Biology
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
BIOLOGY
Biology
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Biology
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1 A scientist is examining an unknown cell using an electron microscope.
Which observed structure would indicate that the cell is MOST
LIKELY prokaryotic?
A
Mitochondrion
B
Free-oating DNA
C
Chloroplast
D
Membrane-bound nucleus
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2 Which environmental condition would MOST LIKELY result in the
appearance of punctuated equilibrium in the fossil record?
A
An environment that remains in a state of stasis
B
An environment that undergoes steady changes over time
C
An environment that experiences rapid large-scale destructive
change
D
An environment with many transitional fossils
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DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Choose the best answer to each
question. For open-response questions, determine the best answer
to the question.
Biology
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3 A student is sweating after playing basketball.
Which body systems are MOST DIRECTLY interacting as a response
to maintain homeostasis?
A
Digestive and circulatory systems
B
Immune and integumentary systems
C
Nervous and integumentary systems
D
Circulatory and nervous systems
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4 Ringworm is a common skin infection that appears as an itchy, red rash
on exposed human skin. It is caused by approximately 40 different
species of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi require keratin,
which is present in human skin, for growth and reproduction.
Which term describes the relationship between dermatophytes
and humans?
A
Parasitism
B
Commensalism
C
Mutualism
D
Predation
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Biology
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5 A student makes a model to compare the process of transcription
and translation to the process of using a grocery store that prepares
orders for customers.
A customer makes a copy of a grocery list at home.
The customer drives the grocery list to the grocery store.
The customer gives the grocery list to a cashier at the store.
A shopper picks up the items and brings them to the cashier.
The cashier assembles the order and a shopping cart with the order
is produced.
Based on the student’s model and your knowledge of the biological
process, which person or object represents tRNA?
A
The cashier
B
The grocery list
C
The shopper
D
The shopping cart
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Biology
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6 Students investigate osmosis using dialysis tubing. Dialysis tubing
is a semipermeable membrane that allows water molecules to pass
through while preventing salt ions from passing through.
The students follow this procedure:
1. Mix salt into water to make a 7.1% salt solution.
2. Add equal amounts of this saltwater solution to four small
bags made of dialysis tubing.
3. Fill four beakers with different salt solutions, as shown in
the image.
4. Place each small bag into one of the four beakers.
5. Observe changes in the size of the bags.
The setup for the investigation is shown.
In which beaker will osmosis cause expansion of the dialysis
tubing bag?
A
Beaker 1
B
Beaker 2
C
Beaker 3
D
Beaker 4
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Biology
Page 8
7 Leguminous plants, such as bean plants, share a mutualistic
relationship with certain rhizobium bacteria. The plants develop
harmless nodules on their roots, where the bacteria live. In return,
the bacteria convert an important element from the atmosphere into a
nutrient form that the plants can use.
What essential element is converted to a useable form by the
rhizobium bacteria?
Record your answer in the space provided.
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8 Which organ and tissue interact MOST DIRECTLY to absorb and
transport water and dissolved minerals inside a plant?
A
Flower and phloem
B
Root and phloem
C
Flower and xylem
D
Root and xylem
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Biology
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9 Which type of mutation is LEAST LIKELY to result in a
frameshift mutation?
A
Insertion
B
Translocation
C
Substitution
D
Deletion
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10 Which two components are MOST LIKELY found in both viruses and
prokaryotic cells?
A
Nucleic acids and carbohydrates
B
Carbohydrates and lipids
C
Lipids and proteins
D
Proteins and nucleic acids
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Biology
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11 A student is drawing an energy pyramid.
Examine the diagram and answer these questions:
• What is the original source of all energy for the energy pyramid?
• How does the amount of energy available at each level of the
pyramid change from the bottom to the top?
Biology
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Think about the questions carefully. Then record your answers in the
box provided.
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Biology
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12 A population of organisms contains multiple alleles for a particular
trait. A biologist assigns each allele a letter from M through T and
tracks the frequency in a population. A small group of organisms
travels to a new location and begins a new population.
The biologist tracked the allele frequency for the trait in the original
population and the small group and recorded the data in the
tables shown.
Allele Frequency in
Original Population
Allele Frequency in
Small Population
Allele Frequency (%) Allele Frequency (%)
M 11 M 0
N 21 N 12
O 7 O 0
P 13 P 25
Q 5 Q 22
R 3 R 0
S 31 S 41
T 9 T 0
Biology
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Which table shows the MOST LIKELY allele frequency of the
new population?
A
Allele Frequency in
New Population
Allele Frequency (%)
M 11
N 21
O 7
P 13
Q 5
R 3
S 31
T 9
B
Allele Frequency in
New Population
Allele Frequency (%)
M 0
N 15
O 1
P 26
Q 20
R 0
S 36
T 2
C
Allele Frequency in
New Population
Allele Frequency (%)
M 30
N 10
O 15
P 11
Q 16
R 9
S 7
T 2
D
Allele Frequency in
New Population
Allele Frequency (%)
M 4
N 20
O 5
P 21
Q 27
R 0
S 21
T 2
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Biology
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13 Which of these is MOST LIKELY an indication that cells may have
become cancerous?
A
Cells undergoing slower rates of mitosis
B
Cells with few or no mutations
C
Cells not responding to checkpoints in the cell cycle
D
Cells with decreased rates of protein synthesis
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14 Which statement BEST describes how genes are expressed in an
organism?
A
Genes are always off even when resources are available.
B
Genes are turned on and off in response to the environment.
C
Genes are continuously turned on and off at random intervals
of time.
D
Genes are on until all the genes have been simultaneously
expressed.
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Biology
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15 A cladogram for the six kingdoms of life is shown.
Based on the cladogram, which TWO kingdoms contain organisms
with chloroplasts?
A
Fungi and Archaea
B
Archaea and Protista
C
Protista and Plantae
D
Plantae and Fungi
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Biology
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16 Which statement BEST describes how enzymes affect the speed of a
metabolic reaction?
A
Enzymes increase the concentration of reactants, which increases
the speed of the reaction.
B
Enzymes decrease the energy needed to start a reaction, which
increases the speed of the reaction.
C
Enzymes replace the reactants in a chemical reaction, which
decreases the speed of the reaction.
D
Enzymes prevent products from being converted back into
reactants, which decreases the speed of the reaction.
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Biology
Page 17
17 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
The table shows the number of differences in the amino acid sequence
of a protein called cytochrome C in three species of fungi.
Fungi Differences in Cytochrome C
Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 27
Candida albicans and Neurospora crassa 43
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa 41
Part A
Based on the data, which two species of fungi are MOST CLOSELY
related?
A
Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
B
Neurospora crassa and Candida albicans
C
Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa
Part B
Which evidence BEST supports the answer to Part A?
A
The two species have anatomical similarities.
B
The two species have high molecular homology.
C
The two species are able to reproduce.
D
The two species are both fungi.
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Biology
Page 18
18 A student compares two different species of fox as shown in the table.
Arctic Fox vs. Fennec Fox
Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda)
• Lives in the arctic tundra
• Thick fur that varies in color based on the season
• Short ears, legs, and snout
• Dense fur on foot pads
• Lives in the desert
• Tan fur
• Large ears
• Slanted eyes
The student wants to explain why the two species are so different
even though they have a common ancestor.
Which statement BEST explains the differences between the two
species?
A
Different environments led to different adaptations.
B
The same environment led to different adaptations.
C
Each species developed the same adaptations to
different environments.
D
Each species migrated to environments that matched
their adaptations.
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Biology
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19 A student makes a diagram to demonstrate how DNA encodes traits
for organisms.
Complete the diagram to accurately show the relationship among the
structures and processes.
Select the correct answer for each box. Not all answers can be used in
all boxes.
A Protein B DNA C mRNA D Transcription E Translation
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20 There are different types of human blood cells. Depending on what
type they are, some blood cells either carry nutrients throughout the
body or destroy foreign substances in the body.
Which statement explains how genes control the differentiation of
different types of blood cells?
A
Different genes are expressed in the different types of blood cells.
B
Some genes are deleted in one type of blood cell, changing the
type of cell it is.
C
Specic genes in blood cells are expressed only in response to an
external environmental change.
D
Genes found in all blood cells can change the cell to perform any
function needed.
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Biology
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21 Microorganisms are known to be present in some food products such
as yogurt. One student claims that microorganisms in food always
have a negative effect on human health, while a second student
disagrees. The second student claims that some microorganisms in
food can have a positive effect on human health.
Which statement BEST supports the second student’s claim?
A
Microorganisms can destroy any pathogens that affect the
immune system.
B
Microorganisms reproduce too slowly to affect the immune system.
C
Microorganisms known to be in food are no longer living and would
not affect the digestive system.
D
Microorganisms can aid in the absorption of nutrients from food
within the digestive system.
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Biology
Page 21
22 A bacteriophage uses the lysogenic cycle to replicate itself. Describe
the bacteriophage’s replication process. Be sure to include information
about what happens to the host cell during and as a result of this cycle.
Think about the questions carefully. Then record your answer in the
box provided.
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Biology
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23 A large population of rock pocket mice with various fur colors lives in
a designated area. Soon after a volcanic eruption, the number of mice
with dark-colored fur in the population increased.
Which statement BEST describes the reason for the change in
fur color?
A
Mutations for dark-colored fur were passed down within the
somatic cells, resulting in more mice with dark-colored fur.
B
Mice with light-colored fur selected mutations that allowed their
fur to become darker.
C
The tness of mice with dark-colored fur increased, so they
became more abundant.
D
Mice with light-colored fur began feeding in the daytime to
stimulate the release of a pigment for dark-colored fur.
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24 A student is making models of cells and uses the following materials:
• dried peas to represent ribosomes
• shelled peanuts to represent mitochondria
• uncooked noodles to represent DNA
• shoestrings to represent the cell membrane
Which material would be used in a model of a eukaryotic cell but NOT
a prokaryotic cell?
A
Dried peas (ribosomes)
B
Shelled peanuts (mitochondria)
C
Uncooked noodles (DNA)
D
Shoestrings (cell membrane)
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Biology
Page 23
25 Which molecules are the building blocks of DNA?
A
Proteins
B
Fatty acids
C
Nucleotides
D
Chromosomes
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26 Which plant structures are DIRECTLY involved in the production and
transport of glucose?
Select TWO correct answers.
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Biology
Page 24
27 Since the 1900s, sea surface temperatures over the Great Barrier
Reef have been gradually increasing. These rising ocean temperatures
have caused coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose
the symbiotic algae that give them their coloring and are their main
sources of energy. Severely bleached corals usually develop disease
and eventually die.
How might coral bleaching affect ecosystem stability in the Great
Barrier Reef?
A
Species that depend on the coral for protection and food
will decline.
B
Predators will adapt and nd alternative food sources.
C
Genetic and species diversity will increase.
D
Vulnerable species will migrate to environments with
healthy corals.
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28 Which cellular components are the same in all living organisms?
A
Mitochondria
B
Nuclei
C
Nucleotides
D
DNA sequences
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Biology
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29 Which two biological processes would MOST LIKELY result in
offspring genetically different from their parents?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
DNA replication
`
Independent assortment
`
Mitosis
`
Crossing-over
`
Asexual reproduction
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Biology
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30 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Two students give the following presentation to their classmates:
Student 1 starts the presentation by describing members of
one species.
Student 2 adds information about members of another species and
explains that members of both species interact with each other AND
with the abiotic factors in their environment.
Part A
Which are the levels of the biological organization presented by
Student 1 and Student 2 in this presentation?
A
Student 1: Organism
Student 2: Population
B
Student 1: Ecosystem
Student 2: Organism
C
Student 1: Community
Student 2: Population
D
Student 1: Population
Student 2: Ecosystem
Part B
Which statement BEST explains the answer to Part A?
A
Ecosystems consist of all organisms living and interacting in a
given area, and individuals are organisms.
B
An organism is a species, and many species living in the same
area make up a population.
C
A population consists of a group of the same species, and
ecosystems are communities interacting with abiotic factors.
D
Communities consist of organisms, and organisms interacting
with living and nonliving factors in the environment make up a
population.
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Biology
Page 27
31 A student draws the dragony family cladogram shown, based on
anatomical features.
Which family of dragonies shares the most recent common ancestor
with the families Macromiidae and Corduliidae?
A
Family Calopterygidae
B
Family Aeshnidae
C
Family Libellulidae
D
Family Coenagrionidae
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Biology
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Which table BEST describes the stage of succession occurring on
the trail?
A
Stage of Succession Primary
Evidence
Soil was created.
Lichens are present.
Biodiversity Less than in the forest
B
Stage of Succession Secondary
Evidence
Soil and new land was created.
Rocks are present.
Biodiversity More than in the forest
C
Stage of Succession Secondary
Evidence
Human destruction caused the path to form.
Grasses and small plants are present.
Biodiversity Less than in the forest
D
Stage of Succession Primary
Evidence
Human destruction caused the path to form.
Fungi and rocks are present.
Biodiversity More than in the forest
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Biology
Page 30
33 The graphs show changes in allele frequencies in a population at three
points in time as a drought becomes more severe.
Which statement best describes how natural selection affects alleles?
A
Natural selection always affects how the same allele inuences an
organism’s reproductive success.
B
Natural selection affects alleles randomly, leading to small changes
in allele frequencies.
C
Natural selection affects allele frequencies in individuals, not
in populations.
D
Natural selection affects allele frequencies differently depending on
how helpful an allele is to an organism’s tness for its environment.
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Biology
Page 31
34 A Venn diagram comparing the functions of proteins and nucleic acids
is shown.
Which functions BEST complete the Venn diagram?
Select the correct answer for each box. Not all answers will be used.
A Provide
energy
B Are involved in
translation
C Encode genetic
information
D Transport
substances
E Provide
insulation
F Are stored
as glycogen
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Biology
Page 32
35 A student sees a red wolf at the zoo and wants to research specic
information about the animal.
Which levels of taxonomy are BEST to use when researching specic
information about the red wolf?
A
Kingdom and species
B
Kingdom and genus
C
Genus and species
D
Species and family
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36 Which scenario will MOST LIKELY result in a change to the nitrogen
cycle that negatively affects plant growth?
A
Increasing the variety of legumes within a eld
B
Planting crops that do not need nitrogen for survival
C
Decreasing the amount of nitrogen-xing bacteria in the soil
D
Regulating the amount of fertilizers used on farms
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Biology
Page 33
Codon Chart
Biology
Page 34
37 A genetic sequence undergoes a mutation. The original sequence, the
mutated sequence, and a codon chart are shown.
Biology
Page 35
How many amino acid changes can be identied from the mutated
sequence shown?
Record your answer in the space provided.
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Biology
Page 36
38 Which table correctly matches each type of biomolecule with its
function in the cell membrane?
A
Biomolecule Function in Cell Membrane
Carbohydrate Used by the immune system for self-identication
Protein Helps transport substances
Lipid Provides structural support
B
Biomolecule Function in Cell Membrane
Carbohydrate Provides structural support
Protein Used by the immune system for self-identication
Nucleic acid Helps transport substances
C
Biomolecule Function in Cell Membrane
Carbohydrate Regulates transportation of substances
Protein Stores energy
Lipid Used by the immune system for self-identication
D
Biomolecule Function in Cell Membrane
Carbohydrate Provides energy to help with movement
Protein Helps transport substances
Nucleic acid Helps break down substances
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Biology
Page 37
39 A population of birds follows swarms of army ants and eats insects
as they move out of the way of the ants. The birds do not eat the
army ants.
Which type of relationship between the birds and the army ants is
BEST represented by this scenario?
A
Mutualism
B
Commensalism
C
Parasitism
D
Competition
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istoke.com/alanphillips
Biology
Page 38
40 A student studying mitosis captures an image of cells from an onion
root tip with a camera mounted on a microscope.
Which events occur after the phase circled in the student’s image?
Select TWO correct answers.
`
Spindle bers form.
`
Chromosomes condense.
`
Paired chromosomes separate.
`
The nuclear membrane disappears.
`
Chromosomes attach to spindle bers.
`
The cytoplasm separates into two cells.
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Biology
Page 39
41 A student researches the average number of offspring that six species
produce during their lifetime and creates the table shown.
Species Average Number of Offspring
Orangutan 3
Tiger 15
Black-tailed prairie dog 24
Virginia opossum 108
European rabbit 360
Oriental fruit y 1,350
Based on the data, which species will MOST LIKELY experience the
highest rates of evolution?
A
Black-tailed prairie dog
B
Virginia opossum
C
European rabbit
D
Oriental fruit y
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Biology
Page 40
42 Which statement BEST describes the roles of glucose and oxygen
in photosynthesis?
A
Glucose releases chemical energy during photosynthesis, and
oxygen is a product of photosynthesis.
B
Glucose releases chemical energy during photosynthesis, and
oxygen is a reactant in photosynthesis.
C
Glucose stores chemical energy during photosynthesis, and oxygen
is a product of photosynthesis.
D
Glucose stores chemical energy during photosynthesis, and oxygen
is a reactant in photosynthesis.
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Biology
Page 41
43 An image of a cell is shown.
Which phase of the cell cycle is this cell in?
A
G
0
phase
B
S phase
C
G
2
phase
D
M phase
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Biology
Page 42
44 When crossed with the genotype AaBb, which genotype would result in
a 50% chance of producing offspring with the alleles AA?
A
AaBb
B
AABb
C
Aabb
D
aaBB
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STOP
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
IN THE TEST BOOKLET.
Biology
Page 43
45 A student makes a model of an energy pyramid by stacking cups as
shown. The producers are represented by the bottom level of
four cups.
How much energy will be obtained at the top of this energy pyramid if
the cups representing the primary consumers have 37,000 kilojoules (kJ)
of energy?
A
37,000 kJ
B
3,700 kJ
C
370 kJ
D
3.7 kJ
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STAAR
Biology
PRACTICE
5
STAAR
Biology
PRACTICE
