EOC Review Packet

Cells
Learning Target #1: Cells

Recognize cells both increase in number and differentiate, becoming specialized in structure and function, during and after embryonic development.
DOK: 1

Describe the structure of cell parts (e.g., cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplast, mitochondrion, ribosome, vacuole) found in
different types of cells (e.g., bacterial, plant, skin, nerve, blood, muscle) and the functions they perform (e.g., structural support, transport of
materials, storage of genetic information, photosynthesis and respiration, synthesis of new molecules, waste disposal) that are necessary to the
survival of the cell and organism. DOK: 2

Explain physical and chemical interactions that occur between organelles (e.g. nucleus, cell membrane, chloroplast, mitochondrion, ribosome) as
they carry out life processes. DOK: 2
1. Explain what differentiation means and how it relates to mitosis and the development of an organisms tissues.
Knowledge Targets
What I need to know! 2. List different types of cells (e.g., bacterial, animal, plant, skin, nerve, blood, muscle, eukaryotic, prokaryotic) & the
organelles that would help the cell perform a specific job.
3. Label organelles on a diagram and explain what they do for the cell (e.g., cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus,
chloroplast, mitochondrion, ribosome, vacuole).
4. Describe interactions that take place between different organelles. (e.g. nucleus, cell membrane, chloroplast,
mitochondrion, ribosome)

Background Information:
On the EOC, you might be asked to recognize the similarities and differences
between different types of cells like plant, animal, and bacteria cells. All living things
are made of cells. Bacteria are unicellular, which means they exist as a singular,
independent cell. Multicellular organisms are made of many different types of
cells like skin cells, white blood cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells. In MOST
multicellular organisms, cells are organized into tissues that perform the same
function. Tissues are organized into organs and a group of organs that have related
functions make up an organ system.
Cells that have DNA enclosed by a nuclear membrane (a nucleus) and membrane-bound organelles are called
eukaryotic cells. Plant cells and animal cells are eukaryotic. A prokaryotic cell has nuclear material in the center of
the cell, but the DNA is not enclosed by a nuclear membrane. Prokaryotic cells include bacteria. In addition, there are
no membrane-bound organelles in prokaryotic cells. Organelles are small structures in cells that perform tasks for the
cell, like vacuoles and mitochondria.
For the EOC, you will need to know the functions of the following organelles that can be found in cells: cell wall, cell
membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplast, mitochondrion, ribosome, vacuole, & lysosomes. You might be
asked to look at a diagram of a cell and label the organelles listed above.
The first cells of any organism are identical. As the organism develops, these cells mature and become specialized. As
they become specialized, they develop unique features that help them perform a job for an organism. The process of
becoming specialized is called differentiation. Embryonic cells differentiation to become skin cells, nerve cells, white
blood cells and so on. You might be asked to identify organelles that would help different cells function. For example,
white blood cells need an abundance of lysosomes to help break down the bacteria the cell engulfs. Muscle cells
have many ribosomes to make the proteins needed to make the muscle cell contract. Cells like muscles cells that need
a lot of energy have extra mitochondria to produce ATP.
Plant cells and animal cells contain different organelles. Plant cells have a large central vacuole to help the plant
store water, chloroplast that produce food or sugars for the plant, and a cell wall to give extra protection and support to
the plant cell. Animal cells have small vacuoles for storage, do not use chloroplast to produce sugars, and do not
have a cell wall. All cells have a cell membrane, which lets molecules in and out of a cell, and watery cytoplasm,
which contains all the dissolved molecules need by the cell.
Along with knowing the functions of organelles, you should be able to determine how cell parts interact. For example, to
move molecules across the membrane, energy is needed. This energy is supplied by the mitochondria, which makes
ATP, a type of chemical energy the cell can use. The cell membrane contains proteins that are used to move large
molecules and charged ions in and out of the cell. These proteins were made by the ribosomes. The ribosomes
need the DNA code that is protected by the nucleus to make proteins. In plant cells, chloroplast makes glucose,
which is a reactant needed by the mitochondria to make ATP.

Cell Practice
A) Directions: In the boxes, discuss how these cells would differ in regards to cell organelles & why they
would need more or less of this organelle.
White Blood Cells
3. What is the term for
Muscle Cells
1.
4. Organelle: ____________________
when a cell develops
2. 1. Organelle: ____________________
3. Why they would need more or less
of this organelle.

into one of the different

types of cells in the
body?

5. Why they would need more or less

of this organelle.

B) Directions: Review the WORD BANK below the learning targets on Page 1. Put an X over the cell parts
that WONT be found on the EOC. Use the remaining words to complete the chart below.
Word Bank: Mitochondria, Flagella, Cell Membrane, Chloroplast, Vacuole, Ribosome, Nucleus, Lysosome,
Cytoskeleton, Rough ER, Golgi, Cell Wall, Centriole
Organelles

Functions
6. Stores water and ions.
7. Produces proteins by reading mRNA and assembling amino acids.
8. Control center of cell because it houses the code for all the proteins in the cell.
9. Powerhouse of the cell (produces ATP).
10. Site of photosynthesis.
11. Semi permeable to control entry and exit of materials.
12. Outmost structure in plant cells; adds support & strength.

C) Label as many cell organelles as you can.

D) The above picture is a animal cell / plant cell. (Circle one.) How can you tell?
E) Circle the cell parts that would NOT be found in an animal cell.

Directions: Answer the following questions.

F) Review the functions of each of the cell parts pictured below and indicate how they might interact with each other.

Cell Part:_________________

Cell Organelle:_________________

Cell Organelle:_________________
How do these relate?

How do these relate?

Cell Organelle:_________________

Hint
Cell Organelle:_________________
Dots

Cell Organelle:_________________
How do these relate?

G) In the top left side of the Y shape below, write the characteristics of eukaryotic cells. In the top right side of the Y
shape below, write the characteristics of prokaryotic cells. At the bottom of the Y shape below, write the characteristics
that both kinds of cells have in common.

Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic Cells

Example Multiple Choice - Cells

1. Which of the following best explains what happens to
cells when they differentiate after cell division?
A. Cells become specialized.
B. Cells split up their cytoplasm.
C. Cells undergo apoptosis.
D. Cells become cancerous.
2. In an embryo, unspecialized cells receive chemical
signals which tells the cell to develop into a specific type
of cell. This process is known as
A. fertilization
B. cleavage
C. gastrulation
D. differentiation
3. In which of the following ways does a bacterial cell differ
from an animal cell?
A. A bacterial
cell is much larger than an animal cell.
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9
B. A bacterial cell has more mitochondria than an
animal cell.
C. A bacterial cell has RNA for its genetic material,
whereas an animal cell does not.
D. A bacterial cell does not have membrane-bound
organelles, whereas an animal cell does.
4. Which of the following is found in BOTH plant cells &
animal cells?
A. Chloroplast
B. Cell Wall
C. Lysosomes
D. Mitochondria
5. Some cells, such as human nerve and muscle cells,
contain many more mitochondria than do other cells,
such as skin cells. Why do some cells have more
mitochondria than others?
A. The cells use more energy.
B. The cells store more nutrients.
C. The cells degrade more proteins.

7. Which of the following statements correctly matches a

cell part with its function?
A. The cell membrane packages lipids for export.
B. The mitochondria perform photosynthesis.
C. The lysosome digests molecules.
D. The nucleus produces energy.

8. Which structure is primarily responsible for directing all

processes of a plant cell?
A. chloroplast
B. lysosome
C. mitochondria
D. nucleus
9. Molecules in the cell are stored in
A. nucleus
B. vacuoles
C. cytoplasm
D. mitochondria
10. Many animals have internal or external skeletons that
provide support and structure. Which of the following
parts of plant cells play a similar role?
A. cell membranes
B. cell walls
C. chloroplasts
D. cytoplasm
11. Which of the following BEST describes how the
nucleus relates to ribosomes?
A. ribosomes move into the nucleus to read the DNA
B. DNA is sent to the ribosomes
C. ribosomes make DNA for the nucleus
D. ribosomes make proteins according to the DNA code
12. How does the cell membrane relate to respiration?
A. The membrane keeps oxygen out of the cell.
B. The membrane allows glucose to move into the cell.
C. The membrane directs the activities of the cell.
D. The membrane allows CO2 to move into the cell.

D. The cells divide more frequently.

6. Which of the following is an organism whose cell(s)
lack(s) membrane-bound organelles?
A. nucleolus
B. chromatin
C. eukaryote
D. prokaryote

Photosynthesis and Respiration

Learning Target #2: Photosynthesis & Respiration

Explain the interrelationship between the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration (e.g., recycling of oxygen and carbon
dioxide), comparing and contrasting photosynthesis and cellular respiration reactions (Do NOT assess intermediate reactions).
DOK: 2

Determine what factors affect the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration (i.e., light intensity, availability of reactants,
temperature). DOK: 2
Knowledge Targets
5. Write the equations for photosynthesis and respiration and show how the reactants and products are
What I need to know!
recycled between the two equations.
6. Use the equations to show which factors, when changed, would affect the rate of photosynthesis and
respiration.
7. Explain why plant and animal cells perform photosynthesis and/ or respiration.

Background Information:
For the EOC, you will need to know the equations for photosynthesis and respiration. Youll need to recognize the
reactants and products in these 2 equations.
Through photosynthesis, plants can make their food in the form of sugar called glucose. Chloroplasts in plant cells
trap energy from the Sun and use it to convert carbon dioxide gas (CO 2) and water (H2O) into chemical energy stored in
the bonds of a carbohydrate, called glucose (C6H12O6). Oxygen (O2) is released in the process. The following chemical
equation summarizes photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy from sunlight C6H12O6 + 6O2. Another way to write
this equation is as follows: carbon dioxide + water + sunlight sugar + oxygen. The molecules listed BEFORE the
arrow are called the reactants. The reactants are used in the reaction and converted into the products. The products
are the molecules listed AFTER the arrow.
When respiration occurs in the cell, sugars like glucose are broken down by the mitochondria and the energy that is
released is stored in an ATP molecule. Cells use ATP for energy for such things like active transport. The equation for
respiration is ALMOST backwards to the equation for photosynthesis. The equation for respiration can be written as
follows: C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy or glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + ATP. Glucose
and oxygen would be the reactants, while carbon dioxide, water and ATP are the products of respiration.
You will be asked to explain the relationship between respiration and chloroplast on the EOC. From the equations
above, you can tell that the products from one reaction are the reactants of the other.

Photosynthesis and respiration occur due to several reactions that take place in the chloroplast and mitochondria.
These reactions can be sped up and slowed down.
Changing the concentration of the REACTANTS for photosynthesis & respiration can either speed up or slow done
these reactions. Changing the PRODUCTS of a reaction HAS NO AFFECT ON THE REACTION RATE.
glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water + ATP
carbon dioxide + water + sunlight glucose + oxygen
As temperature changes, reaction rate can change as well. As temperature increases, the reaction rate will increase,
but only up to a certain temperature. If temperatures get too high, the enzymes that assist in photosynthesis and
respiration become denatured. This means the proteins lose their shape and can no longer function. Therefore the
reaction rate will decrease past an ideal temperature. If temperature decreases from the ideal, reaction rate decreases.

Photosynthesis and Respiration Practice

H. Add an X to the box if the following refers to photosynthesis and or respiration.
Photosynthesis

Cellular Respiration

Occurs in the mitochondria

Would cease if the chloroplast were removed
Transfers energy in glucose to energy in ATP
Makes a form of energy that can be used by the cell
Stores energy in a carbohydrate
Light energy is stored in glucose
Would be affected if glucose concentration drops
Produces oxygen
Uses carbon dioxide
Would be affected of CO2 levels drops
Would decrease if light intensity decreased
Increases and then decreases as temperature is
increased

I. In the cell below, show the molecules that are cycled between the mitochondria & chloroplast in the plant cell during
respiration and photosynthesis.

J. Answer the following questions.

A) Write the equation for photosynthesis.
B) How can we slow down or stop this reaction?
1)

2)

C) Write the equation for respiration. ________________________________________

D) What would increase the rate that with CO2, ATP, & H2O are produced?
1)

2)

E) How are these two processes related?

Example Multiple Choice Photosynthesis & Respiration
12. Which process do the animals in the food web use to
convert energy from food into ATP?
A. cellular respiration
B. osmosis
C. photosynthesis D. transcription
13. Which process converts CO2 and H2O to glucose?
A. fermentation
B. photosynthesis
C. respiration
D. glycolysis
14. Cyanide is a powerful poison because it inhibits an
enzyme in mitochondria, preventing the transfer of
energy during one of the steps in cellular respiration.
This poison would directly affect the production of which
of the following molecules?
A. ATP
B. glucose
C. DNA
D. proteins

15. Energy produced by cellular processes is stored as

A. CO2.
B. ATP.
C. DNA.
D. RNA.
16. Which of the following environmental changes can
cause an increase in the rates of reactions in cells?
\
A. increased temperature
B. decreased enzyme concentrations
C. decrease in the reactants
D. decreased diffusion rates

17. Which of these would lead to a lower rate of photosynthesis

in a plant?
A. an increase in the amount of oxygen in the air
B. a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the air
C. an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air
D. a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air
18. In which of the following ways are photosynthesis and
cellular respiration alike?
A. Both process produce glucose.
B. Both processes consume carbon dioxide.
C. Both processes take place in chloroplasts.
D. Both processes involve energy transformations.
19. Which of these best explains the difference between the
way animals and plants exchange gases with their
environments?
A. Animals use only photosynthesis, while plants use both
photosynthesis and respiration.
B. Animals use only respiration, while plants use both
photosynthesis and respiration.
C. Animals use both photosynthesis and respiration, while
plants use only respiration.
D. Animals use both photosynthesis and respiration, while
plants use only photosynthesis.

Cell Membrane, Transports, & Solutions

Learning Target #3: Cell Membrane, Transports, & Solutions

Explain the significance of the selectively permeable membrane to the transport of molecules. DOK: 2
Predict the movement of molecules across a selectively permeable membrane (i.e., diffusion, osmosis, active transport) needed for a cell to
maintain homeostasis given concentration gradients and different sizes of molecules. DOK: 2
Explain how water is important to cells (e.g., is a buffer for body temperature, provides soluble environment for chemical reactions, serves as a
reactant in chemical reactions, provides hydration that maintains cell turgidity, maintains protein shape). DOK: 2

Knowledge
Targets
What I need to
know!

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Explain what it means if a cell has a selectively permeable membrane.

Explain the direction water moves between hypertonic and hypotonic solutions & which solution has more
solutes.
List molecules that would move through the membrane easily and those that can not cross readily. Know small
molecules, nonpolar, uncharged, polar, charged, ions, large molecules.
List molecules that would move by passive transport (diffusion, osmosis) & active transport and describe if
molecules are moving high to low or low to high.
Give examples of how a cell maintains homeostasis.
Describe how water is important to a cell or organism.
a. How does water affect temperature change?
b. What equations did you learn that has H2O in them?
c. Water moving out of a plant cellwhat happens to turgidity? What would the plant look like?
d. How come you can not taste sugar on a dry tongue?

Background Information: For the EOC, you will need to know how living organisms maintain their fluid levels in their
body. Cells continuously respond to the environment by exchanging substances with their surroundings. The
maintenance of an internal equilibrium is called homeostasis. Questions on the Biology EOC may ask you to identify
other ways your body maintains homeostasis. Other examples would include when your eyes dialate in dim room to let
in more light, when you sweat or shiver to maintain your temperature at 98.6, when you are thirsty because your body
needs to increase your body fluid to the right level or when you release insulin to lower your blood glucose to normal.
In order to maintain homeostasis in the cell, the plasma membrane (same as the cell membrane) allows certain
molecules to enter and leave the cell. When a membrane only allows certain substances to pass through, it is called a
selectively permeable or semi-permeable membrane.
Not all molecules are allowed into or out of the cell through the plasma membrane. Various transport mechanisms allow
the passage of only specific substances. For the EOC, you may be asked to identify whether molecules would move by
diffusion, osmosis, or active transport. You will also need to know whether these processes are passive or active.
The transports are described below.
Passive transport is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane without the use of the cells energy
(ATP). In all passive transports, molecules are moving from where they are in high concentrations to where they are in
low concentrations. You can also say that molecules are moving DOWN or WITH the concentration gradient. The
following are examples of passive transport:
Diffusion is the movement of substances across the plasma membrane from an area of high concentration to an
area of lower concentration. Small, uncharged, nonpolar molecules, like oxygen (O2) & carbon dioxide (CO2)
move by diffusion.
Osmosis is the diffusion of water across the plasma membrane from areas of high concentration to areas of lower
concentration.
Facilitated transport though you dont need to know this type of transport, you do need to know that
some molecules with a difficult time of crossing need to be moved using a transport protein. These include
polar molecules like glucose or amino acids, and charged ions like Na+ or Cl-.

In active transport, the cell uses transport proteins (sometimes called carrier proteins) to move molecules from low
concentrations to high concentrations, or UP or AGAINST the concentration gradient. This requires the use of the
cells energy, an ATP molecule. Sometimes the cell needs to move really large particles across the plasma membrane.
This is accomplished by means of two processes, endocytosis & exocytosis. Both of these processes require cellular
energy.

In the last section, we discussed that water moves from an area of higher concentration of
water to lower concentration of water. Sometimes, the water concentrations arent given,
only solute concentrations are shown. Solutes are any molecules that can be dissolved by
water, which is a solvent. Commons solutes would be glucose, NaCl (salt), & oxygen.
Therefore, you need another way to predict which way water would move between two
solutions. For the EOC, you will need to remember that solutes suck water. If a
membrane separates two solutions, water will move into the solution with the MOST
SOLUTES.
A solution that has a higher concentration of solutes is called the hypertonic solution.
The solution with a lower concentration of solutes is called the hypotonic solution.
Another rule to remember is that water will move from a hypotonic solution to a hypertonic
solution (or you would go to the hyper party).
You body must carefully regulate your water and solute concentration in your body. If cells become surrounded by too
many solutes such as in a hypertonic solution, cells will lose water and shrink. If a cell is in a hypotonic solution, the
cell could gain water and burst. Cells maintain their normal shape in solutions that are isotonic to the cell. Isotonic
solutions have the same concentration of solutes in them.

Plants have cell walls that prevent bursting when plant cells are in a hypotonic environment. As water moves into plant
cells, the pressure inside the cell due to water, called turgor pressure increases. Plants with cells that have low turgor
pressure look wilted, while plants with high turgor pressure are full of water and healthy looking.

In addition, you will be expected to know why water is important to living things.
Water is an important solvent. That means water can dissolve materials so the body can use them.
Water is a reactant in photosynthesis. Without water, plants would not be able to manufacture glucose (carbon
dioxide + water + sunlight glucose + oxygen).
Water is involved in many reactions in the body.
In addition, water can also absorb lots of heat (high specific heat) and helps an organism maintain a constant
body temperature.
In plants, water is responsible for the high or low turgor pressure found in cells. When plants have low turgor
pressure (less water in their cells), the plant will appear wilted. When plants have high turgor pressure, the plant
stands upright because the cells are full with water.
Membrane, Transport, & Solutions Practice
K. Complete the diagram using the following terms: passive transport, active transport, simple diffusion, facilitated
diffusion. Then answer these questions.

A)

C)

B)

D)

= oxygen & CO2

= glucose, ions

L. Answer the following review questions.

1) Describe osmosis.
2) What types of transport move molecules from a high concentration to low concentration? Low to high?
3) Give an example of how your body tries to maintain homeostasis?
4) Which side of the beaker (shown below) would be considered hypertonic compared to the other side? _______
5) If water was the only molecule that could pass through the membrane, water would travel to Side A / Side B.
6) If both water and solutes could
pass through the membrane, the
solutes would initially start to
move to Side A / Side B. (Circle
one.)
7) If both solutes and water could
move, what would be the final
concentration of solutes on each
side once equilibrium was
reached? _________
8) If the egg was placed in Side A, what would happen to the egg? ___________________
9) What would happen to turgor pressure when the egg was placed in Side B? increase / decrease
10) What % of solutes would be needed in a solution to prevent the egg from expanding or shrinking? _______

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Example Multiple Choice Membranes, Transports & Solutions

20. What is the main function of a selectively
permeable cell membrane?
A. storage of water
B. storage of chemicals
C. breaks down molecules within the cell
D. regulates what enters and leaves the cell

26. Which of the following functions does

active transport perform in a cell?
A. packaging proteins for export from
the cell
B. distributing enzymes throughout the
cytoplasm

21. A student is making a model to demonstrate how

cells respond to solutions with varying
concentrations of salt and water. She soaked a
kidney bean in distilled water until it started to swell.
For the demonstration, she wants to put the swollen
bean in a solution that would cause the bean to
shrivel. In what kind of solution should she put the
swollen bean?
A. Acidic
B. Basic
C. Hypertonic
D. Hypotonic

C. moving substances against a

concentration gradient
D. equalizing the concentration of water
inside and outside the cell
The diagram below illustrates how plant root cells take in
mineral ions from the surrounding soil.

22. What will happen if an animal cell that has a

solute concentration of 1% is placed in a 5%
saltwater solution?
A. It will shrink because there is less water outside
of the cell than there is on the inside.
B. It will burst because there is more water on the
outside of the cell than there is on the inside.
C. It will burst because there is more water on the
inside of the cell than there ison the outside.
D. It will remain the same size because there is an
equal amount of water on the inside and
outside of the cell.
23. A molecule can easily pass through the
selectively permeable membrane of an animal cell.
Which of these most likely describes the molecule?
A. The molecule is very small and charged.
B. The molecule is very large and charged.
C. The molecule is very small and not charged.
D. The molecule is very large and not charged.
24. Substances that are too large to be moved
across the plasma membrane can be
engulfed through the process of
A. diffusion
B. endocytosis
C. exocytosis
D. osmosis
25. If an animal cell is placed in distilled water, it will
swell and burst. The bursting of the cell is a result of
which biological process?
A. Active transport
B. Enzyme activity
C. Osmosis
D. Diffusion

27. Which of the following processes is illustrated?

A. active transport
_

B. diffusion
C. osmosis
D. passive filtration

28.. What is the main inorganic solvent in cells?

A. alcohol
B. carbon
C. salt
D. water
29. Which of the following explains why a plant looks

wilted?
DNA
&
Proteins
A. The plant needs oxygen.

Learning Target #4: DNA & Proteins

B. The
plantfrom
is in
an environment
cold.
Describe the chemical and structural properties of DNA (e.g., DNA is a large polymer
formed
linked
subunits of four that
kinds is
of too
nitrogen
bases;
genetic information is encoded in genes based on the sequence of subunits; each
C. DNA
The molecule
plant cells
in a cell
have
forms
lowa turgor
single chromosome)
pressure. (Assess the
concepts NOT memorization of nitrogen base pairs). DOK: 1
D. The plants are low in CO2.
Recognize that DNA codes for proteins, which are expressed as the heritable characteristics of an organism. DOK: 1
Identify possible external causes (e.g., heat, radiation, certain chemicals) and effects of DNA mutations (e.g., altered proteins which may affect

11

chemical reactions and structural development). DOK: 2

Knowledge Targets
What I need to
know!

14. Describe the structure and function of DNA and contrast it to RNA. (Know terms like ribose,
deoxyribose, double or single stranded, complementary, bases, chromosomes, nucleotide.)
15. Explain how genes on DNA relate to proteins.
16. List things that can cause mutations.
17. Explain what could happen to a person if DNA is mutated?

Background Information: For the EOC, you will need to have a basic knowledge of the structure of DNA, where it is
stored in the cell, and what is its function.
DNA is a long polymer (big molecule) that can coil up into chromosomes. These
chromosomes are protected in the nucleus of most cells. If you zoom in to the DNA
molecule, you can see that it is made of nucleotides that contain bases. For the
EOC, you dont have to know the names of the bases & how they match up (A T & G
C). All you need to know if that the sequence of these bases code for proteins. If
you change the order of the bases, a different protein would be built. Your different
characteristics are determined by the proteins you can or cant build. A section of
DNA that codes for a protein is called a gene.

DNA has the unique ability to make an exact copy of itself in a process called replication. This occurs so that the cell
can divide to form two cells, each containing DNA. For the EOC, you DO NOT need to know how replication occurs, but
you do need to know that when the DNA does not copy itself correctly, mutations can occur. A mutation is a change in
the base sequence from what it originally was. For example, if the bases on one side of DNA read ATCTGGA and after
replication, the new DNA strand read CTCTGGA, you would say that a mutation has occurred.
You will need to recognize other causes of DNA mutations like the following:
High temperatures
Certain chemicals
Radiation like UV rays from the sun or X-rays
If DNA is mutated, proteins could be made incorrectly which could affect you ability to do certain chemical reactions in
your body or to develop correctly. Mutated DNA can lead to birth defects or cancer.
In biology class, you learned how mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes work together to read the DNA and complete protein
synthesis. There are two main points to remember regarding protein synthesis. 1) DNA leads to RNA that takes the
message to the ribosome so the protein can be built and 2) the differences between DNA and RNA. The D in DNA
stands for the sugar deoxyribose while the R in RNA stands for ribose. DNA is double stranded while RNA is single
stranded. DNA will never leave the nucleus, while RNA is made from the DNA code and travels out of the nucleus to
find a ribosome. You do not need to remember codons, anticodons, peptide bonds, transcription, translation (etc). DNA
RNA Ribosome
Characteristics of DNA

Characteristics of RNA

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DNA Practice Questions:

M. Answer the following questions below.

1) Name the process above that is happening in the cell.

______________

3) Name the process above that is happening in the cell.

______________

2) Why is the cell performing this process above?

4) Why is the cell performing this process above?

5) What process is happening in the picture to the right? Replication or

Protein Synthesis? _________________________

6) On the DNA strand above, show what would happen to the DNA if a mutation occurred. What could have caused this
mutation?
7) On the DNA strand above, circle one BASE.
8) How do the following pictures relate?

&
Relationship:

&
Relationship:

13

Example Multiple Choice - DNA

30. Molecules of DNA coil up to form
A. carbohydrates
B. chromosomes
C. nucleotides
D. proteins
31. Which of the following is being made during replication?
A. RNA
B. DNA
C. proteins
D. lipids
32. A molecule in the cell was found. It contains nitrogen
bases. This molecule is likely
A. a protein
B. DNA or RNA
C. a phospholipid
D. an amino acid
33. How do chromosomes relate to DNA?
A. DNA tells the cell how to build chromosomes
B. DNA is a polymer that is made out of chromosomes
C. Chromosomes hold the bases together in DNA
D. DNA coils up to make chromosomes
34. Which of these shows the steps by which proteins are
coded and synthesized?
A. RNA DNA protein
B. DNA RNA protein
C. Protein RNA DNA
D. Protein DNA RNA
35. The chromosome structure in a cell accounts for genetic
variation based on the order of its
A. sugar groups
B. nitrogen bases
C. hydrogen bonds
D. phosphate groups

36. Which of these best describes the initial change caused

by a DNA mutation?
A. a change in the sequence of base pairs
B. a change in the production of enzymes
C. a change in the number of nucleosomes within a cell
D. a change in the number of hydrogen bonds between
the bases
37. Which of the following statements is NOT true about
mutation?
A. A mutation is a change in the sequence of DNA or
RNA bases.
B. Some mutations happen spontaneously, and some
mutations are caused by environmental factors.
C. Very few people have mutations in their DNA/RNA.
D. Some mutations are beneficial, although most of
them have no effect on the organism in which they
occur.
38. A change in base pairs on DNA could result in all of the
following EXCEPT
A. A change in phenotype
B. A genetic disease
C. Cancer
D. A high temperature
39. Huntingtons disease (HD) is a hereditary disease that
destroys brain cells. In individuals with HD, the functioning
of a specific protein is altered, and this leads to the
diseases effects.
Which of the following is the most likely cause of the
altered protein function in individuals with HD?
A. a mutation in the DNA sequence that codes for the
protein
B. an increase in the amount of fat rather than protein in
the diet
C. a decrease in the amount of glucose and amino
acids in the blood
D. a structural abnormality in the endoplasmic reticulum
of brain cells

Cell Reproduction
Learning Target #5: Cell Reproduction

Recognize the chromosomes of daughter cells, formed through the processes of asexual reproduction and mitosis, the formation of somatic (body)
cells in multicellular organisms, are identical to the chromosomes of the parent cell. DOK: 1
Recognize that during meiosis, the formation of sex cells, chromosomes are reduced to half the number present in the parent cell. DOK: 1
Explain how fertilization restores the diploid number of chromosomes. DOK: 2
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction with regard to variation within a population. DOK: 2

Knowledge Targets
What I need to know!

14. Explain the purpose of mitosis and meiosis in multicellular organisms.

15. Describe the number of cells formed through mitosis, meiosis, & binary fission and describe what
happens to chromosome number.

16. Explain how fertilization restores the diploid number of chromosomes.

17. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction with regard
to variation within a population.

14

Background Information: For the EOC, you will need to know the differences between ways that cells can divide
(mitosis, meiosis, & binary fission).
Your body cells, also called somatic cells, divide by mitosis. Your body uses mitosis to 1) replace dying or damaged
cells and 2) to grow. All of your body cells should have 46 chromosomes. 46 is our species diploid number. We
represent diploid with the symbol 2n. For humans 2n = 46. The diploid number refers to the
full set number of chromosomes each species should have. For example, the diploid number
for camels is 70. In everybody cell of a camel, there should be 70 chromosomes or 2n = 70.
When a human skin cell divides by mitosis, you will get 2 daughter cells that are identical to
one another and are identical to the original parent cell that divided. That means that BOTH
daughter cells should have 46 chromosomes in them if the parent cell had 46.
If mitosis allows you to heal and grow, meiosis, another type of division gives you
the ability to reproduce. Only in your reproductive organs do you have cells that
can divide by meiosis. The cells that are formed through meiosis are called
reproductive cells, sex cells, or gametes. Sperm cells and egg cells are
gametes.
During meiosis, a diploid cell (2n) will divide twice to end with 4 reproductive cells
that are haploid. Sperm cells and egg cells are haploid because they contain the
half set number of chromosomes. For example, a cell with 46 chromosomes
that divides by meiosis will form 4 daughter cells and each will have only 23
chromosomes in them. Reproductive cells in a camel would contain 35
chromosomes.
Why do we need meiosis to reduce chromosome number in half? To reproduce, sperm cells and egg cells must fuse to
form the 1st cell, called a zygote, of a new organism. When a sperm with 23 chromosomes fuses with an egg that has
23 chromosomes, the species number of 46 is restored. The combining of two
gametes is called fertilization. The two haploid numbers of the gametes should
add up to the diploid number of the species. If meiosis did not create haploid cell,
then every generation an organism would be born with twice the number of
chromosomes of the species.
After a zygote is formed, this 1st cell will divide by mitosis to form the many cells of
an organism. Cells will differentiate into the many different types of cells in the
body. Cells can be come nerve cells, blood cells, muscle cells, skin cells (etc).
Binary fission is the process by which a bacteria cell divides into two identical
bacteria cells.
For the EOC, you will have to know the different between asexual and sexual reproduction. Since binary fission results
in offspring that are identical to the parent, this is a type of asexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction leads to
populations that are genetically identical while sexual reproduction creates variations in populations. Sexually
reproducing organisms have a better chance of surviving in a changing environment. In a stable, unchanging
environment, asexually reproducing organisms benefit because they can reproduce faster and it is more energy
efficient.
This unit also is relevant to DNA and mutations. Mutations are a source of variation. Mutations may be passed from
one cell to new cells. If mutations occur in the sex cells, they may be transmitted to the next generation. Mutations can
arise during DNA replication before the cell divides to form sperm or egg cells or even chemicals inside the mother could
alter the DNA of the growing embryo. Even heat can alter DNA, which is why pregnant mothers are cautioned about
taking long hot baths. Most mutations have little or no effect on an organism. Unfortunately, some mutations are
harmful.

15

If mutations occur in body (somatic cells), cancer could result. As a cancerous cell divides many times by mitosis, a
tumor forms. Exposure to dangerous chemicals, X-rays, and UV rays cause the different types of cancer. nvironmental
factors that cause cancer are called mutagens.
This unit also discuss differentiation. After the zygote divides by mitosis to create the many cells of the embryo, these
new cells (stem cells) become specialized. Cells will turn into different types of cells like muscle cells, nerve cells,
digestive cells, red blood cells (etc).
Cell Division Practice
N. Complete the following questions.
1. Fill in the correct number of chromosomes per human cell in each blank.

O. Using the diagram above, explain in a sentence how fertilization restores the chromosome number.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
P. Complete the table below.
Characteristic
Number of chromosomes in human cell BEFORE
division

Mitosis

Meiosis

Number of chromosomes in each daughter cell

Number of daughter cells produced after division
Type of cell produced
Purpose of Division

16

Q. In the box, draw the daughter cells that would come from each parent cell after mitosis.

Parent Cell #1

Parent Cell #2

Example Multiple Choice Cell Reproduction

40. In unicellular organisms, mitosis is essential for
A. diffusion
B. excretion
C. metabolism
D. reproduction
41. A cell with 24 chromosomes undergoes mitosis twice.
How many chromosomes will each daughter cell have?
A. 6
B. 12
C. 24
D. 48
42. A parent cell has 12 chromosomes. Which of the
following indicates the number of chromosomes in each
daughter cell & how many daughter cells would be
produced at the end of meiosis?
A. 6; 2 cells
B. 12; 2 cells
C. 6; 4 cells
D. 24; 4 cells
43. What is the result of the fertilization of an egg?
A. It restores the diploid number of chromosomes.
B. It deletes polypeptide chains in the chromosomes.
C. It gives offspring more chromosomes than the
parents.
D. It gives offspring fewer chromosomes than the
parents.
44. A species reproduces sexually. The diploid number
of chromosomes for the species is 30. Which best
describes the offspring from 2 individuals of this species?
A. 15 chromosomes; identical to parent cell
B. 15 chromosomes; different from parent cell
C. 30 chromosomes; different from parent cell
D. 30 chromosomes; identical to parent cell

45. The following represents steps in sexual reproduction.

Which of the following occurs in the step labeled Z?
A. fertilization
B. meiosis
C. mitosis
D. translocation

46. Which statement best describes an advantage of

asexual reproduction for a population of organisms?
A. The population can increase in number more rapidly.
B. The population can develop greater genetic diversity.
C. The population can maintain the same number of
organisms.
D. The population can adapt more quickly to a
changing environment.
47. In an environment that has many variations in
landscape, temperature, & precipitation, which of the
following would be the best means of reproduction for
organisms?
A. mitosis
B. binary fission
C. sexual reproduction D. asexual reproduction
48 .Bacteria can reproduce asexually. Which of the
following would describe how the bacteria would be
affected by a change in the environment?
A. The bacteria would survive due to lots of genetic
variation in their population.
B. The bacteria population would increase due so slow
reproduction rates.
C. Bacteria show little genetic variation and most of the
population would die.
D. The bacteria would develop a resistance and few
would die.

17

Genetics
Learning Target #6: Genetics

Explain how genotypes (heterozygous and homozygous) contribute to phenotypic variation within a species. DOK: 2
Predict the probability of the occurrence of specific traits, including sex-linked traits, in an offspring by using a monohybrid cross. DOK: 2

Knowledge Targets
What I need to know!

22. Look at genotypes (homozygous and heterozygous) and determine what someones phenotype would be
using what you know about complete dominance, incomplete dominance, & codominance.
23. Set up a Punnett Square and determine the genotypic % or phenotypic % for the offspring.

Background Information: For the EOC you will need to remember how to write genotypes and determine phenotypes.
We use letters of the alphabet to represent the two codes, or alleles, you have for each of your traits. This is called your
genotype. For example, if you inherited a gene for brown eyes from both your parents, your genotype if BB. If you
inherited a code for brown eyes from one parent and blue from another, your genotype is Bb. If you have to genes for
blue eyes, your genotype is bb. Genotypes BB or bb are called homozygous genotypes, specifically BB is
homozygous dominant and bb is homozygous recessive. Homozygous means your two codes are the same. The
Bb genotype is called heterozygous. The term hybrid or carrier is sometimes used to refer to heterozygous.
Phenotype refers to the physical traits one possesses. If the genotype is Bb, then the persons phenotype would be
brown.
For the EOC, you will need to remember the three types of inheritances and the different phenotype trends associated
with each. These are summarized below.

Complete Dominance
*One allele is dominant &
the other is recessive

Incomplete Dominance
*Neither allele is dominant or
recessive to each other

Genotype & Phenotype

BB = Brown
Bb = Brown
Bb = blue

Genotype & Phenotype

RR = Red
RR = Pink
RR = White

*Brown is dominant to blue

The heterozygote will look

like a blend or mix of the two

Codominance
*Both alleles are dominant
Genotype & Phenotype
RR = Red
RW = Red & White
WW = White
The heterozygote will show
what BOTH alleles code for

To do a Punnett square to predict the offspring from crossing two

individuals, you must understand genotypes, phenotypes, and the different
types of inheritances (complete dominance, incomplete dominance, &
codominance.
In rabbits, black fur (B) is dominant over white fur (b). If you cross one rabbit
that is heterozygous (Bb) and another that is homozygous white (bb),
offspring are produced.
You might be asked to report the genotypes or phenotypes of the offspring in
either fractions, as percents, or as a ratio. For genotype, 50% = Bb while
50% = bb or you could say = Bb & = bb. This is called a 1:1 ratio.
What would be the ratio if you got BB, Bb, & bb? _______________
In this case, the phenotypic frequencies are the same, 50% = black rabbits and 50% = white or Black & White or its
a 1:1 ratio.
Some genes can be carried on the sex chromosomes. In males, the sex chromosomes are XY, while the sex
chromosomes in females are XX. From that we have learned about traits associated with particular sexes, such as color
blindness. For example, men are much more likely to be color blind than women. Traits associated with particular sexes
are called sex-linked or X-linked traits.

18

Genetics Practice:
R) Answer the following questions.
1. Using the letter A, write the genotypes associated with the following in a trait that shows complete dominance.
Homozygous dominant

Homozygous recessive

Heterozygous

2. In shorthorn cattle, when a red bull (RR) is crossed with a white cow (WW), all the offspring are roana spotted,
red and white or milky red color.
What type of inheritance is being shown in these cattle? _______________________________
3. Two short-tailed (Manx) cats are bred together. They produce three kittens with long tails, five short tails, and
two without any tails. From these results, how do you think tail length in these cats are inherited?
________________________
4. A homozygous black bird is crossed with a homozygous white bird. The offspring are all bluish-gray. How do
you think feather color is inherited in these birds?
_______________________________
Example Multiple Choice - Genetics
49. Feather colors in chickens shows codominance. A black
chicken is crossed with a white chicken. Which of the
following indicates the genotype and phenotype off the
offspring from this cross?
A. BB; black
B. BW; black & white checkered
C. WW; white
D. BW; grey
50. Which of Gregor Mendels discoveries is represented
when a black dog and a white dog mate, and all the
resulting puppies are black?
A. dominance
B. sex-linkage
C. segregation
D. independent assortment
51. A species of chicken has alleles for black (B) or white (W)
feathers. Neither of these genes is dominant. Mating
between a black (BB) chicken and a white (WW) chicken
produces all gray (BW) offspring. If two of the gray
offspring mate, what percent of their offspring can be
expected to have black feathers?
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%

53. Tongue Rolling (T) is dominant to No Tongue Rolling (t).

Cross a homozygous Tongue Roller with someone who is
homozygous for No Tongue Rolling. Which of the following
best describes their offsprings phenotype?
A. Tt
B. TT
C. Tongue Rolling
D. No Tongue Rolling
54. In humans, a widows peak is dominant over a continuous
hairline. Marys father has a widows peak, but Mary and
her mother have a continuous hairline. What is the
genotype of Marys father?
A. HH
B. Hh
C. hh
D. cannot be determined
55. Earlobe shape is a human trait. Some people have free
earlobes while others have attached earlobes. Two parents
with free earlobes have four children. Three children have free
earlobes and one child has attached earlobes. If these parents
have another child, what is the probability that the child will
have attached earlobes?
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%

52. Color blindness is a sex-linked trait that is carried on the X

chromosome. If a boy is born color-blind, what would have to
be true?
A. His father had normal vision.
B. His grandmother was colorblind.
C. His mother carried at least one gene for color blindness.
D. His grandfather passed on the color-blind trait to his
father.

19

Ecology
Learning Target #7: Ecology

Explain the nature of interactions between organisms in predator/prey relationships and different symbiotic relationships (i.e., mutualism,
commensalisms, parasitism). DOK: 1
Explain how cooperative (e.g., symbiotic) and competitive (e.g., predator/prey) relationships help maintain balance within an ecosystem. DOK: 2
Identify and explain the limiting factors (biotic and abiotic) that may affect the carrying capacity of a population within an ecosystem. DOK: 2
Predict the impact (beneficial or harmful) a natural or human caused environmental event (e.g., forest fire, flood, volcanic eruption, avalanche, acid
rain, global warming, pollution, deforestation, introduction of an exotic species) may have on the diversity of different species in an ecosystem. DOK:
2
Predict how the use and flow of energy will be altered due to changes in a food web. DOK: 2
Explain the importance of reproduction to the survival of a species (i.e., the failure of a species to reproduce will lead to extinction of that species).
DOK: 2

Knowledge Targets
What I need to know!

24. Give examples of organisms interacting for each type of symbiotic relationship (mutualism, parasitism,
commensalism) and an example of a predator prey relationship.
25. Give an example of an environmental event and describe how it would affect 1. the diversity of organisms
in the area and 2. the organisms in a food web.
26. Explain what happens to energy as it passed up the food chain/pyramid.
27. List abiotic and biotic limiting factors that would lower or raise the carrying capacity.
28. Predict what would happen to a population if they could not reproduce.

Background Information: For the EOC, you will likely be asked to analyze the relationship between two species and
determine whether they are predator-prey, competitive, or symbiotic. In a predator-prey relationship, one organism
kills another for energy. In a competitive relationship, two organisms are competing for the same resources. For
example, when two fight over food or territory. In a cooperative or symbiotic relationship, two species are living with
each for a specific reason. There are 3 types of symbiotic relationships. In mutualism, both species benefit from the
relationship, like with bees and flowers. In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is not helped nor
harmed, like with whales and barnacles. In parasitism, one species benefits while the other is harmed, like with a tick
and a dog.
Many ecology related questions are scenario type questions. For example, the question will mention a change in the
environment, like a forest fire or an introduced species, and you will need to predict what would happen to organisms in
the ecosystem, food chain, or food web. For example, you should recognize that the loss of any part of a food chain or
web will affect the other organisms in it. If all the mice died off in an ecosystem, the hawks would die or would have to
move to a new area.
You also might have to determine whether these changes or limiting factors are biotic or abiotic. Limiting factors refer
to anything that could limit population size. Biotic limiting factors are considered living while abiotic limiting factors
are the nonliving factors.
Biotic factors
Amount of food
Number of predators
Disease
Competition
Introduced Species

Abiotic factors
Climate
Amount of sunlight
Soil quality
Amount of water
Amount of pollution

Limiting factors can affect the carrying capacity of a population. The

carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of organisms that can live
in an environment. A graph showing a population reaching carrying capacity
would look like this.
Carrying capacity for a population can change over time. For example, an
increase in rain would increase the carrying capacity for plants, however, a
forest fire would decrease the carrying capacity for herbivores, since there
would be less food for them.

20

You will also be asked to analyze relationships in a food chain, food web, or food pyramid. Organisms in these
chains and webs are classified by how they get their energy, or food.
The two main groups of organisms in the ecosystem are the producers
and consumers. The producers, also called autotrophs, use the
Suns energy to make their own food. Grass and other plants are
examples of producers. Because consumers, or heterotrophs,
cannot make their own food, they must eat other living things to get
their energy. Heterotrophs are further classified as herbivores,
carnivores, omnivores, scavengers and decomposers, as shown in
the chart.
When looking at a food chain, web or pyramid, you will need to be able to recognize the organisms that are found on the
different trophic levels or feeding levels. Each level of a food chain is called a trophic level. Producers, such as
plants, are always found on the 1st trophic level. You might be asked questions like, Which organism is on the third
trophic level? or Which trophic level holds the secondary consumers? or Which trophic level has the 1 st level
carnivores?
Ecology pyramids symbolize the loss of energy, Only about 10 percent of the energy available within one trophic level of
a food chain is transferred to organisms at the next trophic level. This loss of energy also explains why there are less
upper level organisms than those in the lower trophic levels.

21

S. Read each relationship and decide which type of relationship is being described.
Word Bank Predator/Prey, Competitive, Symbiotic (Mutualism), Symbiotic (Commensalism), Symbiotic (Parasitism

1. Shrimp and Sea Anemone

The shrimp is immune to the stinging tentacles of the

sea anemone. By hiding in the sea anemone, the
shrimp is protected from predators.

2. Green Alga and Fungus

(lichen)

A green alga and fungus are dependent on each

other. The fungus gains nutrients synthesized from
the alga, and the alga receives water and nutrient
salts from the fungus.

3. Rhizobium Bacteria and

Soybean Plant

The bacteria found on the roots of a soybean plant fix

atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to the
plant. The bacteria receives carbohydrates from the
plant.

4. Hermit Crab and Sea

Anemone

The hermit crab is less likely to be eaten by cuttlefish

when an anemone rides on its shell. The anemone
gains access to a wider feeding range.

5. Oxpecker Bird and Hippo

The oxpecker bird eats ticks living on the

hippopotamus's back.

6. Tapeworm and Dog

The tapeworm attaches to the intestinal wall of the

dog and takes nutrients consumed by the dog.

7. Fish and Bear

During the summer, bear catch salmon that are

swimming upstairs to spawn.

8. Cane Toad & the Australian

Toad

Cane toads were introduced that are voracious

eaters eating everything from insects, to small
mammals, and birds. The Austrialian toads
population has declined dramatically.

T. Name the autotroph(s). ________________________________________________________

U. Name the 1st level consumer. __________________________________________________
V. Name the 1st level carnivore. _________________________________________________________
W. Name the decomposer. _______________________________________________________

22

Example Multiple Choice - Ecology

The diagram below shows a food web.

56. Which of these best describes mutualism?

A. a relationship between two species where both species
benefit
B. a relationship between two species where neither
species benefits
C. a relationship between two species where one species
benefits and the other is not affected
D. a relationship between two species where one species
benefits and the other species is harmed
57. According to the food web to the bottom right, what type of
relationship would the mouse and grasshopper have?
A. predator / prey
B. symbiotic
C. competitive
D. commensalism

61. A reduction in which of these would lead to a decrease

in all the other populations in the web?
A. coyote
B. grass
C. grasshoppers
D. snake
62. Which abiotic factor limits the altitude at which plants can

58. A forest fire destroys the majority of the trees in a state park. grow?
Which effect will this most likely have on secondary consumers
A. the presence of a parasite
in that ecosystem?
B. the temperature of the area
C. the presence of herbivorous animals
A. The amount of available energy will increase because
D. the concentration of microbes in the soil
there will be fewer predators in the forest.
B. The amount of available energy will increase because
63. Which of the following would be a biotic factor that
there will be less competition from producers.
C. The amount of available energy will decrease because would lower a populations carrying capacity?
A. temperature decrease
fewer primary consumers will survive the lack of
B. lack of precipitation
vegetation.
C. microbes causing disease
D. The amount of available energy will remain constant
D. mineral content of the soil
because secondary consumers are not reliant on
primary consumers.
64.The papaya mealybug is a pest that poses a threat to
many tropical plants. Which fate of the mealybug would
59. Polar bears swim across large expanses of ocean while
hunting for seals, their main source of food. The bears use sea result from the inability of the species to reproduce?
A. The species would mutate.
ice as resting spots during their long swims. However, the sea
B. The species would increase.
ice is rapidly melting as a result of global warming. Which
C. The species would become extinct.
statement describes what most likely will happen if global
D. The species would continue to thrive.
warming continues at its present rate?
A. Polar bear and seal populations will both increase.
65.The loulu tree in Hawaii reproduces by a seed
B. Polar bear populations will decrease, and seal
encased in a fruit. Nonnative species, such as pigs
populations will increase.
C. Polar bear populations will increase, and seal
and rats, eat the fruit as a regular part of their diet,
populations will decrease.
drastically reducing the regeneration rate of the
D. Polar bear populations will decrease, and seal
loulu. What most likely would be the outcome for
populations will remain the same.
loulu trees in the next century without intervention?
A. They would become extinct.
60. One species of Galapagos finches, the cactus finch, eats
B. They would rebound and thrive.
insects off cactus plants. A disease kills off most of the cacti in
C. They would remain at their current levels.
the Galapagos Islands. Which of these most likely would
D. They would evolve a new way to reproduce.
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 diet.
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.

23

Evolution
Learning Target #8: Evolution

Explain how environmental factors (e.g., habitat loss, climate change, pollution, introduction of non-native species) can be agents of natural
selection. DOK: 2

Identify examples of adaptations that may have resulted from variations favored by natural selection (e.g., long-necked giraffes, long-eared jack
rabbits) and describe how that variation may have provided populations an advantage for survival. DOK: 2

Knowledge Targets
What I need to know!

29. Describe how a population might evolve over time with adaptations to help it survive better in a particular
environment.
30. Identify an adaptation and explain how this adaptation came about through natural selection.

Background Information: To do well on questions related to evolution, you need to

have an understanding of natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which
organisms that are best suited to their environment survive and reproduce, passing
their genetic traits on to their offspring. Traits, features, or behaviors that help
organisms survive in a particular environment are called adaptations.

Every organism has adaptations to help it survive. To answer adaptation questions,

you need to have a basic understanding of plants and animals. The EOC
The gopher snake uses its glottis to produce a
questions themselves usually give you enough information about the
hiss that sounds similar to a rattlesnakes rattle.
organisms and their adaptations to decide what the adaptations are used
What is the most likely reason a gopher snake
for. For example, read the following problem.
would do this?
A. to attract prey
Most students commonly know to be scared if they hear the rattle of a rattle
B. to attract a mate
snake. Therefore, the use of a glottis by a gopher snake will likely confuse
C. to confuse predators
and scare off predators. C is the correct answer.
D. to increase adrenaline flow
What can be tricky is deciding when natural selection will occur or when a
population decrease will occur. If changes in the environment are gradual, a population has a chance to change through
natural selection. If an environmental change is sudden or for a short period of time, the population will likely change,
but overall, new adaptations will not come about.
For example, read the following problem.
The sediment in the water will not last long. Soon the river
will be back to its original condition once the sediment
settles or is washed down river. Therefore, A would not
occur. As for B, MOST organisms just cant leave their
habitat. It is unlikely these salamanders can just find
another river. C indicates that evolution would occur,
which is unlikely in such a short time. D is the correct
answer. Sudden changes will cause populations to
change.

A population of salamanders that live in a river

require clear, fresh water 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.

24

Example Multiple Choice- Evolution

66. The loss of habitat in a forest region has caused some
plant species to become extinct, while others survive. The
process by which some plant species survive and others do
not in a changing environment is best explained by
A. natural selection
B. law of segregation
C. biological magnification
D. alternation of generations
67. What is the end result of natural selection?
A increased number of offspring of a given phenotype
that survive
B an increase in a species population
C fossil formation through extinction
D environmental changes of a habitat
68. An early biological theory stated that a change in a
population can occur when organisms with favorable
variations for a particular environment survive and pass
these variations on to the next generation. This theory is
better known as the Theory of
A. Natural Selection
B. Punctuated Selection
C. Variation and Adaptation
D. Acquired Characteristics
69. Monarch butterflies are toxic to birds because onarch
caterpillars eat milkweed. Viceroy butterflies closely
resemble monarchs, but are not toxic since the caterpillars
do not eat milkweed. This similarity in appearance developed
because viceroy butterflies that closely resemble monarchs
are
A. less likely to be eaten by birds
B. more likely to mate with monarchs
C. more likely to eat milkweed
D. less likely to produce offspring

72. As shown in the drawing below, snowshoe hares have

thick white fur in the winter and thin gray fur in the summer.
Changing fur color with the season provides a certain
advantage to these animals.

The advantage of changing fur color is that it

A.
B.
C.
D.

helps hares to attract a mate

allows hares to build soft dens
helps hares to sneak up on prey
allows hares to blend with the environment

73. Odontomachus bauri is a species of ant that has a trap

jaw that shuts rapidly. This jaw system evolved from basic
mouth parts that all ants have, but the jaw is longer, the joint
is a different shape, and the muscles are larger.
Which of the following statements best explains why this
trap-jaw trait evolved?
A. The trap jaw increases the ants body mass.
B. The trap jaw allows the ants to eat only one kind of
food.
C. The trap jaw is the ants only means of species
recognition.
D. The trap jaw increases the ants chances of survival
and reproduction.

70. Surviving rabbits had traits that became more common in

the rabbit population because rabbits with these traits
A. changed habitats.
B. ate differently.
C. produced offspring.
D. developed parasites.
71. A population of mice, some with light-colored fur and
some with dark-colored fur, is introduced into a field with
dark soil. A few generations later, the majority of the mice
have dark-colored fur. Which of the following best explains
this change?
A. Light-colored mice can run faster.
B. Dark-colored mice have fewer offspring.
C. Light-colored mice have changed color over
generations.
D. Dark-colored mice are better able to hide from their
predators.

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