Biology SOL 2010 Test (Released 2015)

Red flower color is dominant to white flower color in race plants. What is the expected result of a cross between two heterozygous rose plants?

• 100% red

• 75% red, 25% white

• 50% red, 50% white

• 25% red, 75% white

Answer explanation

In a cross between two heterozygous rose plants (Rr x Rr), the expected genotypic ratio is 1 RR : 2 Rr : 1 rr. This results in a phenotypic ratio of 3 red (RR and Rr) to 1 white (rr), or 75% red and 25% white.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

To classify an organism a scientist finds in the field, which of these will the scientist first compare to other known organisms?

• Dietary Habits

• Ecological Niche

• Physical Structure

• Reproductive Method

Answer explanation

To classify an organism, scientists typically start by comparing its physical structure, as this provides clear, observable traits that can be matched with known organisms, aiding in accurate classification.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Darwin's explanation for evolution was dependent on which scientific concept?

• The ability of organisms to learn

• The significance of social behaviors to survival

• The existence of variations in a population

• The relationship between size and survival

Answer explanation

Darwin's theory of evolution is based on the existence of variations in a population, which allows for natural selection to occur. These variations are crucial for the adaptation and survival of species over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What did Rosalind Franklin contribute to the understanding of DNA molecules?

• An image indicating the shape of a DNA molecule

• An analysis of the chemical makeup of a DNA molecule

• A thought that DNA carries genetic information

• A theory about how DNA conveys genetic information

Answer explanation

Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images, particularly Photo 51, provided crucial evidence of the helical structure of DNA, indicating its shape and contributing significantly to our understanding of DNA molecules.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Which best helps scientists determine the age of fossils?

• Physical Traits

• Genetic Makeup

• Reproductive Strategy

• Radioactive Isotopes

Answer explanation

Radioactive isotopes are used in radiometric dating, allowing scientists to determine the age of fossils by measuring the decay of isotopes within them, providing a precise age compared to physical traits, genetic makeup, or reproductive strategy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Considering this image as the initial cell during mitosis, place the subsequent phases of mitosis in the correct sequence.​

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-4

For the growth curve to continue increasing, which of these must occur?

• The organisms must adapt to a new habitat.

• The organisms must migrate to a new environment.

• The resources in the environment must be unlimited.

• The environment must provide a habitat for a large variety of organisms.

Answer explanation

For the growth curve to continue increasing, unlimited resources are essential. Without sufficient resources, organisms cannot sustain growth, regardless of adaptation or migration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Some functions of several structures of a fish are listed in the chart. Complete the chart by placing the structures of a cell next to the function they perform.

c

a

d

b

Nucleus

Flagellum

Cell Membrane

Vacuole

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

A student is investigating the effect of plants on indoor air quality and states, "If plants are added to an indoor environment, the air quality will improve." This statement is an example of __.

• theory

• procedure

• an observation

• a hypothesis

Answer explanation

The statement 'If plants are added to an indoor environment, the air quality will improve' is a hypothesis because it proposes a testable explanation for the effect of plants on indoor air quality.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Although controversial at first, the germ theory of disease proposed that microorganisms were the cause of many diseases. Which of these was a result of the general acceptance that microorganisms cause disease?

• The development and use of antibiotics

• The belief in spontaneous generation

• The link between viruses and RNA

• The proof of a supernatural cause for illnesses

Answer explanation

The acceptance of germ theory led to the development of antibiotics, which target specific microorganisms causing diseases, revolutionizing medical treatment and improving health outcomes.