2023 STAAR Test Part A

Based on the adaptations listed, which statement best compares the areas where the axolotl and tiger salamanders live based on their adaptations?

• Axolotl salamanders live on land near freshwater.

  Tiger salamanders live in lakes.

• Axolotl salamanders live in trees.

  Tiger salamanders live in caves.

• Axolotl salamanders live in caves.

  Tiger salamanders live in trees.

• Axolotl salamanders live in lakes.

  Tiger salamanders live on land near freshwater.

Which molecule is a direct product of this cellular process?

• Glucose

• Phospholipid

• Insulin

• DNA

Identify and explain ONE effect that the removal of mice would have on the food web?

Which statement explains how the different cell types in the image are formed?

• Each cell type uses its own unique replication process.

• Each cell type expresses different genes at different times.

• Each cell type contains a different part of the original DNA.

• Each cell type has different enzymes to replicate genetic material.

The diagram shows a type of chromosomal mutation. What type of mutation is shown?

• Deletion

• Insertion

• Duplication

• Translocation

Between 2005 and 2016, the Kenai Fjords in Alaska experienced an increase in exposed rock due to melting ice. These rock formations are known as "nunataks", which are the tips of mounts that were left uncovered by glaciers in the last ice age. Which timeline describes how plant diversity on the nunataks will change over time?

• Mosses completely cover rock. → Small shrubs grow between cracks of rock. → Small trees become rooted in the soil.

• Mosses completely cover rock. → Small trees become rooted in the soil. → Small shrubs grow between cracks of rock.

• Small shrubs grow between cracks of rock. → Mosses completely cover rock. → Small trees become rooted in the soil.

• Small shrubs grow between cracks of rock. → Small trees become rooted in the soil. → Mosses completely cover rock.

Between 2005 and 2016, the Kenai Fjords in Alaska experienced an increase in exposed rock due to melting ice. These rock formations are known as "nunataks", which are the tips of mounts that were left uncovered by glaciers in the last ice age. Which explanation describes why plant diversity on the nunataks will change over time?

• The nunataks have a steep slope, so they will undergo primary succession.

• The nunataks have a steep slope, so they will undergo secondary succession.

• The nunataks are bare rock, so they will undergo primary succession.

• The nunataks are bare rock, so they will undergo secondary succession.

Which traits apply to each section below?

Viruses ​ ​ (a)  

Bacteria ​ ​ (b)   ​ ​ ​ (c)  

Both viruses and bacteria ​ (d)  

• Have active metabolism
• Replicate independently
• Utilize a capsid structure
• Contain genetic material

Kelp forests are critical ecosystems that provide habitats to a variety of animals, including sea urchins, sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, jelly fish, snails, and fish. They also provide hunting grounds for mammals, including sea otters, sea lions, seals, and many different birds. In recent years scientist have documented an increase in shark attacks on sea otters in and around kelp forests. Which consequence is most likely to occur in kelp forests as a result of increased predation of sea otters?

• Kelp forests will become more stable due to the decrease in otter predation pressure.

• Kelp forests will become more stable as sharks replace otters as the top predator in the food chain.

• Kelp forests will become less stable due to the increase in the size of the otters' prey populations.

• Kelp forests will become less stable as sharks will also eliminate the prey of the otters.

Which statements best describe the difference between active transport and passive transport?

• Active transport occurs only in cells that require large amounts of energy. Passive transport occurs in all cells.

• Active transport requires ATP. Passive transport does not require ATP.

• Active transport moves substances along the concentration gradient. Passive transport moves substances against the concentration gradient.

• Active transport occurs in all cells. Passive transport requires ATP.