Living Environment Regents Quiz: Test!
(118).jpg "Living Environment Regents Quiz: Test! - Quiz")
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- 1.
Which statement describes an activity of a decomposer?
- A.
A mushroom digests and absorbs nutrients from organic matter.
- B.
A sunflower uses nutrients from the soil to make proteins.
- C.
A snail scrapes algae off rocks in an aquarium.
- D.
A hawk eats and digests a mouse.
Correct Answer
A. A mushroom digests and absorbs nutrients from organic matter.Explanation
DECOMPOSERS break down dead things and RECYCLE NUTRIENTS back into the soil. Two types of decomposers are fungi and bacteria, and a mushroom is a type of fungus.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The calcium concentration in the root cells of certain plants is higher than in the surrounding soil. Calcium may continue to enter the root cells of the plant by the process of
- A.
Diffusion
- B.
Respiration
- C.
Active transport
- D.
Protein synthesis
Correct Answer
C. Active transportExplanation
DIFFUSION involves the MOVEMENT of particles from HIGH TO LOW CONCENTRATION. Since the calcium is higher inside the root, it cannot enter the root by DIFFUSION, but rather active transport.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Homeostasis is maintained in a single-celled organism by the interaction of:
- A.
Organs
- B.
Systems
- C.
Tissues
- D.
Organelles
Correct Answer
D. OrganellesExplanation
ORGANELLES maintain HOMEOSTASIS in SINGLE-CELLED ORGANISMS. The MEMBRANE allows exchange of materials and the CYTOPLASM allows movement of materials within the cell.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Within which structure of an animal cell does DNA replication take place?
- A.
Vacuole
- B.
Cell membrane
- C.
Nucleus
- D.
Ribosome
Correct Answer
C. NucleusExplanation
Since the DNA never leaves the NUCLEUS, all activities involving DNA take place in the NUCLEUS.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The shape of a protein is originally determined by the:
- A.
Size of the protein molecule
- B.
Location of the protein within the cell
- C.
Arrangement of amino acids in the protein
- D.
Function the protein must carry out
Correct Answer
C. Arrangement of amino acids in the proteinExplanation
Depending on the amino acids included in the protein, the shape will be different. The function is based on the shape.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Plant cells can synthesize energy-rich organic molecules, and later break them down to extract that energy for performing life processes. These activities require direct interaction between the
- A.
Chloroplasts and vacuoles
- B.
Cell walls and ribosomes
- C.
Chloroplasts and mitochondria
- D.
Ribosomes and mitochondria
Correct Answer
C. Chloroplasts and mitochondriaExplanation
Plant cells can synthesize energy-rich organic molecules and later break them down with the direct interaction between the chloroplasts and mitochondria. The chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, producing organic molecules, and the mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, extracting energy from those molecules for various life processes.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Selective breeding has been used for thousands of years to:
- A.
Develop bacteria that produce human insulin
- B.
Clone desirable plant varieties
- C.
Develop viruses that protect against diseases
- D.
Produce new varieties of domestic animals
Correct Answer
D. Produce new varieties of domestic animalsExplanation
SELECTIVE BREEDING deals with producing DOMESTIC ANIMALS (horses, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, etc.) as well as AGRICULTURAL PLANTS (corn, wheat, etc.) that can be used by humans.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A deletion of a DNA segment alters a gene in a single skin cell of an individual. Which statement best describes a result of this mutation?
- A.
Any cell produced from this skin cell will have the same mutation.
- B.
All offspring of the individual will have a skin cell mutation.
- C.
The mutation will spread into other types of cells.
- D.
The gametes of this individual will have the same mutation.
Correct Answer
A. Any cell produced from this skin cell will have the same mutation.Explanation
Only skin cells that were reproduced through MITOSIS will have the same DNA (and, as a result, the same mutation).Rate this question:
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- 9.
Some goats have been genetically modified with a human gene that codes for a blood anticlotting factor. The anticlotting factor can then be extracted from the goat milk and used during surgery. To produce these genetically modified goats, scientists most likely:
- A.
Injected the anticlotting factor into the milk-producing glands of the animals
- B.
Added modified DNA into the milk of the animals
- C.
Inserted the human gene into the egg cells of goats
- D.
Altered the nutritional requirements of newborn goats
Correct Answer
C. Inserted the human gene into the egg cells of goatsExplanation
GENETIC ENGINEERING...a gene is inserted into another organism that will produce a desired hormone (or other substance). In order for this gene to be successfully passed along to the offspring, it must be placed into a gamete (sperm or egg).Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which characteristic is necessary for natural selection to occur in a species?
- A.
Stability
- B.
Variation
- C.
Complex cellular organization
- D.
A very low mutation rate
Correct Answer
B. VariationExplanation
VARIATION is necessary for NATURAL SELECTION because the individuals born with beneficial adaptations will survive and pass along the traits to their offspring.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Researchers use a variety of techniques to learn more about the function of a specific gene in an organism. In one type of experiment, called a loss-of-function experiment, the gene being investigated is eliminated. In a gain-of-function experiment, extra copies of the gene being investigated are inserted. The cell process most directly affected in both experiments is
- A.
Protein synthesis
- B.
Waste disposal
- C.
Transport of materials
- D.
Breakdown of nutrients
Correct Answer
A. Protein synthesisExplanation
This question is confusing, but two of these things deal with going from large to small (breakdown) and the protein synthesis is something that is going from small to large (synthesis). You can be pretty safe in general if you identify the "odd man out."Rate this question:
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- 12.
Plants are green because they contain the protein chlorophyll. A bucket was left on the lawn for one week. When the bucket was removed, the grass under the bucket had turned from green to a yellowish white color. This change is due to the interaction between the grass and
- A.
Decomposer organisms in the soil, an abiotic factor
- B.
The amount of sunlight, an abiotic factor
- C.
Increased moisture under the bucket, a biotic factor
- D.
The metal composition of the bucket, a biotic factor
Correct Answer
B. The amount of sunlight, an abiotic factorExplanation
Notice the keywords in the answers? BIOIC (living) and ABIOTIC (non-living) were only used correctly in one answer: SUNLIGHT is ABIOTIC!!Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which statement describes a function of the human male reproductive system?
- A.
It produces gametes in testes.
- B.
It supplies a fluid that protects the fetus.
- C.
It provides support for the development of the embryo.
- D.
It provides nutrient materials through a placenta.
Correct Answer
A. It produces gametes in testes.Explanation
The testes are responsible for producing male gametes, which are sperm cells. Sperm cells are essential for fertilization when they combine with female gametes (egg cells) to form a zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo. The other options refer to functions associated with the female reproductive system, such as providing support for embryo development and supplying nutrient materials through a placenta.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Exposure to toxins during early stages of pregnancy is more likely to cause birth defects than exposure in late pregnancy because
- A.
Essential organs form during early development
- B.
The uterus provides more protection in late pregnancy
- C.
The placenta forms during late pregnancy
- D.
Meiosis occurs rapidly during early development
Correct Answer
A. Essential organs form during early developmentExplanation
EARLY PREGNANCY = DIFFERENTIATION. Essential organs (heart, nerves, etc.) are forming during these stages.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Although a liver cell and a muscle cell in a human developed from the same single cell, their appearance and functions are different. This is because the liver cell
- A.
Contains different genes than the muscle cell
- B.
Expresses different genes than the muscle cell
- C.
Destroys the muscle cell genes it contains
- D.
Lacks the genes found in muscle cells
Correct Answer
B. Expresses different genes than the muscle cellExplanation
All cells in an individual organism have the same DNA, which means they have the same genes as well. The reason we have different types of cells and organs is because only certain genes are expressed in each cell.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Sexual reproduction in a species usually results in
- A.
An increase in the chromosome number in the offspring
- B.
Offspring genetically identical to the parent
- C.
Recombination of genes
- D.
A decrease in biodiversity
Correct Answer
C. Recombination of genesExplanation
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION involves MEIOSIS, which re-combines chromosomes...this allows organisms that perform sexual reproduction more possibilities for variation.Rate this question:
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- 17.
As water flows downhill, its energy can be used to generate electricity. Later, this water may evaporate, fall as rain, and be used again to generate electricity in the same way. This explains why electricity generated with water is considered
- A.
A source of water pollution
- B.
A renewable form of energy
- C.
More expensive than nuclear energy
- D.
Responsible for global warming
Correct Answer
B. A renewable form of energyExplanation
The water is recycled in nature so it will always be present. It is considered RENEWABLE.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Scientists have found that although plants require light to carry on photosynthesis, very high levels of sunlight can kill some plants. This illustrates that many biochemical processes may occur
- A.
More rapidly when temperatures are very high
- B.
Within a specific range of conditions
- C.
Best in the absence of abiotic factors
- D.
Even if homeostasis is disrupted
Correct Answer
B. Within a specific range of conditionsExplanation
Every organism in nature survives within a specific range of conditions. HOMEOSTASIS is the balance that is maintained within this range of conditions.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A relationship between a consumer and producer is best illustrated by a
- A.
Snake eating a bird
- B.
Tree absorbing minerals
- C.
Fungus breaking down wastes
- D.
Deer eating grass
Correct Answer
D. Deer eating grassExplanation
PRODUCER: plant.
CONSUMER: animal...though DECOMPOSERS are also CONSUMERS, so think about the question when you encounter these types in the future.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The evolutionary pathways of several species are represented in the diagram below. Which species was best adapted for survival in changing environmental conditions?
- A.
A
- B.
E
- C.
K
- D.
L
Correct Answer
B. EExplanation
E appears in the pathway on 3 different occasions, while the other three appear only one time each.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The diagram below represents a microscopic view of blood. Cell A protects the body by producing specific chemicals in response to pathogens. Cell A is
- A.
A red blood cell
- B.
A bacteria cell
- C.
An insulin-producing cell
- D.
A white blood cell
Correct Answer
D. A white blood cellExplanation
White blood cells are found in the bloodstream and fights pathogens.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The diagram below represents a change in guard cells that open and close pores in a plant. This change directly helps to
- A.
Increase heterotrophic nutrition
- B.
Absorb minerals
- C.
Regulate water loss
- D.
Reduce seed production
Correct Answer
C. Regulate water lossExplanation
The guard cells open to release excess water AND exchange CO2 and O2 with the environment. They help to maintain homeostasis.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which statement represents a characteristic of an ecosystem that is not likely to sustain itself?
- A.
The Sun provides the needed energy.
- B.
Energy is transferred from plants to animals.
- C.
There are more consumers than producers.
- D.
There are interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.
Correct Answer
C. There are more consumers than producers.Explanation
Three of these options are good things and one of these things is a bad thing. If there are MORE CONSUMERS THAN PRODUCERS, there won't be enough food to go around...in other words, if an ecosystem had hundreds of deer but very little grass, the deer would die out.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which statement best explains why different plant species are found at different water depths as represented in the diagram below?
- A.
Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction, typically beginning with photosynthetic organisms.
- B.
In any particular environment, the growth and survival of organisms is affected by physical conditions.
- C.
Plants on land are higher up the food chain than plants under water.
- D.
Plant cells and some one-celled organisms contain chloroplasts.
Correct Answer
B. In any particular environment, the growth and survival of organisms is affected by pHysical conditions.Explanation
Some plants can tolerate deep water, while some tolerate shallow water, and yet others tolerate land...all physical conditions.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Some people see the benefit of wind energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels for energy production. Others believe it is dangerous for migratory birds. These opinions best illustrate that decisions about alternate energy sources
- A.
Will usually favor older methods of energy production over newer methods
- B.
Must be made by weighing the risks and costs against the benefits
- C.
Must be made by taking into account the present needs of the citizens without looking toward the future
- D.
Should be the responsibility of each individual
Correct Answer
B. Must be made by weighing the risks and costs against the benefitsExplanation
Considering both sides of the spectrum is called TRADE OFF...you compare the good things with the bad things.Rate this question:
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- 26.
One way humans can promote the survival of organisms in an ecosystem is to
- A.
Decrease diversity in plant habitats
- B.
Introduce new consumers to control autotrophs
- C.
Release extra CO2 into the atmosphere to help autotrophs
- D.
Learn about the interactions of populations
Correct Answer
D. Learn about the interactions of populationsExplanation
If you understand how organisms interact within a population, there is a better chance we can do more to help them to survive.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Environmentalists are hoping to protect endangered organisms by calling for a reduction in the use of pesticides, because loss of these organisms would
- A.
Increase the mutation rate in plants
- B.
Cause pesticides to become more toxic to insects
- C.
Reduce biodiversity in various ecosystems
- D.
Decrease the space and resources available to other organisms
Correct Answer
C. Reduce biodiversity in various ecosystemsExplanation
PESTICIDES kill organisms and can harm others that come into contact with affected organisms...If too many organisms die, the BIODIVERSITY will be reduced.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which farming practice causes the least harm to the environment?
- A.
Using natural predators to reduce insect numbers
- B.
Adding chemical fertilizers to all the crops in the area
- C.
Planting the same crop for 1 year on all the fields in the area
- D.
Planting the same crop in the same field each year for 10 years
Correct Answer
A. Using natural predators to reduce insect numbersExplanation
When farmers plant the same crop over and over again, the nutrients are not recycled into the soil...PESTICIDES cause harm to the plants and animals, so using NATURAL predators eliminates any possibility of an exotic species taking over an ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Some bacteria are unable to survive unless a certain nutrient is present in their food supply. After exposure to ultraviolet radiation, some of these bacteria are able to synthesize this nutrient. This change is most likely due to
- A.
Increased respiration
- B.
Exposure to an antigen
- C.
An alteration in a gene
- D.
Gamete formation
Correct Answer
C. An alteration in a geneExplanation
Radiation causes mutation. Some mutations are good, some are bad. In this case, it was a good mutation.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which action by humans could improve the quality of the air?
- A.
Building homes that use only oil furnaces for heat
- B.
Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline
- C.
Increasing the number of coal-burning power plants that generate electricity
- D.
Cutting down forests to clear land for factories
Correct Answer
B. Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasolineExplanation
Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline could improve the quality of the air. This action reduces the amount of fuel consumed and decreases the emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, leading to cleaner air.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light. Which statement is a possible hypothesis for this experiment that could be supported by the results of this experiment?
- A.
If the average number of chloroplasts in euglena decreases, will less nitrate be needed in each tank?
- B.
If the nitrate concentration is increased, then the euglena will have a lower average number of chloroplasts.
- C.
If the number of euglena in a tank increases, will more nitrates be produced?
- D.
If the nitrate concentration is decreased, then more light will reduce the average number of chloroplasts in euglena.
Correct Answer
B. If the nitrate concentration is increased, then the euglena will have a lower average number of chloroplasts.Explanation
Nitrates are pollutants and that will harm the euglena. Since euglenas have chloroplasts, they may be destroyed by pollutants, due to a chance of mutation.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light. Which statement correctly identifies a variable in this experiment?
- A.
The independent variable is the concentration of nitrate solution used.
- B.
The dependent variable is the number of euglena placed in the tanks.
- C.
The independent variable is the amount of sunlight.
- D.
The dependent variable is the number of tanks used.
Correct Answer
A. The independent variable is the concentration of nitrate solution used.Explanation
IF we change nitrates, THEN the chloroplasts will be affected.
IF = INDEPENDENT...the number of nitrates used.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light. Euglena can be classified as both
- A.
An autotroph and a parasite
- B.
A decomposer and a heterotroph
- C.
A producer and a parasite
- D.
An autotroph and a heterotroph
Correct Answer
D. An autotropH and a heterotropHExplanation
Autotrophs make their own food and heterotrophs consume other organisms...EUGLENA do both.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Two methods of reproduction are represented in the diagram below. How does the DNA in the offspring produced by these methods compare to the DNA in the original organism?
- A.
The offspring contain half the original number of chromosomes in each method.
- B.
The DNA in the offspring is genetically identical to that of the original organism in both methods.
- C.
The offspring produced by method A contain twice the original number of genes, while those produced by method B contain half the original number of genes.
- D.
The number of DNA bases is less than that of the original organism in method A, but more than the original number in method B.
Correct Answer
B. The DNA in the offspring is genetically identical to that of the original organism in both methods.Explanation
The sheep are CLONED through GENETIC ENGINEERING, while the single-celled organism are CLONED through MITOSIS...in both situations, the DNA is identical to the parent.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Puppies are often given medicine to eliminate roundworms from their intestines. These worms consume some of the food the puppies have digested. The worms and the puppies represent a relationship known as
- A.
Predator–prey
- B.
Consumer-producer
- C.
Parasite-host
- D.
Autotroph-heterotroph
Correct Answer
C. Parasite-hostExplanation
PARASITE is something that feeds on another organism, causing it harm while the HOST is the organism that is harmed.Rate this question:
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- 36.
The diagram below represents cells and hormones present in the human body. Which statement correctly describes an interaction between the hormones and the cells?
- A.
Hormone A is synthesized by cell 2 and targets cell 1.
- B.
Hormone B bonds with both cell 1 and cell 2.
- C.
Specific reactions carried out by cell 1 are regulated by hormone C.
- D.
The specialized receptor molecules on cell 1 secrete hormone B.
Correct Answer
C. Specific reactions carried out by cell 1 are regulated by hormone C.Explanation
The connections are as follows: CELL 1 interacts with HORMONE C, while CELL 2 interacts with HORMONE A.Rate this question:
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- 37.
In the diagram below, which letter indicates the part of the cell that carries out a function most similar to a function of the human excretory system?
- A.
A
- B.
B
- C.
C
- D.
D
Correct Answer
B. BExplanation
EXCRETORY system REMOVES WASTE from the body...MEMBRANES REMOVE WASTE from the cell...they have similar functions.Rate this question:
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- 38.
In a DNA sample, 15% of the bases are thymine (T). What percentage of the bases in this sample are adenine (A)?
- A.
15%
- B.
30%
- C.
35%
- D.
85%
Correct Answer
A. 15%Explanation
This one is a bit tricky: If there is 15% T, there must be 15% A as well. That leaves 70% for BOTH C and G...each C and G must be 35%.
15 + 15 + 35 + 35 = 100%Rate this question:
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- 39.
The graph below shows the results of an action of the enzyme catalase on a piece of meat. Evidence of enzyme activity is indicated by bubbles of oxygen. Which statement best summarizes the activity of catalase shown in the graph?
- A.
The enzyme works better at 10°C than at 50°C.
- B.
The enzyme works better at 5°C than at 65°C.
- C.
The enzyme works better at 35°C than at either temperature extreme.
- D.
The enzyme works at the same level in all environments.
Correct Answer
C. The enzyme works better at 35°C than at either temperature extreme.Explanation
According to the graph, the enzyme functions better in the middle range, which is around 35°C.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Which process is represented in the diagram below?
- A.
Energy flow
- B.
Biological evolution
- C.
Cellular communication
- D.
Ecological succession
Correct Answer
D. Ecological successionExplanation
This diagram represents what is happening following a forest fire. Although it is not diagrammed like other examples, it still shows ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION.Rate this question:
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- 41.
Base your answer to this question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents various levels of interaction between organisms in a prairie ecosystem. If the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were to decrease, which organism in the diagram would be one of the first affected by this change?
- A.
Hawks
- B.
Wheat
- C.
Locusts
- D.
Mold
Correct Answer
B. WheatExplanation
Wheat uses CARBON DIOXIDE during the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS, and would therefore be affected first.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Base your answer to this question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents various levels of interaction between organisms in a prairie ecosystem. Which statement best describes a function of the molds, bacteria, and yeasts in this ecosystem?
- A.
They convert light energy into chemical energy.
- B.
They carry out a food-making process, using inorganic raw materials.wheat
- C.
They break down dead organisms, releasing raw materials to the environment.
- D.
They act as catalysts to speed up the energy flow between organisms.mold
Correct Answer
C. They break down dead organisms, releasing raw materials to the environment.Explanation
DECOMPOSERS RECYCLE nutrients in the environment.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The diagram below represents the measurement of a biological specimen. What is the approximate length of the specimen in millimeters?
- A.
25 mm
- B.
30 mm
- C.
35 mm
- D.
40 mm
Correct Answer
A. 25 mmExplanation
The organism starts out at 1 cm (which is 10 mm) and ends at 3.5 cm (which is 35 mm)...the difference is 2.5 cm (which is 25 mm).Rate this question:
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.png "The evolutionary pathways of several species are represented in the diagram below.
Which species was best adapted for survival in changing environmental conditions?")
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