Biology STAAR Practice #2

Front

What is a parasite?

Back

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food at the expense of its host.

Front

What is the role of an enzyme's active site?

Back

The active site of an enzyme is the region where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Front

How do environmental changes affect gene expression?

Back

Environmental changes can regulate gene expression through hormone signals, leading to adaptations like seasonal coat color changes in animals.

Front

What is a cladogram?

Back

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on shared characteristics.

Front

What is the significance of a vertebral column in animals?

Back

The vertebral column, or backbone, provides structural support and protects the spinal cord in vertebrate animals.

Front

How do adaptations help organisms survive in their habitats?

Back

Adaptations are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment, such as the wings of penguins for swimming.

Front

What is the function of wings in flightless birds like penguins?

Back

In flightless birds, wings may serve other functions such as swimming or balance rather than flight.

Front

What is the difference between a predator and prey?

Back

Predators are animals that hunt and eat other animals (prey), while prey are the animals that are hunted.

Front

What is camouflage?

Back

Camouflage is a defense mechanism that allows animals to blend in with their environment to avoid detection by predators.

Front

What is the role of hormones in regulating traits?

Back

Hormones can influence the expression of certain traits, such as coat color in animals, in response to environmental changes.