Biodiversity State Lab Quiz Review

A student was assigned the task of determining which of three species of plant (species L, M, or N) was most closely related to Botana curus (BC). The student compared a segment of genetic material from each species using the procedure represented below. A valid conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that

• species M is most closely related to BC

• species L and N are most closely related to BC

• BC is not related to any of the species

• genetic material is not useful in determining evolutionary relationships

Answer explanation

The comparison of genetic material indicates that species M shares the most similarities with Botana curus (BC), suggesting it is the closest relative among the three species.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-1

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NGSS.HS-LS4-1

An ecosystem will most likely remain stable if

• it has more predators than prey

• biotic factors decrease

• finite resources decrease

• it has a high level of biodiversity

Answer explanation

An ecosystem with a high level of biodiversity is more resilient to changes and disturbances, allowing it to maintain stability. More predators than prey or decreasing resources can disrupt this balance.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

A stable ecosystem can have high biodiversity because each species in that ecosystem

• inhabits a different environment

• is part of a different community

• lives in a different biosphere

• occupies a different niche

Answer explanation

A stable ecosystem supports high biodiversity because each species occupies a different niche, allowing them to utilize different resources and reduce competition, which promotes coexistence and stability.

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NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Which causes the most loss of biodiversity on Earth?

• habitat destruction

• air pollution

• the greenhouse effect

Answer explanation

Habitat destruction is the primary driver of biodiversity loss, as it directly eliminates the natural environments that species depend on for survival, unlike air pollution or the greenhouse effect, which have more indirect impacts.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

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Farming reduces the natural biodiversity of an area, yet farms are necessary to feed the world’s human population. This situation is an example of

• a technological fix

• conservation

• a trade-off

• poor land use

Answer explanation

This situation illustrates a trade-off, as farming is essential for food production but leads to a reduction in biodiversity. Balancing food needs with environmental health exemplifies the concept of trade-offs.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

A sequence of three nitrogenous bases in a messenger-RNA molecule is known as a

• gene

• polypeptide

• nucleotide

• codon

Answer explanation

A sequence of three nitrogenous bases in mRNA is called a codon. Codons are essential for specifying amino acids during protein synthesis, distinguishing them from genes, polypeptides, and nucleotides.

The materials represented in the diagram below were used in a laboratory activity. These materials were used to carry out the technique known as

• paper chromatography

• DNA staining

• genetic engineering

• glucose testing

Answer explanation

The materials used in the laboratory activity are characteristic of paper chromatography, a technique for separating mixtures based on their movement through a medium. The other options do not fit this context.

Which chemicals are used to cut DNA into fragments for a gel electrophoresis procedure?

• molecular bases

• enzymes

• hormones

• ATP molecules

Answer explanation

Enzymes, specifically restriction enzymes, are used to cut DNA into fragments for gel electrophoresis. They recognize specific sequences in the DNA and cleave it, allowing for analysis of the resulting fragments.

Which amino acid will be carried to a ribosome by a transfer RNA molecule containing the triplet code A–A–A?

• leucine

• phenylalanine

• valine

• lysine

Answer explanation

The triplet code A–A–A corresponds to the amino acid lysine in the genetic code. Therefore, a transfer RNA molecule with this code will carry lysine to the ribosome.

A decrease in the biodiversity of an ecosystem usually leads to

• a decrease in stability

• the elimination of material cycling

• an increase in predator and prey populations

• an increase in dynamic equilibrium

Answer explanation

A decrease in biodiversity reduces the variety of species, which can destabilize ecosystems. This leads to less resilience against changes, making the ecosystem more vulnerable to disturbances, hence a decrease in stability.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

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