Biology EOC Practice Test Quiz Questions And Answers
Get ready for your Biology End-of-Course (EOC) exam with this biology EOC practice test. Designed to help students review essential biology concepts, this practice test offers clear, step-by-step answers for every question. From cell biology to genetics and ecology, each section focuses on the topics you need to know. This test ensures you have the tools to succeed.
Take this biology EOC practice test with answers and walk into your exam with confidence, knowing you're fully prepared for any challenge ahead. Plus, with questions modeled after real EOC exams, you'll get an informative test experience. Each answer includes detailed Read moreexplanations, making it perfect for deep understanding and last-minute revision.
Biology EOC Practice Test Questions and Answers
- 1.
The algae at the beginning of the food chain in the figure are
- A.
Consumer
- B.
Decomposer
- C.
Producers
- D.
Consumers (your response) heterotrophs
Correct Answer
C. ProducersExplanation
The correct answer is "producers" because algae are photosynthetic organisms that can convert sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis. They are able to produce their own food and are at the beginning of the food chain, providing energy for other organisms.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A snake that eats a frog that has eaten an insect that fed on a plant is a
- A.
First-level producer
- B.
First-level consumer
- C.
Second-level producer
- D.
Third-level consumer
Correct Answer
D. Third-level consumerExplanation
The snake is considered a third-level consumer because it is at the top of the food chain and feeds on a frog that has eaten an insect, which in turn feeds on a plant. In this scenario, the snake is consuming organisms that have already consumed other organisms, making it a third-level consumer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The movements of energy and nutrients through living systems are different because
- A.
Energy flows in one direction and nutrients recycle
- B.
Energy is limited in the biosphere and nutrients are always available
- C.
Nutrients flow in one direction and energy recycles
- D.
Energy forms chemical compounds and nutrients are lost as heat
Correct Answer
A. Energy flows in one direction and nutrients recycleExplanation
The movements of energy and nutrients through living systems are different because energy flows in one direction and nutrients recycle. Energy is constantly being transferred and transformed within ecosystems, moving from the sun to producers, then to consumers, and eventually being lost as heat. In contrast, nutrients are cycled within ecosystems, as they are taken up by organisms, released back into the environment through waste or decomposition, and then taken up again by other organisms. This recycling of nutrients allows for their continual availability within the biosphere.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which is a biotic factor that affects the size of a population in a specific ecosystem?
- A.
Average temperature of the ecosystem
- B.
Type of soil in the ecosystem
- C.
Number and kinds of predators in the ecosystem
- D.
Concentration of oxygen in the ecosystem
Correct Answer
C. Number and kinds of predators in the ecosystemExplanation
The number and kinds of predators in an ecosystem can greatly affect the size of a population. Predators feed on other organisms, which can lead to a decrease in the population size of the prey species. The presence of predators can create a selection pressure on the prey population, leading to adaptations such as increased vigilance or defensive mechanisms. Additionally, the types of predators present can also impact the population size, as different predators may have varying hunting strategies and prey preferences. Therefore, the number and kinds of predators in an ecosystem play a crucial role in determining the size of a population.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The symbiotic relationship between a flower and the insect that feeds on its nectar is an example of
- A.
Mutualism because the flower provides the insect with food, and the insect pollinates the flower
- B.
Parasitism because the insect lives off the nectar from the flower
- C.
Commensalism because the insect doesn’t harm the flower, and the flower doesn’t benefit from the relationship
- D.
Predation because the insect feeds on the flower
Correct Answer
A. Mutualism because the flower provides the insect with food, and the insect pollinates the flowerExplanation
The symbiotic relationship between a flower and the insect that feeds on its nectar is an example of mutualism because both the flower and the insect benefit from the relationship. The flower provides the insect with food in the form of nectar, while the insect pollinates the flower by transferring pollen from one flower to another, aiding in reproduction. This mutually beneficial interaction ensures the survival and reproduction of both the flower and the insect.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is one difference between primary and secondary succession?
- A.
Primary succession is slow, and secondary succession is rapid
- B.
Secondary succession begins on soil, and primary succession begins on newly exposed surfaces
- C.
Primary succession modifies the environment, and secondary succession does not
- D.
Secondary succession begins with lichens, and primary succession begins with trees
Correct Answer
B. Secondary succession begins on soil, and primary succession begins on newly exposed surfacesExplanation
Primary succession refers to the process of ecological succession that occurs in an area where no soil or organisms exist, such as after a volcanic eruption or glacial retreat. In this type of succession, the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, begins on newly exposed surfaces, such as rocks. Over time, as these pioneer species die and decompose, they contribute to the formation of soil, allowing for the establishment of more complex plant and animal communities. Secondary succession, on the other hand, occurs in areas where soil remains intact after a disturbance, such as a forest fire or clear-cutting. In this type of succession, the process begins on pre-existing soil, which already contains organic matter and a seed bank. This allows for a more rapid recolonization by a variety of plant and animal species compared to primary succession. Therefore, the correct answer is: Secondary succession begins on soil, and primary succession begins on newly exposed surfaces.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A forest fire destroys the majority of the trees in a state park. Which effect will this most likely have on secondary consumers in that ecosystem?
- A.
The amount of available energy will increase because there will be fewer predators in the forest
- B.
The amount of available energy will increase because there will be less competition from producers.
- C.
The amount to available energy will decrease because fewer primary consumers will survive the lack of vegetation
- D.
The amount of energy will remain constant because secondary consumers are not reliant on primary consumers
Correct Answer
C. The amount to available energy will decrease because fewer primary consumers will survive the lack of vegetationExplanation
The correct answer is that the amount of available energy will decrease because fewer primary consumers will survive the lack of vegetation. This is because primary consumers rely on vegetation as their source of food. If the majority of trees in the state park are destroyed by a forest fire, there will be less vegetation available for primary consumers to eat. As a result, fewer primary consumers will be able to survive, leading to a decrease in the amount of energy available for secondary consumers in the ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A new species of snake was introduced to a tropical region. Scientists noticed a steady decline in the presence of field mice and an increase in the number of snakes. Which of these is the MOST LIKELY explanation for why the population size of each animal changed?
- A.
The snakes introduced to the region dominated the habitat, forcing the mice to find another place to live
- B.
The mice became prey to the intoduced snakes, allowing the snake population to increase but decreasing the mice population.
- C.
The snakes introduced to the region competed with the mice for food, allowing the snake population to increase but decreasing the mice population.
- D.
The people in the surrounding area set traps that killed the mice, allowing the snakes to live without any predators and therefore to increase the number.
Correct Answer
B. The mice became prey to the intoduced snakes, allowing the snake population to increase but decreasing the mice population.Explanation
The most likely explanation for the change in population size is that the introduced snakes preyed on the mice, leading to an increase in the snake population and a decrease in the mice population. This is supported by the observation of a decline in field mice presence and an increase in the number of snakes. The introduction of a new predator can disrupt the existing ecosystem dynamics, causing a shift in population sizes.Rate this question:
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- 9.
If a population grows larger than the carrying capacity of the environment, the
- A.
Death rate may rise
- B.
Birth rate may rise
- C.
Population will grow faster
- D.
Carrying capacity will change
Correct Answer
A. Death rate may riseExplanation
When a population exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, it means that there are more individuals than the available resources can support. This leads to increased competition for resources such as food, water, and shelter. As a result, some individuals may not be able to access enough resources to survive, leading to an increase in the death rate. This helps to regulate the population size and bring it back in line with the carrying capacity of the environment.Rate this question:
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- 10.
All of the following are threats to biodiversity EXCEPT
- A.
Biological magnification of toxic compounds
- B.
Habitat fragmentation
- C.
Invasive species
- D.
Species preservation
Correct Answer
D. Species preservationExplanation
Species preservation is not a threat to biodiversity because it involves the conservation and protection of species, which helps maintain biodiversity. Biological magnification of toxic compounds, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species, on the other hand, can all have negative impacts on biodiversity. Biological magnification can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in the food chain, habitat fragmentation can disrupt ecosystems and lead to loss of species, and invasive species can outcompete native species and cause their decline.Rate this question:
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- 11.
One species of Galapagos finches, the cactus finch, eats insects off cactus plants. A disease kills off most of the cacti in the Galapagos Islands. Which of these most likely would happen to the carrying capacity of the island?
- A.
It would increase a small amount since the insect population would decrease
- B.
It would remain about the same since the finches would change to a different habitat
- C.
It would increase exponentially since the insects would have limited places to hide
- D.
It would decrease considerably since the finches are specifically adapted to their niche
Correct Answer
D. It would decrease considerably since the finches are specifically adapted to their nicheExplanation
The cactus finches have specifically adapted to their niche of eating insects off cactus plants. If a disease kills off most of the cacti, the food source for the finches would significantly decrease. As a result, the carrying capacity of the island would decrease considerably because there would not be enough resources to support the population of cactus finches.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Polar bears swim across large expanses of the ocean while hunting for seals, their main source of food. The bears use sea ice as a resting spot during their long swims. However, sea ice is rapidly melting as a result of global warming. Which statement describes what most likely will happen if global warming continues at its present rate?
- A.
Polar bear and seal populations will both increase
- B.
Polar bear populations will decrease, and seal populations will increase
- C.
Polar bear populations will increase, and seal populations will decrease
- D.
Polar bear populations will decrease, and seal populations will remain the same
Correct Answer
B. Polar bear populations will decrease, and seal populations will increaseExplanation
If global warming continues at its present rate, the melting of sea ice will significantly impact polar bears. As their main resting spot disappears, polar bears will have a harder time hunting for seals, their main source of food. This will lead to a decrease in polar bear populations. On the other hand, the increase in temperature and melting sea ice may benefit seal populations. With less ice cover, seals may have more access to open water and be able to find more food, resulting in an increase in seal populations.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A population of salamanders that live in a river requires clear freshwater to survive. A flood causes tons of sediment to be suspended in the river. Which of these most likely will happen to the salamander population?
- A.
The salamanders will adapt to life on land
- B.
The salamanders will move to another river.
- C.
The salamanders will adapt to living in the muddy water
- D.
The salamanders will decrease in number because of the water quality
Correct Answer
D. The salamanders will decrease in number because of the water qualityExplanation
The flood causing tons of sediment to be suspended in the river will lead to a decrease in water quality. Salamanders require clear freshwater to survive, so the presence of muddy water will likely be detrimental to their health and survival. As a result, the salamander population is most likely to decrease in number due to the poor water quality.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following deals with the transmission of inherited traits from one generation to another?
- A.
Genetics
- B.
Anatomy
- C.
Forensics
- D.
Ecology
Correct Answer
A. GeneticsExplanation
Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with the study of inherited traits and how they are passed on from one generation to another. It involves the study of genes, DNA, and heredity. By understanding genetics, scientists can better understand how traits are inherited and can study the variations and similarities between different organisms. Genetics also plays a crucial role in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology.Rate this question:
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- 15.
No two species can occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time
- A.
Because of density-independent factors
- B.
Unless the species require different abiotic factors
- C.
Because of the competitive exclusion principle
- D.
Unless the species require different biotic factors
Correct Answer
C. Because of the competitive exclusion principleExplanation
The competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche in the same habitat at the same time. This is because if two species have identical niches, they will compete for the same resources, such as food, water, and shelter. In such a competition, one species will eventually outcompete and eliminate the other species, leading to the exclusion of one species from that particular niche. Therefore, the correct answer is "because of the competitive exclusion principle."Rate this question:
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Dec 08, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Expert Reviewed by
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May 02, 2010Quiz Created by
Aanam
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