Released: North Carolina READY End-of-Course Assessment Biology

REVISED 7/15/2015
Released Form
EL
EA
SE
North Carolina
READY End-of-Course
Assessment
Biology
Student Booklet
Academic Services and Instructional Support
Division of Accountability Services
Copyright 2012 by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. All rights reserved.
BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

Sample Questions
controlling variables
experimenting
observing
hypothesizing
SE
anatomy
genetics
ecology
forensics
EA
Which deals with the transmission of inherited traits from one generation to
another?
EL
S2
A bird-watcher records the movement of migrating birds. In which part of the

scientific process is the bird-watcher participating?
S1
It will be unable to carry out respiration.
It will lose water through osmosis.
It will break down the ribosomes in the cell.
It will be unable to photosynthesize.
differentiation
natural selection
selective breeding
genetic engineering
SE
What process best explains how a nerve cell and a muscle cell can both develop
from the same fertilized egg?
EA
During strenuous exercise, body temperature increases. The body responds to the
increase in temperature by sweating, which helps to reduce the body temperature.
Which is demonstrated in this situation?
EL
What will most likely be the result if all of the mitochondria are removed from a
plant cell?
excretion
metabolism
homeostasis
synthesis
Go to the next page.
The cytoplasm separates.
The DNA replicates.
The sister chromatids separate.
The homologous chromosomes cross over.
What is the function of autotrophs in the carbon cycle?

to use oxygen to produce glucose
to take in excess water
to use carbon dioxide to produce glucose
to feed on herbivores
SE
EA
Two different populations of birds live in the same area and eat the same types of
food. Which most likely describes the relationship between these two populations
of birds?
EL
Before mitosis begins, which happens before the nucleus starts dividing?
competition
mutualism
parasitism
predator-prey
There will be fewer natural resources available for future generations.
There will be an increase in nitrogen levels in the atmosphere.
There will be a decrease in water pollution.
There will be an increase in the number of strong hurricanes.
SE
A sea turtle has washed up on a remote section of a beach. This is known as a

stranding. Stranding occurs when a dead, sick or injured sea turtle washes up on
the shoreline. Which statement best explains why stranding should be reported
immediately to local authorities?
The information can be very useful to biologists and managers who are
trying to protect the species.
The information can be very useful to protect sea turtles from predators.
The information can be very useful to local fishermen who try to catch fish
that sea turtles eat.
The information can be very useful to tourists who may want to keep sea
turtles as pets.
EA
EL
What will most likely happen if the human population continues to grow at
current rates?
A strand of DNA has these bases:

AGC CAT GTA TAC
What is the complementary DNA strand?

A
ACG GAT CTA TAG
TCG GTA CAT ATG
TGC CTA GAT ATC
UCG CUA CAU AUG
12
Proteins combine to produce cells, which produce DNA.
Proteins are made up of DNA, which determines the cells that are produced.
DNA is made up of proteins, which tell a cell how to function.
Cells contain DNA, which controls the production of proteins.
Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?
It allows the zygote formed from fertilization to have triple the chromosome
number of the organism.
It allows gametes to have twice the original number of chromosomes of the

organism.
It allows gametes to have half the original number of chromosomes of the

organism.
It allows the zygote formed from fertilization to have half the original
number of chromosomes of the organism.
EA
SE
EL
11
Which statement best describes the relationship that exists among proteins, DNA,
and cells?
Which process produces the most variation within a species?
10
asexual reproduction
sexual reproduction
mitosis
cloning
gene cloning
gene therapy
DNA fingerprinting
karyotyping
Which is one reason scientists produce transgenic organisms?

to create new species of organisms
to control microorganisms in the soil
to prevent habitats from being destroyed
to treat certain types of diseases
SE
EA
15
This paper-and-pencil version of the assessment cannot display items available

only online.
EL
14
Which technique would most likely be used by forensic scientists?
13
18
Natural selection has been altered because the insects and their predators
are killed.
The rate of selection is increased because the pesticides do not kill the
insects that are naturally resistant to it.
The rate of selection has decreased because the pesticides kill only young
insects.
The pesticides have altered natural selection by causing the insect DNA to
spontaneously mutate.
SE
EA
What is the difference between the full classification of organisms and their
scientific names?
A
The full classification of organisms and their scientific names vary in different
countries.
The scientific names of organisms include the order and family of the
organisms, but the full classification includes only the species name.
The full classification of organisms will include more categories of organisms

than their scientific names.
The scientific names of organisms include a single nomenclature, but the full
classification includes various nomenclatures.
EL
17
The use of pesticides on crops has been a common farming practice for decades.
What has been the greatest effect of natural selection through the use of
pesticides on certain insect populations?
16
What type of organic molecules are enzymes?

A
carbohydrates
lipids
nucleic acids
proteins
nucleotides that store information
monosaccharides that provide quick energy for the cell
lipids that store energy and provide insulation
proteins that provide the building blocks for the structural components of
organisms
How does the amount of energy resulting from fermentation compare with that of
aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration results in less energy.
Aerobic respiration results in more energy.
Each process results in equal amounts of energy.
Each process results in variable amounts of energy.
EA
SE
EL
20
What are the subunits of DNA and their function?
19

This diagram shows a plant cell. Which structure is found in a plant cell but is
absent in an animal cell?
EL
EA
SE
21
24
A mutation occurs during the development of muscle cells but not in blood
cells.
Different genes are activated in muscle cells than in blood cells.
Muscles cells experience different environmental influences than blood cells.
Muscle cells are produced by the brain, but blood cells are produced by the
heart.
SE
A freshwater plant is placed in a container of saltwater. What will most likely

happen to the cells of the plant?
They will swell because water will move into them.
They will swell because salt will move into them.
They will shrink because water will move out of them.
They will shrink because salt will move out of them.
EA
EL
23
Which best explains why muscle cells are different from blood cells?
During which phase of the cell cycle is the cell growing and preparing for cellular
division?
A
cytokinesis
anaphase
prophase
interphase
22
10
27
to scare off young birds
to imprint young birds
to clean their feathers
to attract female birds
commensalism
mutualism
parasitism
predation
EA
SE
The yucca plant releases a strong scent at night when the yucca moth is active.
The yucca moth, attracted by the scent, gathers pollen from the yucca flower. The
yucca moth then deposits her eggs and the pollen on another plant. This ensures
that the plant will be cross-pollinated and that the yucca moth larvae have a
steady food supply. Which relationship does this best illustrate?
EL
26
The males of a bird species do a dance and sing a song each spring. What is
the main purpose of these behaviors?
Which environmental concern is most associated with burning fossil fuels?
25
global climate change
pollution of ocean waters
ozone layer destruction
decrease in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide
11
depletion of the ozone
production of acid rain
release of radiation
increase in deforestation
A segment of DNA has this sequence:
SE
ATA GCA CAT GTA
What is the mRNA sequence transcribed from this segment?

TAT CGT GTA CAT
TAT GCT CTA GAT
UAU CGU GUA CAU
UAU GCU CUA CAU
EA
EL
29
The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest
impact on which environmental issue?
28
12

This chart shows which amino acids are coded for by different combinations of
mRNA nucleotides.
Codons in mRNA
F irst
Base
Second
Base
U
UAU
Tyrosine
UGU
Cysteine
UUC Phenylalanine UCC
Serine
UAC
Tyrosine
UGC
Cysteine
Stop
UUA
Leucine
UCA
Serine
UAA
Stop
UGA
UUG
Leucine
UCG
Serine
UAG
Stop
UGG Tryptophan
CUU
Leucine
CCU
Proline
CAU
Histidine
CGU
Arginine
CUC
Leucine
CCC
Proline
CAC
Histidine
CGC
Arginine
CUA
Leucine
CCA
Proline
CAA
Glutamine
CGA
Arginine
CCG
Proline
Serine
A
G
CUG
Leucine
CAG
Glutamine
CGG
Arginine
AUU
Isoleucine
ACU Threonine AAU
Asparagine
AGU
Serine
AUC
Isoleucine
ACC Threonine AAC
Asparagine
AGC
Serine
AUA
Isoleucine
ACA Threonine AAA
Lysine
AGA
Arginine
ACG Threonine AAG
Lysine
AGG
Arginine
SE
UUU Phenylalanine UCU
AUG
Methionine or start
GUU
Valine
GCU
Alanine
GAU Aspartic Acid GGU
Glycine
GUC
Valine
GCC
Alanine
GAC Aspartic Acid GGC
Glycine
GUA
Valine
GCA
Alanine
GAA Glutamic Acid GGA
Glycine
GUG
Valine
GCG
Alanine
GAG Glutamic Acid GGG
Glycine
EA
Third
Base
EL
Which amino acids are coded for by an mRNA segment that reads CAG GUG?
A
arginine and valine
isoleucine and arginine
glutamine and valine
valine and isoleucine
30
13

31

only online.
32
The inheritance of short wings in Drosophila fruit flies is an x-linked, recessive

trait. Which would most likely result if a short-winged female mates with a
long-winged male?
All offspring will be short-winged.
All females will be long-winged, and all males will be short-winged.
All females will be short-winged, and all males will be long-winged.
Half of the males and females will be short-winged, and half will be
long-winged.
EL
EA
SE
14

33
This diagram shows the DNA fingerprints of a baby and four couples.
Couple X
Couple Y
Couple Z
#1
#3
#5
#7
#2
#4
#6
#8
SE
Baby
Couple W
Couple Z
Couple Y
Couple X
EL
Couple W
34
EA
A hospital wants to identify the parents of a baby. Based on the DNA fingerprints,
which couple is most likely the parents of the baby?
Which is a step in the process of producing transgenic bacteria?

A
A plasmid is used to replace a faulty gene in a human cell.
A chain of bacterial amino acids is inserted into human DNA.
A human gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid.
A mutation is produced in a bacterial cell.
15
radiation changing the DNA sequence in skin cells
a gamete with an extra chromosome forming
tobacco smoke altering the genes in lung cells
exposure to chemicals altering nerve cell function
A large population of cockroaches was sprayed with an insecticide. A few of the

cockroaches survived and produced a population of cockroaches that was resistant
to this spray. What can best be inferred from this example?
A species will adapt no matter what the environment.
The environment has no effect on the survival of an organism.
Insecticides cause mutations that are passed on to the next generation.
Individuals with favorable variations survive and reproduce.
EA
SE
EL
36
Which would most likely produce a mutation that is passed on to offspring?
35
16

37
This diagram shows a cladogram of six species based on amino acid similarities.
III
IV
V
II
VI
SE
Common Ancestor
II and IV
I and V
V and VI
EL
I and II
38
EA
Which two species are the most closely related?
Which type of molecule do whales use for energy storage and insulation?
A
DNA
glucose
fat
starch
17
enzymes
hormones
nucleic acids
vitamins
active transport
passive transport
osmosis
diffusion
SE
If energy is needed to move materials into or out of a cell, what is most likely
occurring?
EA
41
How are prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells similar?
EL
40
Which most directly controls the rate at which food is broken down to release
energy?
Both contain a nucleus.
Both contain ribosomes.
Both contain membrane-bound organelles.
Both contain cell walls.
39
18
by creating a new double helix structure
by using its phosphate and sugar molecules
by adding more hydrogen bonds to its structure
by arranging certain nitrogen bases of the cell in a particular order
What is the result when a single cell reproduces by mitosis?

two cells with genetic material identical to the parent cell
two cells with half the genetic material of the parent cell
four cells with half the genetic material of the parent cell
four cells with genetic material identical to the parent cell
SE
EA
44
These diagrams represent a Euglena and a Paramecium.
EL
43
How does DNA code for proteins in a cell?
42
Y
X
Euglena
Paramecium
Which function do structures X and Y have in common?

A
digestion
gathering food
movement
reproduction
19
47
habituation
imprinting
innate behavior
learned behavior
A field ecologist wants to determine the interactions of various populations of

organisms living in a large grassland field. Which method is best for conducting
this study?
consulting with local farmers about the diversity of organisms in the field
dividing the field in half, walking over it, counting organisms, and then
doubling the numbers
walking over the entire field, collecting the organisms, and then compiling a
total
observing the behaviors of different types of organisms several times during

the year
EA
SE
EL
46
At night, moths travel toward light. Which type of behavior does this describe?
Which environmental factor would cause the greatest decrease in the number of
species of plants and animals living in some of the lakes in the United States?
45
increase in dissolved oxygen levels
global warming
ozone destruction
acid rain
20

If worldwide deforestation is not regulated, what could most likely result?
A
Acid rain could lower the pH of rivers and lakes to dangerous levels for
aquatic life.
CO2 levels in the atmosphere could increase and contribute to global

warming problems.
Plants and animals could become better adapted to living in desert

conditions.
Future generations of humans could have an excess of wood and paper

products.
SE
48

only online.
50
How would overexposure to X-rays affect most animal cells?
EA
49
It would increase cell specialization in organs.
It would change the sequence of DNA nucleotides in affected cells.
It would produce new nucleotides for DNA molecules.
It would cause an increase in red blood cell production.
EL
21

How are sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction different?
A
Sexual reproduction produces offspring identical to the parents, but asexual

reproduction produces offspring with traits from both parents.
Asexual reproduction produces offspring identical to the parents, but sexual

reproduction produces offspring with traits from both parents.
Sexual reproduction only occurs in multicellular organisms, but asexual

reproduction only occurs in unicellular organisms.
Asexual reproduction only occurs in multicellular organisms, but sexual

reproduction only occurs in unicellular organisms.
an identical copy of parent chromosomes
twice the number of parent chromosomes
only half the number of parent chromosomes
an independent assortment of parent chromosomes
EA
EL
53
Which characteristic is present in offspring produced by sexual reproduction, but is

missing in offspring produced by asexual reproduction?
Two people believe they are related. Which would be the best technique to
determine if they are related?
52
SE
51
testing blood types
comparing DNA
examining karyotypes
testing for genetic disorders
22
competition
mutation
mutualism
predation
in small populations
in large populations
in marine populations
in terrestrial populations
SE
In which populations does genetic drift most often occur?
EA
56
What is the best explanation for the continual changes in the classification system
of organisms?
EL
55
Which will most likely cause variations to occur within a species?
All organisms struggle for existence and become extinct.
All organisms compete to be at the top of the food chain.
Technological advances have allowed scientists to better compare

organisms.
More species have been discovered, but scientists have not analyzed all the
data.
54
23
Chordates
EA
SE
Echinoderms
Annelids
Arthropods
Mollusks
Rotifers
Nematodes
Flatworms
Sponges
Jellyfish, Hydra, Corals
The diagram below shows a phylogenetic tree for animals.
Ancestor
Unicellular
Protozoa
EL
Which two groups of organisms have the most genetic differences?

A
rotifers and nematodes
mollusks and annelids
mollusks and arthropods
echinoderms and chordates
57
24
60
the DNA located in the nucleus of the cell
the cell in which the protein is located
the amount of ATP available for the cells use
the area in a cell where proteins are produced
Which statement best compares aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Less ATP is generated during anaerobic respiration than during aerobic
respiration.
More water is generated during anaerobic respiration than during aerobic

respiration.
More oxygen is generated during anaerobic respiration than during aerobic

respiration.
Less lactic acid is generated during anaerobic respiration than during aerobic
respiration.
EA
SE
EL
59
Which factor most affects the order of amino acids in a protein?
Which would be the best evidence that a cell is using active transport to move a
substance across its cell membrane?
58
Substances are moving rapidly across the cell membrane.
ATP is being rapidly consumed near the cellular membrane.
Substances are moving from high to low concentrations.
Substances are moving through channels in the cell membrane.
25

Directions:
This is the end of the Biology test.
1. Put all of your papers inside your test book and close your test book.
EL
EA
SE
2. Stay quietly in your seat until your teacher tells you that testing is
finished.
26

Biology
RELEASED Form Paper/Pencil Version
20122013
Answer Key
Item Type
Key
Standard
S1
MC
S2
MC
MC
Bio.1.1.1
MC
Bio.1.1.3
MC
Bio.1.2.1
MC
Bio.1.2.2
MC
Bio.2.1.1
MC
Bio.2.1.3
MC
Bio.2.2.1
MC
Bio.2.2.2
MC
Bio.3.1.1
MC
Bio.3.1.2
MC
Bio.3.2.1
MC
Bio.3.2.1
MC
Bio.3.3.1
MC
Bio.3.3.2
TE
Online Only
Bio.3.4.1
16
MC
Bio.3.4.3
17
MC
Bio.3.5.1
18
MC
Bio.4.1.1
19
MC
Bio.4.1.2
20
MC
Bio.4.2.1
21
MC
Bio.1.1.1
22
MC
Bio.1.1.3
23
MC
Bio.1.2.1
14
15
13
EL
10
12
SE
EA
11
Item Number
BIOLOGY R E L E A S E D F O R M
Item Type
Key
Standard
24
MC
Bio.1.2.2
25
MC
Bio.2.1.2
26
MC
Bio.2.1.3
27
MC
Bio.2.2.1
28
MC
Bio.2.2.1
29
MC
Bio.3.1.2
30
MC
Bio.3.1.2
31
TE
Online Only
Bio.3.2.1
32
MC
Bio.3.2.2
33
MC
Bio.3.3.1
34
MC
35
MC
36
MC
37
MC
SE
Bio.3.3.2
Bio.3.1.3
Bio.3.4.3
Bio.3.5.2
MC
Bio.4.1.1
MC
Bio.4.1.3
MC
Bio.4.2.2
MC
Bio.1.1.2
MC
Bio.1.1.3
MC
Bio.1.2.2
MC
Bio.1.2.3
45
MC
Bio.2.1.2
46
MC
Bio.2.1.3
47
MC
Bio.2.2.1
48
MC
Bio.2.2.2
49
TE
Online Only
Bio.3.1.1
50
MC
Bio.3.1.3
EA
38
41
42
43
44
40
EL
39
Item Number
BIOLOGY R E L E A S E D F O R M
Item Type
Key
Standard
51
MC
Bio.3.2.1
52
MC
Bio.3.2.1
53
MC
Bio.3.3.1
54
MC
Bio.3.1.3
55
MC
Bio.3.4.2
56
MC
Bio.3.5.1
57
MC
Bio.3.5.2
58
MC
Bio.4.1.2
59
MC
Bio.4.2.1
60
MC
Bio.4.2.2
SE
Item Number
EL
EA
Item Types:
MC = multiple choice
TE = technology enhanced

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REVISED 7/15/2015

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

A bird-watcher records the movement of migrating birds. In which part of the

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

It will be unable to carry out respiration.

It will lose water through osmosis.

It will break down the ribosomes in the cell.

It will be unable to photosynthesize.

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

The cytoplasm separates.

The DNA replicates.

The sister chromatids separate.

The homologous chromosomes cross over.

What is the function of autotrophs in the carbon cycle?

to take in excess water

to use carbon dioxide to produce glucose

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

There will be fewer natural resources available for future generations.

There will be an increase in nitrogen levels in the atmosphere.

There will be a decrease in water pollution.

There will be an increase in the number of strong hurricanes.

A sea turtle has washed up on a remote section of a beach. This is known as a

A strand of DNA has these bases:

What is the complementary DNA strand?

ACG GAT CTA TAG

TCG GTA CAT ATG

TGC CTA GAT ATC

UCG CUA CAU AUG

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

Proteins combine to produce cells, which produce DNA.

DNA is made up of proteins, which tell a cell how to function.

Cells contain DNA, which controls the production of proteins.

Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?

It allows gametes to have twice the original number of chromosomes of the

It allows gametes to have half the original number of chromosomes of the

Which process produces the most variation within a species?

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

Which is one reason scientists produce transgenic organisms?

to control microorganisms in the soil

to prevent habitats from being destroyed

to treat certain types of diseases

This paper-and-pencil version of the assessment cannot display items available

Which technique would most likely be used by forensic scientists?

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

The full classification of organisms will include more categories of organisms

What type of organic molecules are enzymes?

Go to the next page.

BIOLOGY RELEASED FORM

nucleotides that store information

monosaccharides that provide quick energy for the cell

lipids that store energy and provide insulation

Aerobic respiration results in more energy.

Each process results in equal amounts of energy.

Each process results in variable amounts of energy.