BIOLOGY
SOL REVIEW PACKET
IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO PASS
YOUR
SOL!
Topic 1: Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Here’s some stuff you have to know:
Terms
Independent variable
Definitions?
Dependent variable
Hypothesis
Experimental Group
Control Group
Constant
What’s the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory?
Be able to interpret data in chart or graph form!
Experimental Design Question Set #1:
1. Which data point on the graph is probably invalid?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
2. In an experiment, the height of several plants was recorded daily in
millimeters. Which tool would be the most accurate and appropriate for
this measurement?
A
B
C
D
Digital scale
Graduated cylinder
Yardstick
Metric ruler
3. A student’s experiment showed that earthworms move away from
light. This statement should be classified as —
A
B
C
D
an inference
a hypothesis
a prediction
a conclusion
4. According to this map, which animal would most likely avoid cold
waters?
A
B
C
D
Manatee
Walrus
Right whale
Bottlenose dolphin
5. Data about the climate in an ecosystem were collected for 30 years.
Which hypothesis about a population of eagles could be made based on
the climate data collected?
A
B
C
D
Eagle chick survival is directly related to annual rainfall amounts.
An outbreak of disease in 1987 killed 82% of the eagle population.
Eagles remain with the same mate throughout their lifetime.
Mortality of eagles from pesticides after 1992 was less than 5%.
6. Which of these would be the best resource to research the
symptoms and treatment of hypoglycemia?
A
New England Journal of Medicine
B
Natural History Magazine
C
Daily television news
D
Journal of Zoology
7. Based on the data in the table, what is the difference between the
mean number of sparrows and the mean number of jays observed at
Willow Point between May 12 and May 16?
A
B
C
D
190
48
38
36
8. A scientist designed an experiment to test the effect of temperature
on bacterial growth. He grew three different cultures of the bacterium
E. coli under three heat lamps at different temperatures. What was the
independent variable in this experiment?
A
B
C
D
Length of the experiment
Number of bacteria
Reproduction rate
Temperature
9. Which of these would be measured to determine the density of the
polar bear population in Canada?
A
B
C
D
The
The
The
The
number of bears per square kilometer
total number of bears seen per day
mass of the bears at the Arctic Circle
total number of bears minus the juvenile bears
10. According to the graph, the highest metabolic rate is found in —
A
B
C
D
amphibians
reptiles
birds
mammals
11. A biology class wanted to develop a research project to predict the
effects of a new highway on wildflower species found in the Piedmont
region of Virginia. The class could best conduct such a study by
sampling flowers found in the highway construction area —
A
B
C
D
one year before highway construction begins
both before and after highway construction is completed
immediately after highway construction is finished
during the time highway construction is taking place
12. Which sentence best states the importance of using control
groups?
A
Control groups allow comparison between subjects receiving a treatment
and those receiving no treatment.
B
Control groups eliminate the need for large sample sizes, reducing the
number of measurements needed.
C
Control groups eliminate the need for statistical tests and simplify
calculations.
D
Control groups provide a method by which statistical variability can be
reduced.
13. People long ago believed that maggots came from meat. In the late
1600s, Francesco Redi made the hypothesis that maggots came from
flies rather than from meat. Which of these experimental designs could
be used to test Redi’s hypothesis?
A
B
C
D
14. The graph shows the results of using an enzyme to break down a
substance. What temperature will activate this enzyme most rapidly?
A
B
C
D
20C
30C
40C
50C
15. Sarah designed an experiment to find out which mouthwash was
most effective against some bacteria. She cut out four different circles
from a paper towel and soaked each circle in a different mouthwash.
She put the circles on a nutrient agar-coated Petri dish that was
covered with bacteria commonly found in the mouth. She then
incubated the plate for 24 hours. The picture shows the results of this
test. Which of the following should Sarah do to improve her
experiment?
A
B
C
D
Use
Use
Use
Use
a smaller Petri dish
different kinds of bacteria
the same size paper circles for all mouthwashes
the same type of mouthwash on each paper circle
16. A biology class in Virginia conducted a survey of the plant species
found on their school grounds. They found several plants that they
didn’t recognize. What resources would be most helpful to the class in
identifying the plants and determining if they were introduced as
exotic species?
A
Biology textbooks and the encyclopedia
B
Virginia native plant checklists and plant identification keys
C
Fossil records and historical society publications
D
Virginia newspapers and science journals
17. Many bacteria produce methane (CH4) as a byproduct when they
grow. A measured amount of methane producing bacteria was placed
in each of four test tubes, and one of four sugars (fructose, sucrose,
lactose, glucose) was added to each tube. What conclusion can you
draw from this graph?
A
B
C
D
These bacteria cannot use lactose very efficiently.
Growth is fastest with sucrose.
All the sugars were used up after 40 minutes.
At 60 minutes, all of the bacteria were dead.
18. A biology class of 24 students decides to measure the height of
each student and then calculate the average height for the class. Which
of these is a possible source of error in this activity?
A
The accuracy of making and recording measurements
B
The total number of students in the class
C
The number of males and females in the class
D
The difference in the ages of the students in the class
19. A student hypothesizes that thick leg muscles are an inherited trait
in dogs. The student collects data on several dogs, and the data show
that dogs that live outdoors have thicker leg muscles than dogs that
live indoors. What should the student conclude?
A
Dogs that inherit thick leg muscles may not survive indoors.
B
Dogs with thick leg muscles may require more exercise than dogs with
thin leg muscles.
C
Inheritance alone may not account for thick leg muscles in dogs.
D
Inheritance of thick leg muscles may be associated with coat thickness in
dogs.
20. These data were collected during an experiment in which two
species of planaria were trained to make left turns in a T-maze. Which
conclusion is best supported by these data?
A
B
C
D
Polycelis learns faster than Dugesia.
Dugesia learned more information than Polycelis.
Polycelis made more mistakes than Dugesia.
Dugesia reacted faster than Polycelis.
Experimental Design Question Set #2:
1. Which of these sources would be most appropriate to use for a
research project investigating the effects of antibiotics on the diseasecausing organism, E. coli?
A
B
C
D
The
The
The
The
Daily News – a local newspaper
Evening Report – a national television news program
Journal of Bacteriology – a national professional journal
World Today – a weekly magazine of important events
2. The hypothesis best supported by this graph is that these beetles are
most active when the area is —
A
B
C
D
free from predators
coolest with some sunlight
wettest from dew
richest in oxygen supplies
3. Which of these statements is best supported by these data?
A
Wheat plants exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet light produce fewer
seeds.
B
Chloroplasts of wheat are able to filter out low-intensity ultraviolet light.
C
High-intensity ultraviolet light may be used to control weed growth.
D
No exposure to ultraviolet light increases pollination in wheat plants.
4. Harvester ants often strip a bush of all of its leaves. Some people
believe this helps the plant grow thicker, healthier stems. In an
experiment, a student stripped off all the leaves from a set of plants. In
a second set of identical plants, the student allowed ants to strip off
the plants’ leaves. In order to improve this experimental design, it is
most important to add a set of plants —
A
exposed to a different ant species
B
of a different species
C
with its leaves left intact
D
that are dormant
5. Which question cannot be answered scientifically because the
quantity cannot actually be measured?
A
How fast can a tiger swallowtail butterfly fly?
B
How heavy is a mature female elephant?
C
How happy is a chimpanzee when it finds its favorite food?
D
How much food does a water buffalo consume in one day?
6. The above information was collected in the field while studying the
effect of pH on the growth of the duckweed plant. The data shows that
duckweed has optimum growth at a pH of —
A
4
B
6
C
8
D
12
7. A company that produces Brand X flea shampoo claims to have the
most effective shampoo for killing fleas. Which of these sets of data
supports the Brand X claim?
A
B
C
D
8. Four disinfectants were tested in two trials, each for their
effectiveness in controlling bacterial growth. The table shows the
bacterial growth in each trial after four days. Which of the following
conclusions is best supported by the results of this study?
A
Disinfectants kill most bacteria on contact.
B
Strong concentrations of disinfectants can be harmful.
C
Some disinfectants are more effective than others.
D
Disinfectants cannot be used to control bacterial infections.
9. A study on a poultry farm was conducted to determine the
percentage of vitamin supplement necessary to add to the feed of
turkeys in order to maximize their growth. According to this data, what
percentage of vitamin supplement should be added to the turkeys’
diet?
A
6%
B
8%
C
10%
D
14%
10. An experiment is designed to clear an oak-hickory forest and
replant the area with pines. Which of the following species would be
most threatened by this experiment?
A
Field sparrow
B
Cardinal
C
Summer tanager
D
Hooded warbler
11. In the above table, which item of data is most likely to be invalid?
A
Plot 1 on July 1
B
Plot 2 on June 15
C
Plot 3 on May 15
D
Plot 4 on May 30
12. In the lab setup pictured above, a student is trying to determine
the effect of pollutants on the growth of three groups of seeds. The
results will not be valid because the experiment has no —
A
conclusion
B
hypothesis
C
control
D
variable
13. Orchids were studied to determine if the amount of humidity
affected the flowering of these plants. Which of these was the
independent variable in this study?
A
The percentage of humidity
B
The amount watered
C
The length of time required for flowering
D
The number of flowers on each plant
14. Which of the following scientific achievements best represents a
collaborative effort among scientists?
A
Anton van Leeuwenhoek invented the microscope in the 1600s, which was
later used by others to study cells.
B
Robert Koch studied infectious diseases, and Louis Pasteur demonstrated
that life only comes from life.
C
Gregor Mendel’s study of pea plants enabled Thomas Morgan to become
the first to locate a gene on a chromosome in Drosophila.
D
Francis Crick and James Watson worked together to design the doublehelix model of DNA.
15. Richard was observing black swallowtail butterflies in the field.
Which one of these is an observation he made about a black
swallowtail butterfly?
A
The black swallowtail is closely related to the spicebush swallowtail.
B
The black swallowtail belongs to the class Insecta.
C
The black swallowtail likes to fly more than anything else.
D
The black swallowtail laid its eggs on a parsley plant.
16. Which variable appears to control leaf production in these plants?
A
The amount of water
B
The temperature
C
The number of daylight hours
D
The relative humidity
17.
Which factor would need to be known before a valid conclusion could
be based upon these data?
A
The original average height of grass
B
The length of the study period
C
The density of the phosphate solutions
D
The mineral content of the potting soil
18. An experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of four
different fertilizers on plant growth. Two grams of each fertilizer were
to be diluted in 9 milliliters (mL) of water before adding to a plant.
Which of the following measuring devices would introduce the least
error into the measurement of the 9 mL of water?
A
10 mL graduated cylinder
B
20 mL graduated cylinder
C
50 mL graduated cylinder
D
100 mL graduated cylinder
19. Jan consistently read the volume of liquids as shown. How would
this practice impact her work?
A
Her measurements would lack precision.
B
Her measurements would be too high.
C
Her measurements would be too low for less dense liquids.
D
Her measurements would be very accurate.
20. The most valid and reliable test of this hypothesis would include an
experimental group of pine seeds that was recovered from a fire area
and pine seeds that were —
A
germinated after a fire
B
tolerant of fire
C
found before a fire
D
placed in a fire
Topic 2: Ecology
Terms
Heterotroph/consumer
Autotroph/producer
Succession
Herbivore
Abiotic
Biotic
Mutualism
Parasitism
Commensalism
Predation
Niche
Habitat
Transpiration
Carrying capacity
Biodiversity
Definitions
Ecology Question Set
1. Each drawing represents different stages in community succession
within the state of Virginia. Which of the following drawings represents
the climax community in this succession pattern?
A
B
C
D
2. Some plant roots grow with mycorrhizal fungi. The fungi absorb
water and minerals and pass them on to the plant and receive
carbohydrates from the plant. This is an example of —
A
B
C
D
predation
mutualism
competition
parasitism
3. Wild cats such as cheetahs, lions, and tigers experience decreased
genetic diversity as their populations decline and become fragmented
due to habitat destruction. Decreased genetic diversity leads to
populations with —
A
B
C
D
disproportionate gender ratios
decreased disease resistance
increased immigration rates
increased birthrates
4. In the diagram, which organism provides nutrients for the largest
number of other organisms?
A
B
C
D
Herring
Snapper
Bluefish
Seal
5. A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while one
organism is harmed is known as —
A
B
C
D
antagonism
commensalism
mutualism
parasitism
6. The organisms in a typical backyard are likely to include bacteria,
grass, shrubs, trees, insects, spiders, birds, and small mammals.
Together, all these organisms make up —
A
a kingdom
B
a community
C
a population
D
an experimental group
7. According to this simplified water cycle, the process of transpiration
is the process that —
A
B
C
D
causes photosynthesis in plants
releases water vapor from plants
speeds the evaporation of water
increases the rate of the water cycle
8. Food webs are models used to show energy flow in ecosystems. In
the above food web, what is the main source of energy for the
copepods?
A
B
C
D
Parrotfish
Corals
Algae
Shrimp
9. Which order of diagrams would show primary succession in an area
that had never before been occupied by living organisms?
A
B
C
D
A, C, B, D
C, A, B, D
D, B, C, A
B, A, C, D
10. Algae and multicellular plants are autotrophs because they —
A
decompose dead organisms
B
absorb nutrients from soil
C
break down starches to glucose
D
capture sunlight to produce sugars
11. Organisms reproduce following several patterns. Some organisms
produce few offspring and provide parental care. Other organisms
produce many offspring but provide little or no parental care. Which of
the following organisms has the greatest risk of losing a population
due to the death of only a few individuals?
A
Bacteria
B
Flies
C
Elephants
D
Rats
12. This graph suggests that from 1840 to 1920, the carrying capacity
for sheep in Tasmania was approximately —
A
0.75 million
B
1.00 million
C
1.75 million
D
2.25 million
13. Based on the method by which they get food, organisms are
classified as autotrophs or heterotrophs. Which organism listed below
is correctly paired with its metabolism?
A
Mushroom-autotroph
B
Human-heterotroph
C
Grass-heterotroph
D
Fish-autotroph
14. Some sphinx moth caterpillars are called tomato hornworms. These
large caterpillars do a tremendous amount of damage to tomato plants.
Which method of moth control would be most dangerous to the
honeybee, which is needed for plant pollination?
A
Using moth scents to attract moths to traps
B
Releasing caterpillar parasites
C
Spraying plants with insecticides
D
Planting moth-repelling plants
15. The diagram shows a simplified nitrogen cycle. Which process is
responsible for returning nitrogen to the air?
A
Excretion
B
Decomposition
C
Photosynthesis
D
Nitrification
16. Most populations introduced to a new ecosystem grow until factors
such as lack of food and overcrowding limit their growth, as illustrated
above. What does the portion of the graph labeled B represent?
A Exponential growth
B Slowing growth
C Birthrate decrease
D Death rate increased
17. Which of these is a decomposer in a Virginia forest?
A
A pine tree
B
A mushroom
C
A dandelion
D
A caterpillar
18. Around hot-water vents deep in the ocean live specialized
communities. Bacteria turn hydrogen sulfide into sugars by a chemical
process. The bacteria then provide food to other life forms, as shown in
the diagram. Compared to food chains on land, the bacteria fill the
same role as —
A
hawks
B
rabbits
C
green plants
D
mushrooms
19. What is the main cause of fish kills in rivers polluted by fertilizers?
A
Decreased mineral sources
B
Decreased oxygen levels
C
Increased water temperatures
D
Increased water levels
20. This graph shows the sizes of lynx and hare populations between
the years of 1845 and 1940. If a predator of the lynx enters the food
chain, you might expect the number of —
A
lynx and hares to become equal
B
lynx to increase
C
hares to increase
D
hares and lynx to decrease
Topic 3: The Cell
Terms
eukaryote
prokaryote
Cell membrane/plasma membrane
Cell wall
ribosomes
Chloroplast
Mitochondria
Golgi
Endoplasmic reticulum
Vacuole
Nucleus
Cilia/flagella
Cell theory
Photosynthesis
Respiration
ATP
Definitions
The Cell, Photosynthesis, and Respiration Question Set:
1. Which pair of structures best shows that plant cells have functions
different from animal cells?
A
Cytoplasm and mitochondria
B
Chloroplasts and cell walls
C
Nuclei and centrioles
D
Ribosomes and cell membranes
2. When an animal eats, food stays in the stomach for a period of time.
When a unicellular organism, such as Paramecium, takes in food, the
food is contained in which organelle?
A
B
C
D
Chloroplast
Mitochondrion
Nucleus
Vacuole
3. The picture models a cellular metabolic process. The main purpose of
this process is to produce —
A
B
C
D
phosphate groups
usable energy
ADP
H2O
4. Some peeled pieces of apple were placed in distilled water and some
in very salty water. The cells in the apple pieces will —
A
B
C
D
lose water in both solutions
gain water in both solutions
lose water in the distilled water and gain water in the salty water
gain water in the distilled water and lose water in the salty water
5. In the human body, the circulatory system transports and delivers
substances. Within the cell, which organelle performs a similar
function?
A
B
C
D
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondrion
Endoplasmic reticulum
6. A microorganism which releases water into its environment to
regulate its salinity during osmosis is undergoing a process that is
similar to a human being who releases moisture on a hot day. This
process that helps keep both the microorganism and the human body
fluids in balance is known as —
A
B
C
D
homeostasis
cell division
heredity
mutation
7. The process of photosynthesis ultimately converts light energy into
—
A
mechanical energy
B
electrical energy
C
chemical energy
D
nuclear energy
8. Compared to a skin cell, a muscle cell is likely to have more —
A
Golgi bodies
B
mitochondria
C
cell membranes
D
chloroplasts
9. Which statement is supported by the diagram?
A
The mitochondrion uses the sun’s energy directly.
B
The end products of photosynthesis do not provide energy for cellular
respiration.
C
The main source of energy for photosynthesis is carbohydrates.
D
Carbohydrates are converted into ATP by the mitochondrion.
10. A cell with numerous ribosomes is probably specialized for —
A
enzyme storage
B
energy production
C
cell division
D
protein synthesis
11. In the cell membrane model shown above, the molecules which
move large molecules into and out of the cell are known as —
A
cholesterol
B
proteins
C
lipids
D
carbohydrates
12. How is the prokaryotic bacterium in the diagram different from a
eukaryotic cell?
A
It has ribosomes to make proteins.
B
It stores its genetic information in DNA.
C
It has no membrane-bound nucleus.
D
It has a cell membrane.
13. Cells are the functional units that make up tissues. Tissues then
become the functional units that make up —
A
enzymes
B
organs
C
other cells
D
DNA
14. A student was studying the responses of cells to solutions of
varying salt concentrations. Which solution below would cause no
change in cell size?
A
B
C
D
15. Bacteria are tremendously successful unicellular organisms, yet all
large organisms are multicellular. Unicellular organisms cannot grow
very large because the —
A
energy expenditures would be too great
B
locomotion of the organisms would be too slow
C
diffusion of nutrients into the cell’s interior would be too slow
D
respiratory rate would be too high
16. Which of these statements best summarizes the cell theory?
A
B
C
D
Cells
Cells
Cells
Cells
contain a nucleus and other parts.
come in different shapes and sizes.
can be seen through a microscope.
are the building blocks of living things.
17. Which of these functions most like the “brain” of a cell?
A
B
C
D
The
The
The
The
nucleus
Golgi apparatus
mitochondrion
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
18. What is the total magnification used to view these onion cells
through this microscope setup?
A
10x
B
40x
C
50x
D
400x
19. The energy in the food produced by autotrophs or taken into the
bodies of heterotrophs must be changed into a form that cells can use.
The energy-transferring molecule used by cells is —
A
DNA
B
RNA
C
ATP
D
CO2
20. A bacterium will construct different proteins to metabolize the
sugars lactose or glucose, depending on which one it detects in the
outside environment. What part of the bacterium allows it to recognize
different substances in the outside environment?
A
Endoplasmic reticulum
B
Cell membrane
C
Nucleus
D
Lysosomes
Topic 4: Cell Division
Terms/Questions:
Mitosis
Definitions/Answers:
Meiosis
Cell Cycle
Interphase
List the 4 phases of
mitosis, in order:
Why do cells need to
undergo mitosis?
Compare mitosis and meiosis:
Mitosis
Does it produce
gametes (sex cells) or
somatic (body) cells?
How many cells result
from one cell, 2 or 4?
Does the chromosome
number get cut in half
or stay the same ?
If you start with a
diploid cell (2n), will the
new cells be diploid (2n)
or haploid (n)?
Are the daughter cells
identical or genetically
varied?
Does the cell divide
twice or once?
Meiosis
Cell Division Question Set:
1. Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced. In which of
the following human organs does meiosis occur?
A
B
C
D
Testis
Liver
Skin
Pancreas
2. Which phase of mitosis would be seen next?
A
B
C
D
3. What is the correct sequence for plant cell mitosis?
A
B
C
D
A, B, D, C
C, B, A, D
B, A, D, C
D, C, B, A
4. The reduction of the chromosome number during meiosis is most
important for —
A
B
C
D
preventing the nucleus from becoming larger with each cell division
maintaining the chromosome number during sexual reproduction
keeping the amount of DNA in the cell at a minimum level
allowing the growth of the cell without increasing the DNA content
5. Which of these reduces the number of chromosomes in sex cells to
one half?
A
B
C
D
Chemosynthesis
Cytokinesis
Meiosis
Metamorphism
6. A chart of human chromosome pairs is called a karyotype. What
information is revealed in the karyotype above?
A
B
C
D
The sex
The age
Trisomy
Gene dominance
7. Which of the following phases is the first step in mitosis?
A
Anaphase
B
Metaphase
C
Prophase
D
Telophase
8. Why does sexual reproduction result in greater diversity among
offspring than does asexual reproduction?
A Only mitosis must occur in sexual reproduction.
B New combinations of genes result from sexual reproduction.
C Sexual reproduction may occur at a faster rate.
D Mutations are more likely to occur in asexual reproduction.
9. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes can exchange DNA in a
process known as —
F replication
G internal fertilization
H cytokinesis
J crossing over
10. The jimsonweed Datura stramonium, normally has 12
chromosomes in the body cells. How many chromosomes will an egg
cell of the weed have?
A
6 chromosomes
B
12 chromosomes
C
18 chromosomes
D
24 chromosomes
Topic 5: Biochemistry, Water
Terms/Questions:
polar
Definitions/Answers:
enzyme
Active site
protein
carbohydrate
lipid
Nucleic acid
Why does water stick
together?
Biochemistry/Water Question Set:
1. What is the function of enzymes in biological systems?
A
B
C
D
Enzymes
Enzymes
Enzymes
Enzymes
act as substrates when the necessary proteins are unavailable.
act as products to create new chemical reactions.
act as catalysts to drive chemical reactions forward.
bond with substrates to create the new reaction products.
2. Some insects can stand on the surface of water because water —
A
B
C
D
has a high specific heat
has a high boiling point
is a good evaporative coolant
is cohesive and adhesive
3. Which of the following macromolecules are a prominent part of
animal tissues that function in insulation, helping animals conserve
heat?
A
B
C
D
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic acids
4. According to the graph, addition of the enzyme amylase causes the
reaction to —
A
B
C
D
slow down
speed up
give off heat
take in heat
5. If lakes were to freeze solid during the winter, the organisms in the
lake would die. Which of these characteristics of water helps prevent
permanent freezing of lakes?
A
B
C
D
Water freezes at 0C.
Ice floats when it freezes.
Water becomes a solid as it freezes.
Ice loses heat when it melts.
6. Both lipids and carbohydrates are important in animal cells because
both —
A
store energy
B
contain nitrogen
C
form cell walls
D
provide insulation
7. Ice floats on a lake. This characteristic of water is responsible for —
A
suffocation of aquatic organisms
B
mixing a lake’s thermal layers
C
altering migration patterns of fish
D
preventing a lake from freezing solid
8. Most cellular activities are processes regulated by the action of —
A
carbohydrates
B
enzymes
C
lipids
D
polysaccharides
9. Enzymes only work with specific substrates because each substrateA
has a specific activation site for enzyme attachment
B
can only use a specific ionic bond with the enzyme
C
destroys its specific enzyme
D
actively interferes with other substrates around it
10. The unique properties of water enable life to exist on Earth. Which
of these is a property of pure water?
A
Its solid form is more dense than its liquid.
B
It has a low heat absorption capacity.
C
It is slightly more acidic than air.
D
It dissolves many substances.
11. Proteins are formed from monomers (subunits) called —
A
amino acids
B
fatty acids
C
nucleic acids
D
nucleotides
12. Unlike other animals, mammals can perspire. The main benefit of
perspiring is that it —
A
removes extra water from the cells
B
cools the skin with evaporation
C
removes dirt from the surface of the skin
D
relaxes the muscles
13. Which of the following molecules is most abundant in the cells of
the human body?
A
Amino acids
B
Nucleotides
C
Lipids
D
Water
14. This graph shows that —
A
more enzymes are present at a higher pH
B
pepsin is less sensitive to pH than trypsin
C
pepsin is less effective at low pH than trypsin
D
pH affects the activity rate of enzymes
15. Peroxidase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide in
cells. It accomplishes this because of its structure. What part of the
enzyme is involved in catalytic activity?
A
Binding pocket
B
Pleated sheet
C
Active site
D
Quaternary structure
Topic 6: DNA, Protein Synthesis, and Biotechnology
Terms/Questions
Nucleotide
Definitions/Answers
What are the three parts of a
nucleotide?
Who were Watson, Crick, and
Rosalind Franklin?
List the four nitrogen bases, and
circle the ones that match up.
What is mutation, and what causes
it?
Replication
Transcription
mRNA
Translation
Recombinant DNA
Transgenic Organism
Restriction Enzymes
1. Amino acids link together by peptide bonds to form proteins. In
which cellular organelle would this process occur?
A
Mitochondrion
B
Ribosome
C
Lysosome
D
Golgi body
2. Scientists can use genetic information to identify people because it
is unique
to each person. Which specific characteristic is unique to an individual?
F The shape of the DNA molecules in cells
G The number of chromosomes in each cell
H The sequence of DNA nucleotides in cells
J The size of each chromosome in a cell
ACGAT
3. The base sequence of an RNA strand that complements this DNA
base sequence is —
F –TGCTA
G-ACGAT
H-ACGAU
J-UGCUA
4. One strand of DNA could be as long as a football field if it were
stretched out lengthwise. One of the factors allowing DNA to fit inside
the nucleus of a cell is its ability to —
A
B
C
D
break apart into separate genes
extend to form very long, thin molecules
coil tightly around associated proteins
denature from the effect of an enzyme
5. In order to form recombinant DNA, scientists have found a way to
cut a DNA segment using an enzyme named EcoRI. This enzyme cuts
DNA wherever the sequence C-T-T-A-A-G occurs between the A and the
G base. Which of these would result if EcoRI were used on the DNA in
the diagram above?
A
B
C
D
6. Which of these segments could be used to correctly complete the
DNA molecule in the diagram above?
A
B
C
D
7. Tissue samples taken from the heart and stomach of a grasshopper
would be expected to have the same —
A
cell shape
B
cell size
C
metabolic rates
D
DNA
8. Which of these is most responsible for carrying coded information
from the nucleus?
A
The cell membrane
B
The ribosomes
C
mRNA
D
ATP
9. According to this table, a codon AGC is the code for which amino
acid?
A
B
C
D
Cysteine (Cys)
Leucine (Leu)
Serine (Ser)
Tyrosine (Tyr)
10. In 1869, DNA was discovered within the nuclei of cells. By the
1940s, scientists knew that chromosomes were made of both DNA and
protein but did not know which was the genetic material of cells. In the
1950s, scientists demonstrated that DNA is the material responsible for
heredity. In 1953, using information collected by other scientists, an
American biologist and an English physicist built a three-dimensional
model of DNA. These discoveries best illustrate the importance of —
A
independent research
B
replication of results
C
collaborative efforts among scientists
D
recent improvements in the scientific method
11. This chart compares the base sequences of homologous segments
of DNA from three primates. Based on this information, how many
differences in the resulting amino acid sequences would you expect to
find between humans and chimpanzees?
A
2
B
3
C
4
D
6
12. The process of DNA replication is necessary before a cell —
A
makes a protein
B
codes for RNA molecules
C
divides into two cells
D
modifies lysosome enzymes
13. Which of these will complete the mRNA strand matched to DNA?
A
CAG
B
AUG
C
GUC
D
UAC
14. The parts of DNA that provide the code for proteins are the —
A
sugars
B
phosphates
C
hydrogen bonds
D
nitrogenous bases
15. DNA that is derived from the DNA of two or more different species
is called —
A
recombinant DNA
B
mitochondrial DNA
C
chloroplast DNA
D
plasmid
16. The picture shows an x-ray diffraction of DNA. The x-ray diffraction
of DNA led to the idea that DNA —
A
is a double helix
B
contains paired bases
C
can copy itself
D
is a very long molecule
17. The triplet code of bases for RNA may be represented by all of the
following except —
A
CGT
B
CGA
C
CGG
D
CGU
18. Which of the following is an example of a genetically engineered
organism?
A
B
C
D
A plant that received external DNA to produce natural insecticides
A new plant variety created by cross-pollination
Seedless fruits resulting from grafting of one plant onto another
A plant that naturally possesses medicinal properties
19. The DNA fingerprints were made from blood samples taken from a
puppy and four possible sires of this puppy in an effort to determine
the puppy’s pedigree. According to this information, which sire was
probably the father of this puppy?
A
B
C
D
20. The picture shows a segment of DNA from a cat. Which of these is
most likely the kitten of this cat?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
Topic 7: Genetics
Terms
Genotype
Definitions
Phenotype
Heterozygous
Homozygous
Sex-linked disorders
Chromosome
Dominant
recessive
Karyotype
1. In a plant that has red flowers, red flower color, R, is completely
dominant to white flower color, r. If the plant is heterozygous for
flower color, which alleles will be carried by the gametes it produces?
F R and r
G R only
H r only
J Rr only
2. Timothy has attached earlobes like his maternal grandfather. His
mother and father both have free earlobes, which are dominant. Which
statement best explains how Timothy inherited attached earlobes?
F He received a recessive allele from each parent.
G He received a dominant allele from each parent.
H He received a recessive allele from his mother and a dominant allele from his
father.
J He received a dominant allele from his mother and a recessive allele from his
father.
3. After a culture of cells is allowed to multiply and is viewed through a
microscope, the cells are x-rayed with high-energy radiation for less
than1/100th of a second. After the radiation, many newly reproduced
cells appear different. What has probably occurred?
A
Contamination
B
Mutation
C
Bacterial infection
D
Speciation
4. Two plants are crossed, and the traits of height and color are
assessed in the offspring. The following cross was conducted: TTPP
ttpp. Which of the following choices correctly describes the offspring?
T = dominant allele for height, tall plant
t = recessive allele for height, short plant
P = dominant allele for color, purple
p = recessive allele for color, white
A
B
C
D
Three-quarters of the plants are tall and purple.
Three-quarters of the plants are short and white.
All are short and white.
All are tall and purple.
5. In squash plants, yellow fruit (Y) is dominant to white fruit (y). If
two plants heterozygous for yellow fruit are crossed, what are the
possible genotypes of the offspring?
A
B
C
D
Yy only
YY, yy only
Yy, yy only
YY, Yy, yy only
6. Albino individuals lack all pigmentation so that their hair and skin
are white. This family tree shows that albinism —
A
B
C
D
is carried only by females in this family
is a recessive genetic trait
is a sex-linked gene
requires both parents to be albinos
7. In 1910, Thomas Morgan discovered traits linked to sex
chromosomes in the fruit fly. The Punnett square above shows the
cross between red-eyed females and white-eyed males. Fruit flies
usually have red eyes. If a female and male offspring from the cross
shown above are allowed to mate, what would the offspring probably
look like?
A
B
C
D
2
2
1
2
red-eyed females; 2 white-eyed males
red-eyed females; 1 red-eyed male, 1 white-eyed male
red-eyed female and 1 white-eyed female; 2 red-eyed males
white-eyed females; 1 white-eyed male and 1 red-eyed male
8. In pea plants, tall plants are dominant to short plants. If two
heterozygous tall plants are crossed, what percent of the offspring will
probably be short?
A
B
C
D
75%
50%
25%
0%
9. In snapdragons, the combined expression of both alleles for flower
color produces a new phenotype that is pink. This illustrates
incomplete dominance. The Punnett square above shows that both the
white and red snapdragons are homozygous. Which of the following
would be the correct product from a cross between two heterozygous
pink snapdragons?
A
2 red, 1 pink, 1 white
B
1 red, 2 pink, 1 white
C
1 red, 1 pink, 2 white
D
2 red, 2 white
10. The chances of developing cancer, diabetes, or sickle-cell anemia
are higher if a family member also has the disorder because they are —
A
highly infectious
B
passed through blood contact
C
genetically based
D
related to diet
11. Inversions in chromosomes occur when part of a chromosome
breaks out and is reinserted upside down. Which of the diagrams below
represents an inversion?
A
B
C
D
12. What conclusion can be drawn from the genetic information above?
A
The white parent carried a dominant allele.
B
All the F1 rabbits carried a recessive allele.
C
All the white rabbits are heterozygous.
D
All the black rabbits in the F2 generation are homozygous.
13. A genetic pedigree showing that only males are affected by a
certain disorder is evidence of what type of inheritance?
A
Dominant
B
Sex-linked
C
Recessive
D
Passive
14. In corn plants, green (G) is dominant to albino (g). According to the
Punnett square, what is the chance of this heterozygous cross
producing albino corn plants?
A
One in four
B
Two in four
C
Three in four
D
Four in four
15. The Human Genome Project was begun in 1988 by scientists from
13 nations as a worldwide effort to understand the sequencing of all of
the DNA in the human body. What is one potential scientific benefit of
this research?
A
It will help to explain human cultural differences.
B
It will create communication between research centers.
C
It will help find the genes responsible for many diseases.
D
It helps to classify man most accurately in the animal kingdom.
16. The discovery that chromosomes are involved in inheritance was
made possible by the invention of the —
A
microgram scale
B
microscope
C
computer
D
mercury thermometer
17. In rabbits, short fur (F) is dominant to long fur (f). According to the
Punnett square, what is the chance of two heterozygous short-haired
rabbits having offspring with short fur?
A
One in four
B
Two in four
C
Three in four
D
Four in four
18. In cows, long hair is dominant to short hair. In a cow that is
heterozygous for long hair, what percentage of the cells undergoing
meiosis will carry the dominant allele?
A
25%
C
75%
B
50%
D
100%
19. People who have been exposed to excessive radiation often
experience mutations. If these mutations only occur in somatic (body)
cells, these people may —
A
pass on these mutations to their offspring
B
experience an increased risk of cancer
C
develop entirely new DNA sequences in all cells
D
experience difficulties replicating RNA
20. External sources, such as radiation or chemicals, can cause
mutations in genes or entire chromosomes. For a mutation to pass on
to offspring, it must occur in a —
A
B
C
D
brain cell
muscle cell
sex cell
bone cell
Topic 8: Evolution
Terms/Questions
Natural Selection
Definitions/Answers
Who came up with the theory of
natural selection?
adaptation
fossil
Biogenesis
Spontaneous generation
Island Species Distribution
Island
Number of
Number of
species
species unique
common to
to island
mainland and
island
1
82
2
2
16
84
3
4
98
4
53
11
1. Biologists surveyed four islands in a chain near a continent. They
identified species found on the mainland and those species that were
unique to each island. Based on these results, which island is probably
farthest from the mainland?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
2. Some snake embryos have small buds resembling limbs. These buds
disappear at later stages of embryo development. These findings
suggest that these snakes —
A had a parent with limbs
B have functional limbs as adults
C will have offspring with limbs
D evolved from an ancestor that had limbs
3. What did the work of these scientists contribute to the study of
biology?
A It disproved the theory of spontaneous generation.
B It supported hypotheses about the origin of life.
C It provided an alternative to the cell theory of life.
D It explained the method by which natural selection occurs.
4. Animals that are the least specialized generally stand the best
chance of survival when the environment suddenly and drastically
changes because they are able to —
A
B
C
D
adapt to different conditions
mutate rapidly
move from place to place
reproduce abundantly
5. The results of Pasteur’s experiment helped Pasteur to —
A
B
C
D
reject the theory of spontaneous generation
isolate the virus responsible for smallpox
produce a vaccine against rabies
convince people to cover food
6. Scientists hypothesize that oxygen began to accumulate in Earth’s
atmosphere after the appearance of living things with the ability to —
A
B
C
D
form tissues
reproduce sexually
photosynthesize
breathe air
7. The nonpoisonous eastern scarlet snake has colored bands that
closely resemble the poisonous coral snake. This selective adaptation
provides the eastern scarlet snake with —
A
B
C
D
increased breeding opportunities
a method of avoiding predation
the ability to attract prey
increased feeding opportunities
8. Charles Darwin proposed his theory of evolution based on
observations of nature. Which observation that contributed to his
theory is illustrated by this population of beetles?
A Environmental resources are limited.
B Populations remain stable over time.
C Individuals within a population may vary widely.
D Species produce more offspring than can survive.
9. Which statement is best supported by the phylogenetic tree shown?
A
B
C
D
Species
Species
Species
Species
V is still alive today and is the oldest species.
W is still developing from a prior species.
X, Y, and Z became extinct 20 million years ago.
W first came into existence 10 million years ag
10.
11. These feet belong to different birds. Three of the birds spend most
of their time on the ground, while one bird rarely walks on the ground.
Which foot belongs to the bird that is best adapted for grasping
branches?
A
B
C
D
12. The 14 different species of finches in the Galapagos Islands
originated from a single ancestral species. What is it about these
islands that is responsible for the diversity of finch species?
A
B
C
D
The islands are made of volcanic peaks.
Each island has different food sources.
Each island has a different climate.
The islands are clustered near each other.
13. Over many generations, unrelated or distantly related species may
come to resemble each other due to —
A
similar environmental factors
B
similar genetic mutations
C
homologous structural adaptations
D
competition with other each
14. Change in species is described as a process that usually occurs
over long periods of time. Yet, even though antibiotics have only been
widely used for fifty years, scientists recognize that overuse of
antibiotics has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The reason
this can occur in a relatively short span of time is that —
A
bacteria are very small
B
bacteria reproduce rapidly
C
there are many different types of bacteria
D
travelers carry bacteria around the world
15. Increased surface area increases the number of molecules that can
be collected from the air. According to this information, which beetle
antenna is best adapted for chemically sensing the air?
A
B
C
D
16. One theory of the extinction of dinosaur species is that a large
meteorite impact on Earth caused a major atmospheric change marked
by colder temperatures. If this theory is correct, what adaptation of
mammals probably allowed them to survive even though dinosaurs
became extinct?
A
Superior low-light vision
B
Consumption of an omnivorous diet
C
Ability to bear live young
D
Endothermic body metabolism
17. Lamarck was an early scientist who studied the development of
characteristics in organisms over time. Which of the following choices
best describes his views on how organisms change over time?
A
Theory of acquired characteristics
B
Law of independent assortment
C
Theory of artificial selection
D
Theory of relative fossil-dating
18. Which of the following statements describes the process of natural
selection?
A
Farmers select animals with desirable variations for breeding.
B
Populations sharing the same gene pool interbreed and create new
species.
C
Individuals survive that have inherited traits adapted to their environment.
D
New species are formed via genetic engineering.
19. The diagram shows undisturbed sedimentary rock strata
containing fossils. Which statement best summarizes the history of this
area?
A
The area was once a forest and was replaced by a freshwater lake.
B
The area was once a freshwater lake and was replaced by a saltwater sea.
C
The area was once a saltwater sea and later was replaced by a coniferous
forest.
D
The area was once a saltwater sea and later was replaced by a forest.
20. One method of determining the classification of an animal is by
comparing the amino acid sequence. Which of these animals most
closely resembles the unknown animal?
A
Horse: Met-Gly-Ser-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Arg-Asp-His-Glu-Lys-Asp
B
Dog: Met-Gly-Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-His-Asp-Glu-Lys-Asp
C
Cat: Met-Gly-Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-His-His-Arg-Cys-Thre-Asp
D
Mouse: Met-Gly-Ser-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-His-Glu-Val-Val-Leu
Topic 9: Classification
Terms/Questions
List the classification scheme from
largest group to smallest
Definitions/Answers
Domain, kingdom…
Who was Carolus Linnaeus?
Binomial nomenclature
What is a scientific name composed
of?
What makes two organisms members
of the same species?
1. A researcher discovers two populations of birds that are similar. The
two populations live in habitats that are different. What evidence
might suggest to the researcher that the birds belong to different
species rather than the same species?
F Some birds appear to be hybrids of the birds in the two populations.
G The birds in the two populations have different mating behaviors.
H Birds in the two populations sometimes feed in different locations.
J The two populations of birds feed at different times of the day.
2. Which of these animals has the same type of symmetry as a
vertebrate?
A
B
C
D
3.
4. Which of these species is most closely related to Felis rufus?
A Acer rubrum
B Selasphorus rufus
C Felis concolor
D Canis rufus
5. Which frog species would be most likely to interbreed?
A
B
C
D
Peeper and leopard
Wood and pickerel
Bullfrog and green
Tree and pickerel
6. According to this chart, the insects that are most closely related are
the —
A
springtails and bristletails
B
dragonflies and proturans
C
pringtails and proturans
D
bristletails and mayflies
7. A biology student collected pine needles from four different species
of trees. She then made diagrams showing the number and actual
length of needles in a bundle and the common and scientific name of
each species. Use her diagram above to help you answer the following
question. These four different pine trees are not classified in the same
—
A
order
B
species
C
genus
D
phylum
8. Escherichia coli is the scientific name of a bacterium. What category
of classification is Escherichia?
A
Order
B
Genus
C
Phylum
D
Species
9. Early classification systems consisted of two kingdoms; Plantae and
Animalia. What scientific development allowed taxonomists to
establish the Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, and Protista kingdoms?
A
Discovery of DNA
B
Creation of electrophoresis
C
Invention of the electron microscope
D
Development of Koch’s postulates
10. Which type of Drosophila probably changed the least over time?
A
Drosophila melanogaster
B
Drosophila willistoni
C
Drosophila equinoxialis equinoxialis
D
Drosophila equinoxialis caribbensis
11. According to the biological definition of a species, which organisms
listed below would belong to the same species?
A
Plants that have flowers with the same structures that attract the same
pollinators
B
Protists that are the same shape and have the same structures for
movement
C
Animals that can breed and produce fertile offspring
D
Mushrooms that are the same color and can grow on trees
12. Which of these is most closely related to the oak weevil?
A
B
C
D
13. Which of the following would most likely change the current
classification of two closely related flower species to a single species?
A
The discovery of a new, related species
B
An analysis of the DNA sequence of each species
C
An analysis of photosynthesis for each species
D
The collection of seeds from each species
14. All the organisms shown above belong to the Phylum Chordata.
The structural similarity in the organisms suggests that —
A
B
C
D
the humerus is attached to the skeleton by immovable joints
only animals that walk on 4 legs need the humerus
the humerus is the same size in all chordates
chordates have common ancestors
15. This key can be used to distinguish four species of frogs found in
ponds in eastern Virginia. To which species does the frog shown
belong?
A
Rana sphenocephala
B
Rana clamitans
C
Rana catesbeiana
D
Rana virgatipes
16. This key can be used to identify the species of some wildflowers
found in Virginia. All of the plants have blue or purple flowers with five
petals that are fused together. According to this key, to what species
does the plant shown belong?
A
Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare)
B
Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica)
C
Gray beardtongue (Penstemon canescens)
D
Lyre-leaved sage (Salvia lyrata)
17. The above chart shows vertebrate embryo development. Which of
these would be least related to the others?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
18. According to this key, to what family does the insect belong?
A
Dytiscidae
B
Haliplidae
C
Gyrnidae
D
Noteridae
Topic 10: The organisms in the 6 Kingdoms
Kingdom
cell type
examples?
Way
they get
food?
Special characteristics
Archaebacteria
Eubacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
animals
1. The German physician Robert Koch provided evidence to support the
germ theory of infectious disease. Koch isolated bacteria from a cow
with anthrax, then injected the bacteria into a healthy mouse. To
support germ theory, what must have happened to the healthy mouse?
F It became sick.
G It spread smallpox.
H It produced antibiotics.
J It became immune to viral infections.
2. Organisms from which kingdom are most likely to chemically digest
their food outside their bodies?
A Fungus
B Animal
C Protist
D Plant
3. Which characteristic do viruses possess in common with living cells?
A
They contain a nucleus and organelles.
B
They make their own food.
C
They contain nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA.
D
They are inactive outside the body of living cells.
4. Gymnosperms (a group of plants including conifers) and
angiosperms (flowering plants) share many traits but are classified in
separate groups. Which is a difference between gymnosperms and
angiosperms?
F Only angiosperms form wood.
G Only gymnosperms reproduce with spores.
H Only angiosperms produce seeds within fruits.
J Only gymnosperms have vascular tissue.
5. During a trip to a rain forest, a scientist discovered a new organism
living near some rotting logs. The scientist observed that the organism
had moist skin, no hair, and an internal skeleton and that it laid its
eggs under the logs. This organism was probably a new species of —
A
invertebrate
B
amphibian
C
mammal
D
reptile
6. Which of these processes is carried out in the same way in both
plants and animals?
A
Cellular respiration
B
Asexual reproduction
C
Circulation of body fluids
D
Excretion of metabolic waste
7. The eukaryotic organism described above should be classified as —
A
an animal
B
a bacterium
C
a fungus
D
a plant
8. Which animal develops in a cycle most similar to the one shown?
A
A bird
B
A moth
C
A hydra
D
A grasshopper
9. Which of these types of reproduction provides the most protection
to developing offspring of land-dwelling animals?
A
An egg in a mass of jelly
B
An egg with a leathery shell
C
An egg in an eggshell
D
An egg carried internally
10. Which of these could be successfully treated with antibiotics?
A
Common cold
B
Influenza
C
HIV
D
Strep throat
11. All of these are common shapes of bacteria EXCEPT —
A
rod
B
spiral
C
square
D
spherical
12. The picture shows an organism that lives in the lakes of two caves
in Augusta County, Virginia. Its primary food source appears to be fine
bits of organic matter that drift into the cave lakes. This cave dwelling
species belongs to the kingdom —
A
Archaebacteria
B
Protista
C
Fungi
D
Animalia
13. Which skull belongs to a herbivore?
A
B
C
D
14. The cucumber belongs to the Cucurbitacae family and is
recognized by its long, trailing vines with fuzzy, three-to five-pointed
leaves and long, spiny fruit. Using the characteristics in the chart
above, which plant is most closely related to the cucumber?
A
Eggplant
B
Pumpkin
C
Pepper
D
Okra
15. In order to maintain homeostasis, it is most important for an
animal to be able to —
A
respond to its environment
B
hide from its predators
C
change its habitat
D
increase its prey population
16. Unlike plants, fungi cannot make their own food because they do
not have —
A
roots
B
hyphae
C
spores
D
chlorophyll
17. Bones do all of the following EXCEPT —
A
make nerve cells
B
make blood cells
C
protect organs
D
store calcium
18. According to the table, as vertebrate embryos develop —
A
amphibians and humans develop the same structures
B
only mammals develop both limbs and external ears
C
reptiles and amphibians grow external ears
D
limbs and external ears grow on mammals and birds
19. What characteristic do all living things share?
A
B
C
D
They
They
They
They
contain DNA.
are made up of many parts.
reproduce by mitosis.
need oxygen to survive.
20. Which of these could not be a virus?
A
B
C
D
21. In conditions of stress or fear, the human adrenal gland may
produce adrenaline. Which of the following is an effect adrenaline can
have on the body?
A
Increased blood pressure
B
Decreased rate of breathing
C
Increased production of red blood cells
D
Decreased heart rate
22. Which type of animal is most closely related to a mammal, based on
heart structure?
A
B
C
D
Fish
Bird
Turtle
Frog
23. Bivalves, such as clams, are found in salt water. The clam captures
food particles from water that flows over its gills. Which of these is the
best classification of the clam?
A
B
C
D
A
A
A
A
filter feeder
grazer
chunk feeder
decomposer