OGT PREP Life Science. Benchmark A for Life Science Explain that cells are the basic unit of structure and function of living organisms, that once life

OGT PREPOGT PREP

Life ScienceLife Science

Benchmark A for Benchmark A for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain that cells are the basic unit of Explain that cells are the basic unit of structure and function of living structure and function of living organisms, that once life originated organisms, that once life originated all cells come from pre-existing cells, all cells come from pre-existing cells, and that there are a variety of cell and that there are a variety of cell types.types.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark A for Benchmark A

1. Explain that living cells1. Explain that living cellsa. are composed of a small number of key chemicala. are composed of a small number of key chemical elements (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen,elements (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur)phosphorus and sulfur)b. are the basic unit of structure and function of all b. are the basic unit of structure and function of all

living living things thingsc. come from pre-existing cells after life originated, c. come from pre-existing cells after life originated,

andandd. are different from virusesd. are different from viruses

2. Compare the structure, function and interrelatedness of cell 2. Compare the structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles in eukaryotic cells (e.g., nucleus, chromosome, organelles in eukaryotic cells (e.g., nucleus, chromosome, mitochondria, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast, cilia, mitochondria, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast, cilia, flagella) and prokaryotic cells.flagella) and prokaryotic cells.

Cell TheoryCell Theory

• Indicator 1, Benchmark AIndicator 1, Benchmark A

Sample QuestionSample Question

• The cell theory is important to The cell theory is important to biology as the atomic theory is to biology as the atomic theory is to chemistry. It was originally proposed chemistry. It was originally proposed in 1838 by Schleiden and Schwanand in 1838 by Schleiden and Schwanand has developed through the years by has developed through the years by many scientists through refinement many scientists through refinement by observation. by observation.


• Which of the following is not one of the Which of the following is not one of the modern tenets of the cell theory?modern tenets of the cell theory?a. the cell is the structural and functional a. the cell is the structural and functional unit of all living things.unit of all living things.b. all cells come from pre-existing cells.b. all cells come from pre-existing cells.c. all energy flow of life occurs within c. all energy flow of life occurs within cells.cells.d. all cells contain the same organelles.d. all cells contain the same organelles.


• The correct answer is D. all cells The correct answer is D. all cells contain the same organelles.contain the same organelles.

• Remember, not all cells contain the Remember, not all cells contain the same organelles. Some cells are same organelles. Some cells are specialized, for example the blood specialized, for example the blood cells do not have a nucleus.cells do not have a nucleus.

StructureStructure

• Indicator 2, Benchmark AIndicator 2, Benchmark A


• A basic organizing definition of life is the type A basic organizing definition of life is the type of cells which compose the organism. The two of cells which compose the organism. The two main types of cells are the eukaryotic and main types of cells are the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. What is the essential prokaryotic cells. What is the essential difference between them?difference between them?a. One has ribosome's and the other does not.a. One has ribosome's and the other does not.b. One has a nucleus and the other does not.b. One has a nucleus and the other does not.c. One carries out photosynthesis and the c. One carries out photosynthesis and the other other does not.does not.d. One has a cell wall and the other does not.d. One has a cell wall and the other does not.


• The correct answer is B. One has a The correct answer is B. One has a nucleus and the other does not.nucleus and the other does not.

• Remember, whether or not the cell Remember, whether or not the cell contains a nucleus is the essential contains a nucleus is the essential difference between the two types of difference between the two types of cell.cell.

Benchmark B for Benchmark B for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain the characteristics of life as Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by cellular processes and indicated by cellular processes and describe the process of cell division describe the process of cell division and development.and development.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark B for Benchmark B

3. Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by 3. Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by cellular processes includingcellular processes including

a. homeostasisa. homeostasisb. energy transfers and transformationb. energy transfers and transformationc. transportation of moleculesc. transportation of moleculesd. disposal of wastesd. disposal of wastese. synthesis of new moleculese. synthesis of new molecules

4. Summarize the general processes of cell division 4. Summarize the general processes of cell division and differentiation, and explain why specialized and differentiation, and explain why specialized cells are useful to organisms and explain that cells are useful to organisms and explain that complex multicellular organisms are formed as complex multicellular organisms are formed as highly organized arrangements of differentiated highly organized arrangements of differentiated cells.cells.

Characteristics of LifeCharacteristics of Life

• Indicator 3, Benchmark BIndicator 3, Benchmark B

Sample QuestionsSample Questions

• An essential distinction made in An essential distinction made in biology is the difference between biology is the difference between living and non-living things as they living and non-living things as they are generally accepted in biological are generally accepted in biological sciences. sciences.

• Extended Response (4 points)Extended Response (4 points)


• This answer must contain most of the This answer must contain most of the characteristics of life.characteristics of life.

– Composed of CellsComposed of Cells– Carry out MetabolismCarry out Metabolism– Maintain HomeostasisMaintain Homeostasis– GrowGrow– React of StimuliReact of Stimuli– ReproduceReproduce– EvolveEvolve

Cell DivisionCell Division

• Indicator 4 (part), benchmark BIndicator 4 (part), benchmark B


• The cell cycle describes the reproduction of cells. The cell cycle describes the reproduction of cells. The process of mitotic cell division as shown in the The process of mitotic cell division as shown in the drawing below generally occurs in which order?drawing below generally occurs in which order?a. Metaphase, Telophase, Interphase, Prophase, a. Metaphase, Telophase, Interphase, Prophase, Cytokinesis, Anaphase, MetaphaseCytokinesis, Anaphase, Metaphaseb. Interphase, Telophase, metaphase, anaphase, b. Interphase, Telophase, metaphase, anaphase, interphaseinterphasec. prophase, interphase, metaphase, telophase, c. prophase, interphase, metaphase, telophase, cytokinesiscytokinesisd. interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, d. interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, cytokinesis, interphasetelophase, cytokinesis, interphase


• The correct answer is D. Interphase, The correct answer is D. Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis, InterphaseTelophase, Cytokinesis, Interphase

• Remember, during cell division you Remember, during cell division you will always start and end with will always start and end with Interphase, which is the time Interphase, which is the time between cell division.between cell division.

DifferentiationDifferentiation

• Indicator 4 (part), benchmark BIndicator 4 (part), benchmark B


• The great variety of organisms is The great variety of organisms is possible due to_________.possible due to_________.

a. cell differentiationa. cell differentiation

b. cell specializationb. cell specialization

c. Mitosisc. Mitosis

d. None of the aboved. None of the above


• The correct answer is B. Cell The correct answer is B. Cell specialization.specialization.

• Remember, cell specialization Remember, cell specialization enables multicellular organisms to enables multicellular organisms to adapt and survive in a variety of adapt and survive in a variety of environments.environments.

Benchmark C for Benchmark C for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain the genetic mechanisms and Explain the genetic mechanisms and molecular basis of inheritance.molecular basis of inheritance.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark C for Benchmark C

5. Illustrate the relationship of the structure 5. Illustrate the relationship of the structure and function of DNA to protein synthesis and function of DNA to protein synthesis and the characteristics of an organism. and the characteristics of an organism.

6. Explain that a unit of hereditary 6. Explain that a unit of hereditary information is called a gene, and genes information is called a gene, and genes may occur in different forms called alleles may occur in different forms called alleles (e.g., gene for pea plant height has two (e.g., gene for pea plant height has two alleles, tall and short).alleles, tall and short).

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark C for Benchmark C

7. Describe that spontaneous changes in DNA are 7. Describe that spontaneous changes in DNA are mutations, which are a source of genetic variation. mutations, which are a source of genetic variation. When mutations occur in sex cells, they may be When mutations occur in sex cells, they may be passed on to future generations; mutations that passed on to future generations; mutations that occur in body cells may affect the functioning of occur in body cells may affect the functioning of that cell or the organism in which that cell is found. that cell or the organism in which that cell is found.

8. Use the concepts of Mendelian and non-Mendelian 8. Use the concepts of Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics (e.g., segregation, independent genetics (e.g., segregation, independent assortment, dominant and recessive traits, sex-assortment, dominant and recessive traits, sex-linked traits and jumping genes) to explain linked traits and jumping genes) to explain inheritance.inheritance.

Protein SynthesisProtein Synthesis

• Indicator 5, Benchmark C Indicator 5, Benchmark C


• The genetic code inside the nucleus of a The genetic code inside the nucleus of a cell is important in cell reproduction and cell is important in cell reproduction and the production of proteins by the cell. the production of proteins by the cell. Protein synthesis occurs outside the Protein synthesis occurs outside the nucleus at the ribosome's. How does the nucleus at the ribosome's. How does the genetic code for a protein get from the genetic code for a protein get from the nucleus to the ribosome?nucleus to the ribosome?

• Short Answer (2 points)Short Answer (2 points)


• mRNA codes the DNA strand inside mRNA codes the DNA strand inside the nucleus and then travels out to the nucleus and then travels out to the cytoplasm to the ribosome. The the cytoplasm to the ribosome. The mRNA carries the code for individual mRNA carries the code for individual proteins.proteins.

• Example, GCU codes for alanineExample, GCU codes for alanine

GenesGenes

• Indicator 6, Benchmark CIndicator 6, Benchmark C


• The basic unit of inheritance is held in The basic unit of inheritance is held in the sequence of base pairs in a DNA the sequence of base pairs in a DNA molecule in a cell. A unit of molecule in a cell. A unit of information in this system is information in this system is called___________.called___________.a. DNAa. DNAb. a chromosomeb. a chromosomec. an allelec. an alleled. a gened. a gene


• The correct answer is D. gene.The correct answer is D. gene.

• Remember, the gene is the basic unit Remember, the gene is the basic unit of heredity and can exist in one of of heredity and can exist in one of several alleles. Base pairs form the 3 several alleles. Base pairs form the 3 letter “words” which are used to letter “words” which are used to code for specific proteins.code for specific proteins.

MutationsMutations

• Indicator 7, benchmark CIndicator 7, benchmark C


• The environment has an impact on the inheritance The environment has an impact on the inheritance of characteristics from parent to offspring. Three of characteristics from parent to offspring. Three students made statements in a class debate about students made statements in a class debate about this topic:this topic:

• Student A: Poisonous chemicals can cause Student A: Poisonous chemicals can cause mutations in genetic structure and these mutations in genetic structure and these frequently cause evolutionary changes in species.frequently cause evolutionary changes in species.

• Student B: Radiation from the sun and other Student B: Radiation from the sun and other extraterrestrial sources can cause mutations in extraterrestrial sources can cause mutations in skin cells which can be passed on to their offspring.skin cells which can be passed on to their offspring.

• Student C: Mutations can occur from many sources Student C: Mutations can occur from many sources but they are usually repaired by the cell or result in but they are usually repaired by the cell or result in fatal problems with the offspring.fatal problems with the offspring.


• Who has correctly stated the Who has correctly stated the situation?situation?

a. Student A onlya. Student A only

b. Student B onlyb. Student B only

c. Student C onlyc. Student C only

d. Students A and Cd. Students A and C


• The correct answer is C. Student C.The correct answer is C. Student C.

• Remember, most mutations are Remember, most mutations are usually repaired or are lethal. usually repaired or are lethal. Mutations can only be passed on to Mutations can only be passed on to offspring if they are in the sex cells.offspring if they are in the sex cells.

Genetics Genetics

• Indicator 8, benchmark CIndicator 8, benchmark C


• A male and female pea plant are A male and female pea plant are crossed. The phenotypes of the crossed. The phenotypes of the offspring are 75% tall plants and 25% offspring are 75% tall plants and 25% short. Draw a Punnett Square that short. Draw a Punnett Square that demonstrates the genotypes of the demonstrates the genotypes of the parents and the offspring.parents and the offspring.



• Be careful and make sure that you Be careful and make sure that you answer the question being asked.answer the question being asked.

• They want you to draw a punnett They want you to draw a punnett square of the parental generation by square of the parental generation by using the known phenotypes of the using the known phenotypes of the offspring given in the question.offspring given in the question.

• So your genotypes will be TT, Tt, and So your genotypes will be TT, Tt, and tttt


• So the only way So the only way you could end up you could end up with 75% of the with 75% of the plants tall and 25% plants tall and 25% of the plants short, of the plants short, is if both parents is if both parents were heterozygous were heterozygous tall (Tt).tall (Tt).

TTTT TtTt

TtTt tttt

T t

T

t

Benchmark D for Benchmark D for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain the flow of energy and the Explain the flow of energy and the cycling of matter through biological cycling of matter through biological and ecological systems (cellular, and ecological systems (cellular, organismal and ecological).organismal and ecological).

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark D for Benchmark D

9. Describe how matter cycles and energy 9. Describe how matter cycles and energy flows through different levels of flows through different levels of organization in living systems and organization in living systems and between living systems and the physical between living systems and the physical environment. Explain how some energy is environment. Explain how some energy is stored and much is dissipated into the stored and much is dissipated into the environment as thermal energy (e.g., food environment as thermal energy (e.g., food webs and energy pyramids).webs and energy pyramids).

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark D for Benchmark D

10. Describe how cells and organisms acquire 10. Describe how cells and organisms acquire and release energy (photosynthesis, and release energy (photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, cellular respiration and chemosynthesis, cellular respiration and fermentation). fermentation).

11. Explain that living organisms use matter and 11. Explain that living organisms use matter and energy to synthesize a variety of organic energy to synthesize a variety of organic molecules (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids molecules (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids) and to drive life processes and nucleic acids) and to drive life processes (e.g., growth, reacting to the environment, (e.g., growth, reacting to the environment, reproduction and movement).reproduction and movement).

Ecosystem Cycles Ecosystem Cycles

• Indicator 9, benchmark D Indicator 9, benchmark D


• The movement of molecules (energy) The movement of molecules (energy) through a food web is a cycle. When through a food web is a cycle. When is the cycle complete. Describe what is the cycle complete. Describe what happens once the cycle is complete.happens once the cycle is complete.



•First the answer must state that a First the answer must state that a cycle is completed when cycle is completed when decomposers of the cycle return decomposers of the cycle return the molecules back to the the molecules back to the environment.environment.

• Second, once the molecules are Second, once the molecules are returned to the environment they returned to the environment they can be used again by producers, can be used again by producers, which begins a new cycle. which begins a new cycle.

Acquirement and Release Acquirement and Release of Energyof Energy

• Indicator 10, benchmark DIndicator 10, benchmark D


• It can be said that humans and It can be said that humans and animals are solar powered. How can animals are solar powered. How can this statement be justified? this statement be justified?



• The answer must state something The answer must state something about how the energy that animals about how the energy that animals use is stored in the foods they eat as use is stored in the foods they eat as sugars. These sugars are produced sugars. These sugars are produced by plants during photosynthesis by plants during photosynthesis which is powered by the sun. which is powered by the sun. Animals release the energy through Animals release the energy through the process of cellular respiration.the process of cellular respiration.

SynthesisSynthesis

• Indicator 11, benchmark D Indicator 11, benchmark D


• In order to make a copy of itself, in the In order to make a copy of itself, in the process of mitosis, a cell must use raw process of mitosis, a cell must use raw materials and energy found in the cell and materials and energy found in the cell and synthesize many different kinds of synthesize many different kinds of biological molecules. These synthesis biological molecules. These synthesis processes require energy that is found processes require energy that is found stored in the cell as________.stored in the cell as________.a. ATPa. ATPb. chlorophyllb. chlorophyllc. proteinsc. proteinsd. sugarsd. sugars


• The correct answer is A. ATPThe correct answer is A. ATP

• Remember, ATP, or Adenosine Tri Remember, ATP, or Adenosine Tri Phosphate, is the ENERGY molecule, Phosphate, is the ENERGY molecule, which is made by the which is made by the MITOCHONDRIA of the cell.MITOCHONDRIA of the cell.

Benchmark E for Benchmark E for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain how evolutionary Explain how evolutionary relationships contribute to an relationships contribute to an understanding of the unity and understanding of the unity and diversity of life.diversity of life.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark E for Benchmark E

12. Describe that biological classification 12. Describe that biological classification represents how organisms are related with represents how organisms are related with species being the most fundamental unit species being the most fundamental unit of the classification system. Relate how of the classification system. Relate how biologists arrange organisms into a biologists arrange organisms into a hierarchy of groups and subgroups based hierarchy of groups and subgroups based on similarities and differences that reflect on similarities and differences that reflect their evolutionary relationships.their evolutionary relationships.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark E for Benchmark E

13. Explain that the variation of organisms 13. Explain that the variation of organisms within a species increases the likelihood within a species increases the likelihood that at least some members of a species that at least some members of a species will survive under gradually changing will survive under gradually changing environmental conditions. environmental conditions.

14. Relate diversity and adaptation to 14. Relate diversity and adaptation to structures and their functions in living structures and their functions in living organisms (e.g., adaptive radiation).organisms (e.g., adaptive radiation).

ClassificationClassification

• Indicator 12, benchmark EIndicator 12, benchmark E


• According to biologist Ernst Mayr in According to biologist Ernst Mayr in 1996, “Species are groups of 1996, “Species are groups of interbreeding natural populations that interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other are reproductively isolated from other such groups”. The arrangement of such groups”. The arrangement of these groups for our understanding is these groups for our understanding is known as taxonomy. It helps us known as taxonomy. It helps us describe the interrelatedness of describe the interrelatedness of different species. different species.


• In this process, which of the following In this process, which of the following would be most useful?would be most useful?a. watching the feeding habits of similar a. watching the feeding habits of similar organisms.organisms.b. studying the skeletal structure of b. studying the skeletal structure of different different organismsorganismsc. studying the environments in which c. studying the environments in which different different organisms are foundorganisms are foundd. performing a DNA analysis of different d. performing a DNA analysis of different

organismsorganisms


• The correct answer is D. Performing The correct answer is D. Performing a DNA analysis of different a DNA analysis of different organisms.organisms.

• Remember, modern taxonomy Remember, modern taxonomy constructs cladograms, which are constructs cladograms, which are ancestry diagrams, based on ancestry diagrams, based on similarities in the genetic make up.similarities in the genetic make up.

DiversityDiversity



• Life on Earth is difficult since the Life on Earth is difficult since the environment is constantly changing. environment is constantly changing. In order to survive, organisms have In order to survive, organisms have evolved adaptations which increase evolved adaptations which increase the likelihood that at least some of the likelihood that at least some of the population will survive under the population will survive under changing environmental conditions. changing environmental conditions.


• Which of the following represents this kind Which of the following represents this kind of adaptation?of adaptation?a. keeping vestigial appendages which a. keeping vestigial appendages which may may some day be useful.some day be useful.b. sexual reproduction, which provides for b. sexual reproduction, which provides for

variation within the population.variation within the population.c. the ability to quickly clone the entire c. the ability to quickly clone the entire population to make more individualspopulation to make more individualsd. strength and mobility to quickly leave d. strength and mobility to quickly leave an area an area that is environmentally that is environmentally challenging.challenging.


• The correct answer is B. Sexual reproduction, The correct answer is B. Sexual reproduction, which provides for variation within the which provides for variation within the population.population.

• Remember, Sexual reproduction provides a Remember, Sexual reproduction provides a varied population in which at least a few varied population in which at least a few members of the population are likely to members of the population are likely to survive because of characteristics they survive because of characteristics they possess that are different from other members possess that are different from other members of the population.of the population.

BiodiversityBiodiversity



• A shark and a dolphin both live in the A shark and a dolphin both live in the same aquatic ecosystem, and both have same aquatic ecosystem, and both have similar adaptations to their environment; similar adaptations to their environment; for example, they both have fins. This is for example, they both have fins. This is known as_________.known as_________.a. natural selectiona. natural selectionb. adaptive radiationb. adaptive radiationc. convergent evolutionc. convergent evolutiond. artificial selection d. artificial selection


• The correct answer is C. Convergent The correct answer is C. Convergent Evolution.Evolution.

• Remember, different species may Remember, different species may converge as they adapt to similar converge as they adapt to similar environments.environments.

Benchmark F for Benchmark F for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain the structure and function of Explain the structure and function of ecosystems and relate how ecosystems and relate how ecosystems change over time.ecosystems change over time.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark F for Benchmark F

15. Explain how living things interact with 15. Explain how living things interact with biotic and abiotic components of the biotic and abiotic components of the environment (e.g., predation, competition, environment (e.g., predation, competition, natural disasters and weather). natural disasters and weather).

16. Relate how distribution and abundance of 16. Relate how distribution and abundance of organisms and populations in ecosystems organisms and populations in ecosystems are limited by the ability of the ecosystem are limited by the ability of the ecosystem to recycle materials and the availability of to recycle materials and the availability of matter, space and energy.matter, space and energy.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark F for Benchmark F

17. Conclude that ecosystems tend to 17. Conclude that ecosystems tend to have cyclic fluctuations around a have cyclic fluctuations around a state of approximate equilibrium that state of approximate equilibrium that can change when climate changes, can change when climate changes, when one or more new species when one or more new species appear as a result of immigration or appear as a result of immigration or when one or more species disappear.when one or more species disappear.

Organisms and EnvironmentOrganisms and Environment

• Indicator 15, benchmark F Indicator 15, benchmark F


• In order to survive and place progeny in In order to survive and place progeny in their environment, organisms must be their environment, organisms must be adapted in ways that help them survive adapted in ways that help them survive changing environmental conditions. changing environmental conditions. Which of the following strategies would be Which of the following strategies would be the least adaptive to drought conditions?the least adaptive to drought conditions?a. the ability to go into a state of torpora. the ability to go into a state of torporb. migration to other areasb. migration to other areasc. shedding furc. shedding furd. the ability to find plants that store waterd. the ability to find plants that store water


• The correct answer is C. Shedding The correct answer is C. Shedding fur.fur.

• Remember, Shedding fur would be Remember, Shedding fur would be the least likely to be adaptive for a the least likely to be adaptive for a drought because it only allows for drought because it only allows for the control of heat in the organism.the control of heat in the organism.

PopulationsPopulations

• Indicator 16, benchmark FIndicator 16, benchmark F


• The distribution and abundance of The distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem is related organisms in an ecosystem is related to the abundance of materials found in to the abundance of materials found in that environment. Give an example of that environment. Give an example of a limiting factor in the environment a limiting factor in the environment and its impact on the organisms found and its impact on the organisms found there. there.



• A correct answer will specifically A correct answer will specifically identify a limiting factor and give identify a limiting factor and give examples of how it impacts the examples of how it impacts the ecosystem.ecosystem.

• Example, Water as the limiting Example, Water as the limiting factor, thus a decline in organisms.factor, thus a decline in organisms.

Genetic EquilibriumGenetic Equilibrium

• Indicator 17, benchmark FIndicator 17, benchmark F


• It has recently been observed that the size of It has recently been observed that the size of the polar ice cap is decreasing over time. This the polar ice cap is decreasing over time. This is critical to the ability of polar bears to move is critical to the ability of polar bears to move around in their environment and feed. Which around in their environment and feed. Which is least likely to happen over time in this is least likely to happen over time in this situation?situation?a. Polar bears will learn to hunt while a. Polar bears will learn to hunt while swimming.swimming.b. Polar bears will die off.b. Polar bears will die off.c. The seal population will go up.c. The seal population will go up.d. The shark population will increase.d. The shark population will increase.


• The correct answer is A. Polar bears The correct answer is A. Polar bears will learn to hunt while swimming.will learn to hunt while swimming.

• Remember, It is unlikely that a Remember, It is unlikely that a species can survive based on the species can survive based on the ability of an individual to adapt to ability of an individual to adapt to quickly changing conditions.quickly changing conditions.

Benchmark G for Benchmark G for Life ScienceLife Science

• Describe how human activities can Describe how human activities can impact the status of natural systems.impact the status of natural systems.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark G for Benchmark G

• 18. Describe ways that human activities can 18. Describe ways that human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter the equilibrium deliberately or inadvertently alter the equilibrium in ecosystems. Explain how changes in in ecosystems. Explain how changes in technology/biotechnology can cause significant technology/biotechnology can cause significant changes, either positive or negative, in changes, either positive or negative, in environmental quality and carrying capacity.environmental quality and carrying capacity.

• 19. Illustrate how uses of resources at local, state, 19. Illustrate how uses of resources at local, state, regional, national, and global levels have affected regional, national, and global levels have affected the quality of life (e.g., energy production and the quality of life (e.g., energy production and sustainable vs. no sustainable agriculture).sustainable vs. no sustainable agriculture).

Human InteractionHuman Interaction

• Indicator 18, benchmark GIndicator 18, benchmark G


• As European civilization spread across the globe, As European civilization spread across the globe, ecosystems were inadvertently altered. Which of the ecosystems were inadvertently altered. Which of the following impacts is a likely reversible human impact?following impacts is a likely reversible human impact?a. the complete harvesting of the Dodo on the island a. the complete harvesting of the Dodo on the island of of Mauritius by hunters in the 1600’sMauritius by hunters in the 1600’sb. the disappearance of some marsupials in Australia b. the disappearance of some marsupials in Australia because of the introduction of rabbitsbecause of the introduction of rabbitsc. the threatening of the Kirland’s warbler because of c. the threatening of the Kirland’s warbler because of fire fire suppression in their breeding territory.suppression in their breeding territory.d. the extinction of the Po’ouli, a small Hawaiian d. the extinction of the Po’ouli, a small Hawaiian honeycreeper because of tree cutting and cats.honeycreeper because of tree cutting and cats.


• The correct answer is C. The threatening The correct answer is C. The threatening of the Kirland’s Warbler because of fire of the Kirland’s Warbler because of fire suppression in their breeding territory.suppression in their breeding territory.

• Remember, Extinction is forever. Remember, Extinction is forever. Threatening extinction can still be Threatening extinction can still be reversed if the proper measures are reversed if the proper measures are taken.taken.

ConservationConservation

• Indicator 19, benchmark G Indicator 19, benchmark G


• The quality of life in the southern United States The quality of life in the southern United States was significantly altered by Hurricane Katrina in was significantly altered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. which human activity is likely not related to 2005. which human activity is likely not related to the enormous devastation experienced as a result the enormous devastation experienced as a result of this storm?of this storm?a. increased shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexicoa. increased shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexicob. draining of swamp land for development in the b. draining of swamp land for development in the

Mississippi Delta areaMississippi Delta areac. the channeling of rivers and streams and c. the channeling of rivers and streams and building of building of dikesdikesd. increased erosion of barrier islands caused by d. increased erosion of barrier islands caused by

changing the flow of water in the Deltachanging the flow of water in the Delta


• The correct answer is A. Increased The correct answer is A. Increased shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

• Remember, shrimp fishing does Remember, shrimp fishing does impact the environment, but is not impact the environment, but is not likely related to the destruction of likely related to the destruction of Katrina.Katrina.

Benchmark H for Benchmark H for Life ScienceLife Science

• Describe a foundation of biological evolution Describe a foundation of biological evolution as the change in gene frequency of a as the change in gene frequency of a population over time. Explain the historical population over time. Explain the historical and current scientific developments, and current scientific developments, mechanisms and processes of biological mechanisms and processes of biological evolution. Describe how scientists continue evolution. Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory. (The intent of this of evolutionary theory. (The intent of this benchmark does not mandate the teaching benchmark does not mandate the teaching or testing of intelligent design.)or testing of intelligent design.)

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark H for Benchmark H

20. Recognize that a change in 20. Recognize that a change in gene frequency (genetic gene frequency (genetic composition) in a population composition) in a population over time is a foundation of over time is a foundation of biological evolution.biological evolution.


21. Explain that natural selection provides the 21. Explain that natural selection provides the following mechanism for evolution; undirected following mechanism for evolution; undirected variation in inherited characteristics exist within variation in inherited characteristics exist within every species. These characteristics may give every species. These characteristics may give individuals an advantage or disadvantage individuals an advantage or disadvantage compared to others in surviving and reproducing. compared to others in surviving and reproducing. The advantaged offspring are more likely to The advantaged offspring are more likely to survive and reproduce. Therefore, the proportion survive and reproduce. Therefore, the proportion of individuals that have advantageous of individuals that have advantageous characteristics will increase. When an characteristics will increase. When an environment changes, the survival value of some environment changes, the survival value of some inherited characteristics may change.inherited characteristics may change.


22. Describe historical scientific developments 22. Describe historical scientific developments that occurred in evolutionary thought (e.g., that occurred in evolutionary thought (e.g., Lamarck and Darwin, Mendelian Genetics Lamarck and Darwin, Mendelian Genetics and modern synthesis). and modern synthesis).

23. Describe how scientists continue to 23. Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory. (The intent of this evolutionary theory. (The intent of this indicator does not mandate the teaching or indicator does not mandate the teaching or testing of intelligent design.)testing of intelligent design.)

MutationMutation

• Indicator 20, benchmark H Indicator 20, benchmark H


• Biological evolution is a central concept of our Biological evolution is a central concept of our understanding the biological world. Which of the understanding the biological world. Which of the following is not a key condition for evolution to following is not a key condition for evolution to occur?occur?

a. Genetic variation is present in the population.a. Genetic variation is present in the population.b. There are more offspring produced than can b. There are more offspring produced than can survive.survive.c. Extinction of other species leaving empty niches.c. Extinction of other species leaving empty niches.d. There is environmental pressure to rely on d. There is environmental pressure to rely on inherited inherited adaptations to survive.adaptations to survive.


• The correct answer is C. Extinction of The correct answer is C. Extinction of other species leaving empty niches.other species leaving empty niches.

• Remember, this only results in the Remember, this only results in the movement of current species into the movement of current species into the new available niches. This does not new available niches. This does not have to occur for evolution to take have to occur for evolution to take place.place.

Natural selectionNatural selection

• Indicator 21, benchmark HIndicator 21, benchmark H


• What is the impact of changes in the What is the impact of changes in the environment on the survival of the species?environment on the survival of the species?

a. Individuals must spontaneously adapt to a. Individuals must spontaneously adapt to changing conditions.changing conditions.

b. the survival value of some inherited b. the survival value of some inherited characteristics changes.characteristics changes.

c. Fewer offspring will be born.c. Fewer offspring will be born.

d. Sudden extinction is likely for many speciesd. Sudden extinction is likely for many species


• The correct answer is B. The survival The correct answer is B. The survival value of some inherited value of some inherited characteristic changes.characteristic changes.

• Remember, genetic variation in a Remember, genetic variation in a population will provide selective population will provide selective advantage in survival and advantage in survival and reproduction.reproduction.

DarwinDarwin



• Current evolutionary thought is an Current evolutionary thought is an accumulation of observations and accumulation of observations and experiments over many years. Provide experiments over many years. Provide one example of a significant one example of a significant contribution to the field of evolutionary contribution to the field of evolutionary thought since the publication of thought since the publication of Darwin’s Origin of the Species.Darwin’s Origin of the Species.



• The question wants a significant The question wants a significant contribution. contribution.

• ExamplesExamples– Mendel and the inheritance of genesMendel and the inheritance of genes– Watson and Crick and the DNA helixWatson and Crick and the DNA helix– Redi and flies came from fliesRedi and flies came from flies

EvolutionEvolution



• Peter and Rosemary Grant spent years observing, Peter and Rosemary Grant spent years observing, tagging, and measuring Galapagos finches and tagging, and measuring Galapagos finches and their environment. During that time they their environment. During that time they documented environmental changes and how documented environmental changes and how these changes favored certain individuals within these changes favored certain individuals within the population. Those individuals survived and the population. Those individuals survived and passed their characteristics on to the next passed their characteristics on to the next generation, illustrating natural selection in action. generation, illustrating natural selection in action. What are characteristics of research that lead to What are characteristics of research that lead to significant findings? significant findings?



• In order to be considered significant it In order to be considered significant it must meet several conditions. The answer must meet several conditions. The answer should contain several of the following:should contain several of the following:– Research method is strictly adhered toResearch method is strictly adhered to– Measurements are preciseMeasurements are precise– Conditions are carefully recorded or controlledConditions are carefully recorded or controlled– Findings can be repeatedFindings can be repeated– Research of others is carefully consideredResearch of others is carefully considered

Benchmark I for Benchmark I for Life ScienceLife Science

• Explain how natural selection and Explain how natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms other evolutionary mechanisms account for the unity and diversity of account for the unity and diversity of past and present life forms.past and present life forms.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark I for Benchmark I

24. Analyze how natural selection and 24. Analyze how natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms (e.g. other evolutionary mechanisms (e.g. genetic drift, immigration, emigration, genetic drift, immigration, emigration, mutation) and their consequences mutation) and their consequences provide a scientific explanation for the provide a scientific explanation for the diversity and unity of past life forms, diversity and unity of past life forms, as depicted in the fossil record, and as depicted in the fossil record, and present life forms.present life forms.

IndicatorsIndicators for Benchmark I for Benchmark I

25. Explain that life on Earth is thought to 25. Explain that life on Earth is thought to have begun as simple, one celled have begun as simple, one celled organisms approximately 4 billion years organisms approximately 4 billion years ago. During most of the history of Earth ago. During most of the history of Earth only single celled microorganisms only single celled microorganisms existed, but once cells with nuclei existed, but once cells with nuclei developed about a billion years ago, developed about a billion years ago, increasingly complex multicellular increasingly complex multicellular organisms evolved.organisms evolved.

DiversityDiversity

• Indicator 24, benchmark IIndicator 24, benchmark I


• The process of natural selection combined with other The process of natural selection combined with other ecological and evolutionary concepts have been ecological and evolutionary concepts have been suggested as an explanation for the diversity of past suggested as an explanation for the diversity of past life forms as depicted in the fossil record. Still, the life forms as depicted in the fossil record. Still, the fossil record is not complete. Which of the following is fossil record is not complete. Which of the following is a reason for this lack of completeness in the fossil a reason for this lack of completeness in the fossil record.record.a. a life form has to be buried in sediment to become a. a life form has to be buried in sediment to become

fossilized, which is not common.fossilized, which is not common.b. Fossils are just hard to find.b. Fossils are just hard to find.c. Scientists have to make assumptions from very c. Scientists have to make assumptions from very small small samples.samples.d. Since all organisms are preserved, there are no d. Since all organisms are preserved, there are no missing missing fossils in the rock record.fossils in the rock record.


• The correct answer is A. The correct answer is A. a life form has a life form has to be buried in sediment to become to be buried in sediment to become fossilized, which is not common.fossilized, which is not common.

•Remember, not all organisms have Remember, not all organisms have been fossilized. In order to become a been fossilized. In order to become a fossil it has to be buried in sediment.fossil it has to be buried in sediment.

First Life FormsFirst Life Forms

• Indicator 25, benchmark I Indicator 25, benchmark I


• Approximately 4 billion years ago, the first life Approximately 4 billion years ago, the first life forms are thought to have originated in the oceans forms are thought to have originated in the oceans under very special conditions of chemistry and under very special conditions of chemistry and environment. For billions of years after, only environment. For billions of years after, only single-celled organisms existed. Which of the single-celled organisms existed. Which of the following evolved that stimulated the development following evolved that stimulated the development of increasingly complex multicellular life forms?of increasingly complex multicellular life forms?a. a cell walla. a cell wallb. chloroplastsb. chloroplastsc. mitochondriac. mitochondriad. a nucleusd. a nucleus


• The correct answer is D. a nucleus.The correct answer is D. a nucleus.

• Remember, the development of the Remember, the development of the nucleus appears to have stimulated nucleus appears to have stimulated multicellular life.multicellular life.

Documents

OGT PREP Life Science. Benchmark A for Life Science Explain that cells are the basic unit of structure and function of living organisms, that once life