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Benchmark Practice Test

Total questions: 14

Worksheet time: 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In which order will these stages occur, from earliest to latest?

a)

4, 2, 1, 3

b)

1, 2, 3, 4

c)

3, 1, 4, 2

d)

2, 4, 3, 1

2.

Which of the following sequences MOST likely represents ecological succession on a recently abandoned farm?

a)

grasses --> flowering plants --> shrubs --> maple trees

b)

maple trees --> shrubs --> flowering plants --> grasses

c)

shrubs --> grasses --> maple trees --> flowering plants

d)

flowering plants --> maple trees --> shrubs --> grasses

3.

The food webs in the picture model relationships among the organisms in two ecosystems. Which ecosystem would be more likely to survive if a disease killed the grasses?

a)

The forest ecosystem, because most of the animals can eat other organisms.

b)

The grassland ecosystem, because several predators compete for food.

c)

The forest ecosystem, because it has three top predators.

d)

The grassland ecosystem, because it has many herbivores.

4.

A student discovers an arachnid with a segmented abdomen, long legs and no stinger. The student uses the dichotomous key below to identify it.

Which arachnid has the student found?

a)

Daddy Long Legs

b)

Scorpion

c)

Wind scorpion

d)

Whip scorpion

5.

A student examines the winged insect shown in the picture. Based on the dichotomous key, in what order should this insect be classified?

a)

Mantodea

b)

Raphidioptera

c)

Coleoptera

d)

Lepidoptera

6.

A diagram of a pond food chain is provided. Which of the following could possible increase the total amount of energy the catfish population receives within its food chain?

a)

An increase in the number of beetles

b)

An increase in the number of hawks

c)

A decrease in the number of plants

d)

A decrease in the number of hawks

7.

Scientist studying tow adjacent ecosystems observe different varieties of organisms in the two areas. All of the following factors would contribute to the differing varieties of organisms in these two habitats EXCEPT -

a)

climate

b)

soil type

c)

water resources

d)

wind

8.

Lake Victoria in East Africa is home to many species of fish called cichlids. In 1954 the predatory Nile perch was introduced to Lake Victoria. The Nile perch became the dominant fish species in the lake by the mid-1980s. The number of cichlid species in the lake decreased as the Nile perch population increased. The perch preyed heavily on cichlid species that fed on algae and debris on the bottom of the lake. Algae in the lake increased, and oxygen levels decreased. The surface area of the gills of some cichlid species has increased in just over 20 years.


Which statement explains the increase in gill surface area seen in some of Lake Victoria's cichlids?

a)

Increased gill surface area has allowed the cichlids to change their diet and avoid competing with the Nicle perch.

b)

Increased gill surface area has allowed the cichlids to be camouflaged and avoid being eaten by the Nile perch.

c)

Increased gill surface area has allowed the cichlids to leave Lake Victoria and establish populations in nearby bodies of water.

d)

Increased gill surface area has allowed the cichlids to better absorb the limited oxygen in the water.

9.

When Charles Darwin visted the Galapagos Islands in the 1800s, he observed many types of organism that were similar but lived on different islands. The four species of mockingbirds found on the Galapagos Islands are shown. Each species lives on a different island.


These species are very similar, but the Hood mockingbird has a longer beak than the other three species. Which of the following best explains this difference?

a)

The Hood mockingbird needs a longer beak for defense against predators.

b)

The Hood mockingbird originated from a different type of bird than the other species.

c)

The Hood mockingbird's longer beak is an adaptation to the food available in the bird's habitat.

d)

The Hood mockingbird's beak stretched to reach its food, and the longer beak was passed down to its offspring.

10.

Some dairy farmers want to increase the amount of milk produced by their cows. How can the farmers use selective breeding to increase milk production?

a)

By increasing the age of the cows that are bred

b)

By choosing cows that are high milk producers

c)

By limiting the number of offspring per cow

d)

By choosing cows that can produce milk after eating the most food

11.

A farmer wants to increase the amount of food produced by corn crops. If the farmer selectively breeds the plants, for which trait should the farmer select?

a)

Taller stems

b)

Deeper roots

c)

Resistance to pesticides

d)

More cobs on plant

12.

Internal structures of organisms can have adaptations that allow for specific functions. Which of the following is NOT an example of an internal adaptation?

a)

Hollow cells in plants called xylem that provide structure and for movement of water.

b)

Hollow bones in birds that allow for flight.

c)

White fur on polar bears that allow for camouflage in the Arctic.

d)

Gills in fish that allow oxygen to be removed from water.

13.

Migration is a behavioral adaptation that has evolved over time to help animals survive. Which of the following would be the major reasons animals migrate?

a)

Forced out by predators.

b)

To find food or more favorable living or breeding conditions.

c)

To find a variety food that their current location lacks

d)

want to live in warmer climates during winter and cooler climates during summer.

14.

This plant organelle contains chlorophyll and it is the site where photosynthesis takes place.

a)

vacuole

b)

chloroplast

c)

nucleus

d)

ribosome