Practice Test 94 - High School Biology

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

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1. Claim: A population of rabbits evolved a higher frequency of white fur after several snowy winters. Evidence: 1) In 2010, 12% of rabbits in the population had white fur; in 2020, 48% had white fur. 2) In 2020, predators caught brown rabbits more often than white rabbits when snow cover was present. 3) One rabbit's fur appeared lighter in winter than in summer. 4) In 2020, white fur rabbits were found mostly in the northern part of the habitat. Which evaluation is most accurate?
2. Two populations of the same lizard species were measured for tail length (cm). Population A tail lengths (cm): minimum 9, maximum 21 Population B tail lengths (cm): minimum 14, maximum 18 Which population shows more variation in tail length, based on range?
3. Commercial fishing removes a large percentage of big predatory fish (such as tuna) from an ocean region over several decades. Scientists then observe an increase in smaller fish and invertebrates that were previously eaten by the predators. Which statement best describes the ecosystem impact of this human activity?
4. A student claims: "Because decomposers break down dead organisms from every trophic level, decomposers must receive 100% of the ecosystem's energy, so energy is not lost between trophic levels." Which response best corrects the student's claim?
5. A fishery targets a species whose population has declined due to overharvesting. Managers propose a sustainable-use plan: lower catch limits, seasonal closures during spawning, and gear restrictions to reduce bycatch. Which is the best scientific assessment of this approach for preserving biodiversity while allowing fishing to continue?
6. A starfish can reproduce by fragmentation: a piece breaks off and grows into a new starfish. Which choice correctly identifies the type of reproduction and its main genetic consequence?
7. A diploid cell in a human ovary (46 chromosomes) undergoes meiosis to form gametes. Which statement best explains how meiosis contributes to genetic diversity in the gametes produced?
8. Two versions of a DNA segment are shown: Version 1: ATGCCC Version 2: ATGCTC They differ by one base. Conceptually, why might this single change matter for genetic information?
9. A population of insects includes two phenotypes: susceptible (S) and pesticide-resistant (R). Counts were recorded before pesticide use and 10 years after repeated pesticide spraying. Before spraying (Year 0): S = 980, R = 20 After spraying (Year 10): S = 150, R = 850 Which statement best explains why these data are evidence of evolution?
10. Claim: Group living increases survival, but it may also increase disease transmission. Field data from a mammal species over one year: - Average group size in Region A: 15 - Average group size in Region B: 3 Outcomes: - Annual survival: Region A = 82%, Region B = 70% - Infection rate of a contagious parasite: Region A = 38%, Region B = 12% Which choice is the most accurate evaluation of how these data relate to the claim that group living increases survival?
11. After a sugary snack, blood glucose rises above normal. The body releases insulin, causing cells to take up glucose so blood glucose falls back toward normal. Which type of feedback mechanism is described?​
12. In a population of mice, the frequency of a dark-fur allele (D) was measured before and after a habitat change from light sand to dark volcanic rock. Year → habitat → frequency of D: 1970 → light sand → 0.18 1980 → light sand → 0.16 1990 → dark rock → 0.31 2000 → dark rock → 0.55 2010 → dark rock → 0.72 Which statement best interprets the trend?
13. A region wants to reduce climate-related ecosystem stress (heat waves, drought, shifting species ranges). Two actions are proposed: Action A replaces coal electricity with wind and solar over the next decade. Action B builds shaded wildlife feeding stations in several parks to help animals during heat waves. Which evaluation is most accurate?
14. A population of rabbits has heritable variation in fur thickness. A cold climate arrives and lasts for many years. Rabbits with thicker fur survive winter better and produce more offspring than rabbits with thinner fur. Which outcome is most likely after many generations, and why?
15. A flower-color gene codes for an enzyme that makes purple pigment. One allele ($P$) produces a working enzyme; another allele ($p$) produces a nonworking enzyme. Plants with $PP$ or $Pp$ have purple flowers, while $pp$ plants have white flowers. Which choice best connects gene protein trait in this scenario?
16. A student says, "Plants get energy from sunlight." In photosynthesis, what happens to the light energy absorbed by chlorophyll in a leaf?
17. A scientist tracks the frequency of allele $H$ (heat-tolerance) in a fish population. A long-term warming trend begins around Year 6. Year 0: $f(H)=0.12$ Year 3: $f(H)=0.11$ Year 6: $f(H)=0.13$ Year 9: $f(H)=0.28$ Year 12: $f(H)=0.49$ Year 15: $f(H)=0.63$ Which statement is best supported by the data?
18. After a mine drainage event, a lake became more acidic. Scientists measured pH (lower pH = more acidic) and amphibian egg mass counts each spring. Table: - Pre-event: pH 7.1; egg masses 46 - Year 0: pH 4.9; egg masses 5 - Year 2: pH 5.6; egg masses 18 - Year 6: pH 6.8; egg masses 39 Which statement best describes recovery completeness by Year 6?
19. A coastal community increases commercial fishing of a top predator (e.g., large predatory fish). Which model best shows a plausible multi-step cascade that can reduce biodiversity?
20. A forest is being fragmented by new roads and housing, isolating populations of a small mammal that needs large territories. A conservation group can either (A) buy and protect a continuous corridor of existing forest connecting two larger forest patches, or (B) plant tree seedlings in a small cleared area while development continues around it. Which choice is most likely to be effective and sustainable for maintaining the mammal population, and why?

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