138 TExES Life Science 8 - 12 Exam Practice Questions
1. Areas of scientific study include:
A. Natural
B. Social
C. Formal
D. All of the above
2. The disciplines in Life Science include:
A. Statistics and logic
B. Human Behavior
C. Microbiology
D. All of the above
3. Scientific method is used to:
A. Investigate an event and integrate information
B. Memorize information
C. Prove that science follows a predictable path
D. All of the above
4. Which step is not part of the scientific method?
A. Question posed
B. Research done
C. Earlier tests are ignored
D. Analysis
5. The unifying principles of biology include:
A. Chemical composition
B. Evolution
C. Algebraic equations
D. All of the above
6. "Fundamental concepts" of genetic transmission refer to:
A. Physical and chemical laws
B. Variation in genes and mutations
C. The origin of man
D. All of the above
7. What significance do "inheritance systems" have in evolution?
A. Epigenetic results
B. No results
C. Predominantly accepted theories
D. All of the above
8. Biodiversity includes:
A. Chromosomes
B. Genes and DNA
C. Ecosystems
D. All of the above
9. The stability of the environment is determined by:
A. Diversity of each culture
B. Number of species
C. Economic systems
D. All of the above
10. Students studying science should be assessed on their ability to:
A. Memorize data
B. Communicate scientific subject matter
C. Get good grades
D. All of the above
ANSWER KEY EXAM 138
1. Answer: D
Natural Science is concerned with the natural world. Social Science studies human behavior. Both are based on empirical evidence, which is observable data that can be verified by other scientists working in similar situations under the same conditions. Formal Science is the systematic study of a specific area. It is essential to developing hypotheses, theories and laws used in other scientific disciplines, i.e., describing how things work (natural science) and how people think and why they do what they do individually and as a society (social sciences). It is based on a priori evidence, which proceeds from a theory or assumption rather than observable phenomena. Applied Science is using the results of scientific research in any of the natural, social and formal sciences and adapting it to address human needs.
2. Answer: C
Life science or biology is the study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and distribution. The word biology is Greek. "Bio" means life. "Logos" means speech. Biology literally means, "to talk about life." This science studies how living things began, divides them into species, describes what they do and how they interact with and relate to each other and the rest of the natural world. The disciplines in the life sciences are grouped by the organisms they study: Botany studies plants; zoology studies animals and microbiology studies microorganisms. These groups are further divided into smaller, specialized categories based on the level at which they are studied and the methods used to study them, i.e., biochemistry studies the chemistry of life while ecology studies how organisms interrelate in the natural world. Applied fields of the life sciences, such as medicine and genetic research, combine multiple specialized categories.
3. Answer: a
Scientific Method is a set of procedures used to study natural phenomena. It provides guidelines with which to pose questions, analyze data and reach conclusions. It is used to investigate an event, gain knowledge or correct earlier conclusions about the occurrence and integrate the new information with previously learned data. Researchers pose hypotheses and design experiments and studies to test them. The process must be objective, documented and shared with other researchers, so the results can be verified by replicating the study in similar situations under the same conditions. Scientific method rarely follows a predictable path. The testing of one hypothesis usually leads to other questions, which lead to the formation of other hypotheses.
4. Answer: C
The steps described are not necessarily used in exactly the same way in all sciences. Sometimes they happen at the same time or in a different order and may be repeated during the course of the study but should be applied with intelligence, imagination and creativity. The following sequence is the one used most of the time:
A question is asked about a natural phenomenon. It should be stated in specific language to focus the inquiry.
The subject is thoroughly researched. Previous test results are studied. It is important to understand what the earlier experiment(s) proved or disproved.
With information gleaned from researching the topic, a hypothesis is formed about a cause or effect of the event or its relationship to other occurrences.
An experiment is designed and conducted to test the hypothesis and gather information.
The resulting data is analyzed to determine if they support or refute the hypothesis.
5. Answer: B
Cell Theory: The cell is the basic building block of all living things. It is the smallest unit of life able to function on its own. There are two kinds of cells: Prokaryotic, which are present only in bacteria and eukaryotic found in all other life forms. New cells form by dividing from existing cells.
Evolution: As a result of natural selection and changes in the gene pool (genetic drift), inherited traits morph from one generation to the next.
Gene Theory: The traits of all living organisms are encoded in their DNA, the chromosome component that carries genetic information. Biochemical characteristics are capable of adapting to changes in the environment; but the only way these adaptations can be transferred to the genes is through evolution (see above).
Homeostasis: A self-regulating, physiological process that keeps biological systems stable and in proper balance internally, no matter what is happening in the external environment.
6. Answer: B
Heredity is the transfer of traits and characteristics via DNA from the parent to the offspring. It is seen in all life forms from the simplest one-cell organism to complex plant and animal species. Offspring resemble the parent but are not identical; there are subtle differences between generations.
Fundamental concepts involved in the transmission of genes from one generation to the next include:
Heredity Events control the transmission of genetic information to the next generation.
DNA is the primary molecule for storage, transmission and expression of characteristics.
Variation in Genes is called alleles and inheritance patterns can be predicted.
Mutations cause alterations in genetic information, which produces variations in peoples.
Random Mutations can be affected by natural selection and genetic drift.
Scientific evidence indicates a Common Ancestry for the origin, development and diversity of all life.
7. Answer: A
Jablonka and Lamb believe that induced and acquired changes have a role in evolution. Since each inheritance system needs more study and observation by other researchers, these theories are somewhat controversial in the scientific community. DNA Genetic System believes there are non-random and semi-directed mutations that occur in specific locations in the DNA. These mutations can be caused by the environment and have a greater degree of adaptability than genetic mutations. Epigenetic Inheritance believes characteristics are developed by successive generational differences rather than passed through specific genes. Behavior is transmitted by example rather than genetics: Food preferences, animals learning how to forage for food, birds learning to sing, mother ducks imprinting their ducklings, tribal traditions observed in chimpanzees and macaques communities. Cultural Symbols, especially human language, have evolved and expanded through necessity for survival and various other factors not easily attributed to genetic transmission.
8. Answer: D
Biodiversity (biological diversity) encompasses all living things and the ecosystems they create. It is The Web of Life that has evolved over 3.5 billion years by natural processes and human influences. There are an enormous variety of plants, animals and microorganisms; scientists estimate there may be as many as 100 million species although only about 1.75 million have been identified. Biodiversity includes the chromosomes, genes and DNA of all living species. It also includes earth's ecosystems in deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, bodies of water and agricultural areas. Life forms and the ecosystems they create produce goods and services that make earth habitable for all. To study an ecosystem properly, all living creatures, humans included, that populate the interactive community and share the air, water and soil must be considered.
9. Answer: b
The stability of the environment is predicated on population size, the number and variety of species interacting within the community and the productivity of the entire ecosystem. The ecosystem can remain fairly stable over long periods of time because of the natural processes at work; for example, the availability of food sources and appropriate shelter for all species, the number of predators and/or parasites in the community and the occurrence of natural disasters such as fires, floods and droughts. Ecosystems are complex and subject to cyclical fluctuations such as climate changes and the appearance of new species and disappearance of old ones as a result of mutation, migration or evolution. Human activities have an enormous influence on the state and stability of the ecosystem and can alter its equilibrium for better or worse. As the guardians of the earth, it is our responsibility to ensure we respect the other species, protect the various components of the community and avoid damaging the delicate balance of the ecosystem through misuse of its natural resources.
10. Answer: B
The U.S. Department of Education established criteria for testing comprehension of science concepts using recommendations from the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Students are required to not only know facts but also be able to integrate those facts into previously learned information by using critical thinking skills developed through the study of science, i.e., they need to be able to use the facts in practical applications found in the real world. The assessments developed by educators, curriculum specialists and the business community emphasize the importance of assessing students' ability to reason, understand concepts, solve problems, evaluate results and communicate knowledge of the subject matter. The tests attempt to measure whether students can take cognitive skills learned in science, apply them in other disciplines and use them outside of school in meaningful ways.
