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Category 4 STAAR Science

Total questions: 24

Worksheet time: 2hrs 0mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Leopards eat baboons and impalas in a terrestrial ecosystem. What prediction can be made if the baboon population begins to decrease because of disease?

a)

The leopards population will increase.

b)

The hawk population will increase.

c)

The impala population will decrease.

d)

The scorpion population will decrease.

2.

What relationship exists between seed-eating birds and grass?

a)

Predator/host

b)

Consumer/Producer

c)

Parasite/host

d)

Consumer/consumer

3.

In the marine food web, which organisms are considered predators to more than one organism?

a)

Krill and phytoplankton

b)

Squid and zoopankton

c)

Leopard seal and cod

d)

Penguin and elephant seal

4.

The Center for Disease Control publishes articles explaining the causes of seasonal West Nile virus. Research proves mosquitoes in freshwater ecosystems spread the disease to humans and other organisms. How do mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus to other organisms?

a)

Mosquitoes transmit the virus when they land on the skin of an organism.

b)

Mosquitoes transmit the virus as parasites which feed on the blood of host organisms and inject the virus during feeding.

c)

Mosquitoes transmit the virus by preying on organisms and spreading the virus on contact.

d)

Mosquitoes transmit the virus as hosts who feed on the blood of organisms and inject the virus during feeding.

5.

Hawks are predators to small organisms such as snakes, rabbits, and mice. What is a possible result of adding a hawk to this ecosystem?

a)

The rabbit population will increase.

b)

The grass population will increase.

c)

The cougar population will increase.

d)

All of the above.

6.

How might the information most directly affect the ocean?

a)

Fish populations increase along the coasts.

b)

Runoff from coastal cities carries more pollutants.

c)

More artificial reefs appear off the coasts.

d)

Shark attacks decrease.

7.

Artificial reefs are man-made structures that provide surfaces for algae and other invertebrates such as barnacles to attach. In turn, these reefs attract fish and larger predators. Which statement describes a positive effect of artificial reefs on the ocean system?

a)

These created habitats could increase the local shark population, which might increase the number of shark attacks on humans.

b)

The increased fish population may lead to overfishing on the coasts.

c)

Materials within the artificial reef could contain toxins that damage the marine ecosystem.

d)

There is an increase in biodiversity in the ocean system

8.

For what abiotic factor are the plants most likely competing?

a)

Water

b)

Soil composition

c)

Sunlight

d)

Wind to spread seeds

9.

Scientists study an ecosystem devastated by drought and observe the interactions of organisms in relation to food, light, water, and mates. Which hypothesis statement relates to the investigation?

a)

If available resources increase, then competition will increase.

b)

If the drought continues, then competition will decrease.

c)

If available resources decrease, then competition will increase.

d)

If available resources remain constant, then competition will decrease.

10.

Four students are conducting a laboratory investigation about competition for resources. They are given different kitchen utensils and various food resources. How would these materials model competition for resources?

a)

Every utensil can pick up the food resources equally.

b)

Utensils are adapted to gather a variety of food resources, causing some organisms to benefit from more than one food source.

c)

The variety of materials available does not model competition.

d)

All of the above.

11.

Organisms such as prairie dogs, foxes, black-footed ferrets, and grasses are commonly found in prairie ecosystems. Which organism does NOT compete with other organisms for food?

a)

Prairie dog

b)

Black-footed ferret

c)

Fox

d)

Grass

12.

Sunlight is extremely important for the development and growth of coral. This important factor of survival for the coral reef is-

a)

symbiotic

b)

abiotic

c)

biotic

d)

parasitic

13.

Zookeepers study two species of insects that have similar resource needs to determine if the two species could live in the same enclosure. The results of the study are shown in the graphs below. Based on the information in the graph, can the two species be housed together?

a)

No, Species X decreases severely when housed with Species Y.

b)

Yes, Species X decreases severely when housed with Species Y.

c)

No, Species Y decreases severely when housed with Species X.

d)

Yes, Species Y decreases severely when housed with Species X.

14.

After several years of severe drought, water has become a scarce resource. Bird beak shape has determined the survivability of each species. Which bird beak improves survival?

a)

In drought conditions, flowers containing nectar become scarce.Nectar-feeding birds receive water from nectar and survive at a higher rate than the other birds.

b)

In drought conditions, producers die and insects migrate to areas with food. Insects-catching birds receive water from insects and survive at a higher rate than other birds.

c)

In drought conditions, grain produces smaller crops. Grain-eating birds receive water from grain and survive at a higher rate than other birds.

d)

In drought conditions, conifers produce seeds at a consistent level. Conifers seed-birds receive water from seeds and survive at a higher rate than other birds.

15.

Which statement is a valid conclusion based on the evidence provided?

a)

Long-term environmental changes require less recovery time because the animals adapt as the change takes place.

b)

Long-term environmental changes require more recovery time.

c)

Short-term environmental changes require more recovery time.

d)

Short-term environmental changes are more likely to cause a species to perish.

16.

A particular Arctic climate historically receives snowfall 10 months of the year. Some rabbits in this climate have white fur, while other rabbits have fur that changes color during the warm months. Over time, the are experiences less snow, only 6 1/2 months of the year. Which trait is favorable in this new climate?

a)

White fur is more favorable because the rabbits spend a majority of the year in snow.

b)

Brown fur is more favorable because the rabbits spend a majority of the year without snow.

c)

Light tan fur is more favorable because the rabbits can blend into any environment.

d)

White fur that changes to brown during the warm months is more favorable because the rabbits can be camouflaged all year long.

17.

Why is history important in gauging the effects of an environmental change on organisms?

a)

Scientists examine how generations of organisms change.

b)

Scientists use data to disprove historical trends.

c)

Scientists develop new theories without consulting previous research and data.

d)

History cannot be used to determine changes in the environment because of data source reliability.

18.

A group of organs that provides mechanical movement and generates warmth for the body

a)

skeletal system

b)

muscular system

c)

nervous system

d)

endocrine system

19.

The main function of the system is to-

a)

produce offspring

b)

remove waste

c)

transport oxygen and nutrients

d)

fight bacteria and viruses

20.

Includes the skin, hair, and nails-

a)

lymphatic system

b)

integumentary system

c)

digestive system

d)

endocrine system

21.

The main function of the system is to-

a)

fight bacteria and viruses

b)

remove waste

c)

transport oxygen and nutrients to all body cells

d)

allow body movement

22.

All eukaryotes have which of the following characteristics?

a)

Have nucleus

b)

are multicellular

c)

are hetertrophic

d)

reproduce sexually

23.

Which of the following statements is always correct regarding organisms in the Kingdom Plantae (Plants)?

a)

They produce their own food.

b)

They reproduce sexually.

c)

They are single-celled organisms.

d)

They do not contain a nucleus.

24.

An eukaryote that makes its own food would be classified as a member of which Kingdom?

a)

Fungi

b)

Animalia

c)

Eubacteria

d)

Plantae