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Descriptive Statements:
- Recognize how the structure of specialized cells relates to their various functions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including cell organelles.
- Demonstrate knowledge of mitosis and meiosis.
- Analyze the reproduction, development, and life cycles of representative organisms.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structures and functions of plant and animal systems, including the different levels of biological organization.
- Analyze how organisms obtain, use, and store matter and energy.
- Analyze the processes of respiration and photosynthesis at the cellular level.
- Analyze how organisms maintain homeostasis, fight diseases, and repair injuries.
- Apply knowledge of the principles and procedures of designing and carrying out scientific investigations, including appropriate safety procedures; apply mathematical and computational skills to scientific investigations; and analyze scientific data related to understanding the characteristics and processes of cells and living organisms.
- Apply knowledge of engineering design practices related to understanding the characteristics and processes of cells and living organisms, including identifying criteria and constraints for a given problem, using iterative design, and evaluating an engineering/technical solution.
Sample Item:
The folding of the internal membrane of the mitochondria serves which of the following purposes?
- increasing the number of separate compartments in which proteins can be assembled
- increasing the capacity to filter waste products produced during the process of cellular respiration
- increasing the capacity to absorb enzymes needed to regulate cell division
- increasing the surface area over which energy-releasing chemical reactions take place
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
D. Many of the reactions involved in cellular respiration occur on the membranes of mitochondria. The folding of the internal membrane serves to increase its surface area, thereby providing more surface on which reactions can take place.
Descriptive Statements:
- Recognize the basic principles of heredity, the nature of the genetic code, the basic processes of DNA replication and protein synthesis, and the methods and uses of genetic engineering.
- Apply knowledge of the source and importance of variation of traits in a given species.
- Apply knowledge of the principles of and evidence for biological evolution.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major events in the history of life on Earth, including mass extinctions and the evolution of organisms that characterize specific periods in Earth's history.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, including representative species of plants and animals that inhabit them.
- Analyze the relationships between organisms in a variety of ecosystems and strategies used by different organisms to obtain the basic needs for life, including group behavior.
- Demonstrate knowledge of biotic and abiotic factors that affect population dynamics in ecosystems, including competition, resource availability, and niche and habitat requirements.
- Recognize the principles of biological classification.
- Analyze the cycling of matter and the flow of energy through different types of ecosystems.
- Apply knowledge of the principles and procedures of designing and carrying out scientific investigations, including appropriate safety procedures; apply mathematical and computational skills to scientific investigations; and analyze scientific data related to understanding the concepts and principles related to heredity, evolution, and ecosystems.
- Apply knowledge of engineering design practices related to understanding the concepts and principles related to heredity, evolution, and ecosystems, including identifying criteria and constraints for a given problem, using iterative design, and evaluating an engineering/technical solution.
Sample Item:
Many island organisms have evolved to occupy specific ecological niches. As a result of being exposed to such a limited number of selective forces, these organisms are particularly vulnerable to extinction caused by:
- neutral mutations that spread among the population.
- the emergence of an invasive species among the population.
- interbreeding with another species population found on the island.
- the sudden behavioral changes to create an isolated habitat for the population.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
B. The organisms on any island are isolated and have specific niches. This makes the population vulnerable to the emergence of an invasive species due to the lack of a predator within the community to control the spread of the invasive species. Therefore, the delicate relationship of the prey and predator becomes disproportionately unstable after the invasive species is introduced, leading to the extinctions of local species on the island.
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