Biology STAAR
2013 & 2014
Cell Structure and Function
Science concepts. The student knows that cells are the basic structures of all living things with specialized parts that
perform specific functions and that viruses are different from cells. The student is expected to:
SE
B.4 A
TEKS
compare and contrast prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells; Supporting Standard
Question Stems
(23) The feature that distinguishes euglena from cyanobacteria
is the — (2013)
B.4 B
Investigate and explain cellular
processes, including homeostasis,
energy conversions, transport of
molecules, and synthesis of new
molecules; Readiness Standard
(6) Which of these statements best explains the process of
energy conversion that takes place in the mitochondria? (2013)
B.4 C
Compare the structures of viruses to
cells, describe viral reproduction, and
describe the role of viruses in causing
diseases such as human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and
influenza. Readiness Standard
(29) Which cellular process takes place in the ribosomes that
are bound to the endoplasmic reticulum? (2013)
(27) Which group of organelles is directly responsible for the
production of new molecules within a cell? (2014)
(33) Which of these best explains why energy is needed for
active transport? (2014)
(1) The projections on the surface of this virus allow the virus
to — (2013)
(45) A company that wants to develop antiviral drugs would ask
a research immunologist to study — (2013)
(15) During this period the virus affects the body by doing
which of the following? (2014)
(29) This information suggests that the reproductive cycle of
the SARS virus is — (2014)
Cell Structure and Function
Science concepts. The student knows how an organism grows and the importance of cell differentiation. The student is
expected to:
SE
B.5 A
TEKS
Describe the stages of the cell cycle,
including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
replication and mitosis, and the
importance of the cell cycle to the
growth of organisms; Readiness
Standard
B.5 B
Examine specialized cells, including
roots, stems, and leaves of plants; and
animal cells such as blood, muscle, and
epithelium; Supporting Standard
B.5 C
Describe the roles of DN, ribonucleic
acid (RNA), and environmental factors in
cell differentiation; Supporting
Question Stems
(16) Which phase of mitosis is occurring in the cell indicated by
the arrow? (2013)
(33) Which of these must occur during S phase of the cell cycle
so that two daughter cells can be produced during M phase?
(2013)
(22) Which of these occurs just before the cell enters the G₂
stage of the cell cycle? (2014)
(47) During which cellular process does telophase occur? (2014)
(51) In some plants trichomes secrete toxic substances that
most likely perform which function? (2014)
(47) Cell differentiation is most directly regulated by — (2013)
(35) Which conclusion is supported by the data from this
Biology STAAR
Standard
2013 & 2014
investigation? (2014)
(47) During which cellular process does telophase occur? (2014)
B.5 D
Recognize that disruptions of the cell
cycle lead to diseases such as cancer.
Supporting Standard
(41) Cancer cells are different because they cannot enter G
phase and are likely to do which of the following? (2013)
(6) Which of these processes is the most likely target of these
drugs? (2014)
Cell Structure and Function
Science concepts. The student knows the significance of various molecules involved in metabolic processes and energy
conversions that occur in living organisms. The student is expected to
SE
B.9 A
TEKS
Compare the structures and functions of
different types of biomolecules, involved
in metabolic carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, and nucleic acids;
Readiness Standard
Question Stems
(20Which statement correctly identifies a difference in the
structure of proteins and polysaccharides? (2013)
(36) Which of these best represents a fatty-acid molecule?
(2013)
(8) However, on a gram-for-gram basis lipids provide cells with
more — (2014)
(44) Which of the following biomolecules typically contains
both nitrogen and phosphate? (2014)
B.9 D
Analyze and evaluate the evidence
regarding formation of simple organic
molecules and their organization into
long complex molecules having
information such as the DNA molecule
for self-replicating life. Supporting
Standard
Mechanisms of Genetics
Science concepts. The student knows the mechanisms of genetics, including the role of nucleic acids and the principles
of Mendelian Genetics. The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.6 A
Identify components of DNA, and
(18) A model of a DNA molecule is shown below. The arrow
describe how information for specifying indicates — (2013)
the traits of an organism is carried in the (30) Which components of DNA are referred to as the genetic
DNA; Readiness Standard
code? (2013)
(43) How does DNA in cells determine an organism’s complex
traits? (2013)
(17) The sequence of the bases in DNA is most important for
which of the following? (2014)
(52) By studying this photograph, scientists gained knowledge
about the — (2014)
B.6 B
Recognize that components that make
(49) The fact that a strain of yeast with a certain defective gene
up the genetic code are common to all
can use the human version of the gene to repair itself is
organisms; Supporting Standard
evidence that yeast and humans — (2013)
(19) Which characteristic is shared by all four cells? (2014)
B.6 C
Explain the purpose and process of
transcription and translation using
(11) The process represented in the diagram produces a
molecule that is complementary to the template strand of DNA.
Biology STAAR
models of DNA and RNA; Supporting
Standard
B.6 D
B.6 E
Recognize that gene expression is a
regulated process; Supporting Standard
Identify and illustrate changes in DNA
and evaluate the significance of these
changes; Readiness Standard
B.6 F
Predict possible outcomes of various
genetic combinations such as
monohybrid crosses, dihybrid crosses
and non-Mendelian inheritance;
Readiness Standard
B.6 G
Recognize the significance of meiosis to
sexual reproduction; Supporting
Standard
B.6 H
2013 & 2014
What type of molecule is produced? (2013)
(48) Which of the following polypeptides is coded for by the
mRNA sequence ⁵´AUGGUUAAACGACAAUCC³´? (2014)
(28) What was the most likely conclusion of Morgan’s
research? (2014)
(21) Which of these changes to the DNA triplet 3’ GCT 5’ will
affect the protein produced? (2013)
(53) A mutation that occurs in the gametes of an organism will
most likely be transferred to which of the following? (2013)
(4) Which statement is best supported by this information?
(2014)
(39) What type of mutation is depicted in this sequence? (2014)
(13) If several pea plants with the genotype TTYy are crossed
with pea plants with the genotype Ttyy, what percentage of the
offspring will be expected to have the TTYy allele combination?
(2013)
(38) If a brown cocker spaniel is crossed with a heterozygous
black cocker spaniel, which of the following genotypic ratios
can be expected? (2013)
(24) What percentage of the offspring from a BbFf x bbff cross
would be expected to be heterozygous for both traits? (2014)
(43) If the stem characteristics are determined by a single gene,
what is the expected outcome of crossing two tomato plants
that are heterozygous for hairy stems? (2014)
(26) This process most likely leads to an increase in which of the
following? (2013)
(12) Which of these processes produces gametes in animals?
(2014)
(4) Chromosome painting allows for which of the following?
(2013)
Describe how techniques such as DNA
fingerprinting, genetic modifications and
chromosomal analysis are used to study
(31) Which of the following can best be determined by
the genomes of organisms. Supporting
examining this karyotype? (2014)
Standard
Biological Evolution and Classification
Science concepts. The student knows evolutionary theory is a scientific explanation for the unity and diversity of life.
The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.7 A
Analyze and evaluate how evidence of
(25) The similarities of organisms in which two areas numbered
common ancestry among groups is
above provide the best evidence for common ancestry between
provided by the fossil record,
the organisms in both locations? (2013)
biogeography, and homologies,
including anatomical, molecular, and
(52) These limbs provide evidence of common ancestry because
developmental ; Readiness Standard
they — (2013)
(1) The fact that both these mammals incubate their immature
offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they — (2014)
(42) What do these genome maps allow the scientists to
determine? (2014)
Biology STAAR
B.7 B
B.7 C
B.7 D
B.7 E
B.7 F
B.7 G
Analyze and evaluate scientific
explanations concerning any data of
sudden appearance, stasis, and
sequential nature of groups in the fossil
record; Supporting Standard
Analyze and evaluate how natural
selection produces change in
populations, not individuals; Supporting
Standard
Analyze and evaluate how the elements
of natural selection, including inherited
variation, the potential of a population
to produce more offspring than can
survive, and a finite supply of
environmental resources, result in
differential reproductive success;
Supporting Standard
Analyze and evaluate the relationship of
natural selection to adaptation and to
the development of diversity in and
among species; Readiness Standard
Analyze and evaluate the effects of
other evolutionary mechanisms,
including genetic drift, gene flow,
mutation, and recombination; and
Supporting Standard
2013 & 2014
(34) Which of the following conclusions is supported by this
information? (2013)
(5) Which discovery would challenge the validity of this
cladogram? (2014)
(50) Which condition is essential for natural selection to result
in a new species? (2014)
(8) If the genes also help their offspring survive and reproduce,
then which of the following will most likely increase? (2013)
(39) The outcome of this adaptation in the scarlet king snake is
to — (2013)
(20) Ants have been able to successfully inhabit so many
different environments because their populations have been
able to — (2014)
(40) How is the moth’s proboscis size an adaptation for its
environment? (2014)
(15) When the cow contributes to the gene pool of the new
herd, which of these most likely increases? (2013)
(9) Which evolutionary process fails to occur? (2014)
Analyze and evaluate scientific
explanations concerning the complexity
of the cell. Supporting Standard
Biological Evolution and Classification
Science concepts. The student knows that taxonomy is a branching classification based on the shared characteristics of
organisms and can change as new discoveries are made. The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.8 A
Define taxonomy and recognize the
(3) Having a standard taxonomic system benefits the scientific
importance of a standardized taxonomic community by allowing scientists from all over the world to do
system to the scientific community;
which of the following? (2013)
Supporting Standard
(38) Similarity at which of these levels indicates the closest
relationship? (2014)
Biology STAAR
B.8 B
B.8 C
Categorize organisms using a
hierarchical classification system based
on similarities and differences shared
among groups; Readiness Standard
Compare characteristics of taxonomic
groups, including archaea, bacteria,
protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
Supporting Standard
2013 & 2014
(19) The student used a dichotomous key and a microscope to
classify the animal. How should this animal be classified? (2013)
(28) Which of these arthropods are most closely related? (2013)
(11) Based on the observations of the student, which organisms
most likely belong to the taxonomic group for bacteria? (2014)
(54) According to the key, the fruit comes from which species of
tree? (2014)
(54) Which characteristics will be used to complete the chart?
(2013)
Biological Processes and Systems
Science concepts. The student knows the significance of various molecules involved in metabolic processes and energy
conversions that occur in living organisms. The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.9 B
Compare the reactants and products of
(12) Which of the following correctly describes how a diagram
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
of cellular respiration would differ from a diagram of
in terms of energy and matter; and
photosynthesis? (2013)
Supporting Standard
(46) At point X, the rate of which process is equal to the rate of
photosynthesis? (2014)
B.9 C
Identify and investigate the role of
enzymes. Supporting Standard
(10) Which of the following suggests that the shape of an
enzyme determines the enzyme’s function? (2013)
(30) If Enzyme 2 is denatured, the levels of which substance will
increase? (2014)
(49) Based on their observations, pepsin most likely aids in
digestion in which part of the human body? (2014)
Biological Processes and Systems
Science concepts. The student knows that biological systems are composed of multiple levels. The student is expected
to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.10 A
Describe the interactions that occur
(5) Which body systems work together to protect the body
among systems that perform the
from pathogens? (2013)
functions of regulation, nutrient
absorption, reproduction, and defense
(22) Which of the following correctly describes an interaction
from injury or illness in animals;
that occurs between two body systems of a rabbit that helps
Readiness Standard
the rabbit outrun a pursuing coyote? (2013)
(13) What two human systems work together to provide body
cells with a constant supply of oxygen while removing carbon
dioxide waste products? (2014)
(26) Which of the following correctly identifies and describes
this response? (2014)
(32) Which systems most likely interact and cause the severity
of infections to vary? (2014)
Biology STAAR
B.10 B
B.10 C
Describe the interactions that occur
among systems that perform the
functions of transport, reproduction,
and response in plants; Readiness
Standard
Analyze the levels of organization in
biological systems and relate the levels
to each other and to the whole system.
Supporting Standard
2013 & 2014
(7) Leaves are part of a plant’s shoot system. The xylem tissue
in leaves transports — (2013)
(32) The response enabled by auxin is known as — (2013)
(44) Which statement correctly describes the interaction that
occurs between the root and the shoot systems of plants to
allow reproduction to occur? (2013)
(2) How do the plant systems work together to make this
movement of liquid possible? (2014)
(7) The epidermal cells and stomata have functions similar to
those of which two human body systems? (2014)
(37) What process worked most directly with the transport
system to heal the wound? (2014)
(35) Which level of biological organization has the student
described in the table? (2013)
(18) Which of the following functions at the same
organizational level as the kidney in the human excretory
system? (2014)
Biological Processes and Systems
Science concepts. The student knows that biological systems work to achieve and maintain balance. The student is
expected to
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.11 A
Describe the role of internal feedback
(17) Based on this information, which of the following would
mechanisms in the maintenance of
most likely be the cause of elevated levels of cortisol in a dog?
homeostasis. Supporting Standard
(2013)
(51) This response helps the plant maintain homeostasis by —
(2013)
(21) This process is an example of which of the following?
(2014)
Interdependence within environmental Systems
Science concepts. The student knows that biological systems work to achieve and maintain balance. The student is
expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.11 B
Investigate and analyze how organisms,
populations, and communities respond
to external factors; Supporting Standard
B.11 C
Summarize the role of microorganisms
in both maintaining and disrupting the
health of both organisms and
ecosystems; Supporting Standard
(40) Which of the following best describes the role that these
microorganisms play in natural habitats? (2013)
(14) Scientists have used their knowledge of this ability of fungi
in order to produce which of the following substances? (2014)
Biology STAAR
B.11 D
Describe how events and processes that
occur during ecological succession can
change populations and species
diversity. Readiness Standard
2013 & 2014
(2) Which of these lists the descriptions in the correct order of
ecological succession on Surtsey? (2013)
(42) The information shown in the graph suggests that the
changes in the forest community were caused by — (2013)
(25) Which organisms most likely succeed the original
community in this ecosystem? (2014)
(53) Which event was most likely the cause of the changes in
species diversity in this ecosystem? (2014)
Interdependence within Environmental Systems
Science concepts. The student knows that interdependence and interactions occur within an environmental system.
The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.12 A
Interpret relationships, including
(24) The relationship between the acacia ant and the bullshorn
predation, parasitism, commensalism,
acacia is an example of which of the following? (2013)
mutualism, and competition among
(50) The non-native species is more likely to survive than the
organisms; Readiness Standard
native species in which of the following situations? (2013)
(23) Which of these correctly describes the relationships
between the organisms? (2014)
(34) Why is the agouti important to the rain forest ecosystem?
(2014)
B.12 B
Compare variations and adaptations or
(46) Which eye most likely belongs to an animal that is active
organisms in different ecosystems;
most of the day on white desert sand? (2013)
Supporting Standard
(3) Which rhinoceros species is best adapted for feeding in the
large open grasslands of Africa’s Serengeti ecosystem? (2014)
B.12 C
Analyze the flow of matter and energy
(14) Which of the following are missing from the food web
through trophic levels using various
shown above? (2013)
models, including food chains, food webs,
(37) In an energy pyramid for these aquifer cave dwellers,
and ecological pyramids; Readiness
which of the following would be placed at the bottom? (2013)
Standard
(16) What is lost to the environment at each of the trophic
levels of this ecosystem? (2014)
(36) Which of the following lists only organisms that are
secondary consumers in this food web? (2014)
B.12 D
Recognize that long-term survival of
species is dependent on changing
resource bases that are limited;
Supporting Standard
B.12 E
Describe the flow of matter through the
(27) Which of these disruptions would cause an excess output
carbon and nitrogen cycles and explain
in the carbon cycle? (2013)
the consequences of disrupting these
(41) Which of the following should the student add more of to
cycles; Supporting Standard
help remove nitrates and improve the natural cycling of
nitrogen in this aquarium? (2014)
B.12 F
Describe how environmental change can (9) Intensive fishing is one factor that contributes to algae
impact ecosystem stability. Readiness
overgrowth because it does which of the following? (2013)
Standard
(31) How has this dam most likely affected the Mediterranean
Biology STAAR
2013 & 2014
Sea ecosystem? (2013)
(10) Which of the following would most likely cause an
increase in these contributors to dead zones? (2014)
(45) What will be the most likely impact of the decline in frog
populations resulting from the fungal infection? (2014)
Scientific processes. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations
using safe, environmentally appropriate, and ethical practices. The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.1 A
Demonstrate safe practices during
laboratory and field investigations; and
B.1 B
Demonstrate an understanding of the
use and conservation of resources and
the proper disposal or recycling of
materials.
Scientific processes. The student uses scientific methods and equipment during laboratory and field investigations. The
student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.2 A
Know the definition of science and
understand that it has limitations, as
specified in chapter 112.34(b)(2) of 19
TAC;
B.2 B
B.2 C
B.2 D
B.2 E
Know that hypotheses are tentative and
testable statements that must be
capable of being supported or not
supported by observational evidence.
Hypotheses of durable explanatory
power which have been tested over a
wide variety of conditions are
incorporated into theories;
Know scientific theories are based on
natural and physical phenomena and are
capable of being tested by multiple
independent researchers. Unlike
hypotheses, scientific theories are wellestablished and highly-reliable
explanations, but they may be subject to
change as new areas of science and new
technologies are developed;
Distinguish between scientific
hypotheses and scientific theories;
Plan and implement descriptive,
comparative, and experimental
investigations, including asking
questions, formulating testable
hypotheses, and selecting equipment
and technology;
(5) Which discovery would challenge the validity of this
cladogram? (2014)
(49) Based on their observations, pepsin most likely aids in
digestion in which part of the human body? (2014)
Biology STAAR
B.2 F
B.2 G
2013 & 2014
Collect and organize qualitative and
quantitative data and make
measurements with accuracy and
precision using tools such as calculators,
spreadsheet software, data-collecting
probes, computers, standard laboratory
glassware, microscopes, various
prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric
rulers, electronic balances, gel
electrophoresis apparatuses,
micropipettors, hand lenses, Celsius
thermometers, hot plates, lab
notebooks or journals, timing devices,
cameras, Petri dishes, lab incubators,
dissection equipment, meter sticks, and
models, diagrams, or samples of
biological specimens or structures;
(16) Which phase of mitosis is occurring in the cell indicated by
the arrow? (2013)
Analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and
predict trends from data; and
(2) Which of these lists the descriptions in the correct order of
ecological succession on Surtsey? (2013)
(19) The student used a dichotomous key and a microscope to
classify the animal. How should this animal be classified? (2013)
(2) How do the plant systems work together to make this
movement of liquid possible? (2014)
(13) If several pea plants with the genotype TTYy are crossed
with pea plants with the genotype Ttyy, what percentage of the
offspring will be expected to have the TTYy allele combination?
(2013)
(14) Which of the following are missing from the food web
shown above? (2013)
(17) Based on this information, which of the following would
most likely be the cause of elevated levels of cortisol in a dog?
(2013)
(21) Which of these changes to the DNA triplet 3’ GCT 5’ will
affect the protein produced? (2013)
(27) Which of these disruptions would cause an excess output
in the carbon cycle? (2013)
(34). Which of the following conclusions is supported by this
information? (2013)
(35) Which level of biological organization has the student
described in the table? (2013)
(37) In an energy pyramid for these aquifer cave dwellers,
which of the following would be placed at the bottom? (2013)
(38) If a brown cocker spaniel is crossed with a heterozygous
black cocker spaniel, which of the following genotypic ratios
can be expected? (2013)
(42) The information shown in the graph suggests that the
changes in the forest community were caused by — (2013)
(46) Which eye most likely belongs to an animal that is active
most of the day on white desert sand? (2013)
Biology STAAR
2013 & 2014
(54) Which characteristics will be used to complete the chart?
(2013)
(1) The fact that both these mammals incubate their immature
offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they — (2014)
(3) Which rhinoceros species is best adapted for feeding in the
large open grasslands of Africa’s Serengeti ecosystem? (2014)
(11) Based on the observations of the student, which organisms
most likely belong to the taxonomic group for bacteria? (2014)
(24) What percentage of the offspring from a BbFf x bbff cross
would be expected to be heterozygous for both traits? (2014)
(30) If Enzyme 2 is denatured, the levels of which substance will
increase? (2014)
(32) Which systems most likely interact and cause the severity
of infections to vary? (2014)
(36) Which of the following lists only organisms that are
secondary consumers in this food web? (2014)
(39) What type of mutation is depicted in this sequence? (2014)
(43) If the stem characteristics are determined by a single gene,
what is the expected outcome of crossing two tomato plants
that are heterozygous for hairy stems? (2014)
(45) What will be the most likely impact of the decline in frog
populations resulting from the fungal infection? (2014)
(46) At point X, the rate of which process is equal to the rate of
photosynthesis? (2014)
(48) Which of the following polypeptides is coded for by the
mRNA sequence ⁵´AUGGUUAAACGACAAUCC³´? (2014)
(53) Which event was most likely the cause of the changes in
species diversity in this ecosystem? (2014)
(54) According to the key, the fruit comes from which species of
tree? (2014)
B.2 H
Communicate valid conclusions
(11) The process represented in the diagram produces a
supported by the data through methods molecule that is complementary to the template strand of DNA.
such as lab reports, labeled drawings,
What type of molecule is produced? (2013)
graphic organizers, journals, summaries, (18) A model of a DNA molecule is shown below. The arrow
oral reports, and technology-based
indicates — (2013)
reports.
(31) How has this dam most likely affected the Mediterranean
Sea ecosystem? (2013)
(52) These limbs provide evidence of common ancestry because
they — (2013)
Scientific processes. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed
decisions within and outside the classroom. The student is expected to:
SE
TEKS
Question Stems
B.3 A
In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate,
and critique scientific explanations by
using empirical evidence, logical
reasoning, and experimental and
observational testing, including
examining all sides of scientific evidence
Biology STAAR
B.3 B
B.3 C
B.3 D
B.3 E
B.3 F
of those scientific explanations, so as to
encourage critical thinking by the
student;
Communicate and apply scientific
information extracted from various
sources such as current events, news
reports, published journal articles, and
marketing materials;
Draw inferences based on data related
to promotional materials for products
and services;
Evaluate the impact of scientific
research on society and the
environment;
Evaluate models according to their
limitations in representing biological
objects or events;
Research and describe the history of
biology and contributions of scientists.
2013 & 2014
(35) Which conclusion is supported by the data from this
investigation? (2014)
(4) Chromosome painting allows for which of the following?
(2013)
(45) A company that wants to develop antiviral drugs would ask
a research immunologist to study — (2013)
(6) Which of these processes is the most likely target of these
drugs? (2014)
(25) The similarities of organisms in which two areas numbered
above provide the best evidence for common ancestry between
the organisms in both locations? (2013)
(28) What was the most likely conclusion of Morgan’s research?
(2014)
(33) Which of these best explains why energy is needed for
active transport? (2014)
(38) Similarity at which of these levels indicates the closest
relationship? (2014)
(52) By studying this photograph, scientists gained knowledge
about the — (2014)