Living Environment Regents Quiz: Test!

1. As water flows downhill, its energy can be used to generate electricity. Later, this water may evaporate, fall as rain, and be used again to generate electricity in the same way. This explains why electricity generated with water is considered

A source of water pollution

A renewable form of energy

More expensive than nuclear energy

Responsible for global warming

The water is recycled in nature so it will always be present. It is considered RENEWABLE.

Explanation

The water is recycled in nature so it will always be present. It is considered RENEWABLE.

2. The diagram below represents a microscopic view of blood.

Cell A protects the body by producing specific chemicals in response to pathogens. Cell A is

A red blood cell

A bacteria cell

An insulin-producing cell

A white blood cell

White blood cells are found in the bloodstream and fights pathogens.

Explanation

White blood cells are found in the bloodstream and fights pathogens.

3. The graph below shows the results of an action of the enzyme catalase on a piece of meat. Evidence of enzyme activity is indicated by bubbles of oxygen.

Which statement best summarizes the activity of catalase shown in the graph?

The enzyme works better at 10°C than at 50°C.

The enzyme works better at 5°C than at 65°C.

The enzyme works better at 35°C than at either temperature extreme.

The enzyme works at the same level in all environments.

According to the graph, the enzyme functions better in the middle range, which is around 35°C.

Explanation

According to the graph, the enzyme functions better in the middle range, which is around 35°C.

4. Puppies are often given medicine to eliminate roundworms from their intestines. These worms consume some of the food the puppies have digested. The worms and the puppies represent a relationship known as

Predator–prey

Consumer-producer

Parasite-host

Autotroph-heterotroph

PARASITE is something that feeds on another organism, causing it harm while the HOST is the organism that is harmed.

Explanation

PARASITE is something that feeds on another organism, causing it harm while the HOST is the organism that is harmed.

5. Which statement describes a function of the human male reproductive system?

It produces gametes in testes.

It supplies a fluid that protects the fetus.

It provides support for the development of the embryo.

It provides nutrient materials through a placenta.

The testes are responsible for producing male gametes, which are sperm cells. Sperm cells are essential for fertilization when they combine with female gametes (egg cells) to form a zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo. The other options refer to functions associated with the female reproductive system, such as providing support for embryo development and supplying nutrient materials through a placenta.

Explanation

The testes are responsible for producing male gametes, which are sperm cells. Sperm cells are essential for fertilization when they combine with female gametes (egg cells) to form a zygote, which eventually develops into an embryo. The other options refer to functions associated with the female reproductive system, such as providing support for embryo development and supplying nutrient materials through a placenta.

6. A relationship between a consumer and producer is best illustrated by a

Snake eating a bird

Tree absorbing minerals

Fungus breaking down wastes

Deer eating grass

PRODUCER: plant.
CONSUMER: animal...though DECOMPOSERS are also CONSUMERS, so think about the question when you encounter these types in the future.

Explanation

PRODUCER: plant.
CONSUMER: animal...though DECOMPOSERS are also CONSUMERS, so think about the question when you encounter these types in the future.

7. Plants are green because they contain the protein chlorophyll. A bucket was left on the lawn for one week. When the bucket was removed, the grass under the bucket had turned from green to a yellowish white color. This change is due to the interaction between the grass and

Decomposer organisms in the soil, an abiotic factor

The amount of sunlight, an abiotic factor

Increased moisture under the bucket, a biotic factor

The metal composition of the bucket, a biotic factor

Notice the keywords in the answers? BIOIC (living) and ABIOTIC (non-living) were only used correctly in one answer: SUNLIGHT is ABIOTIC!!

Explanation

Notice the keywords in the answers? BIOIC (living) and ABIOTIC (non-living) were only used correctly in one answer: SUNLIGHT is ABIOTIC!!

8. Base your answer to this question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents various levels of interaction between organisms in a prairie ecosystem.

Which statement best describes a function of the molds, bacteria, and yeasts in this ecosystem?

They convert light energy into chemical energy.

They carry out a food-making process, using inorganic raw materials.wheat

They break down dead organisms, releasing raw materials to the environment.

They act as catalysts to speed up the energy flow between organisms.mold

DECOMPOSERS RECYCLE nutrients in the environment.

Explanation

DECOMPOSERS RECYCLE nutrients in the environment.

9. Environmentalists are hoping to protect endangered organisms by calling for a reduction in the use of pesticides, because loss of these organisms would

Increase the mutation rate in plants

Cause pesticides to become more toxic to insects

Reduce biodiversity in various ecosystems

Decrease the space and resources available to other organisms

PESTICIDES kill organisms and can harm others that come into contact with affected organisms...If too many organisms die, the BIODIVERSITY will be reduced.

Explanation

PESTICIDES kill organisms and can harm others that come into contact with affected organisms...If too many organisms die, the BIODIVERSITY will be reduced.

10. Which process is represented in the diagram below?

Energy flow

Biological evolution

Cellular communication

Ecological succession

This diagram represents what is happening following a forest fire. Although it is not diagrammed like other examples, it still shows ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION.

Explanation

This diagram represents what is happening following a forest fire. Although it is not diagrammed like other examples, it still shows ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION.

11. Which statement describes an activity of a decomposer?

A mushroom digests and absorbs nutrients from organic matter.

A sunflower uses nutrients from the soil to make proteins.

A snail scrapes algae off rocks in an aquarium.

A hawk eats and digests a mouse.

DECOMPOSERS break down dead things and RECYCLE NUTRIENTS back into the soil. Two types of decomposers are fungi and bacteria, and a mushroom is a type of fungus.

Explanation

DECOMPOSERS break down dead things and RECYCLE NUTRIENTS back into the soil. Two types of decomposers are fungi and bacteria, and a mushroom is a type of fungus.

12. Which statement represents a characteristic of an ecosystem that is not likely to sustain itself?

The Sun provides the needed energy.

Energy is transferred from plants to animals.

There are more consumers than producers.

There are interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.

Three of these options are good things and one of these things is a bad thing. If there are MORE CONSUMERS THAN PRODUCERS, there won't be enough food to go around...in other words, if an ecosystem had hundreds of deer but very little grass, the deer would die out.

Explanation

Three of these options are good things and one of these things is a bad thing. If there are MORE CONSUMERS THAN PRODUCERS, there won't be enough food to go around...in other words, if an ecosystem had hundreds of deer but very little grass, the deer would die out.

13. Which statement best explains why different plant species are found at different water depths as represented in the diagram below?

Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction, typically beginning with photosynthetic organisms.

In any particular environment, the growth and survival of organisms is affected by physical conditions.

Plants on land are higher up the food chain than plants under water.

Plant cells and some one-celled organisms contain chloroplasts.

Some plants can tolerate deep water, while some tolerate shallow water, and yet others tolerate land...all physical conditions.

Explanation

Some plants can tolerate deep water, while some tolerate shallow water, and yet others tolerate land...all physical conditions.

14. Which characteristic is necessary for natural selection to occur in a species?

Stability

Variation

Complex cellular organization

A very low mutation rate

VARIATION is necessary for NATURAL SELECTION because the individuals born with beneficial adaptations will survive and pass along the traits to their offspring.

Explanation

VARIATION is necessary for NATURAL SELECTION because the individuals born with beneficial adaptations will survive and pass along the traits to their offspring.

15. Base your answer to this question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram represents various levels of interaction between organisms in a prairie ecosystem.

If the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were to decrease, which organism in the diagram would be one of the first affected by this change?

Hawks

Wheat

Locusts

Mold

Wheat uses CARBON DIOXIDE during the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS, and would therefore be affected first.

Explanation

Wheat uses CARBON DIOXIDE during the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS, and would therefore be affected first.

16. The evolutionary pathways of several species are represented in the diagram below.

Which species was best adapted for survival in changing environmental conditions?

A

E

K

L

E appears in the pathway on 3 different occasions, while the other three appear only one time each.

Explanation

E appears in the pathway on 3 different occasions, while the other three appear only one time each.

17. The diagram below represents a change in guard cells that open and close pores in a plant.

This change directly helps to

Increase heterotrophic nutrition

Absorb minerals

Regulate water loss

Reduce seed production

The guard cells open to release excess water AND exchange CO2 and O2 with the environment. They help to maintain homeostasis.

Explanation

The guard cells open to release excess water AND exchange CO2 and O2 with the environment. They help to maintain homeostasis.

18. Within which structure of an animal cell does DNA replication take place?

Vacuole

Cell membrane

Nucleus

Ribosome

Since the DNA never leaves the NUCLEUS, all activities involving DNA take place in the NUCLEUS.

Explanation

Since the DNA never leaves the NUCLEUS, all activities involving DNA take place in the NUCLEUS.

19. Which farming practice causes the least harm to the environment?

Using natural predators to reduce insect numbers

Adding chemical fertilizers to all the crops in the area

Planting the same crop for 1 year on all the fields in the area

Planting the same crop in the same field each year for 10 years

When farmers plant the same crop over and over again, the nutrients are not recycled into the soil...PESTICIDES cause harm to the plants and animals, so using NATURAL predators eliminates any possibility of an exotic species taking over an ecosystem.

Explanation

When farmers plant the same crop over and over again, the nutrients are not recycled into the soil...PESTICIDES cause harm to the plants and animals, so using NATURAL predators eliminates any possibility of an exotic species taking over an ecosystem.

20. Selective breeding has been used for thousands of years to:

Develop bacteria that produce human insulin

Clone desirable plant varieties

Develop viruses that protect against diseases

Produce new varieties of domestic animals

SELECTIVE BREEDING deals with producing DOMESTIC ANIMALS (horses, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, etc.) as well as AGRICULTURAL PLANTS (corn, wheat, etc.) that can be used by humans.

Explanation

SELECTIVE BREEDING deals with producing DOMESTIC ANIMALS (horses, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, etc.) as well as AGRICULTURAL PLANTS (corn, wheat, etc.) that can be used by humans.

21. In a DNA sample, 15% of the bases are thymine (T). What percentage of the bases in this sample are adenine (A)?

15%

30%

35%

85%

This one is a bit tricky: If there is 15% T, there must be 15% A as well. That leaves 70% for BOTH C and G...each C and G must be 35%.

15 + 15 + 35 + 35 = 100%

Explanation

This one is a bit tricky: If there is 15% T, there must be 15% A as well. That leaves 70% for BOTH C and G...each C and G must be 35%.

15 + 15 + 35 + 35 = 100%

22. Some people see the benefit of wind energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels for energy production. Others believe it is dangerous for migratory birds. These opinions best illustrate that decisions about alternate energy sources

Will usually favor older methods of energy production over newer methods

Must be made by weighing the risks and costs against the benefits

Must be made by taking into account the present needs of the citizens without looking toward the future

Should be the responsibility of each individual

Considering both sides of the spectrum is called TRADE OFF...you compare the good things with the bad things.

Explanation

Considering both sides of the spectrum is called TRADE OFF...you compare the good things with the bad things.

23. One way humans can promote the survival of organisms in an ecosystem is to

Decrease diversity in plant habitats

Introduce new consumers to control autotrophs

Release extra CO2 into the atmosphere to help autotrophs

Learn about the interactions of populations

If you understand how organisms interact within a population, there is a better chance we can do more to help them to survive.

Explanation

If you understand how organisms interact within a population, there is a better chance we can do more to help them to survive.

24. Sexual reproduction in a species usually results in

An increase in the chromosome number in the offspring

Offspring genetically identical to the parent

Recombination of genes

A decrease in biodiversity

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION involves MEIOSIS, which re-combines chromosomes...this allows organisms that perform sexual reproduction more possibilities for variation.

Explanation

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION involves MEIOSIS, which re-combines chromosomes...this allows organisms that perform sexual reproduction more possibilities for variation.

25. The diagram below represents cells and hormones present in the human body.

Which statement correctly describes an interaction between the hormones and the cells?

Hormone A is synthesized by cell 2 and targets cell 1.

Hormone B bonds with both cell 1 and cell 2.

Specific reactions carried out by cell 1 are regulated by hormone C.

The specialized receptor molecules on cell 1 secrete hormone B.

The connections are as follows: CELL 1 interacts with HORMONE C, while CELL 2 interacts with HORMONE A.

Explanation

The connections are as follows: CELL 1 interacts with HORMONE C, while CELL 2 interacts with HORMONE A.

26. Homeostasis is maintained in a single-celled organism by the interaction of:

Organs

Systems

Tissues

Organelles

ORGANELLES maintain HOMEOSTASIS in SINGLE-CELLED ORGANISMS. The MEMBRANE allows exchange of materials and the CYTOPLASM allows movement of materials within the cell.

Explanation

ORGANELLES maintain HOMEOSTASIS in SINGLE-CELLED ORGANISMS. The MEMBRANE allows exchange of materials and the CYTOPLASM allows movement of materials within the cell.

27. The shape of a protein is originally determined by the:

Size of the protein molecule

Location of the protein within the cell

Arrangement of amino acids in the protein

Function the protein must carry out

Depending on the amino acids included in the protein, the shape will be different. The function is based on the shape.

Explanation

Depending on the amino acids included in the protein, the shape will be different. The function is based on the shape.

28. Plant cells can synthesize energy-rich organic molecules, and later break them down to extract that energy for performing life processes. These activities require direct interaction between the

Chloroplasts and vacuoles

Cell walls and ribosomes

Chloroplasts and mitochondria

Ribosomes and mitochondria

Plant cells can synthesize energy-rich organic molecules and later break them down with the direct interaction between the chloroplasts and mitochondria. The chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, producing organic molecules, and the mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, extracting energy from those molecules for various life processes.

Explanation

Plant cells can synthesize energy-rich organic molecules and later break them down with the direct interaction between the chloroplasts and mitochondria. The chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, producing organic molecules, and the mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, extracting energy from those molecules for various life processes.

29. Some bacteria are unable to survive unless a certain nutrient is present in their food supply. After exposure to ultraviolet radiation, some of these bacteria are able to synthesize this nutrient. This change is most likely due to

Increased respiration

Exposure to an antigen

An alteration in a gene

Gamete formation

Radiation causes mutation. Some mutations are good, some are bad. In this case, it was a good mutation.

Explanation

Radiation causes mutation. Some mutations are good, some are bad. In this case, it was a good mutation.

30. Researchers use a variety of techniques to learn more about the function of a specific gene in an organism. In one type of experiment, called a loss-of-function experiment, the gene being investigated is eliminated. In a gain-of-function experiment, extra copies of the gene being investigated are inserted. The cell process most directly affected in both experiments is

Protein synthesis

Waste disposal

Transport of materials

Breakdown of nutrients

This question is confusing, but two of these things deal with going from large to small (breakdown) and the protein synthesis is something that is going from small to large (synthesis). You can be pretty safe in general if you identify the "odd man out."

Explanation

This question is confusing, but two of these things deal with going from large to small (breakdown) and the protein synthesis is something that is going from small to large (synthesis). You can be pretty safe in general if you identify the "odd man out."

31. Some goats have been genetically modified with a human gene that codes for a blood anticlotting factor. The anticlotting factor can then be extracted from the goat milk and used during surgery. To produce these genetically modified goats, scientists most likely:

Injected the anticlotting factor into the milk-producing glands of the animals

Added modified DNA into the milk of the animals

Inserted the human gene into the egg cells of goats

Altered the nutritional requirements of newborn goats

GENETIC ENGINEERING...a gene is inserted into another organism that will produce a desired hormone (or other substance). In order for this gene to be successfully passed along to the offspring, it must be placed into a gamete (sperm or egg).

Explanation

GENETIC ENGINEERING...a gene is inserted into another organism that will produce a desired hormone (or other substance). In order for this gene to be successfully passed along to the offspring, it must be placed into a gamete (sperm or egg).

32. Which action by humans could improve the quality of the air?

Building homes that use only oil furnaces for heat

Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline

Increasing the number of coal-burning power plants that generate electricity

Cutting down forests to clear land for factories

Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline could improve the quality of the air. This action reduces the amount of fuel consumed and decreases the emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, leading to cleaner air.

Explanation

Buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline could improve the quality of the air. This action reduces the amount of fuel consumed and decreases the emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, leading to cleaner air.

33. Although a liver cell and a muscle cell in a human developed from the same single cell, their appearance and functions are different. This is because the liver cell

Contains different genes than the muscle cell

Expresses different genes than the muscle cell

Destroys the muscle cell genes it contains

Lacks the genes found in muscle cells

All cells in an individual organism have the same DNA, which means they have the same genes as well. The reason we have different types of cells and organs is because only certain genes are expressed in each cell.

Explanation

All cells in an individual organism have the same DNA, which means they have the same genes as well. The reason we have different types of cells and organs is because only certain genes are expressed in each cell.

34. Exposure to toxins during early stages of pregnancy is more likely to cause birth defects than exposure in late pregnancy because

Essential organs form during early development

The uterus provides more protection in late pregnancy

The placenta forms during late pregnancy

Meiosis occurs rapidly during early development

EARLY PREGNANCY = DIFFERENTIATION. Essential organs (heart, nerves, etc.) are forming during these stages.

Explanation

EARLY PREGNANCY = DIFFERENTIATION. Essential organs (heart, nerves, etc.) are forming during these stages.

35. The diagram below represents the measurement of a biological specimen.

What is the approximate length of the specimen in millimeters?

25 mm

30 mm

35 mm

40 mm

The organism starts out at 1 cm (which is 10 mm) and ends at 3.5 cm (which is 35 mm)...the difference is 2.5 cm (which is 25 mm).

Explanation

The organism starts out at 1 cm (which is 10 mm) and ends at 3.5 cm (which is 35 mm)...the difference is 2.5 cm (which is 25 mm).

36. In the diagram below, which letter indicates the part of the cell that carries out a function most similar to a function of the human excretory system?

A

B

C

D

EXCRETORY system REMOVES WASTE from the body...MEMBRANES REMOVE WASTE from the cell...they have similar functions.

Explanation

EXCRETORY system REMOVES WASTE from the body...MEMBRANES REMOVE WASTE from the cell...they have similar functions.

37. Scientists have found that although plants require light to carry on photosynthesis, very high levels of sunlight can kill some plants. This illustrates that many biochemical processes may occur

More rapidly when temperatures are very high

Within a specific range of conditions

Best in the absence of abiotic factors

Even if homeostasis is disrupted

Every organism in nature survives within a specific range of conditions. HOMEOSTASIS is the balance that is maintained within this range of conditions.

Explanation

Every organism in nature survives within a specific range of conditions. HOMEOSTASIS is the balance that is maintained within this range of conditions.

38. Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light.

Which statement correctly identifies a variable in this experiment?

The independent variable is the concentration of nitrate solution used.

The dependent variable is the number of euglena placed in the tanks.

The independent variable is the amount of sunlight.

The dependent variable is the number of tanks used.

IF we change nitrates, THEN the chloroplasts will be affected.

IF = INDEPENDENT...the number of nitrates used.

Explanation

IF we change nitrates, THEN the chloroplasts will be affected.

IF = INDEPENDENT...the number of nitrates used.

39. Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light.

Euglena can be classified as both

An autotroph and a parasite

A decomposer and a heterotroph

A producer and a parasite

An autotroph and a heterotroph

Autotrophs make their own food and heterotrophs consume other organisms...EUGLENA do both.

Explanation

Autotrophs make their own food and heterotrophs consume other organisms...EUGLENA do both.

40. The calcium concentration in the root cells of certain plants is higher than in the surrounding soil. Calcium may continue to enter the root cells of the plant by the process of

Diffusion

Respiration

Active transport

Protein synthesis

DIFFUSION involves the MOVEMENT of particles from HIGH TO LOW CONCENTRATION. Since the calcium is higher inside the root, it cannot enter the root by DIFFUSION, but rather active transport.

Explanation

DIFFUSION involves the MOVEMENT of particles from HIGH TO LOW CONCENTRATION. Since the calcium is higher inside the root, it cannot enter the root by DIFFUSION, but rather active transport.

41. A deletion of a DNA segment alters a gene in a single skin cell of an individual. Which statement best describes a result of this mutation?

Any cell produced from this skin cell will have the same mutation.

All offspring of the individual will have a skin cell mutation.

The mutation will spread into other types of cells.

The gametes of this individual will have the same mutation.

Only skin cells that were reproduced through MITOSIS will have the same DNA (and, as a result, the same mutation).

Explanation

Only skin cells that were reproduced through MITOSIS will have the same DNA (and, as a result, the same mutation).

42. Base your answer to this question on the information below and on your knowledge of biology. Euglena are single-celled organisms that live in ponds. All euglena have chloroplasts and can make their own food. They can also take in food from the environment. The diagram below represents a euglena. An experiment was set up to determine the effect of nitrates, a pollutant, on the number of chloroplasts present in euglena. Five tanks were set up, each with euglena and a different concentration of nitrate solution: 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The tanks were placed in a sunny location where each tank received the same amount of light.

Which statement is a possible hypothesis for this experiment that could be supported by the results of this experiment?

If the average number of chloroplasts in euglena decreases, will less nitrate be needed in each tank?

If the nitrate concentration is increased, then the euglena will have a lower average number of chloroplasts.

If the number of euglena in a tank increases, will more nitrates be produced?

If the nitrate concentration is decreased, then more light will reduce the average number of chloroplasts in euglena.

Nitrates are pollutants and that will harm the euglena. Since euglenas have chloroplasts, they may be destroyed by pollutants, due to a chance of mutation.

Explanation

Nitrates are pollutants and that will harm the euglena. Since euglenas have chloroplasts, they may be destroyed by pollutants, due to a chance of mutation.

43. Two methods of reproduction are represented in the diagram below.

How does the DNA in the offspring produced by these methods compare to the DNA in the original organism?

The offspring contain half the original number of chromosomes in each method.

The DNA in the offspring is genetically identical to that of the original organism in both methods.

The offspring produced by method A contain twice the original number of genes, while those producedby method B contain half the original number of genes.

The number of DNA bases is less than that of the original organism in method A, but more than theoriginal number in method B.

The sheep are CLONED through GENETIC ENGINEERING, while the single-celled organism are CLONED through MITOSIS...in both situations, the DNA is identical to the parent.

Explanation

The sheep are CLONED through GENETIC ENGINEERING, while the single-celled organism are CLONED through MITOSIS...in both situations, the DNA is identical to the parent.