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1.
Part A
Answer all questions in this part. [30]
Directions (1 - 30): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.
1 The diagram below represents an energy
pyramid.
In this pyramid, the greatest amount of stored
energy is found at level
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D Answer: 4 2. 2 A certain species of plant serves as the only food
for the young larvae of a particular species of
butterï¬y. In a large ï¬eld, a disease kills all the
members of this plant species. As a result of the
plant disease, the butterï¬y population will most
likely
(1) quickly adapt to eat other plants
(2) disappear from the area
(3) evolve to form a new species
(4) enter the adult stage more quickly Answer: 2 3. 3 When handling cat litter, humans can potentially
be exposed to a harmful single-celled protozoan.
Its primary host is the common domestic cat, but
it can also live in humans. This protozoan is an
example of a
(1) predator (3) parasite
(2) producer (4) scavenger Answer: 3
4. 4 Certain seaweeds contain a greater concentration
of iodine inside their cells than there is in the
seawater surrounding them. The energy required
to maintain this concentration difference is most
closely associated with the action of
(1) ribosomes (3) vacuoles
(2) mitochondria (4) nuclei Answer: 2 5. 5 Doctors sometimes use a vaccine to prepare the
body to defend itself against future infections.
These vaccines most often contain
(1) antibodies
(2) antibiotics
(3) white blood cells
(4) weakened pathogens Answer: 4 6. 6 Building large manufacturing facilities can affect
ecosystems by increasing the
(1) atmospheric quality
(2) biodiversity in the area
(3) demand for resources such as fossil fuels
(4) availability of space and resources for
organisms Answer: 3 7. 7 An ameba is a single-celled organism. It uses
its cell membrane to obtain food from its
environment, digests the food with the help
of organelles called lysosomes, and uses other
organelles to process the digested food. From
this, we can best infer that
(1) all single-celled organisms have lysosomes to
digest food
(2) amebas are capable of digesting any type of
food molecule
(3) single-celled organisms are as complex as
multicellular organisms
(4) structures in amebas have functions similar
to organs in multicellular organisms Answer: 4 8. 8 White blood cells are most closely associated
with which two body systems?
(1) circulatory and digestive
(2) immune and circulatory
(3) digestive and excretory
(4) excretory and immune Answer: 2 9. 9 Carnivorous plants, such as pitcher plants and
sundews, live in bogs where many other organisms
cannot. Due to the high rate of decomposition
occurring in bogs, the environment is acidic and
contains very little oxygen and nutrients. The
bogs only support certain types of organisms
because
(1) organisms in an environment are not limited
by available energy and resources
(2) the growth and survival of organisms depends
upon speciï¬c physical conditions
(3) favorable gene mutations only occur when
organisms live in harsh environments
(4) photosynthetic organisms can only inhabit
environments that have a low acidity Answer: 2 10. 10 Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally.
If the human body cannot sweat properly, it
cannot cool itself, which is potentially harmful.
Anhidrosis most directly interferes with
(1) a feedback mechanism that maintains
homeostasis
(2) an immune system response to harmless
antigens
(3) the synthesis of hormones in the circulatory
system
(4) the enzymatic breakdown of water in cells Answer: 1 11. 11 The hair colors of the members of a family are
listed below.
mother - brown hair
father - blond hair
older son - brown hair
younger son - blond hair
The hair colors of the sons are most likely a direct
result of
(1) natural selection in males
(2) heredity
(3) evolution
(4) environmental inï¬uences Answer: 2 12. 12 A sample of DNA from a human skin cell
contains 32% cytosine (C) bases. Approximately
what percentage of the bases in this sample will
be thymine (T)?
(1) 18 (3) 32
(2) 24 (4) 36 Answer: 1 13. 13 Carmine, a compound that comes from the
cochineal beetle, shown below, is used as a food
coloring.
The food coloring is not harmful to most people,
but in a small number of individuals, it causes a
reaction and affects their ability to breathe. This
response to carmine is known as
(1) a stimulus (3) natural selection
(2) an allergy (4) an adaptation Answer: 2 14. 14 As a way to reduce the number of cases of
malaria, a human tropical disease, a speciï¬c
DNA sequence is inserted into the reproductive
cells of Anopheles mosquitoes. Which process
was most likely used to alter these mosquitoes?
(1) cloning studies
(2) genetic engineering
(3) natural selection
(4) random mutations Answer: 2 15. 15 Which row in the chart below accurately identiï¬es two causes of mutations and the cells that must be
affected in order for the mutations to be passed on to offspring?
Answer: 4
16. 16 Many tiny plants can be seen developing asexually along the edge of the mother-of-thousands plant leaf, as
shown in the photo below. The tiny plants eventually drop to the ground and grow into new plants of the
same species.
One way this form of reproduction differs from sexual reproduction is
(1) more genetic variations are seen in the offspring
(2) there is a greater chance for mutations to occur
(3) the offspring and the parents are genetically identical
(4) the new plants possess the combined genes of both parents Answer: 3 17. 17 A food web is represented in the diagram below.
If the ï¬sh population decreases, what is the most direct effect this will have on the aquatic ecosystem?
(1) The leopard seals will all die from lack of food.
(2) The krill population will only be consumed by seagulls.
(3) The zooplankton population will increase in size.
(4) The phytoplankton population will increase in size. Answer: 3 18. 18 The chart below shows a sequence of events that was observed at an abandoned ski center over a period of
years.
This sequence of changes is the result of
(1) ecological succession (3) biological evolution
(2) decreased biodiversity (4) environmental trade-offs Answer: 1 19. 19 Some salmon have been genetically modiï¬ed to
grow bigger and mature faster than wild salmon.
They are kept in ï¬sh-farming facilities. Which
statement regarding genetically modiï¬ed salmon
is correct?
(1) Genetically modiï¬ed salmon produce more
of some proteins than wild salmon.
(2) Genetically modiï¬ed salmon and wild salmon
would have identical DNA.
(3) Wild salmon reproduce asexually while
genetically modiï¬ed salmon reproduce
sexually.
(4) Wild salmon have an altered protein
sequence, but genetically modiï¬ed salmon
do not. Answer: 1 20. 20 Which group of organisms in an ecosystem ï¬lls
the niche of recycling organic matter back to the
environment?
(1) carnivores (3) producers
(2) decomposers (4) predators Answer: 2 21. 21 The use of solar panels has increased in the last
ten years. A beneï¬t of using solar energy would
include
(1) adding more carbon dioxide to the
atmosphere
(2) using less fossil fuel to meet energy needs
(3) using a nonrenewable source of energy
(4) releasing more gases for photosynthesis Answer: 2 22. 22 In a sewage treatment facility, an optimal
environment is maintained for the survival of
naturally occurring species of microorganisms.
These organisms can then break the sewage
down into relatively harmless wastewater. For
these microorganisms, the wastewater facility
serves as
(1) its carrying capacity (3) an ecosystem
(2) a food chain (4) an energy pyramid Answer: 3 23. 23 The diagram below represents a process taking
place in a cell.
The type of organic molecule that is being
synthesized is
(1) DNA (3) protein
(2) starch (4) fat Answer: 3 24. 24 The governments of many countries have
regulations that are designed to prevent the
accidental introduction of nonnative insects into
their countries. This is because, in these new
habitats, the nonnative insects might
(1) become food for birds
(2) not survive a cold winter
(3) not have natural predators
(4) add to the biodiversity Answer: 3 25. 25 The process of transferring energy during
respiration occurs in a series of steps. This
prevents too much heat from being released at one
time. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is
beneï¬cial to an organism because
(1) enzymes need a proper range of temperatures
to catalyze vital reactions
(2) cellular waste products can only be excreted
in cooler temperatures
(3) hormones can only produce antibodies if
temperatures are not excessive
(4) nutrients diffuse faster into cells when
temperatures are lower Answer: 1 26. 26 The diagram below represents some structures
in the human female reproductive system.
The processes of meiosis and fertilization are
essential in human reproduction. Which row in
the chart correctly identiï¬es where in the female
reproductive system these two processes occur?
Answer: 3 27. 27 Fruits and vegetables exposed to air begin to
brown because of a chemical reaction in their
cells. This may result in these foods being thrown
out. Some people have found that adding lemon
juice (citric acid) to apple slices keeps them from
turning brown. The prevention of browning is
likely the result of
(1) increasing the concentration of enzymes
(2) increasing the temperature
(3) slowing the rate of enzyme action
(4) maintaining the pH Answer: 3 28. 28 Scientists monitoring frog populations have
noticed that the ratio of male frogs to female
frogs varies when certain chemicals are present in
the environment. The inï¬uence of estrogen, for
example, has a noticeable effect. In the presence
of a higher amount of estrogen, it would be most
likely that
(1) fewer males would be found because they are
much larger and fewer are produced
(2) fewer females would be found because they
are more sensitive to pesticides
(3) more males would be found because
estrogen promotes the development of male
characteristics
(4) more females would be found because
estrogen promotes the development of
female characteristics Answer: 4 29. 29 Which action could humans take to slow the rate
of global warming?
(1) Cut down trees for more efï¬cient land use.
(2) Increase the consumption of petroleum
products.
(3) Use alternate sources of energy such as wind.
(4) Reduce the use of fuel-efï¬cient automobiles. Answer: 3 30. 30 The role of antibodies in the human body is to
(1) stimulate pathogen reproduction to produce
additional white blood cells
(2) increase the production of guard cells to
defend against pathogens
(3) promote the production of antigens to
stimulate an immune response
(4) recognize foreign antigens and mark them
for destruction Answer: 4
31.
Part B - 1
Answer all questions in this part. [13]
Directions (31 - 43): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Base your answers to questions 31 and 32 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
Fossil Footprints
Scientists examined a trail of fossil footprints left by early humans in soft, volcanic ash
in Eastern Africa. A drawing of the trail of footprints is shown below. Each footprint is
represented as a series of lines indicating the depth that different parts of the foot sank into
the volcanic ash.
31 Which statement is an accurate observation that can be made based on this trail of footprints?
(1) The individuals were running from a predator.
(2) The volcano was about to erupt again.
(3) One individual was much taller than the other.
(4) One individual had larger feet than the other. Answer: 4 32. 32 The type of information directly provided by these fossil footprints is useful because it
(1) offers details about how these individuals changed during their lifetime
(2) offers data regarding their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
(3) is a record of information about what these individuals ate during their lifetime
(4) is a record of some similarities and differences they share with present-day species Answer: 4 33. 33 Since the early 1990s, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been widely used to treat acid reï¬ux disease.
Although clinical tests in the 1980s deemed PPIs to be safe for humans, in 2012 the FDA announced
warnings that long-term use of PPIs could increase the risk of bone fractures, kidney disease, and some
intestinal infections.
Which statement best explains why the safety of PPIs is now in question when clinical experiments in the
1980s provided evidence that they were safe?
(1) Researchers have been able to collect more data than were available in the 1980s.
(2) Fewer people had acid reï¬ux in the 1980s compared to today.
(3) The medication containing PPIs has changed since the 1980s when tests were done.
(4) The original experiments in the 1980s used only test animals and did not use human subjects. Answer: 1 34. 34 The process of embryonic development is represented in the diagram below.
The three arrows in the diagram each represent a process known as
(1) mitotic cell division
(2) meiotic cell division
(3) fertilization of gamete cells
(4) differentiation of tissues Answer: 1 35. 35 A cell with receptors for two different hormones is represented below.
Which chemical would most likely interfere with the activity of hormone A, but not hormone B?
Answer: 1 36. Base your answers to questions 36 through 39 on the information and photograph below and on your
knowledge of biology.
Scientists Investigate Sex Determination in Alligators
The sex of some reptiles, including the American alligator, is determined by the
temperature at which the eggs are incubated. For example, incubating them at 33°C
produces mostly males, while incubation at 30°C produces mostly females.
Scientists recently discovered a thermosensor protein, TRPV4, that is associated with this
process in American alligators. TRPV4 is activated by temperatures near the mid-30s, and
increases the movement of calcium ions into certain cells involved with sex determination.
36 The results of this scientiï¬c investigation will most likely lead other scientists to hypothesize that
(1) human sex cells also contain the TRPV4 protein
(2) other reptiles may have the TRPV4 protein in their eggs
(3) the TRPV4 protein affects the growth of plants
(4) the TRPV4 protein is present in all of the foods eaten by alligators Answer: 2 37. 37 Which information was most essential in preparing to carry out this scientiï¬c investigation?
(1) a knowledge of the variety of mutations found in American alligator populations
(2) the arrangement of the DNA bases found in the TRPV4 protein
(3) the effects of temperature on the incubation of alligator eggs
(4) a knowledge of previous cloning experiments conducted on alligators and other reptiles Answer: 3 38. 38 The movement of the calcium ions into certain cells is most likely due to
(1) the destruction of the TRPV4 when it contacts the cell membrane
(2) the action of TRPV4 proteins on the cells involved with sex determination
(3) the sex of the alligator embryo present in that particular egg
(4) the action of receptor proteins attached to the mitochondria in alligator sex cells Answer: 2 39. 39 Environmental changes, such as global warming, could affect species such as the American alligator because
even slight increases in environmental temperature could
(1) lead to an overabundance of females and few, if any, males
(2) lead to an overabundance of males and few, if any, females
(3) cause the breakdown of the TRPV4 protein in female alligators
(4) increase the rate at which calcium ions exit the sex cells Answer: 2 40. 40 Which human activity can have a negative impact on the stability of a mature ecosystem?
(1) replanting trees in areas where forests have been cut down for lumber
(2) building dams to control the ï¬ow of water in rivers, in order to produce electricity
(3) preserving natural wetlands, such as swamps, to reduce ï¬ooding after heavy rainfalls
(4) passing laws that limit the dumping of pollutants in forests Answer: 2 41. Base your answer to question 41 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram
represents a pond ecosystem.
41 Energy in this ecosystem passes directly from the Sun to
(1) herbivores (3) heterotrophs
(2) consumers (4) autotrophs Answer: 4 42. Base your answers to questions 42 and 43 on the information and photograph below and on your knowledge
of biology.
Wild horses called mustangs roam acres of federally owned land in the western United
States. These horses have overgrazed the local vegetation to the extent that plants and soils
are being lost entirely.
When the number of mustangs that roam the land exceeds the number of horses that
the land can sustain, the government organizes helicopter-driven roundups. The horses are
guided into a roped-off area and then are sold to the public or brought to pastures in the
Midwest. About one percent of the horses captured die from injuries or accidents that occur
during roundups.
42 The risk to the horses during the roundups compared to the entire loss of plants and soils is considered
(1) selective breeding (3) direct harvesting
(2) a technological ï¬x (4) a trade-off Answer: 4 43. 43 The number of organisms that an area of land can sustain over a long period of time is known as
(1) ecological succession (3) its carrying capacity
(2) its ï¬nite resources (4) evolutionary change Answer: 3
44. Part B - 2
Answer all questions in this part. [12]
Directions (44 - 55): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet
the number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all
other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this
examination booklet.
Base your answers to questions 44 through 48 on the information and data table below and on your knowledge
of biology.
White Nose Syndrome Found in Bats
White nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease found in bats. The disease, first detected in
bats during the winter of 2006, is characterized by the appearance of a white fungus on the
nose, skin, and wings of some bats, which live in and around caves and mines. It affects the
cycle of hibernation and is responsible for the deaths of large numbers of bats of certain
species. In some areas, 80-90% of bats have died. Not all bats in an area are affected, and
certain bats that are susceptible in one area are not affected in other areas.
The roles of temperature and humidity in the environment of the bats are two of the
many factors being investigated to help control the disease. Over the past few years, the
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey conducted summer bat counts of two bat
species at 22 different sites, totaled the number, and reported the results. The approximate
numbers of bats counted (to the nearest hundred) are listed in the table below.
Directions (44 - 46): Using the information in the data table, construct a line graph on the grid on the next
page, following the directions below.
44 Mark an appropriate scale, without any breaks in the data, on the axis labeled âNumber of Bats.â [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit for marking an appropriate scale, without any breaks in the data, on the axis labeled
âNumber of Bats.â
Note: Do not allow credit if the grid is extended to accommodate the scale.
45. 45 Plot the data for big brown bats on the grid, connect the points, and surround each point with a small circle.
[1]
Example: Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit for correctly plotting the data for big brown bats, connecting the points, and
surrounding each point with a small circle.
46. 46 Plot the data for little brown bats on the grid, connect the points, and surround each point with a small
triangle. [1]
Example: Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit for correctly plotting the data for little brown bats, connecting the points, and
surrounding each point with a small triangle.
Example of a 3-credit response for questions 44 - 46.
Note: Allow credit only if circles and triangles are used.
Do not assume that the intersection of the x- and y-axes is the origin (0,0) unless it is
labeled. An appropriate scale only needs to include the data range in the data table.
Do not allow credit if points are plotted that are not in the data table, e.g., (0,0), or for
extending lines beyond the data points.
Do not deduct more than 1 credit for plotting points that are not in the data table or for
extending lines beyond the data points.
47.
Note: The answer to question 47 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
47 Biologists in New York and Vermont have noted that, in recent years, a higher percentage of the little brown
bats are now surviving. Which statement best explains this increased survival rate?
(1) A few of the bats possessed an immunity to the WNS disease and produced offspring that were immune.
(2) The bats needed to reproduce in greater numbers, otherwise they would have died out completely.
(3) The people that performed the recent counts did not identify the bats correctly and were counting bats
of a different species.
(4) The original decline in the bat population due to WNS was a natural occurrence and is part of a natural
cycle. Answer: 1 48. 48 Conservation groups have promoted the building and placing of bat houses in areas thought to be most
suitable for bat populations. Explain why this might have a positive effect on the control of WNS in bats. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- The bat houses are more easily monitored than the natural bat habitats and the sick bats
could be removed or treated.
- The factors of temperature and humidity could be better controlled.
- The bat houses can be sterilized and the disease will be less likely to be transmitted.
- The degree of contact between members of the bat population would be less, slowing the
spread of the disease.
- keeps bats away from infected areas/infected bats
49. Note: The answer to question 49 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
49 In the coastal waters off western North America, there is a starï¬sh species that feeds primarily on mussels,
another marine organism. In an experimental area, the starï¬sh were removed from the waters. The effect of
this removal is shown in the graph below.
What conclusion can be made regarding the role of the starï¬sh in this ecosystem?
(1) The biodiversity of this ecosystem increased within ten years as organisms adjusted to the loss of the
starï¬sh.
(2) The starï¬sh is important in maintaining the biodiversity of this ecosystem.
(3) When the starï¬sh were removed, the ecosystem decreased in stability and increased in biodiversity.
(4) Biodiversity in this ecosystem is not dependent on the presence of starï¬sh. Answer: 2 50. Base your answers to questions 50 through 52 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
Biomass Energy
Biomass is the term for all living, or recently living, materials coming from plants and
animals that can be used as a source of energy. Biomass can be burned to produce heat and
used to make electricity. The most common materials used for biomass energy are wood,
plants, decaying materials, and wastes, including garbage and food waste. Burning the wood
and plant matter does produce some air pollutants. Biomass contains energy that originally
came from the Sun. Some biomass can be converted into liquid biofuels. These biofuels can
be used to power cars and machinery.
Note: The answer to question 50 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
50 In a community, before biomass is widely used as an energy source, several experts, including an ecologist,
are hired to provide speciï¬c information. The ecologist would most likely be asked about
(1) the cost of producing the fuel compared with the proï¬t when the fuel is sold
(2) whether the fuel will be widely accepted by consumers
(3) what effect the production of the fuel will have on the environment
(4) the time it will take to produce large amounts of the fuel Answer: 3 51. 51 Explain why biomass is considered a renewable energy source. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Biomass is continually being produced by plants and animals.
- More plants or trees can be grown to replace those used for fuel.
- Humans will always be generating food wastes and garbage.
- Biomass is an energy source that is quickly replaced by natural processes.
52. 52 State one speciï¬c advantage and one speciï¬c disadvantage of the use of biofuels as an energy source. [1]
Advantage:
Disadvantage: Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW[1] Allow 1 credit for one specific advantage and one specific disadvantage of the use of biofuels as an
energy source. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
Advantage:
- Fossil fuel use will decrease.
- less waste or garbage in the landfills
- less use of gasoline
- It is renewable.
- It can be used to power cars and generate electricity.
Disadvantage:
- fewer crops for food
- There will still be some pollution.
- Burning the wood and plant matter produces some air pollution.
- Transporting it can be costly.
53. Base your answers to questions 53 and 54 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
Photosynthesis is a process that is important to the survival of many organisms on Earth.
53 Identify two raw materials necessary for photosynthesis. [1]
and - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- carbon dioxide/CO2
- water/H2O
Note: Do not accept sunlight. Sunlight is a form of energy, not a raw material.
54. 54 State one reason why photosynthesis is necessary for animals to survive. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Photosynthesis provides the raw materials for cell respiration.
- A product of photosynthesis is glucose/other energy-containing compounds that
heterotrophs use for food.
- It is the source of stored energy for the ecosystem.
- Photosynthesis produces oxygen.
Note: Do not accept âphotosynthesis makes energy.â It stores, transfers, or transforms energy.
55. 55 The diagram below represents a pond ecosystem.
Identify one abiotic factor present in the pond ecosystem and explain how this abiotic factor would affect the
frogs in the pond. [1]
Abiotic factor: Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for identifying one abiotic factor present in the pond ecosystem and explaining how
this abiotic factor would affect the frogs in the pond. Acceptable responses include, but are not
limited to:
Abiotic factor: Sun
Effect: The Sun provides energy to the plants so they can perform photosynthesis to produce
oxygen/food for the frogs.
Abiotic factor: Oxygen
Effect: Frogs use oxygen for respiration.
Abiotic factor: pH/temperature
Effect: If the pH/temperature of the water is too high or low, the frogs could die.
Abiotic factor: Soil
Effect: It anchors the plants where frogs hide and tadpoles eat.
Abiotic factor: Water
Effect: The frogs need the water for their habitat.
56.
Part C
Answer all questions in this part. [17]
Directions (56 - 72): Record your answers in the spaces provided in this examination booklet. Base your answers to questions 56 through 58 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
Bye - Bye Bananas?
The worldâs most popular type of banana is facing a major health crisis. According to
a new study, a disease caused by a powerful fungus is killing the Cavendish banana, which
accounts for 99% of the banana market around the globe. The disease, called tropical race 4
(TR4), has affected banana crops in southeast Asia for decades. In recent years, it has spread
to the Middle East and the African nation of Mozambique. Now experts fear the disease will
show up in Latin America, where the majority of the worldâs bananas are grown. â¦
â¦Once a banana plant is infected with TR4, it cannot get nourishment from water and
nutrients, and basically dies of thirst. TR4 lives in soil, and can easily end up on a personâs
boots. If the contaminated boots are then worn on a ï¬eld where Cavendish bananas are
grown, the disease could be transferred. âOnce a ï¬eld has been contaminated with the
disease, you canât grow Cavendish bananas there anymore,â Randy Ploetz [scientist] says.
âThe disease lasts a long time in the soil.ââ¦
â¦But Cavendish [banana] is also particularly vulnerable to TR4. The banana is grown
in what is called monoculture. âYou see a big ï¬eld of bananas and each one is genetically
identical to its neighborâ Ploetz says. âAnd they are all uniformly susceptible to this disease.
So once one plant gets infected, it just runs like wildï¬re throughout that entire plantation.ââ¦
Source: http://www.timeforkids.come/new/bye-bye-bananas/3311666
56 State how the TR4 fungus threatens homeostasis within the banana plant. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- The TR4 fungus interferes with the transport of water and other materials within the
banana plant.
- The fungus that attacks the banana plant interferes with the plantâs normal functions and
the plant basically dies of thirst.
- The fungus prevents water from reaching the leaves, preventing photosynthesis.
- The plant cannot get nourishment from water and nutrients.
57. 57 Explain why the entire Cavendish banana crop worldwide is particularly vulnerable to the TR4 fungus. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- All of the banana plants are genetically identical.
- There is no diversity among the most common type of bananas that people consume.
- Without genetic variation, the banana plants are more likely to be killed by the fungus.
- The crop is grown in monoculture, so all plants are susceptible.
- The fungus is easily transferred.
58. 58 If the fungus cannot be stopped by chemical treatment of the soil, describe one other possible way that the
growers may be able to combat the disease. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Look for a biological control that would attack the fungus.
- Genetically engineer the bananas so that they are not affected by the fungus.
- Do not allow people to bring contaminated boots to new areas.
59. Base your answers to questions 59 through 61 on the passage below and on your knowledge of biology.
Lead Poisoning
Two pathways by which lead can enter the human body are ingestion and inhalation.
Once in the bloodstream, lead is distributed to parts of the body including the brain, bones,
and teeth.
One reason that lead is toxic is that it interferes with the functioning of a variety of
enzymes. It acts like metals such as calcium and iron and replaces them, changing the
molecular structure of these enzymes. In the case of calcium, lead is absorbed through the
same cell membrane channels that take in calcium.
Lead affects children and adults in different ways. Even low lead levels in children can
cause many different problems, including nervous system damage, learning disabilities,
decreased intelligence, poor bone growth, and death. In adults, high levels of lead can
cause hearing problems, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain, brain
damage, and death. It wasnât until 1971 that steps were taken against the use of lead with
the passage of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. However, lead is still a public health risk
today.
59 It is recommended that children eat foods high in calcium and iron as a way to reduce the accumulation of
lead in their cells and enzymes. Explain why this is a scientiï¬cally valid recommendation. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- If there is a high amount of calcium in the diet, it is less likely that lead will be used in the
formation of enzymes.
- Having a lot of calcium and iron available in the cells will make it more available when
enzymes are synthesized.
- A greater concentration of iron and calcium will make it more likely to move from the blood
(high concentration), through the channels in the cell membrane, and into the cells.
- When more calcium moves into cells, less lead can go in.
60. 60 Describe how the presence of lead in body cells could interfere with the ability of enzymes to function. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Lead would give the enzyme a different shape/molecular structure. Enzymes work based
on their shape.
- If lead replaces calcium or iron in the enzyme molecule, the enzyme will not have the right
shape to do its job.
- The enzyme changes shape.
61. 61 Based on the parts of the body that are most affected by lead intake, identify one type of cell that would be
expected to have numerous calcium channels. Support your answer. [1]
Type of cell:
Support: Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for identifying one type of cell that would be expected to have numerous calcium
channels and supporting the answer. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
Type of cell: Nerve or brain
- Lead enters cells through calcium channels. Nerve or brain cells are damaged; therefore,
they likely contain numerous calcium channels.
Type of cell: Muscle or nerve
- because children with lead poisoning suffer from poor coordination/learning problems
Type of cell: Bone
- Calcium is needed for healthy bone growth.
- Children with lead poisioning have poor bone growth.
62. Base your answers to questions 62 and 63 on the illustration and passage below and on your knowledge of
biology.
A few breeds of cat have no tails. Manx cats have extremely short tails and may even
appear to have no tail at all. Manx cats were ï¬rst discovered several hundred years ago.
Scientists have determined that a certain mutation in a group of genes (called T-box
genes) interferes with the development of the spine in the cat embryo. Mutations in these
T-box genes can cause abnormalities in the number, shape, and/or size of bones in the spines
of Manx cats, which results in smaller spines and shorter tails.
If a Manx cat inherits one copy of the mutated T-box gene and one copy of the normal
gene, it will have a very short tail or no tail at all.
If the cat embryo inherits two copies of these mutated genes, it will stop developing and
die. Therefore, all surviving Manx cats have only one copy of the mutated gene.
62 State one reason why the mutation in Manx cat embryos causes them to have such very short tails. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Manx genes cause abnormalities in the number and/or shape/size of bones in the spine.
- The mutation causes the spine to be shorter, so there could be too few or smaller tail bones
formed.
- It interferes with the development of the spine.
63. 63 Two Manx cats have several litters of offspring. Explain how the genes that the kittens inherit determine
whether they will have a normal tail or a short tail. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- If a kitten gets one mutated gene from one parent, it will have a short tail or no tail.
- If it gets a normal gene from each parent, it will have a normal tail.
- Each parent has a Manx gene and a normal gene, so kittens will be born with Manx tail
traits or normal traits, depending on whether they inherit one or two normal genes.
Note: The studentâs response to the bulleted items in question 64 - 66 need not appear in the
following order.
64. Base your answer to question 64 - 66 on the passage below and on your knowledge of biology.
Most humans enjoy candy, cake, and ice cream. As a result of evolutionary history, we
have a wide variety of tastes. This is not true of all animals. Cats do not seek sweets. Over
the course of their evolutionary history, the cat family tree lost a gene to detect sweet ï¬avors.
Most birds also lack this gene, with a few exceptions. Hummingbirds are sugar junkies.
Hummingbirds evolved from an insect-eating ancestor. The genes that detect the savory
ï¬avor of insects underwent changes, making hummingbirds more sensitive to sugars. These
new sweet-sensing genes give hummingbirds a preference for high-calorie ï¬ower nectar.
Hummingbirds actually reject certain ï¬owers whose nectar is not sweet enough!
64 - 66 Discuss how sweet sensitivity in hummingbirds has developed. In your answer, be sure to:
⢠identify the initial event responsible for the new sweet-sensing gene [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for identifying the initial event responsible for the new sweet-sensing gene as
a mutation/change in the genetic code.
65. ⢠explain how the presence of the sweet-sensing gene increased in the hummingbird population over
time [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for explaining how the presence of the sweet-sensing gene increased in the
hummingbird population over time. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Birds selecting for sweeter nectar survived and produced many offspring with the trait.
- Sweeter nectar provided more energy, increasing the birdsâ chance to survive and
reproduce.
- It was an adaptation that increased the birdsâ ability to survive and reproduce.
66. ⢠describe how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to learn more about the
evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for describing how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to
learn more about the evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds. Acceptable responses
include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in the shape of hummingbird beaks could be followed. Beaks adapted for eating
insects would probably be different from those adapted to drinking nectar.
- Fossils might allow scientists to learn more about the environment that hummingbirds lived
in. This would provide information about the plants and insects present.
- Different beak shapes could indicate different food preferences.
67. Base your answers to questions 67 through 70 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
Folic acid is a type of vitamin that is essential for the normal growth and development of
cells in the body. If a woman consumes folic acid in her diet before and during the earliest
stages of pregnancy, it can help to reduce her babyâs risk for developing a type of birth defect
called a neural tube defect. Early in pregnancy, the neural tube forms the brain and spinal
cord. If the neural tube does not form properly, serious birth defects may result.
67 Explain why taking folic acid early in pregnancy is important to the prevention of neural tube defects. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Early in pregnancy, folic acid promotes the normal development of the brain and spinal
cord.
- It is essential for normal development.
- The brain and spinal cord form early during pregnancy. Folic acid helps them develop
normally.
- Folic acid prevents the risk of developing neural tube defects.
68. 68 Describe how a fetus receives folic acid and other essential materials directly from its mother for its
development. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Materials diffuse from the motherâs bloodstream into the blood of the fetus.
- Materials diffuse/are transported across the placenta.
- Essential materials are exchanged between the mother and the fetus within the structure
of the placenta.
- through the placenta
Note: Simply stating âthrough the umbilical cordâ by itself is not an acceptable answer, because
the umbilical cord is only fetal tissue.
69. 69 Identify one factor, other than a lack of folic acid, that may interfere with the proper development of essential
organs during pregnancy. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- genetic mutations
- motherâs use of drugs/alcohol/tobacco during pregnancy
- motherâs exposure to environmental toxins
- infections during pregnancy
- The mother does not eat a healthy diet.
70. 70 Many foods, such as breads, cereals, pastas, and rice, are fortiï¬ed or enriched with folic acid. Explain why
adding folic acid to foods is an advantage to people other than pregnant women. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Folic acid is essential for normal growth and development of cells.
- More individuals will get folic acid, an important vitamin for cell growth and development.
- Fewer people will suffer from a deficiency of folic acid.
71. Base your answers to questions 71 and 72 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The
diagram represents an evolutionary tree.
71 Are species A and B more closely related than A and D? Circle yes or no and support your answer with
information from the diagram. [1]
Circle one: Yes or No Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for yes and supporting the answer. Acceptable responses include, but are not
limited to:
- A and B share a more recent common ancestor than do A and D.
- A and B evolved from H; D evolved from G.
- A and B evolved from H.
72. 72 State one possible cause for the extinction of species E. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Species E was not fit for its environment.
- Species E could not successfully compete in the environment.
- The environment changed, and species E was not adapted to this change.
- lack of food/resources
73.
Part D
Answer all questions in this part. [13]
Directions (73 - 85): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet the
number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all
other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this examination booklet. Note: The answer to question 73 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
Base your answer to question 73 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.
During the Relationships and Biodiversity lab, simulated pigments from three plant
species were compared to those in Botana curus. The results were similar to those represented
below.
73 Based on the results of this comparison alone, is there enough information to conclude which of the other
three species is most closely related to Botana curus?
(1) Yes. Only species X has the same bands as Botana curus.
(2) Yes. Species Z has only two of the bands that Botana curus has.
(3) No. Additional tests should be done to test for other chemical similarities.
(4) No. Other rainforest plant species should be tested. Answer: 3 74. Note: The answer to question 74 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
Base your answer to question 74 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.
74 Insects can get diseases just like other organisms. A deadly bacteria infected the insects on one Galapagos
Island. Among the birds living there, the ï¬nches most likely to experience a drastic decrease in population
size would be the
(1) warbler ï¬nches (3) large ground ï¬nches
(2) cactus ï¬nches (4) medium ground ï¬nches Answer: 1 75. Note: The answer to question 75 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
75 A variety of species of Galapagos ï¬nches evolved from one original species long ago through the process of
(1) asexual reproduction (3) natural selection
(2) ecological succession (4) selective breeding Answer: 3 76. Note: The answer to question 76 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
76 If scientists want to determine the similarities in the DNA fragments in several plant species, they should
(1) add salt water to cells from each plant (3) compare seed structures of the plants
(2) analyze electrophoresis results (4) examine their chromosomes with a microscope Answer: 2 77. 77 One coach of an Olympic rowing team makes his athletes warm up by doing 30 minutes of stretching and
jogging in place before practicing each day. Another coach suggests that resting before practicing will result
in better performance by her team. They decide to conduct an experiment to see which practice is correct.
One team rests before practice, the other team warms up for thirty minutes, and they then record the time
that it takes each team to row a speciï¬c distance. Identify the dependent variable in this experiment. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit.
- the time it takes to row a specific distance
- time
- the speed at which they complete the course
Note: Do not accept just âperformance.â The type of data must be measurable.
78. 78 A student squeezes a clothespin 82 times in a minute. Then, using the same hand and the same clothespin,
he squeezes the clothespin 68 times in a minute. State one biological reason for the decrease in the number
of squeezes during the second trial. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- The student squeezed the clothespin less the second time because the muscles in his hand
began to fatigue.
- The student squeezed the clothespin fewer times because his muscles had less oxygen.
- The student squeezed the clothespin less the second time because waste products were
building up in his cells.
79. 79 During rest, an adultâs heart rate averages 60-100 beats per minute. When exercising, an adultâs heart rate
may increase to 100-170 beats per minute. State one reason why the heart rate increased during exercise.
[1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- It helps lower the level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
- Increased blood flow helps to maintain homeostasis.
- Muscles require more nutrients and oxygen, which must be delivered by the circulatory
system.
80. 80 In some single-celled protozoans living in fresh water, such as the paramecium, contractile vacuoles are
organelles used to pump excess water out of the cell. Explain why a paramecium would require contractile
vacuoles while a similar protozoan living in salt water would not. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- Excess water would diffuse into the freshwater paramecium, but the saltwater organism
would lose water.
- The saltwater organism would lose water to its environment/dehydrate instead.
- In freshwater organisms, the higher water concentration outside causes water to enter cells.
This is the opposite of what happens in saltwater organisms.
81. Base your answers to questions 81 through 83 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge
of biology.
A cube cut from a potato is placed in a beaker of distilled water. The potato cells have
a relatively high concentration of starch and a relatively low concentration of water. The
diagram represents the water and starch molecules in and around one of the potato cells in
contact with the water in the beaker.
Note: The answer to question 81 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
81 Which row in the chart correctly describes what would be expected to occur in the potato cells, with regard
to both the starch and water molecules?
Answer: 1 82. Note: The answer to question 82 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
82 Which statement correctly describes a possible result if starch indicator is added to the water in the beaker
one hour after the potato cube was added?
(1) The indicator solution would turn to an amber color in the water if starch molecules were present in the
water in the beaker.
(2) The indicator would remain amber in color if starch molecules were not present in the water in the
beaker.
(3) The indicator would change to a black color if starch molecules were not present in the water in the
beaker.
(4) The indicator solution would remain black in color if starch molecules were present in the water in the
beaker. Answer: 2 83. 83 Before placing the potato in the beaker, the student used an electronic balance to determine the mass of the
potato cube. The mass of the cube was determined again after it was in the beaker for an hour. Describe how
this information could speciï¬cally be used to determine if water moved during the investigation. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- It could indicate if the water moved into the potato cells.
- A change in mass would indicate a change in water content of the potato cells.
- If the mass changes, then water moved.
84. 84 Select one row in the chart below and explain how the systems in that row work together during exercise.
[1]
Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
Row 1:
- These systems work together to take in and move oxygenated blood to the muscles for use.
- The respiratory system takes in oxygen, which is passed into the circulatory system, which
then takes it to the muscles.
- The respiratory and circulatory systems work together to remove carbon dioxide from the
muscles.
Row 2:
- Muscle cells produce wastes and circulatory transports wastes to excretory organs to be
excreted.
Row 3:
- Digestive breaks down food into nutrients and circulatory transports nutrients to muscle
cells for energy.
85. Base your answer to question 85 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
In an experiment, a membrane bag containing 95% water and 5% salt was placed in a
beaker containing 80% water and 20% salt, as shown below. The setup was put aside until
the next day.
85 Based on the information given, state one way the bag or its contents will have changed by the next day.
Support your answer with an explanation. [1] Answer: MODEL ANSWER GIVEN BELOW Allow 1 credit for stating one way that the bag or its contents will have changed by the next day
and supporting the answer. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
- The bag will become smaller because the water will diffuse from inside the bag to outside
the bag.
- Water will move from higher concentration inside the bag to lower concentration outside
the bag.
- The membrane bag will decrease in size due to osmosis of the water out of the bag.
- The size of the bag will become smaller due to water loss.
- The salt concentration inside the bag will have increased as water moved out of the bag.
- The salt concentration in the bag will increase because the salt will move from high
concentration to low concentration.
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