Living Environment - New York Regents June 2021 Exam

(4) asexually and are genetically identical

13 One of the largest and oldest organisms on Earth is located in Fishlake National Forest in Utah. Pando is an 80,000-year-old grove of aspen trees that covers 100 acres. Although it looks like a forest, DNA analysis of several of the âtreesâ has confirmed it is really just one huge organism. Therefore, the âtreesâ must have been reproduced (1) sexually and have genetic variability (2) asexually and have genetic variability (3) sexually and are genetically identical (4) asexually and are genetically identical

(2) 62

14 A female giraffe has 62 chromosomes in each of her skin cells. How many chromosomes will be in the skin cells of her offspring? (1) 124 (3) 31 (2) 62 (4) 30

(4) parasite/host

26 Ringworm is a skin infection common among school-aged children. Although the name suggests that a worm causes the disease, it is actually caused by a fungus that lives and feeds on the dead outer layer of the skin. The relationship between ringworm and humans can be described as (1) predator/prey (3) parasite/prey (2) predator/host (4) parasite/host

(4) the introduction of the opossum shrimp into the lake ecosystem disrupted the food webs that were present

43 The graph below shows how the introduction of the opossum shrimp, as a food source for salmon, affected a lake ecosystem in Montana. Based on the data in this graph, one likely conclusion that can be made is that over approximately ten years (1) the lake ecosystem stabilized after the introduction of the new species (2) competition between organisms was reduced as more producers were introduced into the lake (3) more predators moved into the lake ecosystem once the opossum shrimp were added (4) the introduction of the opossum shrimp into the lake ecosystem disrupted the food webs that were present

(2) The greatest increase was during the time period of 2004 and 2008.

47 Which conclusion is best supported by the information presented in the graph? (1) The greatest decrease was during the time period of 1992 and 1996. (2) The greatest increase was during the time period of 2004 and 2008. (3) There has been a steady decline since the banning of DDT in 1972. (4) The population reached carrying capacity in 2004.

(2) a resistance to the antibiotic

49 The survival of some bacterial colonies was most likely due to (1) the bacterial cells changing so that they could live (2) a resistance to the antibiotic (3) meiotic cell division in the bacteria (4) a DNA change caused by the antibiotic

(1) a mutation

5 Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters development and results in Down syndrome. This genetic abnormality is an example of (1) a mutation (3) a substitution (2) fertilization (4) differentiation

(4) competition for resources in each setup

Base your answers to questions 31 through 33 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. A student set up an experiment to test the effect of the number of seedlings planted in one pot on the rate of growth. All conditions in the experiment were the same, except for the number of plants in each pot. The results are shown in the graph below. 31 The most likely reason for the differences in plant growth in the different pots was (1) cyclic changes in the plantsâ ecosystems (2) ecological succession over time (3) the amount of light available for each setup (4) competition for resources in each setup

(1) Species A may carry out autotrophic nutrition.

Base your answers to questions 34 and 35 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents interactions between organisms in an ecosystem. 34 Which statement correctly identifies a possible role of one organism in this ecosystem? (1) Species A may carry out autotrophic nutrition. (2) Species B may be a producer that synthesizes nutrients. (3) Species C carries out heterotrophic nutrition. (4) Species D can recycle energy from the Sun.

(4) synthesizes glucose by using carbon dioxide and water

Base your answers to questions 36 and 37 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. The Venus flytrap is a plant that uses specialized leaves in order to capture and digest small insects. 36 Although the Venus flytrap uses its prey to obtain certain molecules that it needs, it is still classified as a producer because it (1) uses its prey to produce food (2) consumes the prey to produce energy (3) synthesizes energy by using oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide (4) synthesizes glucose by using carbon dioxide and water

(4) If a patient is infected by Helicobacter pylori, then they will get an ulcer.

Base your answers to questions 38 and 39 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Ulcers: Mystery Solved Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the stomach. Doctors once thought that ulcers were caused by stress. In the 1980s, a pair of physicians, Barry J. Marshall and J. Robin Warren, questioned the cause of ulcers. They found the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the ulcer tissue of their patients. Even though they repeatedly presented their findings to colleagues, they were ignored until Marshall performed an astonishing experiment: He drank broth containing the bacteria and made himself sick with an ulcer! He then cured himself by taking an antibiotic. The results were published in 1985, but it took another 10 years for doctors to regularly use antibiotics to treat ulcers. Marshall and Warren received a Nobel Prize in 2005 for this discovery. 38 Which choice represents a possible hypothesis for Marshallâs experiment? (1) Does Helicobacter pylori cause stomach ulcers in people? (2) If a person takes an antibody, then they will not develop an ulcer. (3) Does exposure to infectious bacterial cells make people sick? (4) If a patient is infected by Helicobacter pylori, then they will get an ulcer.

(3) has adaptations that enable survival in a wider variety of habitats

Base your answers to questions 50 and 51 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagrams below provide information about two separate species of tree frogs found in the United States. The shaded areas represent the habitats of each of the two species. Note: The answer to question 50 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet. 50 One likely reason that the gray tree frog occupies a larger environmental area than the green tree frog is that the gray tree frog species (1) eats only prey found in central areas in the United States (2) is adapted to live in any environment in the United States (3) has adaptations that enable survival in a wider variety of habitats (4) outcompetes the green tree frogs in Florida and any state where they both live

(1) cell membrane

1 The respiratory system of an elephant functions in a similar way to which organelle in a single- celled organism? (1) cell membrane (3) vacuole (2) nucleus (4) chloroplast

(4) The weightlifterâs highly developed muscles resulted from exercise. A characteristic such as this will not be inherited.

10 A weightlifter has spent years building his muscular strength. His newborn daughter has normal strength for a baby. Which statement best explains this situation? (1) A daughter inherits most of her traits from her mother. The daughterâs muscles are unlikely to resemble her fatherâs. (2) The weightlifterâs wife probably did not lift weights. Both parents must have this trait before the baby can inherit it. (3) Babies do not have strong muscles. The daughterâs muscles will be unusually strong in a few more months. (4) The weightlifterâs highly developed muscles resulted from exercise. A characteristic such as this will not be inherited.

(3) natural selection over many generations

11 When it is disturbed, the bombardier beetle is able to produce and release a hot spray of irritating chemicals from the end of its body, as shown in the photo below. As a result, most animals that have experienced this defense avoid the beetles in the future. The beetleâs defense mechanism has developed as a result of (1) the need for an effective protection against its enemies (2) competition with its predators (3) natural selection over many generations (4) ecological succession over hundreds of years

(1) the immune system reacting to the presence of the organ

12 Rejection of a newly transplanted organ is caused by (1) the immune system reacting to the presence of the organ (2) antibiotics that stimulate the immune system to attack the organ (3) inheritance of genetic disorders from infected individuals (4) development of cancerous cells in the organ

(4) a pancreas that produces excess insulin to trigger the release of eggs

15 Many female mammals, such as dogs, give birth to litters consisting of multiple offspring. All of the characteristics described below are reproductive adaptations that female dogs have for giving birth and caring for several offspring at once, except (1) a specialized structure for internal development of several young (2) several pairs of mammary glands that provide milk for their pups (3) ovaries capable of releasing many gametes at one time for fertilization (4) a pancreas that produces excess insulin to trigger the release of eggs

(3) a stimulus and a response

16 As blood glucose levels increase, hormones are released to return glucose levels to normal. This is an example of (1) a nervous system disorder (2) the synthesis of antibodies (3) a stimulus and a response (4) an antigen and antibody reaction

(2) identifying individuals at risk and recommending preventive treatment

17 BRCA genes are human genes that normally work to help shut down cancer cells before they can harm the body. Scientists have learned that individuals inheriting a damaged form of a BRCA gene are at greater risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. This discovery is an important first step in (1) preventing the uncontrolled meiotic division of cells in humans (2) identifying individuals at risk and recommending preventive treatment (3) being able to detect all the genes that regulate meiosis (4) helping to eliminate all BRCA genes

(1) during the first two months, organs are being formed and any unusual change during cell division can interfere with normal development

18 In humans, embryonic development during the first two months is more sensitive to environmental factors than during the remaining months. The best explanation for this statement is that (1) during the first two months, organs are being formed and any unusual change during cell division can interfere with normal development (2) the genes that control development function only during the first two months of development (3) no changes occur in a developing fetus after the second month (4) organ development is not affected by environmental factors after the second

(2) The altered DNA in the edited cell will be replicated and passed on to each new cell during mitosis.

19 Gene editing can be used to swap out an unwanted gene for a desirable one from the same species. Which statement best explains why the desired gene will be found in all cells that come from the genetically edited cell? (1) The original cell will reproduce by meiosis and a mutation will occur. (2) The altered DNA in the edited cell will be replicated and passed on to each new cell during mitosis. (3) DNA replication in body cells will result in sperm and egg cells with the edited gene. (4) The desired gene will be inserted into each new cell by using restriction enzymes.

(3) removing dead organisms

2 The carrying capacity of an environment may be decreased by (1) maintaining biodiversity (2) replacing lost minerals (3) removing dead organisms (4) preventing deforestation

(2) Grass grows on a sand dune and is slowly replaced by shrubs.

20 Which sequence of events best represents ecological succession? (1) A squirrel eats acorns, and a hawk eats the squirrel. (2) Grass grows on a sand dune and is slowly replaced by shrubs. (3) After many years of planting corn in the same field, minerals present in the soil are used up. (4) The decomposition of plant material releases nutrients, and other plants use these nutrients.

(4) emptying an aquarium containing many nonnative fish of several species into a local lake

21 Which human activity has the potential to greatly affect the equilibrium of an ecosystem? (1) cutting down a few small evergreen trees and using them to make holiday decorations (2) mowing the playing fields in a city park (3) washing a car with a detergent-based cleaner (4) emptying an aquarium containing many nonnative fish of several species into a local lake

(3) A viral infection leads to a decrease in the number of white blood cells being produced in the body.

22 Which statement describes a failure of homeostasis in humans? (1) When activity in an individual increases, the body temperature rises and the individual sweats. (2) As the concentration of carbon dioxide increases in the human body, the lungs begin to expel more carbon dioxide. (3) A viral infection leads to a decrease in the number of white blood cells being produced in the body. (4) After an individual gets a cut, certain chemical changes begin the healing process.

(1) nutrient cycles

23 Some environmental engineering companies have recently designed âmanufactured wetlandsâ to serve as natural sewage treatment plants. Utilizing the ability of wetland organisms to reduce human wastes makes use of naturally occurring (1) nutrient cycles (3) limiting factors (2) energy cycles (4) finite resources

(2) released as heat energy back into the hummingbirdâs environment

24 A hummingbird may need to consume up to 50% of its body weight in sugar each day, just to meet its energy needs. Some of this energy is stored and some is used for metabolic activities, but much of the energy is (1) converted into amino acids needed for the production of starch (2) released as heat energy back into the hummingbirdâs environment (3) changed into radiant energy, which can be used by plants for photosynthesis (4) used to synthesize inorganic compounds necessary for cellular respiration

(2) loggers planting a tree for each one cut down

25 Sustainable development occurs when people use their resources without depleting them. Which human activity is the best example of sustainable development? (1) draining a wetland to build houses (2) loggers planting a tree for each one cut down (3) using nets to quickly capture large numbers of fish (4) building coal-burning power plants to provide electricity

(1) gene expression was influenced by the environment

27 Genetically identical yarrow plants were grown at different altitudes. Even though their genetic makeup was identical, the plants grew to different heights. One likely explanation for the different heights of the plants at each altitude is that (1) gene expression was influenced by the environment (2) genes mutated when the plants were grown at higher elevations (3) chromosomes increased in number with elevation change (4) the sequence of DNA bases was altered at different altitudes

(2) respiration

28 Which biological process is represented in the diagram below? (1) photosynthesis (3) digestion (2) respiration (4) replication

(4) exchange of gases in leaves

29 The diagram below shows specialized plant cells that control openings called stomates. The proper function of these cells is vital to the survival of the plant because they regulate the (1) rate of glucose use by root cells (3) products of photosynthesis in the stem (2) absorption of sunlight by leaf cells (4) exchange of gases in leaves

(3) nervous and digestive

3 The offspring of a species of bird known as the European roller possess an effective defense mechanism. When they sense a threat by predators, the young birds vomit and cover themselves with a foul-smelling liquid. Which two systems work together to alert the young birds of danger and help produce the vomit? (1) respiratory and excretory (2) circulatory and immune (3) nervous and digestive (4) reproductive and muscular

(1) ATP

30 Substance X directly supplies energy for various life functions, as shown in the diagram below. Which substance is represented by X in the diagram? (1) ATP (3) starch (2) DNA (4) glucose

(1) The plants in the pot with only 5 plants grew to be an average of 40 cm tall in 30 days.

32 According to the graph, which statement is true concerning the growth of the plants? (1) The plants in the pot with only 5 plants grew to be an average of 40 cm tall in 30 days. (2) The plants in the pot with only 10 plants grew to be an average of 30 cm tall in 20 days. (3) The plants in the pot with 15 plants grew an average of 20 cm taller after a period of 10 days. (4) The plants in the pot with 20 plants grew an average of 20 cm taller after a period of 40 days.

(3) average plant growth

33 The dependent variable for this experiment was (1) the number of plants per pot (3) average plant growth (2) time in days (4) the amount of water per pot

(2) Species B returns compounds to the environment that may later be used by species C.

35 Which statement correctly describes an interaction that contributes to the stability of this ecosystem? (1) Species E is not affected by the activity of species A. (2) Species B returns compounds to the environment that may later be used by species C. (3) Species C recycles nutrients from species B and D to obtain energy. (4) Species D is directly dependent on the autotrophic activity of species B.

(1) proteins into amino acids

37 Enzymes secreted by cells in the leaves of the Venus flytrap can digest (1) proteins into amino acids (3) amino acids into fats (2) sugars into starches (4) proteins into sugars

(2) scientific explanations are revised based on new evidence

39 The work of Marshall and Warren shows that (1) hypotheses made by physicians are always correct (2) scientific explanations are revised based on new evidence (3) peer review always leads to the immediate acceptance of results (4) conclusions must always be consistent with those made by other scientists

(3) a decrease in stability

4 A decrease in the biodiversity of an ecosystem usually leads to (1) an increase in predator and prey populations (2) the elimination of material cycling (3) a decrease in stability (4) an increase in dynamic equilibrium

(4) performs a different function

40 The structural formulas shown below represent parts of two different complex carbohydrate molecules composed of glucose subunits. Molecules 1 and 2 differ in their overall structure. Due to the differences in structure, each of these molecules most likely (1) is composed of different molecular bases (3) contains different elements (2) forms a different protein (4) performs a different function

(3) biological catalysts

41 To capture their prey, spiders have fangs, which pierce the body wall of insects and inject venom. Spider venoms usually contain specific proteins that attack the cell membranes of the prey. The membranes and most of the contents of the insectâs body turn into a liquid that the spider then ingests for food. These specific venom proteins are most likely (1) ATP molecules (3) biological catalysts (2) DNA molecules (4) regulatory hormones

(2) movement of materials from the circulatory system that will eventually enter lymphatic capillaries

42 Lymphatic capillaries are found throughout the body. Both the lymphatic and circulatory systems transport substances between the bloodstream and body tissues. These two systems are also involved in fighting infections. The arrows shown in the diagram that go from the blood capillaries to the interstitial fluid most likely represent the (1) release of red blood cells, so that they can diffuse into body cells and fight bacteria (2) movement of materials from the circulatory system that will eventually enter lymphatic capillaries (3) transport of digestive enzymes from the blood to help with the digestion of glucose in muscle cells (4) transport of glucose molecules from the blood to be used by cells to attack proteins and fats

(1) mitochondria

6 Most of the reactions by which energy from carbohydrates is released for use by the cell take place within the (1) mitochondria (3) ribosomes (2) nuclei (4) vacuoles

(1) mixing lawn clippings with vegetable waste to produce compost used to fertilize gardens

7 Which human activity best represents a method for recycling nutrients? (1) mixing lawn clippings with vegetable waste to produce compost used to fertilize gardens (2) raking and bagging lawn clippings in plastic bags for disposal in landfills (3) collecting lawn and garden wastes for burning (4) clearing a forested area to provide open land for cattle

(3) predators

8 Rabbit populations vary in size over time. An increase in which factor would likely prevent the rabbit population from steadily increasing? (1) food (3) predators (2) mates (4) prey

(2) fewer genetic differences

9 The diagrams below represent two reproductive processes used by different organisms. When compared to organisms that utilize process A, organisms that utilize process B would most likely produce offspring with (1) a greater variety of genetic combinations (2) fewer genetic differences (3) more genetic combinations (4) more DNA within each nucleus