Question

Biology Segment II Exam
Answers

Answer 1

1. (06.06 HC)
A company is testing a new weight-loss supplement. For the study, the company enrolled 189 obese or overweight middle-aged people who agreed to take a weight-loss supplement for eight weeks. Half took the supplements and half took a placebo. A representative portion of their results is shown in the table below. What conclusions can you draw from this portion of the results? (2 points)


SUBJECT #

GROUP

BASELINE WEIGHT

8 WK WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN

26

placebo

192

+2.7

32

supplement

151

-3.2

35

supplement

204

-6.6

54

supplement

216

-4.9

85

placebo

185

-2.4

116

supplement

197

+3.4

133

placebo

290

+6.8

147

supplement

235

-9.0

153

placebo

188

+5.8

167

supplement

233

-5.3

188

supplement

198

-7.3


The supplement seems to be effective, but more trials are necessary.
The supplement is not effective because some of the people gained weight.
The supplement is no more effective for causing weight loss than the placebo.
The supplement produced results that are identical to the placebo.
Score: 2 of 2
2. (05.01 MC) Two birds that look very similar to each other have always been considered two distinct species based on differences in their body size and in where they live. A group of ornithologists studying the two species begins to think they might not be separate species based on observed behavior. What would be the best next step regarding this new hypothesis? (2 points)

Run DNA tests on the two species to see how genetically similar they are.
Publish their conclusions in a scientific journal to officially change their classification.
Trace the birds' ancestry in the fossil record to see if they diverged into two species.
Compare embryos of the two birds to see if they differ during development.
Score: 2 of 2
3. (05.03 MC) A scientist found a hominid fossil that appeared anatomically to be that of Homo habilis. It was found, however, in a rock layer that suggests it is only about 150,000 years old. Based on this, he wants to publish a paper asserting the fossil shows that Homo habilis lived much longer than thought and was contemporary with early Homo sapiens. Which of the following should he do to build a stronger case before he publishes? (2 points)

Convince other scientists to support his conclusions about the fossil.
Look for evidence of cave paintings at the site where he found the fossil.
Find out how old the fossil actually is using radioactive dating.
Look for similar fossils in the same rock strata.
Score: 2 of 2
4. (07.03 MC) Which of the following would most likely happen if the epithelial cells in the stomach failed to produce mucus? (2 points)

Food leaving the stomach would only be partially digested.
Gastric juice would digest the stomach lining, resulting in ulcers.
Stomach pH would increase, resulting in acid reflux disease.
The cells would break down more slowly in order to protect the stomach.
Score: 2 of 2
6. (05.02 HC) The genomes of three species of mouse are being sequenced, and a particular DNA sequence found in all three species is found to have a steady mutation rate. The sequence of interest for these three species is shown below.

Species A: ATTCGGATTATTCGAGG

Species B: GTCCGGTTCATTGGACA

Species C: ATCCAGATCGTTCGTGG


Which of the following inferences can be made, based on this information? (2 points)


Species B and Species C most likely diverged from Species A since they both have more mutations than Species A.
Species B most likely evolved from Species C since they are closest to each other in terms of number of mutations.
Species A and Species C most likely share the most recent common ancestor since they differ by the fewest mutations.
Species C most likely diverged from Species A more recently than Species B since Species C has fewer mutations than Species B.
Score: 0 of 2
7. (06.01 MC) Cladistics is a way of classifying organisms by examining the characteristics of their ancestors and descendants and depicting the relationships in a cladogram. Which of the following best describes a challenge in classifying organisms this way? (2 points)

There are millions of species on Earth, and a cladogram is not a practical means for classifying all of them.
It is impossible to tell which organisms are most closely related to each other using a cladogram.
Cladograms are detail-oriented and do not provide a useful understanding of evolutionary relationships.
There is a limited number of ways to organize the information, so most cladograms end up looking very similar.
Score: 0 of 2
8. (06.01 MC) Which of the following best compares Aristotle's method of classifying organisms to Linnaeus's classification system? (2 points)

Aristotle categorized organisms as either plant or animal, while Linnaeus sorted them based on size.
Aristotle created a hierarchy of life based on complexity, while Linnaeus sorted organisms based on physical traits.
Aristotle cataloged only animals and divided them into carnivores and herbivores, while Linnaeus sorted both plants and animals based on habitat.
Aristotle classified organisms based on geographic location, while Linnaeus sorted them based on their method of obtaining food and nutrients.
Score: 2 of 2
9. (06.01 MC) When Linnaeus began classifying organisms in the 1700s, he categorized them as plant, animal, or mineral. These kingdoms were later revised to exclude minerals and expanded to include animals, plants, fungi, protists, and bacteria. Which of the following best explains a reason for this change? (2 points)

As new organisms were discovered, new kingdoms were created to sort them based on ability to interbreed.
It was discovered that the organisms in each of the five kingdoms have a different method of obtaining nutrients and are therefore fundamentally different.
Technological advances led to the discovery of single-celled organisms and increased our understanding of relationships between organisms.
Genetic research led to the discovery that each of these five kingdoms has a unique evolutionary ancestor.
Score: 2 of 2
10. (06.01 LC) Which kingdom in the domain Eukarya best classifies photosynthetic, multicellular organisms that have specialized tissues? (2 points)

Animalia
Plantae
Protista
Fungi
Score: 2 of 2
11. (06.03 MC) Some of the members of the protist kingdom have to take in food from their environment in order to survive as members of the animal kingdom. Why are these organisms classified as protists and not as animals? (2 points)

They are unicellular and the members of the animal kingdom are all multicellular.
They do not produce live young as the rest of the members of the animal kingdom do.
They lack hair or fur and therefore cannot be classed as members of the animal kingdom.
They are ectothermic while the members of the animal kingdom are all endothermic.
Score: 2 of 2
12. (06.02 MC) In which of the following ways is reproduction in plants similar to reproduction in animals? (2 points)

Plants and animals both go through conjugation when they reproduce.
Plants and animals both can go through sexual reproduction.
Plants and animals both produce eggs in ovaries and sperm in testes.
Plants and animals both can gain genetic material by transduction.
Score: 2 of 2
13. (06.05 MC) Compare the organisms in the table. What plantlike characteristic does a methanogen share with organisms in the kingdom Plantae? (2 points)


Autotrophic

Photosynthesizing

Multicellular

Prokaryotic

Blue-green algae

Fern

Grass

Methanogen

Pawpaw

Blue-green algae

Fern

Grass

Pawpaw

Fern

Mushroom

Puffball

Grass

Pawpaw

Blue-green algae

Methanogen


Plants and methanogens use the sun to produce their own food.
Plants and methanogens are both eukaryotic, multicellular organisms.
Plants and methanogens produce food using heat from volcanic vents.
Plants and methanogens are both capable of producing their own food.
Score: 2 of 2
14. (07.06 MC) Tara's friend, Sally, came to school with a cold and sat in the desk next to Tara's all morning blowing her nose. At lunch, they went outside to sit in the sun and eat. Sally blew her nose again and then gave Tara her cookie since she didn't feel like eating it. Tara ate it and then carried Sally's things back inside for her. Several days later Tara came down with the cold. At what point was it most likely that the virus infected Tara? (2 points)

When she sat near Sally as she blew her nose allowing the virus to collect on the tissue
When she ate the cookie which Sally had touched, leaving the virus on it
When she took the cookie from Sally and gave the virus a chance to penetrate her skin
When she carried Sally's things and rubbed the virus off them onto her clothes
Score: 2 of 2
15. (07.06 LC) Which of the following chronic diseases is most easily detected through a routine blood test? (2 points)

Obesity
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Score: 2 of 2
16. (07.06 MC) Sally has a family history of skin cancer. What is the most practical strategy Sally can use to help her minimize her risk of developing this disease? (2 points)

She should take large doses of antioxidant vitamins and eat fruits and vegetables.
She should get regular blood tests to detect the presence of tumor markers or abnormal cells.
She should have a genetic test to determine whether she carries the cancer gene.
She should minimize her UV exposure and get regular skin checks.
Score: 2 of 2
17. (06.06 LC) Why is it important that a plant's phloem extends into its leaves? (2 points)

The phloem allows carbon dioxide to enter the leaf and oxygen to escape it during photosynthesis.
The phloem brings water and nutrients up from the roots so that photosynthesis can take place.
The phloem collects the sugars made during photosynthesis and carries them around the plant.
The phloem protects the leaf from sun damage and excess water loss on hot, sunny days.
Score: 2 of 2
18. (06.05 MC) Which of the following correctly predicts what would happen if a plant was lacking stomata? (2 points)

It would not have chloroplasts needed for photosynthesis.
It would lack structural support tissue, causing it to collapse.
It would not be able to transport minerals from the roots.
It would lose large quantities of water to the surrounding air.
Score: 2 of 2
19. (06.07 MC) Which of the following best describes reproductive structures common to both gymnosperms and angiosperms? (2 points)

Seeds formed after combining pollen and egg cells during sexual reproduction
Male pollen grains and female egg cells in the same reproductive organ
Cones containing seeds that are eaten and carried away by animals
Flowers designed to attract pollinators to assist in fertilization
Score: 0 of 2
20. (06.06 HC) During a windstorm, a large old tree fell in the forest. As it came down, it trapped a young sapling about 5 meters tall underneath it. The top of the sapling bent to the ground under the weight of the other tree but the sapling did not break. What will be the most likely long-term consequence of this for the sapling? (2 points)

Ethylene and abscisic acid will be released from the sapling's leaves, causing a thigmotropic response, and it will grow a new set of leaves.
Gibberellin and abscisic acid will accumulate in the top of the sapling, causing a phototropic response, and it will turn its leaves toward the light.
Auxin and gibberellin in the sapling's stem will cause a gravitropic response in the sapling, and its top will grow upward even though it is held down.
Cytokinin and ethylene will migrate into the top of the sapling, causing a thigmotropic response, and it will twist around the fallen tree.
Score: 0 of 2
21. (05.01 MC) Which of the following best describes how comparative anatomy can be used to determine the evolutionary relationship between two organisms? (2 points)

Organisms that have a great deal of physical similarity are more likely to share a common ancestor than two organisms with few physical traits in common.
Comparing the physical traits of two organisms makes it possible to determine how long ago they shared a common ancestor.
Studying the physical differences between two organisms will show which organism evolved from the other.
Two species that have few physical traits in common do not share a common ancestor and most likely evolved from different species.
Score: 2 of 2
22. (05.01 HC) The fossil remains of a terrestrial organism are found in Canada. These fossils appear to be similar to fossils found in the Midwestern United States, and also to fossils found in Northern Europe. What would be the best first step in a scientific procedure for determining if one of these organisms could be an ancestor of the others? (2 points)

Reconstruct the environments that these organisms might have lived in using modern knowledge of climatology.
Compare the fossils to modern-day organisms to find any modern organisms that may have evolved from the fossilized organisms.
Search for more fossils in other surrounding regions to try to identify how the organisms migrated to the other continents.
See if any of the organisms lived before the others by measuring the age of their fossils using some means, like radioactive dating.
Score: 2 of 2
23. (05.03 LC) Over millions of years, hominid species learned to use and create tools that became more complex over time. They eventually shaped stone into knives used for cutting, and they harnessed fire for light, heat, and cooking food. Which of the following best explains what effect this had on hominid evolution? (2 points)

Hominid front limbs became longer in proportion to the rest of their body.
Hominid brain size decreased as life became easier with the advent of tools.
Hominid tooth size decreased as they relied on cooked foods and tools for cutting.
Hominid hands developed smaller thumbs as they developed finer tools.
Score: 2 of 2
24. (05.03 MC) Which of the following best describes trends in hominid evolution that took place over millions of years, from early ancestors to modern humans? (2 points)

Their brain cavity increased in size, their overall body size decreased, and they became less reliant on vision.
Their jaw became more parabolic in shape, their gestation period increased, and they evolved to walk upright.
Their tooth size increased, their brain size decreased, and their hind limbs became longer.
Their overall body size decreased, their brow became lower, and their average litter size increased.
Score: 2 of 2
25. (05.02 MC) The bee orchid has flower petals that are furry and colored to resemble female bees. They attract male bees that wish to mate with the female bee imposters, resulting in pollination of the orchid flower. How would the bee orchid flowers' mimicry affect bee survival? (2 points)

Male bees that mate with the bee orchid flowers will be more reproductively successful because they will have practice mating.
Male bees that can identify the bee orchid flowers as frauds will mate with real bees and pass on their genes to offspring.
Female bees that can pollinate the bee orchid flowers will be able to eliminate competition for mates and produce more offspring.
Female bees that resemble the bee orchids will attract more male bees than the flowers and will be able to produce offspring.
Score: 2 of 2
26. (05.02 HC) Houses have been built around a small retention pond, increasing the fertilizer runoff into the pond. This has led to algal blooms in the pond which periodically reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen available in the water. What will be the most likely long-term effect on the fish population living in the pond if the situation with the fertilizer does not change? (2 points)

The fish population will grow as more offspring are born that can take advantage of the new conditions.
The population will be replaced by a different species of fish that consumes algae for food.
The fish population will learn to survive with less oxygen and more algae in the water.
The population will evolve, leaving only those genetically equipped to deal with low oxygen levels.
Score: 2 of 2
27. (07.01 LC) Which part of the brain is indicated by the arrow below? (2 points)

alt=


Cerebrum
Cerebellum
Pons
Medulla oblongata
Score: 2 of 2
28. (07.01 LC) Which labeled region of the brain represents the temporal lobe? (2 points)

alt=


Region D
Region B
Region A
Region C
Score: 2 of 2
29. (07.02 MC) Two identical twins, Derek and Aaron, grew up in the same household without any health problems. For most of his life, Derek had a high-stress job and did not have time for exercise. Aaron, on the other hand, led a low-stress lifestyle and exercised regularly. How would their cardiovascular systems compare? (2 points)

Derek is more likely to have constricted blood vessels and would be more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than Aaron.
Derek is more likely to have relaxed blood vessels and would be less likely to have heart disease than Aaron.
Aaron is more likely to have constricted blood vessels and would be more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Aaron is more likely to have relaxed blood vessels, though they would be equally likely to suffer from a hardening of their arteries.
Score: 2 of 2
30. (07.02 HC) A medical researcher measured the diastolic wall thicknesses of the arteries in a young, healthy test subject. The test subject came back 20 years later to have the measurements repeated. The measurements revealed that the subject's artery walls were half as thick as they were originally. Which of the following is the most likely long-term effect if the measured trend continues? (2 points)

Arteries and veins will fuse, causing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix.
Blood pressure will decrease, causing nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and potential death.
Arteries will be unable to withstand the pressure exerted by the heart, causing an aneurysm.
Blood volume will increase, causing the kidneys to work harder to maintain blood pressure.
Score: 2 of 2
31. (07.03 LC) Ulcers are caused when stomach acid comes in contact with the stomach wall. What keeps the stomach acid away from the stomach wall under normal circumstances? (2 points)

The enzymes secreted into the chyme from the stomach walls
The mucus coating secreted by the epithelial cells of the stomach
The sodium bicarbonate secreted into the stomach by the pancreas
The saliva that is swallowed along with the chewed food
Score: 2 of 2
32. (07.04 MC) A person breaks a bone and has it set and put in a cast, but it does not heal. What would be the best thing for the doctor to investigate as a possible cause? (2 points)

The bone marrow, which should have supplied the growing bone with blood
The ligaments, which should have held the ends of the bone together while it mended
The synovial fluid in the bone, which should have carried nutrients to the growing bone
The osteoblasts, which should have been building the new bone
Score: 2 of 2
33. (07.05 LC) After a fetus has developed for only three months, what is its skeleton made of? (2 points)

Muscle
Bone
Cartilage
Tendon
Score: 2 of 2
34. (07.05 MC) If a man's vas deferens is surgically cut and tied off how will it affect him? (2 points)

He will no longer be able to urinate.
Sperm will not be able to leave his body.
His body will stop producing testosterone.
No more sperm will be produced in his testes.
Score: 2 of 2
35. (07.05 MC) What causes genetic variation during human sexual reproductive processes? (2 points)

The zygote cell divides many times through mitosis to form a blastocyst during embryo formation.
Adjacent chromatids in homologous chromosomes cross over during meiosis in sperm and egg formation.
Mitochondria, containing mitochondrial DNA, collect in the midpiece of sperm cells during sperm formation.
Spindle fibers form between centrioles before attaching to chromosomes during meiosis in gamete formation.
Score: 0 of 2
36. (07.06 MC) A person eats food prepared on a kitchen counter covered with living infectious bacteria. Which of the following best describes an example of how the bacteria might resist the person's nonspecific immune defenses? (2 points)

Phagocytes that try to engulf the bacteria are soon destroyed by enzymes produced by the bacteria.
B cells are blocked from binding to the bacteria antigens because of enzymes secreted by the bacteria.
Infection would not be able to destroy the bacteria.
Plasma cells that would normally mark the bacteria for destruction are avoided by the bacteria.
Score: 2 of 2
37. (07.06 HC) Patty and Tina were exposed to the mumps at school. Neither Patty nor Tina has ever had the mumps before, but several years ago Tina was given the mumps vaccine, which was made from the killed virus. Patty's mother had mumps as a child, and she is worried that Patty and her 2-month-old baby sister, who is breast-feeding, will get the mumps. Who is most likely to get the mumps and why? (2 points)

Patty's mom is because her memory cells for the mumps virus have expired.
The baby is, because she is too young to have passive immunity to the virus.
Tina is, because the virus was dead in the vaccine she was given.
Patty is, because she has no active or passive immunity to the virus.
Score: 0 of 2
38. (07.06 HC) Sam came home from school with a cold caused by a virus and his sister, Ana, caught it from him. Sam got well and went back to school. A few days before Ana got well, Sam came down with a cold again. Their mother said that Ana had given the cold back to Sam. How likely is it that their mother is correct, and what does it mean for Ana's chances of getting sick again? (2 points)

If Sam only had a mild infection of the virus he might not have acquired immunity to it and could catch it again, as could Ana if she had a mild infection.
Sam could not get sick with the same virus again since he has acquired immunity to it, so he must have a different virus which Ana could catch.
If Sam's body did not store up enough antibodies to the virus he could get sick with it again, as could Ana if the same thing happened to her.
Sam could have picked up another virus at school as well as catching the same one from Ana again, so Ana could get sick again with either virus.

Answer 2

There's no question for #5

1. A
2. A
3. C
4. B
5.
6. C
7. A
8. B
9. C
10. B
11. A
12. B
13. D
14. B
15. C
16. D
17. C
18. D
19. A
20. C
21. A
22. D
23. C
24. B
25. B
26. D
27. A
28. A
29. A
30. C
31. B
32. D
33. C
34. B
35. B
36. A
37. D
38. B