STAAR Review #1

Which of the following best describes a biome?

• A group of ecosystems with similar climates and organisms

• A single species living in an area

• A community of organisms and their physical environment

• A specific type of plant found in a region

In a chemical reaction, what is the role of a catalyst?

• It increases the temperature of the reaction.

• It decreases the activation energy needed for the reaction.

• It is consumed in the reaction.

• It changes the products of the reaction.

A car accelerates from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the car's acceleration?

• 2 m/s²

• 4 m/s²

• 5 m/s²

• 10 m/s²

Which human body system is primarily responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells?

• Digestive system

• Respiratory system

• Circulatory system

• Nervous system

Explain how energy is transferred in a food chain from producers to consumers.

• Energy is transferred through the consumption of plants by herbivores and then by carnivores.

• Energy is transferred through photosynthesis.

• Energy is transferred through the decomposition of dead organisms.

• Energy is transferred through the absorption of sunlight by animals.

What is the primary reason for the seasons on Earth?

• The distance of Earth from the Sun

• The tilt of Earth's axis

• The rotation of Earth on its axis

• The gravitational pull of the Moon

Predict the effect on an ecosystem if a top predator is removed. Provide reasoning for your prediction.

• The population of prey species will decrease due to increased competition.

• The population of prey species will increase due to lack of predation.

• The ecosystem will remain unchanged.

• New predator species will immediately replace the removed predator.

Which of the following equations represents a balanced chemical reaction?

Design an experiment to test the effect of different surfaces on the speed of a rolling ball. What factors would you control?

• Control the type of ball and the angle of the surface.

• Control the color of the ball and the time of day.

• Control the weight of the ball and the temperature of the room.

• Control the length of the surface and the material of the ball.

Which part of the human body is primarily responsible for filtering waste from the blood?

• Liver

• Kidneys

• Lungs

• Heart