Biology STAAR 2023

Some adaptations of two species of salamanders are in the table shown.

Which statement best compares the areas where the axolotl and tiger salamanders live based on their adaptations?

• Axolotl salamanders live on land near fresh water.

  Tiger salamanders live in lakes.

• Axolotl salamanders live in trees. Tiger salamanders live in caves.

• Axolotl salamanders live in caves.

  Tiger salamanders live in trees.

• Axolotl salamanders live in lakes.

  Tiger salamanders live on land near fresh water.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.5.B

112.34.c.12.B

The diagram represents a cellular process.

Which molecule is a direct product of this cellular process?

• Glucose

• Phospholipid

• Insulin

• DNA

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.4.B

112.34.c.9.B

A food web is shown. Identify and explain ONE effect that the removal of mice would have on the food web. Review the food web carefully. Then enter your answer and your explanation in the box provided.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.5.B

112.34.c.12.C

The diagram shows a process that occurs during the development of an organism. Which statement explains how the different cell types in the image are formed?

• Each cell type uses its own unique replication process.

• Each cell type expresses different genes at different times.

• Each cell type contains a different part of the original DNA.

• Each cell type has different enzymes to replicate genetic material.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.1.B

112.34.c.5.B

The diagram shows a type of chromosomal mutation. Which type of mutation is shown?

• Deletion

• Insertion

• Duplication

• Translocation

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.2.B

112.34.c.6.E

Part A:

Which timeline describes how plant diversity on the nunataks will change over time?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.5.B

112.34.c.11.B

Part B:

Which evidence supports the answer to Part A?

• The nunataks have a steep slope, so they will undergo primary succession.

• The nunataks have a steep slope, so they will undergo secondary succession.

• The nunataks are bare rock, so they will undergo primary succession.

• The nunataks are bare rock, so they will undergo secondary succession.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.5.B

112.34.c.11.B

A Venn diagram comparing viruses to bacteria is shown. Which traits apply to each section of the diagram?

Move the answers to the correct boxes.

a

b

c

d

Utilize a capsid structure

Contain genetic material

Have active metabolism

Replicate independently

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.1.B

112.34.c.4.C

Kelp forests are critical ecosystems that provide habitats to a variety of animals, including sea urchins, sea anemones, crabs, jellyfish, snails, and fish. They also provide hunting grounds for mammals, including sea otters, sea lions, seals, and many different birds. In recent years scientists have documented an increase in shark attacks on sea otters in and around kelp forests.

Which consequence is most likely to occur in kelp forests as a result of increased predation of sea otters?

• Kelp forests will become more stable due to the decrease in otter predation pressure.

• Kelp forests will become more stable as sharks replace otters as the top predator in the food chain.

• Kelp forests will become less stable due to the increase in the size of the otters' prey populations.

• Kelp forests will become less stable as sharks will also eliminate the prey of the otters.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.5.B

112.34.c.12.E

Which statements best describe the difference between active transport and passive transport?

• Active transport occurs only in cells that require large amounts of energy.

  Passive transport occurs in all cells.

• Active transport requires ATP.

  Passive transport does not require ATP.

• Active transport moves substances along the concentration gradient.

  Passive transport moves substances against the concentration gradient.

• Active transport occurs in all cells.

  Passive transport requires ATP.

Answer explanation

Tags

112.34.c.1.B

112.34.c.4.B