WorksheetsLiving Environment Jan 2025– Part A & B-1
Total questions: 43
Worksheet time: 22mins
When you cut your finger, new skin quickly grows that repairs and replaces the damaged skin cells. Information directing this process is located in the
mitochondria in neighboring skin cells, which provide the energy needed for mitotic cell division
mitochondria in neighboring skin cells, which provide the energy needed for meiotic cell division
DNA of neighboring cells, which divide by mitotic cell division
DNA of neighboring cells, which divide by meiotic cell division
ATP is produced in the
vacuoles
nuclei
mitochondria
ribosomes
Some trees release toxins into the soil that can kill the plants nearby. This ability can best be described as
a means of establishing a consistent soil pH
a benefit to the ecosystem, since it results in increased biodiversity
a trait acquired by the species to eliminate the consumers that feed on them
an evolutionary advantage, reducing competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight
When the frequency of a gene in a population changes, the most likely result would be
ecological succession
biological evolution
species extinction
genetic mutation
During the 1880s, in an attempt to control the rat population, the Asian mongoose was brought to the Hawaiian Islands. However, there was a flaw in the plan. Rats are active at night, while mongooses feed on birds and eggs during the day. They had little effect on the rat population. The mongoose population rapidly increased and caused the extinction of many bird species native to the islands. Bringing mongooses to the Hawaiian Islands is an example of
a technological fix to solve problems caused by population growth
developing a research plan to study unintended outcomes
humans altering ecosystems, resulting in unintended consequences
an imported species solving an ecological problem
Many companies today are looking for ways to reduce the use of finite resources. They are working to recycle, reuse, and repair more products to reduce dumping and pollution. Which statement best describes a positive result of these changes?
Fossil fuels will be renewed for future generations to utilize.
Finite resources will not be depleted as quickly.
These activities can result in unstable ecosystems.
Destruction of ecosystems will result in a loss of biodiversity.
Which characteristic would give one species the greatest advantage over other species?
higher number of surviving offspring
lower number of matings
lower adaptation to the environment
higher rate of disease
The diagram below represents the same location over a period of many years. As a result of these changes,
biodiversity in the area decreases
the community becomes more stable
the community becomes less stable
biodiversity is not affected
Between 1880 and 2020, Earth’s temperature increased slightly more than 1°C. The best explanation for this increase is
a decrease in the amount of sunlight reaching Earth each year
an increase in the amount of solar radiation reflected back into space
changing concentrations of gases in the atmosphere
volcanic activity releasing ash and dust into the atmosphere
Two different species of animal prefer the same plant for food. One eats the leaves of the plant, the other prefers the fruit. By eating different parts of the same plant these species can successfully coexist because they do not
compete for limited resources
live in the same area
reproduce at the same time of year
interact in a predator-prey relationship
11 Different techniques are used to study cells. Fluorescent (glowing) tags allow scientists to visualize specific proteins as they are synthesized inside cells. Which part of a cell would be studied when using this technology to visualize protein synthesis?
nucleus
ribosome
cell wall
cell membrane
The image below shows a recently discovered fossil of an unhatched egg of a theropod dinosaur. The dinosaur is in a prehatching position similar to bird embryos in unhatched eggs today. Prior to finding the fossil, this behavior was never seen in animals other than birds. The fact that both theropod dinosaurs and birds share this behavior is evidence that
birds and theropod dinosaurs are related and share a common ancestor
animals that develop in eggs must use this behavior to survive
this behavior decreases reproductive success
behaviors like this must be learned from parents
The graph below represents the amount of stored energy in each level of an energy pyramid. The amount of stored energy between level 1 and level 4 decreases because
there are more organisms at level 4
level 1 has more consumers
at each level some energy is released as heat
there are more producers at each level
In a sexually reproducing species of plant, which change could occur that would have an effect on the species in the future?
changes in the egg cells in the ovaries of the plants’ flowers
variations that occur in the root cells of the plants in a field
differences in leaf cells that are exposed to solar radiation
a change in the DNA sequence caused by ultraviolet radiation in the cells of the plants’ stems
Many factors go into producing goods that are used by people in their everyday lives. In manufacturing, the production of goods and use of energy
is always positive because it is the only way for goods to be produced
can only be negative because it generates a lot of pollution
is neither positive nor negative because the energy is necessary
can have both positive and negative effects
The illustration below represents two cellular processes, A and B. Select the row in the table that correctly identifies the cellular process.
(1) meiosis differentiation
(2) recombination cloning
(3) fertilization recombination
(4) mitosis fertilization
A food web is represented below. A chemical was introduced into this environment that caused a decrease in the population of mice. This would most likely cause
an increase in the deer population
an increase in the shrub population
a decrease in the tree population
a decrease in the snake population
Populations of organisms making up an Arctic food chain are represented below. Which statement concerning this food chain is the most accurate?
The greatest amount of energy in this food chain is located in the polar bear population.
Zooplankton, which provide food for the cod, are the main producers in this chain.
A reduction in the algae populations would most likely affect the survival of all the other populations in this food chain.
The organisms in this chain can all produce their own energy during long periods of cold weather.
The protein in a hamburger is broken down into amino acids. Which two processes are involved in the breakdown of the protein and the absorption of the amino acids into the bloodstream?
synthesis and mitosis
digestion and diffusion
mitosis and digestion
active transport and replication
Tuatara are the last survivors of an ancient group of reptiles that lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. Tuatara contain a very large genome. The genome, its complete set of genes, is about two-thirds bigger than the human genome. One possible explanation for why the tuatara has survived since prehistoric times is that their large genome
has enabled them to live on a part of Earth that has not gone through any environmental changes since the time of the dinosaurs
provided the members of the species with characteristics that gave them advantages for survival in changing environments
can mutate when the species needs to develop characteristics that will adapt the members to live in areas that are very cold or very warm
can rearrange genes so that the species evolves when environmental changes occur
Two primary chemical messengers used in communication within the human body include
antibodies and pathogens
organic catalysts and toxins
enzymes and antigens produced by body cells
hormones and chemicals produced by nerve cells
Holstein cows have become the most widespread breed of dairy cow in the United States. They have been selectively bred to have many characteristics beneficial to dairy farmers. Holsteins are known for their ability to produce large quantities of milk. In addition, they are often calm and agreeable animals. Which statement best describes a potential risk of the selective breeding process to future generations of Holstein dairy cows?
Genetic diversity in the breed may become limited over time.
It increases the chances of having even more desired characteristics.
It results in many highly productive and long-lived animals.
It improves the health of future generations of Holstein cattle.
An organism that normally has 32 chromosomes in its body cells is found to be producing gametes with either 15 or 17 chromosomes. It has not been able to successfully reproduce. The most likely reason for its inability to reproduce would be errors during the process of
mitosis
differentiation
meiosis
cloning
Which sequence correctly identifies the flow of energy through an ecosystem?
producers → consumer → herbivore
consumer → decomposer → producer
carnivore → herbivore → producer
producer → consumer → decomposer
Which of the ameba's cell structures is the most important in obtaining oxygen from its environment?
cell membrane
ribosome
mitochondrion
cell wall
The diagram below represents a specialized gamete that plays a role in human reproduction. The proper functioning of cells like these is vital for human reproduction because
its mitochondria provide the nutrition to support the embryo
the tail makes it possible to deliver all the genetic information needed in a zygote
the cell differentiates to form specialized structures such as tissues and organs
its nucleus carries half the genetic information needed to form a zygote
If the amounts of carbon dioxide and water available increase, it is most likely that the first response by the producer organisms would be to
increase glucose synthesis
increase DNA synthesis
decrease amino acid synthesis
decrease nucleic acid synthesis
There are high numbers of stray and feral cats in communities across the United States. In order to humanely control these cat populations, many areas are participating in programs to trap, spay, and release the animals. When a female cat is spayed, organs are surgically removed to prevent the animal from being able to reproduce. Which two organs are most likely removed from the female cat during this surgery?
uterus and placenta
ovaries and uterus
ovaries and stomach
placenta and testes
When you purchase a fishing license in New York State, you are told to check the Advisory Tables before consuming any of the fish you catch. The tables list the fish species you should not eat and others you can eat up to four times per month, due to the presence of toxic chemicals in the fish. A likely reason the table recommends that children under the age of 15 and young women should not eat any of the fish caught in some bodies of water is that
young women and children already have a large amount of these chemicals in their bodies
the chemicals may affect their development or harm potential unborn children
the chemicals do not affect males, so they can eat up to four of the fish per month
the fish species on the list are in danger of extinction
Examples of two abiotic resources present in an ecosystem are
nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
animal species and water
the plant species and soil minerals
populations of decomposers and pH of the soil
Organisms A and B represent microorganisms viewed through a microscope. Although both seem to occupy the same field of view, which organism is actually larger?
A is larger since it fills the field of view at low magnification
B is larger since the magnification is lower
A is larger since the magnification is higher.
B is larger since it fills the field of view at high magnification.
The data represented in the graph below show differences in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere during the summer and winter months.
Which statement best explains why these differences occur?
The rate of respiration in plants increases during the summer, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere.
The activity of decomposers increases during the winter months, removing large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.
The increased exposure of plants to sunlight during the winter results in increased CO2 production.
The activity of autotrophs increases during the summer, removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Altering the DNA of a muscle cell in a mouse by substituting one base pair with another could likely
change all the DNA sequences in the mouse
change one amino acid in a protein a muscle cell produces
alter the carbohydrates that the muscle cells’ ribosomes produce
alter the DNA of the offspring of the mouse
The diagram below represents the interaction of a human cell and the hormone, insulin, that maintains a healthy blood glucose level in the body. Structure X is best described as a
signal molecule that is attached to the cell wall
protein molecule that releases energy that can be used by the cell
carbohydrate molecule that sends signals to other cells
receptor molecule that allows the cell to respond to changes
Some individuals cannot produce insulin. As a result, their cells will
produce another molecule to take over the function of insulin
synthesize more glucose for energy production
not respond appropriately to changes in blood glucose levels
divide at a faster rate than when insulin is available
Two different human disorders are compared in the table below. Blood Disorder That Affects Hemoglobin: - caused by a gene mutation - individuals with two copies of the mutated gene have the disorder - this disorder is more common in some populations than in others - individuals are born with this disorder Skin Disorder With a Sore That Does Not Heal: - caused by a gene mutation - some individuals exposed to UV radiation develop the disorder - there are environmental factors associated with the disorder - abnormal skin cells reproduce rapidly in exposed individual Which statement describes the patterns of inheritance for these two disorders?
(1) The blood disorder is not inherited but the skin disorder is inherited.
(2) Both the blood and skin disorders are not inherited but can be passed to offspring.
(3) The blood disorder can be inherited, and there are factors associated with the skin disorder that may be inherited.
(4) Both the blood and skin disorders can be inherited, with offspring always showing symptoms associated with the disorders.
The ecosystem will be disrupted with the loss of this keystone species because the loss would lead to
a decrease in the elk population
a decrease in the coyote population
an increase in the plant populations
a decrease in the plant populations
Due to human concerns, wolves were removed from the Yellowstone ecosystem for approximately 70 years, from the 1920s until 1995. Scientists felt that, as a keystone species, it was important to reintroduce the wolves to
increase the stability of the natural environment
limit the use of pesticides to control plant populations
increase the reproductive rate of the elk population
stimulate growth of the coyote population
Hydrangeas are plants with flowers that can change color. If the pH of the soil in which the plants are growing is altered, the flower color can vary from pink to blue. What is the best explanation for this phenomenon?
The genes of the hydrangea plants are mutated by the change in pH.
Some of the genes of the hydrangea plants die off due to the pH change.
The genes of the hydrangea plants can be turned on and off by different soil pH levels.
The genes of the hydrangea plant change chromosomes with different soil pH levels.
In the 1990s, ranchers on Maggie Creek in Nevada moved the areas where their cattle were grazing. The move was done to help vegetation regrow on the banks of the creek, which had been eroding due to lack of vegetation. After the move, vegetation began to return to the creek banks. The graph below shows the changes in the amount of green vegetation from 1985 to 2016.
How many more months did the Maggie Creek area have some green vegetation cover in 2006-2016, compared with the number of months of green cover in 1985-1994?
5 months
7 months
3 months
10 months
In the 1990s, ranchers on Maggie Creek in Nevada moved the areas where their cattle were grazing. The move was done to help vegetation regrow on the banks of the creek, which had been eroding due to lack of vegetation. After the move, vegetation began to return to the creek banks. The graph below shows the changes in the amount of green vegetation from 1985 to 2016.
The change in the environmental conditions of Maggie Creek over time is an example of how
human actions in one state can cause an ecosystem to develop into a stable grassland community in another state
grazing animals will eventually have a positive environmental effect on the land where they are kept
changing agricultural practices can help to restore environmental stability to certain locations
once humans interfere with environmental factors, stability cannot be restored in an ecosystem
Based on information provided in the Antarctic food web, one reason blue whales may contain a lower concentration of PCBs than killer whales is that blue whales
eat krill, which have a lower accumulation of PCBs than penguins and elephant seals
eat only plants that contain PCBs
are eaten by killer whales that accumulate PCBs from blue whales and other species
do not live as long as killer whales, and therefore their PCB concentration is lower
C. explodens, a species of ant that resides in the tropical jungles of Borneo, can explode when their nest is threatened. The nests contain adult ants, eggs, and larvae. When an adult ant comes in contact with an enemy ant, the C. explodens ant latches onto it and squeezes its own abdominal muscles until its abdomen bursts open, releasing a toxic goo.
The ants needed a way to protect their offspring, so they developed a way to release a toxic goo to kill enemies.
This behavior has resulted in greater reproductive success of the ants, since it kills the enemies who would have fed on their offspring.
The offspring of the ants will not inherit the exploding abdomen trait because this trait is not genetic.
The ant species will likely become extinct, since most of them die while protecting the nest.
