Natural Selection and Evolution

A scientist crosses morning glory plants of different flower colors to determine how flower color is passed on to offspring. The results of three crosses are shown in the table. The scientist crosses an offspring from cross X with an offspring from cross Z. What are the expected results of this cross?

• 100% of plants with red flowers

• 100% of plants with purple flowers

• 50% of plants with red flowers, 50% of plants with purple flowers

• 75% of plants with purple flowers, 25% of plants with red flowers

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

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NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Based on the data shown in the map of sedimentary rock ages in Louisiana, select the correct fossils to place in Box 1 and Box 2 on the map to show where the fossils would most likely be found. Refer to the diagram for the map and fossil options.

• fossilized shark tooth (30 million years old)

• mastodon fossil (20,000 years old)

• fossilized palmwood (6 million years old)

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

A particular bird species found in North America obtains most of its food energy by catching and eating insects. A mutation arises in this bird population that increases the length of its beak. Although many mutations are harmful, this particular mutation has increased the ability of the bird to catch and eat certain insects. Which of these is the MOST LIKELY outcome of this mutation?

• A) The insects that are eaten by this bird are likely to become extinct.

• B) Sharp pointed beaks will result in the birds eating other more unusual food items.

• C) Other bird species will be more likely to also develop pointed beaks in order to compete.

• D) Individual birds with the mutation will be more likely to survive and reproduce than birds without the mutation.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which adaptation to a dry climate most helps the elephant tree continue to grow by reducing the loss of moisture?

• a deep root system

• loss of leaves during a drought

• photosynthesis in the bark

• closing of stomata in daylight

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Some desert plants produce groups of seeds where only a small portion of the group germinates each year. Which statement best explains how this type of seed germination affects the probability that these desert plants will reproduce?

• The plants are more likely o reproduce because fewer total seeds germinate.

• The plants are more likely to reproduce because the germinated seeds that die during drought periods are only a small portion of the total seeds.

• The plants are less likely to reproduce because all of the seeds do not germinate at the same time.

• The plants are less likely to reproduce because only a small portion of the total seeds will germinate and grow into plants during wet periods.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Desert plants become dormant or stop growing temporarily during the [a] season. These plants begin their growth cycles again during the wet season. By absorbing and storing carbon dioxide at night, many desert plants can minimize evaporation during growth period.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Select the correct region in each graph to show the most likely root length for each plant from the drop down below.

• Region 1

• Region 2

• Region 3

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Which information can best be used as evidence to support the answer to Part A? Select all that apply.

• A) Desert areas have less precipitation than non-desert areas

• B) Both desert and non-desert plants absorb light from the Sun

• C) Plants in both desert and non-desert areas can grow leaves

• D) Lower temperatures in non-desert areas reduce the rate of evaporation

• E) Desert areas are most often found at low latitudes

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which two of the following best explain why the forefoot on the horse evolved over time?

• The Hyracotherium four toes allowed the organism to walk in the soft dirt of the rainforest. The Equus' one toe allowed the organism to run on hard grounds.

• The Equus forefoot changed when it was domesticated for agricultural and leisure purposes.

• The Equus forefoot changed to support its heavier, taller body.

• The Hyracotherium forefoot changed as its environment changed from a forest to grasslands.

• The Hyracotherium evolved to better survive in the rainforest.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

In the earliest stages of development the embryos of a fish, calf, human, and tortoise all look similar. In the next stage the calf and the human look most alike. What assumption can be made based on this similarity?

• A) The fish is not related to the calf.

• B) The fish is not related to the human.

• C) Of the four organisms, the calf and human are least related.

• D) Of the four organisms, the calf and human are most closely related.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

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