2021-2022 Fall Benchmark

Which correctly matches the type of reproduction and an advantage of that type?

• sexual; no variation in offspring

• sexual; no energy required to find mate

• asexual; rapid rate of reproduction

• asexual; two parents combining genetic information

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

If the breeder’s goal is to create more betta fish with double tail fins, in which fish tank will the breeder have the greatest probability of success?

• Fish Tank 1

• Fish Tank 2

• Fish Tank 3

• Fish Tank 4

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NGSS.MS-LS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which statement about the expression of inherited traits is correct?

• A. A dominant phenotype only expresses when inherited in the homozygous condition and not in a heterozygous condition.

• B. A heterozygous genotype expresses as either the dominant or the recessive phenotype in an organism.

• C. A homozygous genotype expresses as either the dominant or the recessive phenotype in an organism.

• D. A recessive phenotype expresses when inherited in both the homozygous and heterozygous condition.

What do the bands on structures 1 and 2 in the model most likely represent?

• genes that produce proteins that determine traits

• DNA that produces genes that determine chromosomes

• chromosomes that produce genes that determine DNA

• proteins that produce DNA that determines genes

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What can be inferred from this model?

• The structures are similar sizes, so they result in similar traits.

• Structure 1 produces traits used to assemble structure 2.

• Bands that are in similar positions on structures 1 and 2 result in similar traits.

• Each structure contains the information to produce different traits.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

One method of using biotechnology in the medical field is to find new treatments for diseases. Which is an ethical concern in the production of these treatments?

• Biotechnology can cure patients who could have died without the new treatments.

• Biotechnology can be expensive, and the new treatments are not affordable for all patients.

• Developing new treatments through biotechnology can provide jobs for healthcare workers.

• Using new treatments from biotechnology can shorten patients’ hospital stays.

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-1

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

A student claims that hemochromatosis is a beneficial mutation. Which evidence statements support and disprove the student’s claim?

• 
• 
• 
• 

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Sex cells from a plant are produced by meiosis. The number of chromosomes present in the plant is 28. How many chromosomes are present in the plant’s sex cells?

• A. 14

• B. 28

• C. 56

• D. 84

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include age, race, and having a family

history of type 2 diabetes. However, that risk can be decreased in part through eating

a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

What does this fact illustrate about the development of traits in humans?

• Both the environment and genetic factors influence the development of traits.

• Genetics are the only significant factor affecting whether people will develop certain traits.

• Neither the environment nor genetic factors influence the development of traits.

• A person’s environment is the only significant factor affecting whether people will develop certain traits.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Scientists modified the genes in corn to include genes from Bt bacteria. This new type of Bt corn produces proteins that are harmful to some insects without harming mammals. Farmers who plant Bt corn use less insecticides in their fields. People have raised ethical concerns that Bt corn accidentally kills a species of harmless butterflies with caterpillars that eat nearby plants dusted with Bt corn pollen.

Which argument can a farmer use to justify the continued planting of Bt corn?

• Planting Bt corn will use less water per acre, providing more available water for nearby plants.

• Planting Bt corn will increase the amount of pollen produced, dusting more nearby plants.

• Planting Bt corn will cause the deaths of some harmless insects, not killing all insects like insecticides.

• Planting Bt corn will increase the profits a farm can produce, providing more money to replace plants for nearby insects.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5