Full-Year Living Environment Review

A student set up a freshwater fish tank containing water, fish, gravel, a snail, and plants. 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) He records the temperature of the water.

Three human actions that have been made possible in recent times are: • Doctors are able to diagnose and treat some fetal problems prior to the birth of a child. • Cloning can produce large numbers of plants that are resistant to drought. • Male insects can be sterilized with radiation to prevent them from mating successfully. Which statement summarizes these three actions? (1) Reproductive technology has medical, agricultural, and ecological applications. (2) Development is a highly regulated process involving mitosis and differentiation. (3) Reproduction and development are subject to environmental effects. (4) Human development, birth, and aging should be viewed as a predictable pattern of events

(1) Reproductive technology has medical, agricultural, and ecological applications.

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) Sun → green plants → herbivores → carnivores

Which change is an example of a response to a stimulus? (1) The pupil of an eye decreases in size in bright light. (2) A leaf absorbs sunlight in the morning. (3) The water level of a pond rises on a rainy day. (4) A dead tree decays after many years.

(1) The pupil of an eye decreases in size in bright light.

A researcher concludes from a 10-year study that the biodiversity of an ecosystem had increased. Which set of observations represents evidence for this claim? (1) There were more niches and greater stability in the ecosystem. (2) There were more niches and less energy lost as heat in the ecosystem. (3) There were fewer niches for decomposers and less stability. (4) There were fewer niches for consumers and greater cycling of materials.

(1) There were more niches and greater stability in the ecosystem.

Car manufacturers have begun to explore the use of biofuels, such as biodiesel, ethanol, and cooking oils made from plant material. The desired outcome of using these biofuels would be (1) a decrease in the use of fossil fuels (2) a decrease in the release of oxygen gas (3) an increase in abiotic resources (4) an increase in global warming

(1) a decrease in the use of fossil fuels

In early spring, many wildflowers begin to grow, produce flowers, and release seeds. The leaves of the wildflowers make food before the leaves of the trees in the area begin to develop. The early growth pattern of the wildflowers would likely result in (1) decreased competition for sunlight between the trees and the wildflowers (2) decreased competition for suitable temperature between the trees and the wildflowers (3) increased competition for space between the trees and the wildflowers (4) increased competition for oxygen between the trees and the wildflowers

(1) decreased competition for sunlight between the trees and the wildflowers

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) internal fertilization and internal development

A list of environmental issues is shown below. • Rabbits transported from Europe overrun and deplete farmlands in Australia. • Many areas in the southeastern United States are overgrown with the kudzu plant from Asia. • In parts of New York State, bluebirds must compete with starlings originally brought here from England. All of these issues are the result of (1) introduction of nonnative species into stable ecosystems (2) genetic engineering without using adequate safety precautions (3) preservation of habitats due to human population growth (4) use of foreign species to replace native predators

(1) introduction of nonnative species into stable ecosystems

The development of organs and tissues from a zygote includes (1) mitosis and differentiation (2) mitosis and gamete production (3) meiosis and gamete production (4) meiosis and fertilization

(1) mitosis and differentiation

One primary function of the cell membrane is (1) regulating the flow of simple sugars into or out of the cell (2) synthesizing substances by breaking down cell organelles (3) storing carbohydrates, water, and starches for future use (4) digesting carbohydrates, fats, and protein

(1) regulating the flow of simple sugars into or out of the cell

A farmer grows beans that he sells to local markets. Over a period of 40 years, the farmer has identified the plants that produced the most beans and only used those beans to produce new plants. This procedure is part of the process of (1) selective breeding (3) replication (2) genetic engineering (4) cloning

(1) selective breeding

The human male reproductive system is adapted for the production of (1) sperm and the delivery of these cells for internal fertilization (2) gametes that transport food to the egg (3) zygotes and the development of these cells into a fetus (4) hormones that stimulate placenta formation in the male

(1) sperm and the delivery of these cells for internal fertilization

Natural selection and its evolutionary consequences provide a scientific explanation for (1) the fossil record of ancient life-forms (2) predictions about the rate of global warming (3) the amount of precipitation in a rain forest (4) the amount of soil used to grow certain crops

(1) the fossil record of ancient life-forms

Which statement best explains why different body cells of the same individual look and function differently? (1) Each cell contains different genes. (2) Different genes are activated in different kinds of cells. (3) Cells are able to change to adapt to their surroundings. (4) Half of the genes in the cells came from the mother and half from the father.

(2) Different genes are activated in different kinds of cells.

Before conducting an experiment, two students gathered information about the effect of greenhouse gases on global warming. Student A found information in a newspaper article. Student B found information in several peer-reviewed scientific journals and on three websites. Which statement most likely describes the reliability of the students' information? (1) Information gathered by student A is more reliable because newspapers are always updated to reflect the most current research. (2) Information gathered by student B is more reliable because some of it was gathered from peer-reviewed sources. (3) Information gathered by student A is more reliable because it is from a single source without conflicting information. (4) Information gathered by student B is more reliable because some of it was found on the internet.

(2) Information gathered by student B is more reliable because some of it was gathered from peer-reviewed sources.

Nicotine is only one of the many toxic chemicals inhaled while smoking. What effect can such toxic chemicals have on the body? (1) They stimulate an increase in height. (2) They stimulate uncontrolled cell division. (3) They eliminate carbon dioxide from cells. (4) They eliminate chromosomes from many cells.

(2) They stimulate uncontrolled cell division.

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 limiting factor

When would exposure to a potentially harmful substance be most likely to damage many organs in a developing embryo? (1) during the last three months of pregnancy (2) during the early stages of pregnancy (3) during the formation of the zygote (4) during meiosis in both males and females

(2) during the early stages of pregnancy

The reproductive cycle in females is regulated primarily by (1) estrogen and testosterone (2) estrogen and progesterone (3) progesterone and insulin (4) progesterone and testosterone

(2) estrogen and progesterone

If body temperature is too high, some blood vessels increase in size and sweat glands will excrete sweat, resulting in a lower body temperature. These changes are an example of (1) a learned behavior (2) feedback mechanisms (3) an inherited disorder (4) genetic mutations

(2) feedback mechanisms

A woman changes her hair color to red; however, her children will not inherit this red hair color because the woman does not have (1) genes for red hair in her skin (2) genes for red hair in her sex cells (3) proteins for red hair in the placenta (4) proteins for red hair in her egg cells

(2) genes for red hair in her sex cells

Although we rely on coal, oil, and natural gas to produce energy, some environmental scientists have proposed that we use less fossil fuel. One reason to support this proposal is to (1) enable us to preserve rain forests in tropical areas (2) help us to reduce the production of carbon dioxide gas (3) allow us to decrease the use of fertilizers on crops (4) encourage us to end research on wind and water power sources

(2) help us to reduce the production of carbon dioxide gas

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) nucleus → nerve cell → brain → nervous system

Which organisms and set of characteristics are correctly paired? (1) fungi—carry out photosynthesis and heterotrophic nutrition (2) plants—carry out respiration and autotrophic nutrition (3) decomposers—carry out photosynthesis and autotrophic nutrition (4) animals—carry out autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition

(2) plants—carry out respiration and autotrophic nutrition

A cell begins to produce a new type of protein. This is most likely due to an alteration of the (1) structure of the cell membrane (2) sequence of bases in a section of a chromosome (3) chemical makeup of the cytoplasm (4) shape of the antibodies produced by the nucleus

(2) sequence of bases in a section of a chromosome

Ecologists are concerned that the golden-winged warbler population is at a dangerously low level. One reason this could lead to extinction of this warbler is that (1) after a species becomes extinct, it won't be able to carry out its role in the ecosystem (2) there may not be enough diversity among the birds for the species to be able to survive an environmental change (3) extinction always occurs when populations begin to decrease in number (4) an increase in biodiversity within a population often causes the population to be classified as threatened or endangered

(2) there may not be enough diversity among the birds for the species to be able to survive an environmental change

Although all of the cells of a plant contain the same genetic material, root cells and leaf cells are not identical because they (1) use different genetic bases for the synthesis of DNA (2) use different parts of their genetic instructions (3) select different cells to express (4) delete different sections of their enzymes

(2) use different parts of their genetic instructions

The energy necessary for the body to remove wastes 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) ATP molecules produced during cellular respiration

For several years now, there has been discussion of constructing a large oil pipeline across the United States. Which statement expresses a major concern many people are likely to have about the proposed pipeline? (1) The pipeline will bring a large number of jobs to the area where it is being constructed. (2) The oil pipeline will increase the amount of finite resources. (3) If this pipeline were to leak, the oil could contaminate soil, water, and wildlife. (4) The pipeline is a technological fix for ozone depletion.

(3) If this pipeline were to leak, the oil could contaminate soil, water, and wildlife.

Which observation could lead to the conclusion that an object is nonliving? (1) It passes on hereditary information only through asexual reproduction. (2) It carries out synthesis. (3) It cannot perform metabolic processes. (4) It is composed of a cell, but does not have tissues.

(3) It cannot perform metabolic processes.

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) It could directly or indirectly affect the physical conditions and any population.

A human cell that contains all of the information necessary for the growth and development of a complete organism is (1) a sperm cell (3) a zygote (2) a gamete (4) an egg cell

(3) a zygote

Burmese pythons are large snakes that have been introduced into the Florida Everglades ecosystem. Burmese pythons and alligators hunt the same prey. One likely effect of the introduction of the pythons is that (1) alligators will have more prey available (2) pythons will become native to the Everglades (3) alligator populations will decline (4) pythons will become an endangered species

(3) alligator populations will decline

The inability of an organism to produce certain proteins can occur when an organism is lacking an enzyme needed to combine (1) oxygen molecules (3) amino acids (2) simple sugars (4) biological catalysts

(3) amino acids

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 (3) an enzyme (2) a carbohydrate (4) a hormone

(3) an enzyme

Within the fish population, variations exist in color, size, gamete production, and swimming speed. A variation that would most likely be passed on to future generations of the species is (1) a swimming speed that is less than that of its predators (2) the presence of bright, colorful markings that contrast with the lake bottom (3) being of a size that enables them to hide among the rocks in the lake (4) the production of a small number of gametes during the peak of the breeding season

(3) being of a size that enables them to hide among the rocks in the lake

SCIDS (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disorder where a genetic mutation inhibits the production and functioning of T-cells. T-cells are special types of white blood cells that play a role in the body's immune response. A possible symptom of SCIDS would be an increase in the (1) number of antigens produced (2) red blood cell count (3) number of infections by pathogens (4) ability to maintain homeostasis

(3) number of infections by pathogens

Which sequence best represents increasing complexity? (1) tissues → cells → organelles → organs (2) cells → organelles → organs → organism (3) organelles → cells → tissues → organs (4) organism → cells → tissues → organelles

(3) organelles → cells → tissues → organs

Botulinum toxin is a substance that can cause paralysis in humans. The effects of the toxin are due to the blocking of a signaling molecule that is necessary for communication between nerve cells. The toxin most likely interferes with the normal functioning of a (1) chromosome (3) receptor (2) DNA molecule (4) digestive hormone

(3) receptor

On Long Island, several businesses use geothermal technology. This involves taking heat from within Earth and using it to heat buildings. One benefit of this technology is that it (1) contributes to global warming (2) reduces the ozone shield (3) reduces dependence on fossil fuels (4) decreases resources for many species

(3) reduces dependence on fossil fuels

Photosynthesis and respiration are alike in that they both (1) require the Sun as a direct source of energy (2) result in the production of glucose molecules (3) require specific catalysts (4) occur within mitochondria

(3) require specific catalysts

The major role of carbohydrates in the human diet is to (1) form the membranes that surround mitochondria (2) act as a catalyst for cellular reactions (3) supply energy for the body (4) provide building blocks for amino acids

(3) supply energy for the body

Eye color, hair color, and skin color often vary from person to person and even within a family. One explanation is that (1) the glucose units in a DNA molecule are often rearranged (2) the genetic material of the female parent has the most influence on offspring (3) the inherited traits of individuals are determined by different gene combinations (4) some extra parts of genetic material are often gained during fertilization

(3) the inherited traits of individuals are determined by different gene combinations

Traditional lightbulbs are only 10% effi cient. Ninety percent of the energy they use is converted to heat. Modern lightbulbs are much more effi cient, but may cost three times as much as traditional lightbulbs. Consumers who switch to modern lightbulbs are most likely (1) spending more money for no good reason (2) trying to stop pollution of the oceans (3) trading a short-term cost for long-term savings (4) helping traditional lightbulb factories employ people

(3) trading a short-term cost for long-term savings

The cytoplasm in a single-celled organism and the circulatory system in a human both (1) break down molecules into smaller components (2) release energy to be used by the organism (3) transport substances throughout the organism (4) distribute blood to all of the parts of the organism

(3) transport substances throughout the organism

Which statement describes an event that would most severely disrupt the process of ecological succession in an area? (1) The season changes from spring into summer. (2) Native plants are planted in an abandoned field. (3) Plants and animals begin to colonize a newly formed volcanic island. (4) A dam is built on a river to form a reservoir.

(4) A dam is built on a river to form a reservoir.

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) amount of time that water is present

A significant difference between the effects of the genetic information passed on from asexually reproducing parents to their offspring and sexually reproducing parents to their offspring is the (1) degree of modification of the size of chromosomes (2) types of DNA subunits (3) number of chromosomes in the body cells of the offspring (4) amount of variation between the parents and the offspring

(4) amount of variation between the parents and the offspring

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

(4) biological catalysts

The final consumers in many food webs are (1) autotrophs (3) herbivores (2) hosts (4) carnivores

(4) carnivores

When rain forests are cut down, there is a (1) loss of fossil fuels that could be used by industry (2) release of excess oxygen to the atmosphere (3) release of chemicals which cause helpful mutations (4) loss of genetic material available for research

(4) loss of genetic material available for research

The breathing rate, heart rate, and blood hormone levels of an individual would directly provide information about that individual's (1) cellular organization (3) inheritance (2) nutrition (4) metabolic activity

(4) metabolic activity

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

(4) mitochondrion

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) mitosis, cell growth, and differentiation

Which sequence represents structures organized from most complex to least complex? (1) chloroplast → guard cell → leaf → oak tree (2) guard cell → chloroplast → leaf → oak tree (3) oak tree → guard cell → leaf → chloroplast (4) oak tree → leaf → guard cell → chloroplast

(4) oak tree → leaf → guard cell → chloroplast

Biotic factors are:

Living components of an ecosystem

Abiotic Factors are:

Nonliving components of an ecosystem

During gas exchange, the cell membrane of a single-celled organism has the same function as which organ system in humans?

Respiratory System

Name three entirely organic molecules.

Starch, Fat, Protein