B7E

Some organsisms have genes that improve their ability to survive and reproduce. If the genes also help their offspring survive and reproduce, then which of the following will most likely increase?

• the frequency of the genes in one individual

• the frequency of the genes in the population

• the number of genes in one chromosome

• the number of genes in the species

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A harmless scarlet king snake and a venomous eastern coral snake have similar band patterns, as shown below. For the scarlet king snake, the adaptation of having a banding pattern like the eastern coral snake's is known as mimicry. The outcome of this adaptation in the scarlet king snake is to -

• make it easier for the scarlet king snake to attract prey

• make it easier for the scarlet king snake to interbreed with the other snake

• allow the scarlet king snake to blend in with its environment

• protect the scarlet king snake from predators

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists estimate that there are more than 20,000 species of ants. The species range in size from 1 mm long to 38 mm long and live in most environments. The diets of ants range from flowers and seeds to fluids from their own larvae. Ants have been able to successfully inhabit so many different environments because their populations have been able to -

• hybridize with other species of insects

• adapt to a variety of habitats and food sources

• fill niches usually occupied by mammals

• occupy habitats that have no other life forms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

In Madagascar scientists have discovered a moth, Xanthopan morganii praedicta, that has a 30.5 cm proboscis and feeds from and pollinates Darwin's orchid, Angraecum sesquipedaie. The orchid has a nectar producing tube that is 27.9 cm long. How is the moth's proboscis size an adaptation for its environment?

• the moth can avoid larger animals

• the moth can pollinate other flowers

• the moth has little competition for food

• the moth has time to feed during the day

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

In the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), implantation of embryos after breeding is delayed. The deer breed in July or August but do not give birth until the following May or June. From summer to late December, the embryo rests in a state of dormancy as a 30 cell blastocyst. In late December or early January, the embryo sends a signal that causes the female to release hormones, allowing the embryo to continue to develop normally. Why is delayed implantation an advantageous adaptation for the European roe deer?

• delayed implantation allows the mother to continue to breed with other males

• without delayed implantation, the females would not be able to carry a pregnancy to full term

• delayed implantation enables the female to give birth to more fawns each year

• without delayed implantation, the fawns would be born in the winter when food is scarce and the weather is harsh

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Plants have developed many methods of seed dispersal. The table below shows seeds of two different plants. How has the seed dispersal method developed by these plants given them a reproductive advantage?

• the method ensures that offspring will be dispersed and reduces competition for resources

• the method reduces the chance that herbivores will consume the seeds

• the method lengthens the life cycle of each of these plants

• the method reduces the plants need for water and other nutrients

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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

A prey population consists of individuals with a variety of running speeds. The adaptation that allows some of these animals to run fast would be an example of natural selection if it helps them -

• survive and undergo mutations in their DNA

• lower the mortality rates of the population

• produce offspring that run at average speeds

• reproduce and increase the frequency of their genes in the population

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lack shells. Many of these gastropods retain the foul tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them when threatened. The bright coloration of the nudibranchs warns predators to avoid them. Based on this information, how has adaptations allowed marine gastropods to be successful without a shell?

• the find enough food as they move through the marine environment

• they blend in with their environment to hide from their predators

• they are not attacked by most predators and are able to reproduce successfully

• they have bright colors to attract a mate

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

In the 1940's, the scientist J. B. S. Haldane linked many human red blood cell disordres with the tropical regions where malaria occurs. Haldane hypothesized that the widespread presence of these red blood cells disorders as well as traits that protect individuals from malaria were the result of natural selection. Haldane's hypothesis was later confirmed by the research of A. C. Allison. The resistance of malaria carried by individuals in areas where malaria is widespread is the result of -

• a vaccine against malaria

• the individuals genetic composition

• antibiotic medication

• the individuals behavior in avoiding those with infection

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The table shows the survival rate of two types of beetles in the same environment over a period of three years. Which statement about the beetles in this environment is best supported by the data?

• green beetles are more fit for the environment than brown beetles are

• brown beetles undergo a greater number of unfavorable mutations than green beetles do

• green beetles have a greater gene frequency among their population than brown beetles have

• brown beetles have a shorter life cycle than green beetles have

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4