same chromosome number as each parent

2

When receiving x rays, individuals wear a lead shield over major organs in order to limit the body's exposure to radiation. One reason for this procedure is to (1) protect the patient against broken bones (2) prevent mutations in gametes (3) improve circulation in the patient (4) increase the chance of a change in DNA

2

Which activity would be an appropriate first step when designing an experiment? (1) reporting a conclusion based on multiple experimental trials (2) researching the problem, using information from a variety of sources (3) creating a data table to organize experimental observations (4) repeating the experiment with a different hypothesis

2

Which group consists entirely of organic molecules? (1) protein, oxygen, fat (2) protein, starch, fat (3) water, carbon dioxide, oxygen (4) water, starch, protein

2

Which sequence represents structures organized from least complex to most complex? (1) nerve cell → nucleus → nervous system → brain (2) nucleus → nerve cell → brain → nervous system (3) brain → nervous system → nucleus → nerve cell (4) nervous system → brain → nerve cell → nucleus

2

Which statement best explains why some cells in the reproductive system only respond to certain hormones? (1) These cells have different DNA than the cells in other body systems. (2) These cells have specific types of receptors on their membranes. (3) Reproductive system cells could be harmed if they made contact with hormones from other body systems. (4) Cells associated with the female reproductive system only respond to the hormone testosterone.

2

Which statement is most likely correct regarding soil bacteria that inhabit the polar regions of Earth? (1) They do not carry out the process of respiration. (2) They contain enzymes that function at low temperatures. (3) They are part of the abiotic resources of that ecosystem. (4) They do not reproduce.

2

A major function of the placenta is to (1) produce gametes by meiosis (2) protect the fetus from physical injury (3) exchange materials between the mother and the fetus (4) store food to provide the fetus with nutrients

3

A scientist plans to cut a segment of DNA so that it can be inserted into the DNA of a bacterium, a single-celled organism. The scientist needs to use a special type of organic molecule to perform this cutting process. This molecule is (1) a lipid (2) a carbohydrate (3) an enzyme (4) a hormone

3

Essential materials needed for development are transported to a human fetus through the (1) reproductive hormones (2) egg cell (3) placenta (4) ovaries

3

Even though human proteins are synthesized from only 20 different amino acids, there are thousands of different proteins found in human cells. This great variety of proteins is possible because the (1) size of a specific amino acid can vary within a protein (2) chemical composition of a specific amino acid can vary (3) sequence and number of amino acids can be different in each protein (4) same amino acid can have many different properties

3

Even though identical twins have the same genetic material, they may develop slightly different characteristics because (1) each twin receives different chromosomes from the egg (2) one twin may only have genes from the father (3) gene expression may be influenced by factors that switch genes on and off (4) a gene mutation may have occurred before the zygote divided

3

Evolution of a species could occur as a result of changes in the (1) DNA in muscle cells (2) base sequences in liver cells (3) genes in an egg cell (4) number of chromosomes in a fetal bone cell

3

If the concentration of sodium is greater outside a cell than inside the cell, which process could move sodium out of the cell? (1) diffusion (2) carbohydrate synthesis (3) active transport (4) digestion

3

In an embryo, the formation of many types of tissues and organs occurs as a result of the process of (1) fertilization (2) genetic sorting (3) differentiation (4) gene recombination

3

In the early 1900s, experiments were conducted on two caterpillar species. The members of the two species were each divided into two groups. One group of each species was placed under red light, while the other group of each species was kept in the dark. When the caterpillars developed into butterflies, their wings showed extreme color differences. Exposure to red light resulted in intensely colored wings, while those kept in the dark had paler wing colors. The color differences were most likely due to (1) mutations in the color-producing genes (2) the caterpillars in the red light producing more DNA (3) gene expression being affected by the environment (4) the caterpillars in the dark evolving less than those in the light

3

Many beverage companies are required to recycle bottles and cans because this activity directly reduces (1) air pollution and destruction of the ozone shield (2) overpopulation and soil erosion (3) solid waste and depletion of resources (4) thermal pollution and extinction of wildlife

3

One positive impact that industrialization has had is that (1) industrialization produces waste gases that pollute the air (2) fossil fuels used by industries help reduce finite resources (3) industrialization has been a source of many jobs for people (4) new technologies have increased acid rain

3

Over time, data that supports the successful evolution of a species would include observations that describe (1) an increase in the genetic changes occurring in body cells (2) a decrease in the genetic variety carried in sex cells (3) an increase in the proportion of offspring that have favorable characteristics (4) a decrease in the proportion of the population that has beneficial traits

3

Production of gametes and support of the fetus normally occurs in (1) vagina and cervix (2) cervix and oviduct (3) uterus and ovary (4) oviduct and ovary

3

Sometimes, a person is born with one or more extra chromosomes in each cell. This usually results in abnormalities because the affected person has (1) a reduced number of genes in cell nuclei (2) fewer cell mutations than a person with a normal chromosome number (3) more genes in each cell than a person with a normal chromosome number (4) less DNA in cell nuclei, but more proteins in cell mitochondria

3

The diagram below shows part of the human body with some organs that help to carry out the removal of wastes. The energy necessary to perform this function comes directly from the (1) exchange of H2O and O2 during respiration (2) blood flowing through the organs (3) ATP molecules produced during cellular respiration (4) water that is eliminated by the organs

3

When getting a vaccination, which substance is injected into the body? (1) bacteria to combat a pathogen (2) white blood cells to engulf a pathogen (3) a weakened form of a virus (4) antibiotics to kill a virus

3

Which action will result in the greatest decrease in rain forest stability? (1) removing one species of plant for medicine (2) harvesting nuts from some trees (3) cutting down all the trees for lumber (4) powering all homes with wind energy

3

Which body system is correctly paired with its function? (1) excretory—produces antibodies to fight disease-causing organisms (2) digestive—produces hormones for storage and insulation (3) circulatory—transports materials for energy release in body cells (4) respiratory—collects waste material for digestion

3

Which correctly pairs a food molecule with its building block? (1) starch -> amino acid (2) sugar -> starch (3) protein -> amino acid (4) amino acid -> sugar

3

Which phrase best describes a gene? (1) a segment of a DNA molecule found only in the body cells of an organism (2) a segment of a DNA molecule found only in the gametes of an organism (3) a segment of a DNA molecule that contains the instructions for producing a trait in an organism (4) a segment of a DNA molecule that contains the instructions for producing all the characteristics of an organism

3

Which process is most closely associated with the regulation of water loss from the leaves of trees? (1) digestion of water within the cytoplasm in the leaf cells of the trees (2) synthesis of protein by the chloroplasts in the leaf cells of the trees (3) movement of water through leaf openings controlled by the guard cells (4) absorption of nitrogen through leaf openings controlled by the guard cells

3

Which process produces only identical offspring? (1) meiotic cell division (2) selective breeding (3) cloning (4) fertilization

3

Which statement best describes how a major change in the size of one population affects an ecosystem? (1) It will immediately affect every population and the physical conditions. (2) It will affect the physical conditions, but not the other populations. (3) It could directly or indirectly affect the physical conditions and any population. (4) It affects every population, not the physical conditions.

3

Which statement describes a function of the hormone estrogen? (1) It regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. (2) It promotes sperm production in males. (3) It influences the development of adult sex characteristics. (4) It maintains blood sugar levels.

3

Which statement provides evidence that evolution is still occurring at the present time? (1) The extinction rate of species has decreased in the last 50 years. (2) Many bird species and some butterfly species make annual migrations. (3) New varieties of plant species appear more frequently in regions undergoing climatic change. (4) Through cloning, the genetic makeup of organisms can be predicted.

3

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3

A man is exposed to large amounts of ultraviolet radiation while sunbathing at the beach. This exposure causes a genetic change in the DNA of a skin cell. In the future, this change can be passed on to (1) his male and female children (2) his male children, only (3) all cells in his body (4) his skin cells, only

4

A person usually experiences small variations in body temperature over a 24-hour period. These variations in temperature are an example of (1) an immune response (2) genetic differences between individuals (3) an adaptation to global warming (4) dynamic equilibrium

4

A species of bird known as Bird of Paradise has been observed in the jungles of New Guinea. The males shake their bodies and sometimes hang upside down to show off their bright colors and long feathers to attract females. Females usually mate with the "flashiest" males. These observations can be used to support the concept that (1) unusual courtship behaviors lead to extinction (2) some organisms are better adapted for asexual reproduction (3) homeostasis in an organism is influenced by physical characteristics (4) behaviors that lead to reproductive success have evolved

4

Aphids, small insects that feed on the sap of plants, undergo asexual reproduction during the summer months. They produce eggs that are formed without the separation of chromosomes. These eggs do not need to be fertilized, and all of the resulting offspring are female. The best explanation for all of these offspring being female is that (1) there is not enough food to support male aphids (2) asexual reproduction produces offspring with many mutations (3) only the females are able to feed on the sap of the plants (4) asexual reproduction produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent

4

Decomposers are necessary in an ecosystem because they (1) produce food for plants by the process of photosynthesis (2) provide energy for plants by the process of decay (3) can rapidly reproduce and evolve (4) make inorganic materials available to plants

4

During gas exchange, the cell membrane of a single-celled organism has the same function as which organ system in humans? (1) nervous (2) reproductive (3) digestive (4) respiratory

4

Farmers in India have increased the harvest yield of food crops like eggplant by growing them from seeds that have been modified to produce a bacterial toxin that is harmful to pest insects. This is an example of (1) selective breeding of the insects (2) spraying an insecticide on plants (3) selective breeding of the eggplant (4) an application of biotechnology

4

Genetic engineering has the potential to correct human genetic disorders. In gene therapy, a defective gene is replaced by using a virus to insert a normal gene into the cells of an individual. This treatment will be most successful if the virus is inserted into cells that (1) lack a nucleus (2) are recycled after death, rather than removed from the body (3) carry out one specific function, rather than multiple functions (4) continue to divide during the life of the patient

4

In living cells, chemical processes, such as synthesis, all require the action of (1) specialized antibiotics (2) hormones (3) salts (4) biological catalysts

4

In one town, some people support a proposal to build a shopping mall on a large, undeveloped lot, because it would increase business and create new jobs. As a trade-off, the shopping mall would cause a decrease in the (1) amount of air pollution (2) volume of garbage and litter (3) amount of wastewater entering the local sewage system (4) variety of wildlife populations in the area

4

In the fall, some farmers plow the remains of corn plants into the ground. This activity contributes most directly to the (1) increase in the biodiversity of their fields (2) depletion of nonrenewable resources (3) destruction of natural habitats (4) recycling of organic matter

4

Medical professionals are concerned with the increase in the number of bacterial species that are resistant to antibiotics. Once resistance appears in a bacterial population, it spreads rapidly. This is most likely because (1) populations of resistant bacteria are small (2) exposure to antibiotics increases the rate of reproduction in bacteria (3) resistant bacteria are small when compared to non-resistant bacteria. (4) resistant bacteria survive in greater numbers and pass the trait to their offspring

4

Palm oil, produced from palm trees, is not only a biofuel, but is also used in food additives, cosmetics, and lubricants. Palm tree plantations are now cultivated in areas that were formerly natural forests. One ecological concern raised by this expansion is that (1) the natural forest ecosystem may harm the palm trees (2) the use of the land for agriculture will increase the biodiversity of the area (3) humans are changing the basic processes of the palm trees (4) planting large expanses of one crop reduces the biodiversity of the area

4

Some people with spinal cord injuries do not sweat below the area of the injury. Without the ability to sweat, the human body temperature begins to rise. Which statement would best describe this situation? (1) Feedback mechanisms regulate blood sugar levels. (2) Gene mutations are increased. (3) Energy from ATP is not available. (4) Dynamic equilibrium is disrupted.

4

Some plants increase in height due to changes in specialized regions of cells in the tips of their branches. The processes that result in these changes include (1) meiosis, cell growth, and cloning (2) mitosis, zygote formation, and cloning (3) meiosis, gamete formation, and differentiation (4) mitosis, cell growth, and differentiation

4

The corn we eat today is larger and has more kernels than the corn people first grew thousands of years ago. Which process is most likely responsible for the changes that have occurred? (1) mitosis (2) succession (3) direct harvesting (4) selective breeding

4

The diagram below shows some of the DNA in a bacterium into which a human gene, X, has been successfully inserted. The bacteria that result from reproduction of this cell will most likely have the ability to (1) replicate all of the genetic instructions found in humans (2) produce vaccines to be used to immunize humans (3) produce a human blood cell according to instructions in gene X (4) produce the human protein coded for by gene X

4

What normally happens immediately after fertilization in sexual reproduction? (1) specialization of cells to form a fetus from an egg (2) production of daughter cells having twice the number of chromosomes as the parent cell (3) production of daughter cells having half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell (4) division of cells resulting in the development of an embryo from a zygote

4

When a portion of human DNA is added to cut bacterial DNA and is inserted into a bacterial cell, this technique is a type of (1) chromatography (2) gel electrophoresis (3) direct harvesting (4) genetic engineering

4

When an ant in a colony dies, the live ants will throw the dead ant out of the anthill. If a live ant from the colony, ant X, is sprayed with a chemical characteristic of dead ants, the live ants will repeatedly throw this ant out of the anthill until they can no longer detect the chemical on ant X. What is the best explanation for this behavior? (1) The ants are responding to a chromosomal mutation in ant X. (2) The chemical is exhibiting a feedback mechanism. (3) The live ants must continue this behavior until they have eliminated ant X. (4) The chemical acts as a stimulus for a particular behavior.

4

Which cell structure is mainly responsible for releasing energy from food molecules in some single-celled organisms? (1) ribosome (2) chloroplast (3) cell membrane (4) mitochondrion

4

Which situation is most likely to lead to ecological succession? (1) The fish populations in a large lake remain the same for many years. (2) Hunters are allowed to hunt wolves, with no limits, for one season. (3) The amount of industrialization increased in an area, resulting in the increased burning of fossil fuels. (4) A farmer who has planted corn for many years retires, and the field is left abandoned.

4

Why is a mushroom considered a heterotroph? (1) It manufactures its own food. (2) It divides by mitosis. (3) It transforms light energy into chemical energy. (4) It obtains nutrients from its environment.

4

Wildflowers grow and reproduce during the spring snowmelt in the desert region of Death Valley, California. Which environmental factor would most likely have the greatest influence on these activities? (1) percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere (2) number of plant species in the area (3) variety of scavengers in the ecosystem (4) amount of time that water is present

4