Readiness Test: Cell Structures, Inheritance, and Survival

What does cell theory state?

• It states that organisms are composed of one or more cells

• It describes that cells are the basic unit of structure and function

• It states that cells come from preexisting cells

• All of the statements are a part of cell theory

Which type of cell does not have a nucleus?

• Eukaryotic

• Prokaryotic

• plant

• animal

1. Which choice describes the organization of plants and animals from the smallest unit to the largest unit?

• 1. Tissues, organs, organ systems, cells, organism

• Organism, organs, organ systems, tissues, cells

• 1. Cells, organs, tissues, organ systems, organism

• Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

1. Look at the image. Many species of plants and animals have structures whose functions help them survive in certain environments.

Analyze the structures of the organisms and choose the explanation that could describe how these adaptations would help them survive in a desert environment.

• Kangaroo rats use their long feet and front paws to dig burrows in the sand for shelter from the sun.

• Desert coyotes have thick coats in the winter to protect them during cold desert nights that they shed in the summer.

• 1. Desert coyotes and kangaroo rats have camouflaged fur that helps them blend into their environment.

• All of the above are correct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

1. Animals have both instinctual behaviors they are born with and learned behaviors they acquire.

Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from the nest and immediately move toward the brightest horizon. The brightest horizon is usually over the ocean.

Which statement best describes this trait?

•  It is an instinctual trait that increases survival by helping the hatchlings find food and resources.

• 1. It is a learned behavior that increases the chance of survival by helping the hatchlings find food and resources.

• 1. It is an instinctual trait that decreases the chance of survival by putting the hatchlings in the path of predators.

• 1. It is a learned behavior that puts the hatchlings in the path of predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

1. Animals have both instinctual behaviors they are born with and learned behaviors they acquire that increase their chances of survival.

Orcas hunt in groups called pods. Hunting strategies are taught to the younger generation by the older generations. Choose the best explanation as to why these learned behavioral traits will help the species.

• 1. Hunting strategy is something orcas are born with because they depend on groups to hunt for food.

• 1. Hunting strategy is something orcas are born with because they hunt in large groups to prevent predators from attacking.

• Hunting strategy is a learned behavior because orcas can communicate with each other to teach the younger generation how to hunt.

• 1. Hunting strategy is a learned behavior because each generation of orcas does not have to relearn hunting tricks.

1. Monarch butterflies can be toxic to some predators. Some predators avoid eating them so that they do not get sick. There are other butterfly species that over time have come to look like monarch butterflies. Which choice best describes how this variation may have become an adaptation?

• The variation was an advantage for the butterfly species in its environment.

• 1. The variation was a disadvantage for the butterfly species in its environment.

• 1. The variation helped the butterfly species succeed in a new environment.

• 1. The variation helped the monarch butterflies and the other butterfly species survive in their environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which scenario is an example of artificial selection?

• 1. Anteaters with longer snouts and tongues have better access to ant colonies.

• 1. Birds with longer talons catch more field mice than those with shorter talons, resulting in more offspring with that trait.

• Giraffes with longer necks survive a dry season by eating leaves from the tops of trees. Those giraffes breed more successfully that year.

• A farmer crossbreeds two types of apples to produce a species that stays fresher longer and tastes sweeter.

1. The Belgian Blue cow is an animal bred over hundreds of years by artificial selection. These animals are bred by humans for a trait in their genes that allows the animals to grow very large and muscular.

Which statements are most likely true based on this information? Choose two answers.

• Artificial selection can produce traits that are not necessarily to the benefit of the species.

• 1. Human breeding of animals is an example of natural selection, not artificial selection.

• 1. Artificial selection of these animals helped the animals avoid predators due to their large size.

• Artificial selection of these animals can increase the amount of beef produced for human consumption.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What is a characteristic of a heterotroph?

• 1. Can make its own food

• Must reproduce asexually

• 1. Can move on its own

• Must consume food for energy