RC 3 Classification & Evolution

A new predator of rabbits has been introduced within an ecosystem. This new predator runs faster than the native predators of rabbits.

Which statement describes what will most likely occur in the rabbit population due to the introduction of the predator?

• The rabbits will mutate their genes and express genes that increase their speed.

• Rabbits will mate and produce offspring with a different species that has faster runners.

• Slower rabbits will develop stronger legs and pass this trait to their offspring.

• Faster rabbits will survive and reproduce increasing the average speed of the rabbit population.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A dichotomous key for identifying fish is shown. Based on this key, which two fish have eyes located on either side of their head and are not spotted?

• Glassy sweeper and squirrelfish

• Spotted goatfish and bandtail puffer

• Glasseye snapper and spotted eagle ray

• Peacock flounder and glassy sweeper

A team of students encounters an unknown organism in a field while conducting a biodiversity study. Some students think the organism is a plant, while others think it is a fungus.

Which question should the students investigate to classify the organism correctly?

• Is there a cell wall around the cells of the organism?

• Is there nervous tissue present in the organism?

• Does the organism perform photosynthesis?

• Does the organism reproduce sexually?

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The diagram shows data on the evolution of horses. The data in the diagram is evidence that —

• a new species of horse suddenly appeared

• horses have similar stages of rapid embryological development

• horses slowly developed over time

• horses have a common ancestry with other hooved animals

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The aye-aye lemur is a mammal that feeds mostly on insect larvae that live inside trees. The aye-aye lemur has a specialized middle finger that is long and thin. The aye-aye lemur moves along a tree branch and taps the branch with its specialized finger. When the aye-aye lemur hears a difference in the echo, it will tear open the bark with its teeth until the insect tunnel is exposed. The aye-aye lemur then uses its specialized finger to reach the insect larvae and remove it.

Which selective pressure most likely resulted in the development of the aye-aye lemur’s special adaptation?

• Limited availability of water

• Large numbers of natural predators

• Competing for mates

• Food sources that are hard to find

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Conservation biologists studying cheetah populations have determined that the lack of genetic diversity among the cheetahs is due to genetic drift.

Which statement explains the most likely consequence of having a low genetic diversity on the cheetah population?

• The chances of a mutation occurring in the cheetah population are decreased, increasing the cheetah survival rate.

• The cheetah population becomes less likely to survive an outbreak of a disease or an environmental change, increasing the chance of species extinction.

• The gene pool remains in equilibrium and future generations of cheetah offspring are stronger and better adapted to their environments.

• Genetic variability is maintained from older cheetah populations that have survived and endured environmental stressors.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Many tree frog populations are threatened due to habitat loss. In an effort to promote conservation, tree frogs may be bred in captivity. A zoo acquired male and female tree frogs from two different populations. In the zoo, the tree frogs were able to successfully mate within their own population, but breeding attempts between the two populations were unsuccessful.

Based on this information, which statement correctly describes the relationship between the two populations of tree frogs?

• They are in the same species but different kingdoms.

• They are in the same family but different orders.

• They are in the same class but different phyla.

• They are in the same genus but different species.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Male guppies found in areas without predators are more colorful than the ones found in locations with large predator populations. A population of adult guppies originating from an area with a large number of predators is transferred to a nearby area with few predators.

Which of these is most likely to happen over a few generations?

• The mortality rate of the guppies will increase.

• There will be an increase in mutations in the offspring.

• Offspring will stop competing for resources.

• There will be an increase in the number of colorful guppies.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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White-tailed deer are seasonal breeders. Female white-tailed deer begin their reproductive cycle in the fall. Rising testosterone levels in male white-tailed deer cause them to start their breeding season around the same time. Offspring are born the following spring and summer.

What is the most likely explanation for white-tailed deer having a seasonal breeding cycle instead of a monthly breeding cycle like many domesticated animals?

• Male and female deer come into contact with each other only in the fall.

• Giving birth only in the spring and summer ensures that offspring are born when food is most available.

• Large predators are not found in deer habitats during the spring and summer months.

• Deer give birth in the spring and summer in order to avoid being pregnant during the hot summer months.

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This cladogram shows the evolutionary relationships among some mammals based on homologous structures.

Which statement is supported by this cladogram?

• Hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas.

• Toothed whales are more closely related to mouse deer than to hippopotamuses.

• Javelinas and pigs are more closely related than baleen whales and toothed whales.

• Cows and mouse deer are more closely related than javelinas and pigs.

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