Practice Test 65 - High School Biology

20 questions. Answer them in any order, then submit to see your score and every explanation.

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1. In an energy pyramid, producers contain 25,000 units of energy and primary consumers contain 2,500 units. How much energy is lost between producers and primary consumers?
2. A coastal fish species has heritable variation in heat tolerance. Over several decades, average ocean temperatures rise. Fish with low heat tolerance experience more stress and produce fewer surviving offspring than fish with high heat tolerance. What is the most likely result if warming continues?
3. A gene segment is transcribed when the DNA double helix opens, RNA nucleotides base-pair to one DNA strand (the template), RNA polymerase joins the nucleotides, and the new RNA strand separates while the DNA re-zips. Which sequence of events matches transcription most accurately?
4. In transcription, RNA polymerase moves along a DNA template strand and builds an mRNA strand by joining RNA nucleotides that are complementary to the DNA bases (with U instead of T). Which option best describes what RNA polymerase does in transcription?
5. A deer population graph shows an S-shaped curve: slow increase at first, then a steep rise, then a plateau near 800 deer. During which part of the curve is the growth rate (slope) fastest?
6. During a 2-minute sprint, a student breathes faster and their heart rate increases. How do the respiratory and circulatory systems work together to help the leg muscles keep contracting during the sprint?
7. A model connects photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Based on the arrows, which sequence correctly traces the one-way flow of energy through the system?
8. An old-growth forest experiences a dry summer. Stream flow and tree growth decrease only slightly, and the forest canopy remains intact. This most directly demonstrates the forest's—
9. Which equation shows cellular respiration (not photosynthesis)?
10. A well-known example of a mutation is a single base substitution in the gene for hemoglobin (often discussed in relation to sickle cell). This changes one amino acid in the hemoglobin protein. What does this example best illustrate about substitutions?
11. A student measured the mass (g) of 6 seeds from the same plant population: 1.8, 2.0, 2.1, 2.1, 2.3, 2.7. Which statement is supported by these data?
12. A fish population has heritable variation in coloration: some fish are bright, others are dull. In a clear-water lake with many visual predators, dull fish are harder to spot. In a different lake with murky water and few predators, bright fish attract more mates. Which statement best shows that the advantage of a trait depends on the environment?
13. In a meerkat group, one individual stands upright on a rock while the others forage. When the sentinel spots an eagle, it gives a loud alarm call and the foragers run to burrows. Sentinels take turns, and the caller spends less time feeding while on watch. Which option best identifies the cooperative behavior and its benefit?
14. A gardener grows new potato plants by planting pieces of a potato tuber. The new plants are genetically identical to the original potato plant. Which statement is correct?
15. A forest supports several bird species that nest in old, large trees. Logging has reduced the number of these trees, and bird populations are declining. Two conservation actions are proposed: Action A: Set aside a protected area where logging is prohibited, especially in stands with many old trees. Action B: Build nest boxes throughout logged areas to replace natural nesting sites. Which statement best evaluates these actions for long-term biodiversity preservation?
16. A student says, "All sperm from one person should be genetically identical because they come from the same body." Which response best corrects the student using meiosis concepts?
17. Where does translation mainly occur in a eukaryotic cell?
18. A mining site was restored by adding clean soil and replanting native grasses in Year 0. Scientists tracked soil pH and plant species richness. Data: - Undisturbed reference meadow: pH = 6.5; richness = 28 - Restored site Year 0: pH = 4.3; richness = 5 - Restored site Year 2: pH = 5.6; richness = 16 - Restored site Year 6: pH = 6.3; richness = 23 Which statement best describes the restored site by Year 6 compared with the reference meadow?
19. An endangered predator is being considered for reintroduction into a large protected area where it historically lived. The plan includes: protecting den sites from disturbance, monitoring prey populations, and educating nearby residents on securing livestock and trash. Which factor is the best reason this plan is more feasible and sustainable than releasing predators without additional actions?
20. A bird species has heritable variation in beak size. On Island 1, a drought leaves mostly large, hard seeds. On Island 2, the available seeds are mostly small and soft. Which statement best describes how natural selection will differ between the two islands?

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