1. Basic Test Taking Skills

2. Preparing for tests Know when the test is!
Make sure you leave time to study
24 hours before test– get good nights sleep. Don’t cram!
Make sure you have all necessary supplies (pencil and calculator)
Eat a good breakfast/lunch
Try to exercise before a test
Arrive early, review summary sheet, relax!

3. During Test Listen carefully to all directions
Skim through entire test before you begin– budget your time
Go through entire test 3 times
First time– answer all questions you know
Second time– answer all questions you can logically figure out
Third time– guess at the remaining answers
Always read each question at least twice to completely understand its content
Take advantage of full time
Change answers only if you have a good reason to do so. Usually your first answer is right
Manage your anxiety

4. Multiple Choice Tests
Choose your answer before you even look at the choices
Read all choices before answering
Use common sense in determining you answer
Select the most correct answer
Use answers from previous questions to help answer other questions   

5. Biology Review
Practice Problems

6. Two students were testing the amount of fertilizer that would best promote the growth
of strawberries in a garden. Which of the following could be an unavoidable source of experimental error?
A. length of the study
B. variation in the strawberry plants
C. the cost of watering the plants
D. fertilization during the study 1

7. B. variation in the strawberry plants
Two students were testing the amount of fertilizer that would best promote the growth
of strawberries in a garden. Which of the following could be an unavoidable source of experimental error?
A. length of the study
B. variation in the strawberry plants
C. the cost of watering the plants
D. fertilization during the study
In a controlled experiment you must keep all variables but one the same
Fertilizer is the experimental variable 1

8. Based on the graph #1, what can you conclude about the relationship between enzyme concentration and reaction rate?
a. Reaction rate decreases with increasing enzyme concentration
b. Reaction rate increases with decreasing enzyme concentration
c. Reaction rate increases with increasing enzyme concentration
d. The variables are indirectly proportional
e. The variables are not related 2

9. c. Reaction rate increases with increasing enzyme concentration
Based on the graph #1, what can you conclude about the relationship between enzyme concentration and reaction rate?
a. Reaction rate decreases with increasing enzyme concentration
b. Reaction rate increases with decreasing enzyme concentration
c. Reaction rate increases with increasing enzyme concentration
d. The variables are indirectly proportional
e. The variables are not related 2

10. In most stable freshwater environments,
populations of Daphnia are almost entirely female and reproduce asexually. However, males are observed in low oxygen environments or when food is scarce. Based on these observations, a researcher suggests that male Daphnia develop in response to unfavorable environmental conditions. This is an example of a
A. result.
B. theory.
C. procedure.
D . hypothesis. 3

11. In most stable freshwater environments,
populations of Daphnia are almost entirely female and reproduce asexually. However, males are observed in low oxygen environments or when food is scarce. Based on these observations, a researcher suggests that male Daphnia develop in response to unfavorable environmental conditions. This is an example of a
A. result.
B. theory.
C. procedure.
D . hypothesis.
Hypothesis- possible explanation, “educated guess”, a “suggestion”
Theory- well tested and supported hypothesis
Procedure- “steps you take” 3

12. The diagrams below show some experimental setups designed to observe the effect of using different fertilizers on pine trees. Which would be the most valid and reliable?
a.  
b.  
c.   4

13. The diagrams below show some experimental setups designed to observe the effect of using different fertilizers on pine trees. Which would be the most valid and reliable?
a.  
b.  
c.  
Controlled variables (same trees) 4

14. Use the graph to answer the question below
At which point in Graph does the number of living bacteria increase at the greatest rate?
a. Between hours 14 and 16
b. Between hours 4 and 6
c. Between hours 6 and 10
d. Between hours 10 and 12
e. During the first 3 hours 5

15. Use the graph to answer the question below
At which point in Graph does the number of living bacteria increase at the greatest rate?
a. Between hours 14 and 16
b. Between hours 4 and 6
c. Between hours 6 and 10
d. Between hours 10 and 12
e. During the first 3 hours 5

16. In a pond, the primary producer is a green alga, Spirogyra; the primary consumer is the crustacean, Daphnia; the secondary consumer is a small fish, the bluegill; and the tertiary consumer is a larger fish, the smallmouth bass. What changes can be expected in the pond if the Daphnia are killed with pesticides?
A. The Spirogyra population will probably die.
B. The bluegill population will probably increase.
C. The Daphnia population will eat something else.
D. The smallmouth bass population will die.

17. D. The smallmouth bass population will die.
In a pond, the primary producer is a green alga, Spirogyra; the primary consumer is the crustacean, Daphnia; the secondary consumer is a small fish, the bluegill; and the tertiary consumer is a larger fish, the smallmouth bass. What changes can be expected in the pond if the Daphnia are killed with pesticides?
A. The Spirogyra population will probably die.
B. The bluegill population will probably increase.
C. The Daphnia population will eat something else.
D. The smallmouth bass population will die.

18. Rabbits introduced into Australia over 100 years ago have become a serious pest to farmers. Rabbit populations increased so much that they displaced many native species of plant eaters. What is the most logical explanation for their increased numbers?
A. Rabbits have a high death rate.
B. There are few effective predators.
C. Additional rabbit species have been introduced.
D. There is an increase in rabbit competitors.

19. B. There are few effective predators.
Rabbits introduced into Australia over 100 years ago have become a serious pest to farmers. Rabbit populations increased so much that they displaced many native species of plant eaters. What is the most logical explanation for their increased numbers?
A. Rabbits have a high death rate.
B. There are few effective predators.
C. Additional rabbit species have been introduced.
D. There is an increase in rabbit competitors.
Population size dependent on 4 factors:
Birth and death rate
Emigration and Immigration

20. In the food web below, which of the organixms, X, Y, or Z, is a herbivore?
a. Z Y
Both X and Y X

21. Herbivore- eats plants (producers) Omnivore- both plants and animals
In the food web below, which of the organixms, X, Y, or Z, is a herbivore?
a. Z Y
Both X and Y X
Herbivore- eats plants (producers)
Omnivore- both plants and animals
Carnivore- eats animals

22. The graph below shows the birth rate and death rate for a population during the 1900s.
From 1900 to 2000, the population has
A. increased.
B. decreased.
C. stayed the same.
D. increased until 1930, then decreased.

23. The graph below shows the birth rate and death rate for a population during the 1900s.
From 1900 to 2000,
the population has
A. increased.
B. decreased.
C. stayed the same.
D. increased until 1930, then decreased.
You have to look at both birth rate and death rate to calculate what the population is doing.
Birth rates stay about the same, and death rates are dropping = increase in population

24. Complete burning of plant material returns carbon primarily to the
A. herbivores.
B. water.
C. vegetation.
D. atmosphere.

25. Complete burning of plant material returns carbon primarily to the
A. herbivores.
B. water.
C. vegetation.
D. atmosphere.

26. Which of the following parts of Figure 13
Which of the following parts of Figure 13.2 is an example of a biotic factor?
a. sunlight
b. soil
c. deer
d. river

27. Which of the following parts of Figure 13
Which of the following parts of Figure 13.2 is an example of a biotic factor?
a. sunlight
b. soil
c. deer
d. river
Biotic- living things
Abiotic- non-living things

28. Which of the following diagrams correctly illustrates the greenhouse effect?b. c. d.

29. Which of the following diagrams correctly illustrates the greenhouse effect?b. c. d.
Greenhouse effect- gases trapping radiant heat from Earth’s surface

30. What is true about the time interval marked E in Graph #3 above?
I. Carrying capacity has been reached
II. Birthrate equals death rate
III. Population is growing
a. I only
b. II only
c. III only
d. I and II only
e. I, II, and III

31. What is true about the time interval marked E in Graph #3 above?
I. Carrying capacity has been reached
II. Birthrate equals death rate
III. Population is growing
a. I only
b. II only
c. III only
d. I and II only
e. I, II, and III

32. Carrying Capacity- The maximum number of organisms a particular ecosystem can support (depends on resources available)
4 FACTORS THAT EFFECT POPULATION SIZE
Birth rate (increase)
Death rate (decrease)
Immigration (increase: into)
Emigration (Decrease: out of….exit)

33. Which of these organisms would most likely be found at the top of an energy pyramid?
A. clams
B. sardines
C. sharks
D. kelp

34. 10% available to each succeeding trophic level
Which of these organisms would most likely be found at the top of an energy pyramid?
A. clams
B. sardines
C. sharks
D. kelp
10% available to each succeeding trophic level

35. As DDT moves up the trophic levels in food chains, or food web, its concentration
a. stays the same.
b. increases.
c. decreases.
d. is eliminated.

36. As DDT moves up the trophic levels in food chains, or food web, its concentration
a. stays the same.
b. increases.
c. decreases.
d. is eliminated.
Biological magnification

37. In an ecosystem where the owls eat the mice, the carrying capacity of both populations has been reached. How would the emigration of mice affect the carrying capacity of the owl population?
a. It would cause an increase in the carrying capacity of the owl population.
b.The carrying capacity of the owl population would remain the same.
c.The carrying capacity of a population is never affected by emigration.
d.It would cause a decrease in the carrying capacity of the owl population.

38. Emigration = mice leaving habitat (less mice for owls to eat)
In an ecosystem where the owls eat the mice, the carrying capacity of both populations has been reached. How would the emigration of mice affect the carrying capacity of the owl population?
a. It would cause an increase in the carrying capacity of the owl population.
b. The carrying capacity of the owl population would remain the same.
c. The carrying capacity of a population is never affected by emmigration.
d. It would cause a decrease in the carrying capacity of the owl population.
Emigration = mice leaving habitat (less mice for owls to eat)

39. What is missing from the box in the nitrogen cycle diagram below?
a. bacteria
b. Consumers
c. Lightning
d. fertilizer 

40. What is missing from the box in the nitrogen cycle diagram below?
a. bacteria
b. Consumers
c. Lightning
d. fertilizer 
Nitrogen fixing bacteria are essential in the Nitrogen cycle to turn useless nitrogen gas into chemicals that can be used by organisms

42. After a volcanic eruption has covered an area
with lava, which of the following is the most likely order of succession in the repopulation of the area?
A. lichens →grasses →shrubs →trees
B. mosses →grasses →lichens →trees
C. grasses →trees →mosses →lichens
D. shrubs →grasses →trees →lichens 8

43. After a volcanic eruption has covered an area
with lava, which of the following is the most likely order of succession in the repopulation of the area?
A. lichens →grasses →shrubs →trees
B. mosses →grasses →lichens →trees
C. grasses →trees →mosses →lichens
D. shrubs →grasses →trees →lichens
lichens 8

44. When the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted, the blast covered much of the surrounding area with ash. Based on the diagram above, which list shows the sequence of secondary succession that followed that eruption?
A. X, Y, Z, W
B. Z, X, Y, W
C. W, Y, X, Z
D. Z, Y, W, X 9

45. When the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted, the blast covered much of the surrounding area with ash. Based on the diagram above, which list shows the sequence of secondary succession that followed that eruption?
A. X, Y, Z, W
B. Z, X, Y, W
C. W, Y, X, Z
D. Z, Y, W, X 9

46. Scientists found that, over a period of 200 years, a mountain pond was transformed into a meadow. During that time, several communities of organisms were replaced by different communities. Which of these best explains why new communities were able to replace older communities?
A. The original species became extinct.
B. Species in the older community died from old age.
C. The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.
D. Diseases that killed the older organisms disappeared.

47. C. The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.
Scientists found that, over a period of 200 years, a mountain pond was transformed into a meadow. During that time, several communities of organisms were replaced by different communities. Which of these best explains why new communities were able to replace older communities?
A. The original species became extinct.
B. Species in the older community died from old age.
C. The abiotic characteristics of the habitat changed.
D. Diseases that killed the older organisms disappeared.

48. Use the following key to answer the question
Use the following key to answer the question. Which diagram represents the polysaccharide cellulose? a. b. c. d.

49. Use the following key to answer the question
Use the following key to answer the question. Which diagram represents the polysaccharide cellulose? a. b. c. d.
Monomer- building blocks
Polymer- large molecule built with monomers
Each organic compound has different monomers and polymers

50. (starch, cellulose, glycogen) Glycerol and fatty acids
Organic Compound
Monomer
Polymer
Carbohydrate
Single-sugar
Monosaccharide
glucose
Polysaccharide
(starch, cellulose, glycogen)
Protein
Amino acid
Lipid
Glycerol and fatty acids
Fats, Oils, Waxes
LIPIDS
Nucleic Acid
Nucleotides
DNA, RNA

51. What causes tomatoes to ripen much more
slowly in a refrigerator than they do if left
on a table at room temperature?
A. Tomatoes need sunlight to ripen.
B. Humidity accelerates the ripening process.
C. Low temperatures reduce the action of
ripening enzymes.
D. Enzymes produced by bacteria inhibit ripening. 13

52. C. Low temperatures reduce the action of ripening enzymes.
What causes tomatoes to ripen much more slowly in a refrigerator than they do if left on a table at room temperature?
A. Tomatoes need sunlight to ripen.
B. Humidity accelerates the ripening process.
C. Low temperatures reduce the action of
ripening enzymes.
D. Enzymes produced by bacteria inhibit ripening.
Colder = slower reaction time
Remember that enzymes are responsible for all chemical reactions that take place in an organism (or a cell), including the way a fruit ripens 13

53. According the Graph to the right, what is the relationship between the rate of fermentation and temperature?
a. The rate of fermentation continually increases as temperature increases.
b. The rate of fermentation continually decreases as temperature increases
c. The rate of fermentation increases with temperature, then it rapidly decreases.
d. The rate of fermentation decreases with temperature, then it increases
e. There is no relationship between the rate of fermentation and temperature. 14

54. According the Graph to the right, what is the relationship between the rate of fermentation and temperature?
a. The rate of fermentation continually increases as temperature increases.
b. The rate of fermentation continually decreases as temperature increases
c. The rate of fermentation increases with temperature, then it rapidly decreases.
d. The rate of fermentation decreases with temperature, then it increases
e. There is no relationship between the rate of fermentation and temperature. 14

55. There are many different enzymes located in
the cytoplasm of a single cell. How is a specific enzyme able to catalyze a specific reaction?
A. Different enzymes are synthesized in specific areas of the cytoplasm.
B. Most enzymes can catalyze many different reactions.
C. An enzyme binds to a specific substrate (reactant) for the reaction catalyzed.
D. Enzymes are transported to specific substrates (reactants) by ribosomes. 15

56. There are many different enzymes located in
the cytoplasm of a single cell. How is a specific enzyme able to catalyze a specific reaction?
A. Different enzymes are synthesized in specific areas of the cytoplasm.
B. Most enzymes can catalyze many different reactions.
C. An enzyme binds to a specific substrate (reactant) for the reaction catalyzed.
D. Enzymes are transported to specific substrates (reactants) by ribosomes.
Enzymes have special dimensional shapes that match each chemical it works on (catalyzes) 15

57. Some snake venoms are harmful because they
contain enzymes that destroy blood cells or tissues. The damage caused by such a snakebite could best be slowed by
A. applying ice to the bite area.
B. drinking large amounts of water.
C. inducing vomiting.
D. increasing blood flow to the area.

58. Some snake venoms are harmful because they
contain enzymes that destroy blood cells or tissues. The damage caused by such a snakebite could best be slowed by
A. applying ice to the bite area.
B. drinking large amounts of water.
C. inducing vomiting.
D. increasing blood flow to the area.
Colder = slower reaction time

59. Enzyme A is shown below. Like most enzymes, it is substrate specific
Enzyme A is shown below. Like most enzymes, it is substrate specific. It will only react with which of the following substrates?
a. W
b. X
c. Y
d. Z

60. Enzyme A is shown below. Like most enzymes, it is substrate specific
Enzyme A is shown below. Like most enzymes, it is substrate specific. It will only react with which of the following substrates?
a. W
b. X
c. Y
d. Z
Remember that enzymes work like a “lock and key”
The shapes match
They are very specific

61. Which of these best completes this concept map?
A. an animal cell
B. a prokaryotic cell
C. a virus
D. a plant cell

62. Which of these best completes this concept map?
A. an animal cell
B. a prokaryotic cell
C. a virus
D. a plant cell
Animal- no cell wall (rigid coat of cellulose), or chloroplasts
Virus-no nuclear membrane, mitochondria, chloroplasts
Prokaryotic cell- no nuclear membrane (nucleus)

64. Eukaryotic cells are differentiated from prokaryotic cells because eukaryotic cells
A. are much smaller.
B. have permeable membranes.
C. have a higher rate of reproduction.
D. have nuclei.

65. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane bound organelles
Eukaryotic cells are differentiated from prokaryotic cells because eukaryotic cells
A. are much smaller.
B. have permeable membranes.
C. have a higher rate of reproduction.
D. have nuclei.
Eukaryotic cells also have membrane bound organelles

66. Which of these four cells is least like the others?
a. b.
c. d.

67. Prokaryote Which of these four cells is least like the others? a. b.
c. d.
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote
Eukaryote

68. A cell from heart muscle would probably have an unusually high proportion of
A. lysosomes.
B. mitochondria.
C. mRNA.
D. Golgi bodies.

69. A cell from heart muscle would probably have an unusually high proportion of
A. lysosomes.
B. mitochondria.
C. mRNA.
D. Golgi bodies.
Any cell that needs lots of energy would have higher numbers of mitochondria

70. Which cellular organelle is responsible for
packaging the proteins that the cell secretes?
A. cytoskeleton
B. cell membrane
C. lysosome
D. Golgi apparatus

71. Which cellular organelle is responsible for
packaging the proteins that the cell secretes?
A. cytoskeleton
B. cell membrane
C. lysosome
D. Golgi apparatus
Also remember that proteins are made by ribosomes (found separate or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum)

73. The cell membrane of the red blood cell will allow water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and glucose to pass through. Because other substances are blocked from entering, this membrane is called
A. perforated.
B. semi-permeable.
C. non-conductive.
D. permeable. 12

74. The cell membrane of the red blood cell will allow water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and glucose to pass through. Because other substances are blocked from entering, this membrane is called
A. perforated.
B. semi-permeable.
C. non-conductive.
D. permeable.
Semi-permeable- lets some things through but not others 12

75. Cell membrane- semipermeable
Cell membrane- semipermeable. A “Mosaic”- Composed of lipid bilayer, protein (channels and “pumps”), carbohydrate (“identification cards”)

76. Use the illustration below to answer the question
Use the illustration below to answer the question. In which direction will the water molecules move?
a. Water will move both into and out of the cell.
b. Water won't move in or out of the cell.
c. Water will move into the cell.
d. Water will move out of the cell.

77. Use the illustration below to answer the question
Use the illustration below to answer the question. In which direction will the water molecules move?
a. Water will move both into and out of the cell.
b. Water won't move in or out of the cell.
c. Water will move into the cell.
d. Water will move out of the cell.

78. Water molecules move in both directions…
Water molecules move in both directions….but in greater number from high concentration to low concentration
When reaches equilibrium- molecules move back and forth in equal amounts

79. Looking at the cells in the figure below, what sequence below properly displays the process of mitosis?
a. A, B, C, D
b. B, C, D, A
c. D, C, A, B
d. D, A, C, B 7

80. Looking at the cells in the figure below, what sequence below properly displays the process of mitosis?
a. A, B, C, D
b. B, C, D, A
c. D, C, A, B
d. D, A, C, B T M P A 7

81. PMAT

82. A computer model of cellular mitosis
can simulate the aspects of cellular division quite well. However, microscopic observation of actual cellular mitosis can improve understanding because actual observations
A. may reveal greater unknown complexities.
B. are easier than a computer model to view.
C. are the same each time.
D. may provide division events in sequence. 6

83. A computer model of cellular mitosis
can simulate the aspects of cellular division quite well. However, microscopic observation of actual cellular mitosis can improve understanding because actual observations
A. may reveal greater unknown complexities.
B. are easier than a computer model to view.
C. are the same each time.
D. may provide division events in sequence.
Some questions can be confusing when you first see them
Answer by eliminating wrong choices 6

84. Which molecule in plant cells first captures the radiant energy from sunlight?
A. glucose
B. carbon dioxide
C. chlorophyll
D. adenosine triphosphate

85. Which molecule in plant cells first captures the radiant energy from sunlight?
A. glucose
B. carbon dioxide
C. chlorophyll
D. adenosine triphosphate
Remember that chlolorphyll belongs to a group of chemicals called pigments
Each can absorb energy from different wavelengths (colors of light)
Chlorophyll is green because it reflects green light

86. The first stage of photosynthesis in a chloroplast is
A. light-dependent.
B. temperature-dependent.
C. glucose-driven.
D. ATP-driven.

87. The first stage of photosynthesis in a chloroplast is
A. light-dependent.
B. temperature-dependent.
C. glucose-driven.
D. ATP-driven.

88. In aerobic respiration, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) takes place in
A. chloroplasts.
B. nuclei.
C. lysosomes.
D. mitochondria.

89. Mitochondria found in both plant and animal cells!
In aerobic respiration, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) takes place in
A. chloroplasts.
B. nuclei.
C. lysosomes.
D. mitochondria.
Mitochondria found in both plant and animal cells!

90. phosphate removed