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Living Environment - New York Regents August 2022 Exam

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1.
Part A
Answer all questions in this part. [30]
Directions (1 - 30): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. 
1 Studying fossils provides evidence for evolution
  because fossils
  (1) take a long time to form
  (2) can show patterns of biological change over
      time
  (3) always contain complete DNA sequences
  (4) found in the same area are usually closely
      related to each other
Answer:

2. 
2 Which statement best describes the interactions
  between the structures found within a single-
  celled organism?
  (1) They allow the organism to maintain
      homeostasis.
  (2) They prevent homeostasis from damaging
      the cell.
  (3) They must act independently of each other
      and prevent homeostasis.
  (4) They carry out the same life process in order
      to maintain homeostasis.
Answer:

3. 
3 Sexually reproduced offspring have traits similar
  to their parents because they receive
  (1) all of the proteins from each parent
  (2) some of the proteins from both parents
  (3) all of the genes present in both parents
  (4) some of the genes present in each parent
Answer:


4. 
4 Which row in the chart below correctly pairs a
  group of organisms with the type of nutrition
  they carry out?

Answer:

5. 
5 Rubber usually comes from petroleum or from
  the Asian rubber tree plant. Scientists have
  modified a single trait in the domestic plant,
  guayule, to increase its ability to produce rubber
  for commercial use. Young guayule plants are
  shown in the photograph below.

The process that was most likely used to
modify the plants’ trait and increase their
natural rubber production was
(1) selective breeding of two similar plant
    varieties
(2) genetic recombination during sexual
    reproduction
(3) genetic engineering to alter a specific gene
(4) fertilizing the plants with key substances
    found in petroleum
Answer:

6. 
6 A response of a normally functioning immune
  system that can be harmful is
  (1) being infected by the flu virus
  (2) rejecting an organ transplant
  (3) recognizing chemical signals
  (4) fighting off a bacterial infection
Answer:

7. 
7 Which molecules are normally found in
  single-celled organisms?
  (1) organic molecules, only
  (2) inorganic molecules, only
  (3) both organic and inorganic molecules
  (4) neither organic nor inorganic molecules
Answer:

8. 
8 Hammerhead sharks are unlike most other shark
  species. Nearly all shark species either lay eggs
  or give birth to live young after their eggs hatch
  internally. Hammerhead sharks form a placenta,
  a structure more commonly found in mammals,
  such as humans. One role of the placenta in the
  development of offspring is normally to
  (1) produce blood cells (3) produce gametes
  (2) provide milk           (4) transfer nutrients
Answer:

9. 
9 PCR, Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a method
  for carrying out DNA replication. In order to
  perform this technique, a scientist would need
  (1) a DNA template, ATP, and 20 different
      amino acid subunits
  (2) enzymes, several types of simple sugars, and
      starch molecules
  (3) a DNA template, enzymes, and subunits with
      A, G, T, and C bases
  (4) enzymes, specific receptor molecules, and
      several hormones
Answer:

10. 
10 A student used a microscope to examine some
   cells. He observed strands located in the nuclei
   of these cells.

These strands are responsible for coding
different proteins and are known as
(1) chromosomes           (3) ribosomes
(2) mitochondria          (4) chloroplasts
Answer:

11. 
11 Farmers have been planting crops that express
   an insecticide gene, so that when pests consume
   these crops, the pests are poisoned. Unfortunately,
   since these plants were introduced in 1996,
   growing numbers of insect pests have developed
   resistance to the insecticide. The process that led
   to the insect resistance can best be explained by
   (1) ecological succession
   (2) selective breeding
   (3) asexual reproduction
   (4) natural selection
Answer:

12. 
12 Killer whales are an endangered species. The
   decline in the whales’ numbers has been linked
   to poor nutrition, resulting in the inability to
   maintain a pregnancy. This risk to developing
   whale embryos is most likely a result of
   (1) an environmental factor not associated with
       the embryo’s genes
   (2) an infection caused by the embryo’s exposure
       to a pathogen
   (3) faults in the genes of the embryo itself
   (4) toxins that are introduced into the mother
       from the embryo’s blood
Answer:

13. 
13 A biotechnology tool, known as CRISPR-Cas9,
   allows scientists to precisely edit genes. In order
   to edit genes, CRISPR-Cas9 must be able to
   (1) alter the base sequence of DNA
   (2) prevent cells from differentiating
   (3) block cell receptors from receiving signals
   (4) change the rate at which a cell uses ATP
Answer:

14. 
14 By measuring the colors of light reflected by
   different tree species in a forest, scientists can
   determine the amount of biodiversity present
   in different areas. Maintaining biodiversity is
   important because it
   (1) reduces the carrying capacity of a forest
       ecosystem
   (2) guarantees that all species within a forest
       ecosystem will survive
   (3) increases the number of predators that
       control the population size of prey
   (4) ensures the availability of a variety of genetic
       material
Answer:

15. 
15 The cells in the diagram below were present in
   the same individual.

These cells are most similar in the
(1) amount of energy they release
(2) type of proteins they synthesize
(3) rate of their metabolism
(4) information stored in their DNA
Answer:


16. 
16 Large numbers of white-tailed deer on Long
   Island are infested with ticks that transmit Lyme
   disease to other mammals. One attempt to control
   reproduction in these ticks has been the release
   of large numbers of sterilized male ticks. When
   compared to using pesticides, this method to
   control ticks would
   (1) cause more environmental pollution
   (2) lead to a decrease in the deer population
   (3) be less likely to harm the environment
   (4) result in an increase in the tick population
Answer:

17. 
17 The model below summarizes one pathway of
   energy transfer in an ocean ecosystem.

The type of organism represented by box X could
be
(1) algae                (3) small fish
(2) fungi                (4) sea birds
Answer:

18. 
18 Which sequence best represents the correct
   order of events in the formation of a sexually
   reproduced individual?
   (1) embryo → zygote → gamete → fetus
   (2) zygote → embryo → fetus → gamete
   (3) gametes → embryo → fetus → zygote
   (4) gametes → zygote → embryo → fetus
Answer:

19. 
19 Direct harvesting occurs when
   (1) pine trees are cut from a forest for use as
       lumber
   (2) corn is planted in a newly plowed field
   (3) zebra mussels are accidentally imported to
       the Great Lakes
   (4) roots of plants continually take in water
Answer:

20. 
20 In New York State, it is common for farmers to
   plant large fields of one crop, such as the cornfield
   shown below.

A negative outcome of this practice is that
(1) the corn will interbreed with weeds in the
    area
(2) new predators will be introduced into the
    ecosystem
(3) the stability of the ecosystem will be reduced
(4) new species of insect-resistant corn will
    evolve
Answer:

21. 
21 The process of differentiation is best described
   as the
   (1) production of a genetically identical copy of
       an organism
   (2) change in shape of a protein due to high
       temperatures
   (3) process by which cells specialize and develop
       into a specific type of cell
   (4) process in which genes are made and
       transferred into other organisms
Answer:

22. 
22 Humans are able to positively or negatively
   affect their environment in many ways. Which
   statement accurately describes one of these
   possible effects?
   (1) A positive environmental effect is that burn-
       ing fossil fuels to generate electricity reduces
       carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
   (2) A positive environmental effect is the
       cutting of trees in rain forests to provide
       large quantities of lumber to build homes
       for the increasing world population.
   (3) A negative environmental effect is that
       industrialization provides many jobs and
       helps the economy grow.
   (4) A negative environmental effect is that
       unregulated fishing in the ocean can
       disrupt the interactions between organisms
       in existing food webs.
Answer:

23. 
23 Which statement best describes the process of
   competition?
   (1) It may be for abiotic or biotic resources.
   (2) It is not affected by changes in the
       environment.
   (3) It always occurs between members of
       different species.
   (4) It allows nutrients in an ecosystem to move
       from herbivores to autotrophs.
Answer:

24. 
24 Changes in external temperatures often result
   in a person either sweating or shivering, as
   represented in the diagram below.

These responses are one way
(1) to counteract feedback mechanisms that
    would otherwise be beneficial
(2) to make the body release insulin to control
    blood circulation
(3) the body is able to maintain dynamic
    equilibrium
(4) skin and muscle cells are able to disrupt
    homeostasis
Answer:

25. 
25 Which statement about the response of the body
   to pathogens is correct?
   (1) Red blood cells engulf invaders and produce
       antibodies that attack invaders.
   (2) Vaccinations may contain weakened microbes
       that stimulate the formation of antibodies.
   (3) AIDS is a bacterial disease that strengthens
       the immune system.
   (4) All allergic reactions are caused by an
       immune response to microorganisms.
Answer:

26. 
26 Blood sugar levels increase after a meal and eventually return to normal. This is represented in the diagram
   below.

This constant correcting of blood sugar levels within the body is accomplished by
(1) a feedback mechanism                            (3) an allergic reaction
(2) an immune response                              (4) manipulating a gene
Answer:

27. 
27 Sheets of skin are grown in a culture in order to replace the skin of victims with severe burns or frostbite.
   Undamaged skin cells are obtained from the victim, put in a Petri dish with the proper growth materials, and
   incubated, as represented in the diagram below.

These new skin cells form as a result of
(1) meiotic cell division                  (3) mitotic cell division
(2) sexual reproduction                    (4) gene recombination
Answer:

28. 
28 Which graph below best represents the relationship between the relative number of nuclei, genes, and
   chromosomes in a typical human cell?

Answer:

29. 
29 The diagram below represents a biological process.

Which statement is true about the biological process shown?
(1) This is a short-term process resulting from sudden changes.
(2) This process cannot be altered by humans and other organisms.
(3) If the hardwood trees are destroyed, the altered ecosystem cannot recover.
(4) The shrubs modify the environment, making it more suitable for the softwood trees.
Answer:

30. 
30 Cells may divide abnormally and produce cells like some of those shown in the photograph below.

When cells such as the skin cells shown reproduce abnormally, it could be a sign of
(1) an immune response                            (3) cancerous cell growth
(2) dynamic equilibrium                           (4) a cellular adaptation
Answer:


31.
Part B - 1
Answer all questions in this part. [13]
Directions (31 - 43): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.
   Base your answers to questions 31 and 32 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.

31 Only an electron microscope can be used to view
   (1) bacteria                                    (3) animal cells
   (2) mitochondria                                (4) viruses
Answer:

32. 
32 A scientist is developing a system to remove harmful bacteria from a contaminated water supply. In order to
   trap the bacteria and prevent them from going through the filter, she must make sure the pores in the filter
   are no larger than
   (1) 1 nm                                           (3) 10 µm
   (2) 1 µm                                           (4) 100 µm
Answer:

33. 
33 For native human populations in tropical areas,
   the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the
   Sun is strong, and skin color is generally dark.
   Melanin pigments found in people with darker
   skin color help block the effects of the UV
   radiation on skin cells.
   In tropical areas, the best explanation for having
   increased melanin in human skin cells is that it
   (1) increases the occurrence of mutations
   (2) provides a survival advantage
   (3) acts as a feedback mechanism to increase UV
       exposure
   (4) produces antibodies that destroy pathogens
Answer:

34. 
34 Smoking increases the risk of certain cancers of
   the mouth, esophagus, pancreas, kidneys, and
   uterus. This finding would be most reliable if it
   were based on
   (1) data collected from patients in one cancer-
       research hospital
   (2) research done by scientists in many different
       countries
   (3) reading the information on cigarette cartons
   (4) cancer information published on social
       media sites
Answer:

35. 
35 Which diagram below best represents the
   direction that energy flows through an energy
   pyramid?

Answer:

36. 
36 An evolutionary tree is shown below.

Which conclusion is correct, based on the
evolutionary tree?
(1) All of these species have certain DNA
    sequences in common.
(2) Species S is the best adapted of all the
    species shown.
(3) A common ancestor of species L and M is
    species N.
(4) Species O and P are more closely related
    than species P and Q.
Answer:

37. 
    Base your answers to questions 37 and 38 on the information and photographs below and on your knowledge
of biology.
              An arctic fox has a gland in its brain that secretes a hormone that regulates the production
         of melanin, a pigment that accounts for brown fur. In the winter, the foxes secrete more of
         this hormone and their cells stop making melanin, so they appear white. The pictures below
         illustrate two variations of fur color.

37 Which two rows best support the information provided?

(1) A and B   (3) C and D
(2) B and C   (4) D and A
Answer:

38. 
38 Which statement is the most likely explanation for the color differences in the fur of the fox at different times
   of the year?
   (1) Mutations can be caused by changes in the number of biotic factors in the environment.
   (2) The expression of genes can be modified by the external environment.
   (3) Hereditary information is contained in genes located in the chromosomes of each cell.
   (4) Random changes in DNA can occur to change the expression of a gene.
Answer:

39. 
Base your answer to question 39 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
                                           Fighting the Flu
          A new technique to attack flu virus antigens is being tested on mice. Normally, antibodies
      attack the “head” portion of antigens on the surface of the flu virus.
          Since the “head” portions mutate frequently, the antibodies do not provide protection
      for very long. The new technique is to develop antibodies that attack the “stem” portion
      of the antigen. Since the “stem” regions do not mutate very often, the effectiveness of the
      vaccine should last longer. This technique is represented below.

39 Which statement describes an observation that would best support the continued study of using antibodies
   produced by this new technique against the flu?
   (1) A group of 50 mice with flu antibodies formed using the new technique were exposed to mutated forms
       of the flu. None of the mice became ill.
   (2) The use of these antibodies in mice stopped mutations that occur in flu viruses.
   (3) Chemical tests showed that the stem antibodies attached to the heads of some flu viruses and destroyed
       them.
   (4) Blood tests showed that only “stem” antibodies attacking the stem of flu antigens can cause the flu in
       mice. Those attacking the “head” did not.
Answer:

40. 
40 Scientists have discovered that pathogenic organisms and the chemicals they produce can cause
   foodborne illnesses. These illnesses harm the body as a result of interactions between the digestive and
   immune systems.
   Which statement most correctly describes how these two systems interact when an individual comes down
   with a foodborne illness?
   (1) Chemicals produced by pathogens enter the immune system through a cut in the skin. The circulatory
       system carries the chemical to the digestive system, resulting in foodborne illness.
   (2) When specific chemicals produced by pathogens enter the digestive system in contaminated foods, the
       ability of the immune system to fight off foodborne illness is reduced.
   (3) When foods contaminated with pathogens are eaten, the immune system prevents the pathogens from
       entering the digestive system.
   (4) The digestive system breaks down the pathogens in the contaminated foods so that they are harmless.
       These harmless pathogens are then transferred to the immune system.
Answer:

41. 
    Base your answers to questions 41 and 42 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge of
biology.
              A live plant was placed in a closed container in a lab. Sensors were set up to monitor the
          levels of oxygen in the container over several hours.

41 At which hour were the lights turned on in the lab?
   (1) 8                                              (3) 0
   (2) 2                                              (4) 4
Answer:

42. 
42 During the 8 hours studied, the plant performed
   (1) photosynthesis, only                          (3) both photosynthesis and respiration
   (2) respiration, only                             (4) neither photosynthesis nor respiration
Answer:

43. 
43 Human cells have many molecules attached to their surfaces. Some of these molecules are involved in
   producing the symptoms associated with allergies. Histamine is a chemical produced by some human cells.
   When histamine binds to molecules on the surface of cells that line the nose and throat, the cells will swell
   and leak fluid, causing the characteristic itching, sneezing, and congestion associated with allergies. A model
   of this mechanism is represented below.

Antihistamines are medications taken to block this reaction. Which of the antihistamine molecules
represented below would be the most effective?
(1)        (2)        (3)        (4)
Answer:


44. 
                                                   Part B  - 2
                                  Answer all questions in this part.      [12]
    Directions (44 - 55): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet
the number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all
other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this
examination booklet.
   Base your answers to questions 44 through 48 on the information and data table below and on your
knowledge of biology.
                                                 West Nile Virus
              West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a variety of bird species. Crows and jays are
          known to get sick and die when infected. WNV also infects other animals, including horses,
          cats, dogs, chipmunks, alligators, and humans.
              WNV affects the nervous system. It was first detected in the U.S. in New York City
          during the summer of 1999, when nearly 5500 crows died within a four-month period. Since
          then, WNV has spread rapidly throughout the country. Although the virus is widespread,
          symptoms in humans are usually mild. However, about 1 in 150 people who are infected
          develop severe, sometimes fatal, symptoms that include the inflammation of the brain and
          membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There is no human vaccine for WNV.
          The virus is transmitted to certain bird species when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes.
          When these bird species are not available, mosquitoes are more likely to bite humans.
          Humans are a dead-end host, which means that even when infected with the virus, it is not
          passed on.
              The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded the number of cases
          of WNV per 100,000 people in the U.S. from 2002-2014. These data are recorded in the
          table below.

    Directions (44 - 45): Using the information in the data table, construct a line graph on the grid provided,
following the directions below.
 44 Mark an appropriate scale, without any breaks in the data, on each labeled axis. [1]
Answer:

45. 
45 Plot the data for the incidence of West Nile virus in the U.S. per 100,000 people. Connect the points and
   surround each point with a small circle. [1]

Answer:

46. 
46 Based on the data, is it possible to predict what the number of cases per 100,000 people will be for the
   year 2020? Support your answer with data from the graph. [1]
Answer:

47. 
   Note: The answer to question 47 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
47 The two maps below show the number of human cases of West Nile virus per 100,000 people for the years
   2007 and 2016.

The data represented on the maps best indicate that
(1) birds have spread WNV to every state in the United States
(2) New York State has the highest rate of WNV infection for both of the years shown
(3) once WNV reaches a state, the number of people infected increases every year
(4) for any given year, it is difficult to know which states will have the greatest number of cases
Answer:

48. 
48 Explain why some people may be more severely affected by West Nile virus than others. [1]
Answer:

49. 
Base your answers to questions 49 through 51 on the food web below and on your knowledge of biology.

   Note: The answer to question 49 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
49 Based on the food web, the population that contains the greatest amount of available energy would be
   (1) seals                                         (3) phytoplankton
   (2) fishes                                         (4) humans
Answer:

50. 
   Note: The answer to question 50 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
50 Which statement best describes what would happen in this ecosystem if the phytoplankton were removed
   from the food web?
   (1) Copepods and krill would fill the vacant niche.
   (2) The number of heterotrophs would increase.
   (3) The food web would be disrupted, and organisms would die.
   (4) The food web would remain stable.
Answer:

51. 
51 Describe the relationship represented by the arrows between squids and fishes. [1]
Answer:

52. 
Base your answer to question 52 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
          Scientists are interested in studying the effects of a mother’s alcohol consumption on the
      brain development of the fetus during pregnancy. In order to collect data, scientists typically
      use newborn rats because the rats’ brain development after birth is roughly equivalent to that
      of a human fetus during the third trimester (late in pregnancy). Scientists divided newborn
      rats into four groups and exposed them to alcohol using the following methods:

    At the end of the experiment, scientists measured the total brain weight of the newborn
rats, as represented in the graphs below.

52 State the relationship between peak blood alcohol concentration and total brain weight for alcohol-exposed
   newborn rats. [1]
Answer:

53. 
   Base your answers to questions 53 and 54 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.
The diagram represents a food web in a forest ecosystem.

53 A student claims that this food web represents a stable ecosystem. State whether or not her claim is correct.
   Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

54. 
54 Select two organisms from this food web that compete with each other for food, and state one reason why
   they are able to survive in the same ecosystem. [1]
   Organisms:                                             and
Answer:

55. 
55 In the cell below, identify both the number and name of the structure in the cell that produces proteins. [1]

Number of structure:
Name of structure:
Answer:


56.
Part C
Answer all questions in this part. [17]
Directions (56 - 72): Record your answers in the spaces provided in this examination booklet.
  Base your answer to question 56 - 57 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
                                           Fragile X Syndrome
             Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with a mutation in a gene located
        on a particular human chromosome called the X chromosome. The disorder results in a
        critical protein, FMR1, not being produced. The normal FMR1 protein helps regulate the
        production of other proteins that play a role in the development of nerve cells. The situation
        is summarized below:
  Normal X chromosome → normal FMR1 protein produced → nerve cell development is regulated
  Abnormal fragile X chromosome → no FMR1 protein produced → nerve cell development is unregulated
56 - 57 Explain how the mutation in the fragile X chromosome affects the body. In your answer, be sure to:
    • state one specific reason why the mutated gene on the fragile X chromosome is unable to produce the
      FMR1 protein. [1]
Answer:

57. 
• explain why children with fragile X syndrome would often have learning disabilities, including speech
  and language problems and intellectual disabilities. [1]
Answer:

58. 
Base your answers to questions 58 and 59 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
The chart shows the reproductive characteristics of three species living in an area that has recently
undergone a major environmental change.

58 Explain why species C might have a greater chance of avoiding extinction in the changed environment than
   species B. Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

59. 
59 State one possible reason why species A could be the most successful in surviving an environmental change.
   Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

60. 
  Base your answers to questions 60 through 63 on the passage below and on your knowledge of biology.
                                          Plastic Bags Everywhere!
             As of 2016, Americans used approximately 100 billion plastic bags annually. An average
         family brought home about 1500 plastic bags a year. Less than 1% of those bags were
         returned for recycling. Therefore, most of the bags ended up in landfills, where it takes
         anywhere from months to hundreds of years for them to be broken down. These growing
         landfills are destroying natural habitats. Many of the bags also make their way into oceans
         where, if mistaken for food, they can cause animals to choke or starve to death.
             A group of researchers in Europe discovered that wax moth caterpillars could break the
         chemical bonds in polyethylene, a polymer used to produce plastic bags and other products.
         Though the scientists don’t know the exact chemical that the caterpillar is using to break
         down the plastic, they predict it is an enzyme. Once they isolate the chemical, scientists may
         be able to mass-produce the chemical in order to break down the plastic bags accumulating
         in the environment.
60 State one negative effect the overuse of plastic bags is having on the environment. [1]
Answer:

61. 
61 Explain why the researchers suspect it is an enzyme that is enabling wax moth caterpillars to break down the
   plastic bags. [1]
Answer:

62. 
62 Explain why using the chemical produced by the caterpillars to break down plastic bags could be considered
   an ecologically friendly solution to the problem. [1]
Answer:

63. 
63 Suggest a plan of action, that could be carried out in your local community, which would be a step toward
   solving the plastic bag problem. [1]
Answer:

64. 
  Base your answers to questions 64 and 65 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
                                     Plants Clean Up Mining Wastes
            The mining of certain metal ores, such as copper and lead, can result in the contamination
        of soils. Wastes from the mining process can be toxic to plants and animals in the area. It
        has been discovered that some species of grass are able to grow in these contaminated areas.
        These grass plants can actually remove some of the toxic wastes from the soil and accumulate
        them in their tissues.
            Growing these resistant grass plants in contaminated soil, then harvesting them to
        remove the toxic wastes from the environment, has been suggested as a possible way to
        clean up these areas.
64 Describe one positive and one negative outcome of mining metal ores. [1]
Answer:

65. 
65 Explain why importing grasses to clean up mining wastes in areas where those grasses do not normally grow
   could lead to unexpected environmental problems. [1]
Answer:

66. 
66 Today, many diseases have been linked to mutations that cause mitochondria to fail. Patients who suffer from
   mitochondrial diseases may suffer from fatigue and weakness. Explain why patients with a mitochondrial
   disease would tend to experience these symptoms. [1]
Answer:

67. 
Base your answers to questions 67 through 70 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
                     Lessening Snow Cover Affects Survival of Snowshoe Hare
          Snowshoe hares are found in the northern evergreen forests of the United States.
      The physical characteristics of the hares enable them to hunt for food and hide from their
      predators during the cold, snow-covered winters. They have large, snowshoe-shaped feet
      and thick fur. A change in fur color during an annual molt (shedding) occurs before the
      winter season, causing white fur to replace the brown fur of summer.
          The amount of snow cover in these northern forests has decreased in recent years.
      Research has shown that this decrease has had a significant effect on the snowshoe hare
      population, even though the carrying capacity of the forests has not changed. Researchers
      have estimated that for every seven days that snow covers the ground, the snowshoe hare
      populations are four times more likely to survive.
          Since the molt from brown fur to white fur is a response to the decreasing hours of
      daylight in the fall and not the arrival of snow, the later the snow arrives, the greater the
      chance that the white hares will be caught by their predators.
          The snowshoe hare plays a major role in the stability of these forest ecosystems. Their loss
      would affect other species such as lynx and great horned owls. If the amount of snow cover
      continues to decrease, researchers are concerned that it will be harder for the snowshoe hare
      to survive in their current habitats.

67 Explain how snow cover affects the population of the snowshoe hare. [1]
Answer:

68. 
68 Identify the environmental factor that stimulates the fur color of the hare to change from brown
   to white. [1]
Answer:

69. 
69 Identify a specific environmental issue that is most likely to affect snowshoe hare populations in northern
   ecosystems. Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

70. 
70 Graph A below, based on 1985 data, represents the time of the year when the fur color of
   the snowshoe hares in the northern Rockies does not match the color of their surroundings.
   The bold line on each graph indicates the period of time that snow covers the ground. The shaded area in
   the graphs represents this mismatch of color. Graphs B and C show future projections.

Identify one change in the characteristics of the snowshoe hares in this ecosystem that would most likely be
selected for if the trend shown in graphs B and C proves to be true. [1]
Answer:

71. 
Base your answers to questions 71 and 72 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

                     Roundworm Parasite Causes Tropical Ant to Look Like a Berry
              Scientists have discovered a parasitic roundworm that makes its ant host look like a juicy,
         red, ripe berry. Worker ants collect materials from the soil to feed the larval ants. Often, the
         soil also contains roundworm eggs that are consumed by the ant larvae.
              The roundworms develop from the eggs within the ant larvae, mate, and produce
         hundreds of roundworms. As the roundworms develop, they cause increased reddening of
         the developing ant’s abdomen and take nutrients from the ant. Just as a fruit reaches peak
         color when its seeds are ready for dispersal, the infected ant’s abdomen reaches peak redness
         as the roundworm eggs mature.
              Birds don’t normally eat the foul-tasting ants, but are thought to eat the ants infected
         with roundworms since they look like red berries. The roundworm eggs move through the
         bird’s digestive system unaffected and pass to the soil in the bird’s feces.
71 State one reason this roundworm is considered a parasite to this species of tropical ant. [1]
Answer:

72. 
72 Describe one advantage the roundworm has by having birds involved in part of its life cycle. [1]
Answer:


73.
Part D
Answer all questions in this part. [13]
Directions (73 - 85): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this examination booklet.
   Base your answers to questions 73 and 74 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
The photograph shows two birds on a bird feeder.

             Studies have shown that the length of beaks within a songbird population may be
         influenced by the presence of bird feeders. When bird feeders were widely used in one area,
         birds were observed to have longer beaks. In an area where bird feeders were not used, the
         beaks of these species were of average length.
   Note: The answer to question 73 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
73 One possible reason for the increase in beak length is that birds with longer beaks
   (1) were less likely to have offspring with long beaks
   (2) had a more successful adaptation for survival in the area
   (3) needed to reach the seed within the bird feeder, so their beaks grew longer
   (4) had more competition than other birds at the bird feeders
Answer:

74. 
   Note: The answer to question 74 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
74 The presence of bird feeders in an area would represent a
   (1) selecting agent                               (3) source of mutation
   (2) feedback mechanism                            (4) biological catalyst
Answer:

75. 
Base your answers to questions 75 through 77 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
                                         The Elephant Shrew
          The elephant shrew spends its days searching the leaf litter on the forest floor for insect
      prey. When first discovered, due to structural similarities, the elephant shrew was classified
      with other shrews and their relatives. However, scientists recently reclassified the elephant
      shrew, as shown in the evolutionary tree below:

   Note: The answer to question 75 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
75 The new, more accepted classification of the elephant shrew is most probably based on an analysis of
   (1) the coloration of the elephant shrew’s fur
   (2) the feeding habits of the elephant shrew compared to other shrews
   (3) a number of newly found shrew fossils
   (4) the DNA present in the cells of the elephant shrews
Answer:

76. 
   Note: The answer to question 76 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
76 According to the new evolutionary tree, elephant shrews are most closely related to
   (1) manatees and hyraxes
   (2) shrews and their relatives
   (3) tenrecs, golden moles, and aardvarks
   (4) primates, rodents, rabbits, and relatives
Answer:

77. 
77 The elephant shrew is at risk for extinction because its habitat is very limited. The elephant shrew can only
   be found in two forest locations within the country of Tanzania. Even though these locations are protected,
   they could be harmed by fires and human activity. Explain why it is important to continue to protect the
   habitat in which the elephant shrew is found. [1]
Answer:

78. 
  Base your answers to questions 78 and 79 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
            A student hypothesized that the pulse rates of his classmates would increase after walking.
         The student then obtained pulse rates from five classmates after they walked for 15 minutes.
         The data, in beats per minute, were recorded as: 78, 68, 84, 88, and 90.
78 Identify the dependent variable in this investigation. [1]
Answer:

79. 
79 Identify one error in the experimental procedure. [1]
Answer:

80. 
80 Draw a line on the graph provided that shows the relationship between exercise and oxygen consumption.
   Support your answer. [1]

Answer:

81. 
  Base your answers to questions 81 and 82 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.
             A student prepared two potato cubes by cutting 2 cm x 2 cm sections from the same
         potato. Next, she determined the mass of each of the cubes and recorded the information in
         her lab notebook.
             She then placed one cube in a beaker of distilled water and the other in a beaker with
         an equal volume of concentrated salt solution. After 20 minutes, she removed both of them
         from the beakers and again determined the mass of each cube.
   Note: The answer to question 81 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
81 Which statement correctly describes the effect on the mass of one of the cubes after the 20-minute period?
   (1) In distilled water, the mass of the potato cube increased due to salt leaving the cells of the potato.
   (2) In distilled water, the mass of the potato cube increased due to water moving into the cells from high
       concentration to low concentration.
   (3) In the concentrated salt solution, the mass of the potato cube increased due to salt moving into the cells
       from low concentration to high concentration.
   (4) In the concentrated salt solution, the mass of the potato cube remained the same due to the cell wall
       preventing the movement of molecules into or out of the cells.
Answer:

82. 
   Note: The answer to question 82 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
82 The student placed a thin slice of potato in a drop of water on a glass slide. She added a coverslip and a
   drop of indicator. Using a compound light microscope, she examined the slide of potato and made the
   drawing below.

The blue-black-stained structures labeled in her drawing are most likely
(1) chloroplasts                                   (3) ribosomes
(2) starch grains                                  (4) sugar molecules
Answer:

83. 
Base your answers to questions 83 through 85 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.
         Tests were performed to help identify the person who committed a crime. Lane D
      contained DNA from evidence found at the crime scene. Lanes A, B, and C contained DNA
      from each of the three suspects.

83 Identify the technique used to obtain the results seen in the diagram. [1]
Answer:

84. 
84 Based on the data, which lane most likely contained DNA from the suspect who committed the crime?
   Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

85. 
85 Identify the lane that contained the band with the shortest fragments of DNA. Support your answer. [1]
Answer:

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