HSA PRACTICE PROBLEMSHSA PRACTICE PROBLEMS

Which of these instruments should a student use to Which of these instruments should a student use to measure the length of a housefly?measure the length of a housefly?

A microscopeA microscopeB metric rulerB metric rulerC funnelC funnelD graduated cylinderD graduated cylinder

Which process enables increasing numbers of insects Which process enables increasing numbers of insects to survive their initial exposure to an insecticide?to survive their initial exposure to an insecticide?

A cloningA cloningB mutationB mutationC natural selectionC natural selectionD genetic engineeringD genetic engineering

What is the ecological relationship between insects What is the ecological relationship between insects and crops?and crops?

F mutualismF mutualismG competitionG competitionH predationH predationJ commensalismJ commensalism

Which of these processes produces carbon dioxide?Which of these processes produces carbon dioxide?

F mitosisF mitosisG diffusionG diffusionH respirationH respirationJ photosynthesisJ photosynthesis

What is one role of transfer RNA in the cell?What is one role of transfer RNA in the cell?

A preparing the genes for messenger RNAA preparing the genes for messenger RNAB changing nitrogen bases into amino acidsB changing nitrogen bases into amino acidsC preparing messenger RNA for the ribosomesC preparing messenger RNA for the ribosomesD carrying amino acids to the ribosomesD carrying amino acids to the ribosomes

A researcher is testing the effect of acid rain on living A researcher is testing the effect of acid rain on living organisms. She takes a tissue sample and places it in organisms. She takes a tissue sample and places it in acid rainwater, which decreases its pH. As the pH acid rainwater, which decreases its pH. As the pH decreases, what will most likely happen to the decreases, what will most likely happen to the enzyme reaction rates in the cells of this tissue?enzyme reaction rates in the cells of this tissue?

F They will increase.F They will increase.G They will decrease.G They will decrease.H They will stay the same.H They will stay the same.J They will increase and level off.J They will increase and level off.

What is formed when a male gamete combines with What is formed when a male gamete combines with a female gamete?a female gamete?

A zygoteA zygoteB eggB eggC spermC spermD chromosomeD chromosome

The nucleotide base sequence of a strand of DNA is The nucleotide base sequence of a strand of DNA is TAC-CGG-AGT. What is the sequence of the TAC-CGG-AGT. What is the sequence of the complementary DNA strand?complementary DNA strand?

F TAC-CGG-AGTF TAC-CGG-AGTG ACT-GAA-CGAG ACT-GAA-CGAH AGT-TCC-TACH AGT-TCC-TACJ ATG-GCC-TCAJ ATG-GCC-TCA

Which of these transports nutrients to the cells of a Which of these transports nutrients to the cells of a squid?squid?

F gametesF gametesG bloodG bloodH sea waterH sea waterJ nervesJ nerves

What organ system controls the movement of the What organ system controls the movement of the squid’s tentacles?squid’s tentacles?

F circulatory systemF circulatory systemG nervous systemG nervous systemH respiratory systemH respiratory systemJ excretory systemJ excretory system

Which of these is not a purpose of a squid’s sensory Which of these is not a purpose of a squid’s sensory organs?organs?

A finding matesA finding matesB avoiding predatorsB avoiding predatorsC excreting wasteC excreting wasteD locating preyD locating prey

Evidence suggests that bacteria supplied with a cup Evidence suggests that bacteria supplied with a cup of sugar could run a 60-watt light bulb for 17 hours.of sugar could run a 60-watt light bulb for 17 hours.Which of these was most likely used to affirm this Which of these was most likely used to affirm this scientific idea?scientific idea?

A formulate a hypothesisA formulate a hypothesisB identify the problemB identify the problemC conduct an experimentC conduct an experimentD write a conclusionD write a conclusion

Which of these systems directly Which of these systems directly provides support for the human body?provides support for the human body?

F F skeletalskeletal

G G excretoryexcretory

H H endocrineendocrine

J J reproductivereproductive

Fluoride is added to drinking water supplies in many Fluoride is added to drinking water supplies in many states. People cannot see fluoride in the water states. People cannot see fluoride in the water because itbecause it

F turns into waterF turns into waterG settles to the bottom of a containerG settles to the bottom of a containerH dissolves to form a colorless solutionH dissolves to form a colorless solutionJ is less dense than water so it floatsJ is less dense than water so it floats

One kind of chromosomal mutation can occur during One kind of chromosomal mutation can occur during meiosis when a pair of chromosomes that carry meiosis when a pair of chromosomes that carry genes for the same trait fail to separate. Which of genes for the same trait fail to separate. Which of these represents the sex chromosomes of a male these represents the sex chromosomes of a male organism when this type of chromosomalorganism when this type of chromosomalmutation has occurred?mutation has occurred?

A XXYA XXYB XXB XXC XYC XYD XXXD XXX

The human body functions properly when organ The human body functions properly when organ systems work together. Which organ system works systems work together. Which organ system works with the muscular system to control muscle with the muscular system to control muscle contraction?contraction?

F circulatoryF circulatoryG excretoryG excretoryH nervousH nervousJ reproductiveJ reproductive

The use of certain chemicals by humans has caused holes to The use of certain chemicals by humans has caused holes to form in the Earth’s ozone layer. This allows more ultraviolet form in the Earth’s ozone layer. This allows more ultraviolet (UV) light to reach the oceans. Scientists are concerned that an (UV) light to reach the oceans. Scientists are concerned that an increase in UV light will start killing microscopic marineincrease in UV light will start killing microscopic marinealgae.algae.Which of these statements describes how the ocean food web Which of these statements describes how the ocean food web would be affected by a large decrease in microscopic marine would be affected by a large decrease in microscopic marine algae?algae?

F There will be fewer marine animals because there will be F There will be fewer marine animals because there will be fewer producers.fewer producers.G There will be no change because the algae are very small.G There will be no change because the algae are very small.H There will be more consumers because the UV light kills H There will be more consumers because the UV light kills producers.producers.J There will be fewer consumers because the UV light kills J There will be fewer consumers because the UV light kills decomposers.decomposers.

Some bacteria live in habitats without light. They Some bacteria live in habitats without light. They produce their own food using inorganic substances produce their own food using inorganic substances from the environment.from the environment.Which of these terms best describes this process?Which of these terms best describes this process?

F photosynthesisF photosynthesisG cellular respirationG cellular respirationH binary fissionH binary fissionJ chemosynthesisJ chemosynthesis

The body system most directly interacting with the The body system most directly interacting with the skeletal system to enable hummingbirds to beat skeletal system to enable hummingbirds to beat their wings between 60 and 200 times per second is their wings between 60 and 200 times per second is thethe

A digestive systemA digestive systemB muscular systemB muscular systemC endocrine systemC endocrine systemD circulatory systemD circulatory system

Many bacteria live in fresh water. Which of these Many bacteria live in fresh water. Which of these statements best describes what will happen when statements best describes what will happen when freshwater bacterial cells are placed in salt water?freshwater bacterial cells are placed in salt water?

F Water leaves the cell, causing the cell to expand.F Water leaves the cell, causing the cell to expand.G Water leaves the cell, causing the cell to shrink.G Water leaves the cell, causing the cell to shrink.H Water enters the cell, causing the cell to expand.H Water enters the cell, causing the cell to expand.J Water enters the cell, causing the cell to shrink.J Water enters the cell, causing the cell to shrink.

Most bacteria do not have the ability to break down Most bacteria do not have the ability to break down oil that is accidentally spilled into the ocean by oil that is accidentally spilled into the ocean by tankers. However, scientists can insert a gene into tankers. However, scientists can insert a gene into the DNA of a bacterium to give it the ability to break the DNA of a bacterium to give it the ability to break down the oil. This technology is an example ofdown the oil. This technology is an example of

A crossing-overA crossing-overB DNA replicationB DNA replicationC gene splicingC gene splicingD translationD translation

A researcher is studying raccoons and skunks. She A researcher is studying raccoons and skunks. She wants to find out how closely these two mammals wants to find out how closely these two mammals are related. Which of these characteristics would be are related. Which of these characteristics would be best for her to study?best for her to study?

F sequences of DNAF sequences of DNAG reproductive habitsG reproductive habitsH movement of RNAH movement of RNAJ physical appearanceJ physical appearance

Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction in which Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction in which adult plants grow directly from egg cells. Which of adult plants grow directly from egg cells. Which of these does not occur during apomixis?these does not occur during apomixis?

A mitosisA mitosisB translationB translationC fertilizationC fertilizationD transcriptionD transcription

Doctors lower a patient’s body temperature during Doctors lower a patient’s body temperature during some surgical procedures.some surgical procedures.Which of these is the most likely benefit of lowering Which of these is the most likely benefit of lowering body temperature for surgery?body temperature for surgery?

F a decrease in blood circulationF a decrease in blood circulationG an increase in metabolismG an increase in metabolismH an increase in blood circulationH an increase in blood circulationJ a decrease in pHJ a decrease in pH

Snakes and lizards come to the bromeliads to feed Snakes and lizards come to the bromeliads to feed on frogs and their eggs. The relationship between on frogs and their eggs. The relationship between the snakes, lizards, and frogs can best be described the snakes, lizards, and frogs can best be described asas

A mutualismA mutualismB parasite–hostB parasite–hostC predator–preyC predator–preyD commensalismD commensalism

Which of these types of organisms break down dead Which of these types of organisms break down dead organic matter in the rain forest?organic matter in the rain forest?

F producersF producersG predatorsG predatorsH herbivoresH herbivoresJ decomposersJ decomposers

Which of these terms best describes the wide variety Which of these terms best describes the wide variety of plant and animal species in the rain forest?of plant and animal species in the rain forest?

A nicheA nicheB diversityB diversityC commensalismC commensalismD mutualismD mutualism

A 125-million-year-old small mammal skeleton was A 125-million-year-old small mammal skeleton was recently discovered in China. The role of this small recently discovered in China. The role of this small mammal in its ecosystem can best be determined bymammal in its ecosystem can best be determined bycomparing its skeleton tocomparing its skeleton to

A ancient small mammal skeletonsA ancient small mammal skeletonsB modern small mammal skeletonsB modern small mammal skeletonsC modern small mammal DNAC modern small mammal DNAD ancient small mammal DNAD ancient small mammal DNA

One parent is homozygous dominant for brown hair One parent is homozygous dominant for brown hair (BB). The other parent is heterozygous for brown (BB). The other parent is heterozygous for brown hair (Bb).hair (Bb).What is the probability that the offspring will have What is the probability that the offspring will have brown hair?brown hair?

A 100%A 100%B 75%B 75%C 50%C 50%D 25%D 25%

Some adult insects are unable to swim but are able Some adult insects are unable to swim but are able to walk on top of water. What characteristic of to walk on top of water. What characteristic of water enables these insects to walk on top of water?water enables these insects to walk on top of water?

F pHF pHG surface tensionG surface tensionH solvent propertiesH solvent propertiesJ atomic bondsJ atomic bonds

Which of these make up the primary link between a Which of these make up the primary link between a gene and the expression of a trait?gene and the expression of a trait?

A proteinsA proteinsB sugarsB sugarsC lipidsC lipidsD vitaminsD vitamins

Which of these should be done before beginning a Which of these should be done before beginning a laboratory investigation?laboratory investigation?

A collect dataA collect dataB review the procedureB review the procedureC draw conclusionsC draw conclusionsD record data on tablesD record data on tables

Sea grasses grow on the ocean floor in shallow Sea grasses grow on the ocean floor in shallow areas. Runoff from the land into the ocean can cause areas. Runoff from the land into the ocean can cause the waters to become cloudy. Cloudy water affects the waters to become cloudy. Cloudy water affects the sea grasses’ ability to make their own food the sea grasses’ ability to make their own food because there is not enoughbecause there is not enough

F oxygenF oxygenG waterG waterH lightH lightJ carbonJ carbon

Glucose is a building block of carbohydrates. Which Glucose is a building block of carbohydrates. Which of these best describes glucose?of these best describes glucose?

F nucleotideF nucleotideG proteinG proteinH monosaccharideH monosaccharideJ lipidJ lipid

Which of these processes led to the development of Which of these processes led to the development of different ear sizes in foxes?different ear sizes in foxes?

A selective breedingA selective breedingB successionB successionC natural selectionC natural selectionD mutualismD mutualism

The allele for attached earlobes (e) is recessive to The allele for attached earlobes (e) is recessive to the allele for unattached earlobes (E). A woman with the allele for unattached earlobes (E). A woman with the genotype (Ee) and a man with the genotype (ee)the genotype (Ee) and a man with the genotype (ee)have a child.have a child.What is the probability that the child is heterozygous What is the probability that the child is heterozygous for attached earlobes?for attached earlobes?

A 0%A 0%B 25%B 25%C 50%C 50%D 75%D 75%

Which of these does not occur during meiosis?Which of these does not occur during meiosis?

F production of identical gametesF production of identical gametesG production of new gene combinationsG production of new gene combinationsH crossing-over of homologous chromosomesH crossing-over of homologous chromosomesJ reduction of chromosome number by one-halfJ reduction of chromosome number by one-half

Horses have 64 chromosomes in each body cell. If a Horses have 64 chromosomes in each body cell. If a horse cell undergoes meiosis, how many horse cell undergoes meiosis, how many chromosomes should be in each gamete?chromosomes should be in each gamete?

F 16F 16G 32G 32H 64H 64J 128J 128

A scientist believes that a factory has been dumping A scientist believes that a factory has been dumping acid into a local river. To test this hypothesis, which acid into a local river. To test this hypothesis, which property of water should the scientist monitor?property of water should the scientist monitor?

A pHA pHB densityB densityC polarityC polarityD temperatureD temperature

cellular process uses a strand of genetic material to cellular process uses a strand of genetic material to produce a new strand. Parts of the strands are produce a new strand. Parts of the strands are shown below.shown below.Original strand ATT CAGOriginal strand ATT CAGNew strand UAA GUCNew strand UAA GUCThis new strand will most likely be used forThis new strand will most likely be used for

F gene splicingF gene splicingG DNA synthesisG DNA synthesisH crossing-overH crossing-overJ protein synthesisJ protein synthesis

Students conducted an experiment to test the effect of Students conducted an experiment to test the effect of antibiotics on bacteria. They placed bacteria in a petri antibiotics on bacteria. They placed bacteria in a petri dish that contained agar treated with an antibiotic. Onlydish that contained agar treated with an antibiotic. Onlyone of the bacterial colonies survived.one of the bacterial colonies survived.Which of these statements best explains why only one Which of these statements best explains why only one colony survived?colony survived?

A The bacteria in the colonies competed for survival.A The bacteria in the colonies competed for survival.B There was only enough food in the dish for some of B There was only enough food in the dish for some of the bacteria to survive.the bacteria to survive.C There was not enough antibiotic in the dish to kill all C There was not enough antibiotic in the dish to kill all the bacteria.the bacteria.D The bacteria in the surviving colony had genetic D The bacteria in the surviving colony had genetic variations that allowed them to survivevariations that allowed them to survive..

Which cell structure contains molecules that direct Which cell structure contains molecules that direct cell activities?cell activities?

A nucleusA nucleusB ribosomeB ribosomeC mitochondrionC mitochondrionD chloroplastD chloroplast

Which of these statements about photosynthesis Which of these statements about photosynthesis and respiration is true?and respiration is true?F Both processes produce food.F Both processes produce food.G Both processes release energy from food.G Both processes release energy from food.H Photosynthesis produces oxygen; respiration does H Photosynthesis produces oxygen; respiration does not.not.J Photosynthesis produces carbon dioxide; J Photosynthesis produces carbon dioxide; respiration does not.respiration does not.

Which of these is an example of a heterozygous Which of these is an example of a heterozygous genotype?genotype?

A RrA RrB RRB RRC wrinkledC wrinkledD roundD round

Which of these structures transport water Which of these structures transport water throughout the plant?throughout the plant?

A epidermal tissuesA epidermal tissuesB vascular tissuesB vascular tissuesC chloroplastsC chloroplastsD mitochondriaD mitochondria

Which of these terms best describes how Which of these terms best describes how amphibians could have developed from lobe-finned amphibians could have developed from lobe-finned fish?fish?

F selective breedingF selective breedingG cloningG cloningH migrationH migrationJ natural selectionJ natural selection

Some cells have many short, hairlike structures on Some cells have many short, hairlike structures on their surfaces. These structures are used mainly fortheir surfaces. These structures are used mainly for

F cell movementF cell movementG DNA replicationG DNA replicationH energy productionH energy productionJ waste removalJ waste removal

Some types of bacteria live deep in the ocean where Some types of bacteria live deep in the ocean where sunlight cannot reach. These bacteria use the energy sunlight cannot reach. These bacteria use the energy stored in inorganic molecules to make sugars.stored in inorganic molecules to make sugars.Which of these processes do the bacteria use to Which of these processes do the bacteria use to produce sugars?produce sugars?

F photosynthesisF photosynthesisG chemosynthesisG chemosynthesisH aerobic respirationH aerobic respirationJ nitrogen fixationJ nitrogen fixation

Which of these correctly matches the molecule with Which of these correctly matches the molecule with its function?its function?

A lipid—stores genetic informationA lipid—stores genetic informationB vitamin—supplies energy to cellsB vitamin—supplies energy to cellsC enzyme—speeds up chemical reactionsC enzyme—speeds up chemical reactionsD carbohydrate—manufactures cell membranesD carbohydrate—manufactures cell membranes

A student’s hypothesis is that increased exercise causes A student’s hypothesis is that increased exercise causes increased heart rate. Heart rate is determined by taking the increased heart rate. Heart rate is determined by taking the pulse, which is measured in beats per minute (BPM).pulse, which is measured in beats per minute (BPM).Which of the following data would support this student’s Which of the following data would support this student’s hypothesis?hypothesis?

A When sitting, her pulse was 70 BPM; when standing, herA When sitting, her pulse was 70 BPM; when standing, herpulse was 50 BPM.pulse was 50 BPM.B When running, her pulse was 100 BPM; when sitting, her B When running, her pulse was 100 BPM; when sitting, her pulse was 60 BPM.pulse was 60 BPM.C When sitting, her pulse was 90 BPM; when walking, herC When sitting, her pulse was 90 BPM; when walking, herpulse was 90 BPM.pulse was 90 BPM.D When running, her pulse was 65 BPM; when standing, herD When running, her pulse was 65 BPM; when standing, herpulse was 70 BPM.pulse was 70 BPM.

The genetic information for making a protein must The genetic information for making a protein must move from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Which ofmove from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Which ofthese moves this information to the cytoplasm?these moves this information to the cytoplasm?

F a ribosomeF a ribosomeG DNAG DNAH RNAH RNAJ an amino acidJ an amino acid

The lake ecosystem includes frogs, freshwater algae, The lake ecosystem includes frogs, freshwater algae, and inorganic sediment. Which of these is anand inorganic sediment. Which of these is anabiotic factor contained within the lake ecosystem?abiotic factor contained within the lake ecosystem?

A frogsA frogsB algaeB algaeC fishC fishD sedimentD sediment

What most likely led to the rainwater’s increasing What most likely led to the rainwater’s increasing acidity?acidity?

F ultraviolet radiationF ultraviolet radiationG sedimentationG sedimentationH burning fossil fuelsH burning fossil fuelsJ global warmingJ global warming

The populations of wolves and other large predators The populations of wolves and other large predators have decreased throughout the United States. This have decreased throughout the United States. This disruption of the natural food web will most likely disruption of the natural food web will most likely lead tolead to

A a decrease in prey animalsA a decrease in prey animalsB an increase in producersB an increase in producersC the overpopulation of prey animalsC the overpopulation of prey animalsD the overpopulation of scavengersD the overpopulation of scavengers