LIVING ENVIRONMENT

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Thursday, August 17, 2017 — 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., only

Student Name _____________________________________________________________

School Name ______________________________________________________________

The possession or use of any communications device is strictly prohibited when taking
this examination. If you have or use any communications device, no matter how briefly, your
examination will be invalidated and no score will be calculated for you.

Print your name and the name of your school on the lines above.

A separate answer sheet for multiple-choice questions in Parts A, B–1, B–2, and D
has been provided to you. Follow the instructions from the proctor for completing the
student information on your answer sheet.

You are to answer all questions in all parts of this examination. Record your
answers for all multiple-choice questions, including those in Parts B–2 and D, on the
separate answer sheet. Record your answers for all open-ended questions directly in
this examination booklet. All answers in this examination booklet should be written
in pen, except for graphs and drawings, which should be done in pencil. You may use
scrap paper to work out the answers to the questions, but be sure to record all your
answers on the answer sheet or in this examination booklet as directed.

When you have completed the examination, you must sign the declaration printed
on your separate answer sheet, indicating that you had no unlawful knowledge of
the questions or answers prior to the examination and that you have neither given
nor received assistance in answering any of the questions during the examination.
Your answer sheet cannot be accepted if you fail to sign this declaration.

Notice …
A four-function or scientific calculator must be available for you to use while taking this
examination.

DO NOT OPEN THIS EXAMINATION BOOKLET UNTIL THE SIGNAL IS GIVEN.

LIVING ENVIRONMENT
 Part A

Answer all questions in this part. [30]

Directions (1–30): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.

1 A fruit fly is classified as a consumer rather than 6 Lobsters prey on sea hares, which are marine
as a producer because it is unable to animals. The lobsters find their prey through a
(1) reproduce asexually sense of smell. The sea hares defend themselves
(2) synthesize its own food by squirting ink at the lobster, as shown in the
photo below. The ink sticks to the lobster,
(3) release energy stored in organic molecules
interfering with its sense of smell.
(4) remove wastes from its body

2 Which change is an example of maintaining

dynamic equilibrium?
(1) A plant wilts when more water is lost from
the leaves than is lost by the roots.
(2) A plant turns yellow when light levels are
very low.
(3) Insulin is released when glucose levels in the
blood are high.
(4) A person sweats when the environmental
temperature is low.

3 Organisms contain compounds such as proteins,

starches, and fats. The chemical bonds in these
The most likely reason the sea hare can escape is
compounds can be a source of
because the sea hare ink
(1) amino acids (3) energy
(1) pushes the sea hare away rapidly as the ink is
(2) simple sugars (4) enzymes expelled
(2) blocks a receptor on certain cells in the
4 Phosphorus is necessary for the growth of healthy lobster
plants. Scientists are developing plants that can (3) causes the lobster to change its prey
grow in phosphorus-poor soil. Some of these new (4) prevents movement of the lobster
varieties, produced in a lab, make extra copies of a
protein that helps them obtain more phosphorus
from the soil. The process being used to develop 7 Which statement is an accurate description of
these new varieties is most likely genes?
(1) paper chromatography (1) Proteins are made of genes and code for
DNA.
(2) natural selection
(2) Genes are made of proteins that code for ni-
(3) direct harvesting
trogen bases.
(4) genetic engineering
(3) DNA is made of carbohydrates that code for
genes.
5 Which life function is not necessary for an (4) Genes are made of DNA and code for pro-
individual organism to stay alive? teins.
(1) nutrition (3) regulation
(2) reproduction (4) excretion
Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [2]
 8 The bobolink is a small blackbird that nests 11 Scientists have studied the return of plant life on
in fields of tall grass. It breeds in the summer Mount St. Helens ever since the volcano erupted
across much of southern Canada and the in 1980. Wildflowers began colonizing the area,
northern United States. It migrates long followed by shrubs and small trees. Scientists
distances, wintering in southern South America. predict that it will likely take hundreds of years
The numbers of these birds are declining due to before the area returns to a forest dominated
disruption of the areas where they live. by fir and hemlock trees. These changes are an
example of
(1) humans degrading an ecosystem by remov-
ing wildflowers
(2) the loss of genetic variation in a plant species
(3) the growth of a forest through ecological
succession
(4) the biological evolution of wildflowers,
shrubs, and trees

12 The most likely result of completely removing

carbon dioxide from the environment of a plant
is that sugar production will
In order to save these birds from extinction, the (1) continue at the same rate
best course of action would be to (2) increase and oxygen production will also in-
(1) prevent the birds from migrating to South crease
America (3) increase and oxygen production will stay the
(2) encourage farmers to let their hay fields same
undergo succession (4) decrease and eventually stop
(3) work to protect bobolink habitats in South
and North America
(4) capture all the bobolinks and keep them safe 13 Before a new shopping center can be built
in zoos on previously undeveloped land, the builders
must submit a proposal to the local government
for approval. Which statement identifies an
9 A child with cystic fibrosis has an altered protein environmental concern associated with the
in his cells that stops chloride ions from leaving development of the shopping center?
the cells. This protein most likely affects the (1) Building the center would decrease resources
functioning of needed by local organisms.
(1) cell membranes (3) mitochondria (2) The new shopping center would increase
(2) nuclei (4) ribosomes competition with already existing businesses.
(3) Building the center would decrease the
amount of pollution in the area.
10 Which row in the chart below shows a direct
(4) The new shopping center would increase the
relationship that can exist between two living
biodiversity of the area.
organisms?

Row Relationship 14 Homeowners have been encouraged to learn

how to identify invasive plants and to remove
(1) producer – carnivore
them if they find them. The most likely reason
(2) predator – prey for removing invasive plants is to
(3) parasite – prey (1) allow only one type of native plant to grow
(4) carnivore – host (2) preserve biodiversity
(3) eliminate unfamiliar food sources
(4) increase the rate of ecological succession
Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [3] [OVER]
 15 Which row in the chart below correctly pairs a human activity with its impact on the environment?

Row Human Activity Impact

(1) decrease in the use of pesticides erosion of rock in the soil
(2) increase in housing developments improvement in air quality
(3) increase in human population reduction in water usage
(4) decrease in recycling reduction in amount of available resources

16 The diagram below represents some steps in a procedure used in the field of biotechnology.

Enzymes

Gene for Cut Inserted into

human bacterial bacterial cell
insulin DNA

Bacterial cell

This bacterial cell can now be used to produce

(1) the bacterial gene for insulin that can be inserted into humans
(2) human genes for enzymes that can be inserted into humans
(3) insulin that can be used by humans
(4) enzymes necessary to treat human diseases

17 The graph below represents the number of brown and green beetles collected in a particular ecosystem.

Change in Coloration of Beetle Population

Number of Individuals

Green beetles

Brown beetles

Time (years)

The change observed in the number of green and brown beetles in the population is most likely due to
(1) natural selection (3) gene manipulation
(2) selective breeding (4) a common ancestor

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [4]

 18 A reproductive system is represented in the 21 Some states require shoppers to pay a deposit on
diagram below. certain beverage containers made of plastic and
glass. When shoppers return the containers, their
deposits are returned to them. How is this system
C intended to help the environment?
A (1) It encourages people to buy products that do
not have a deposit.
(2) It reduces the amount of money shoppers
D
actually spend.
B (3) It reduces the amount of plastics and glass
put into landfills.
(4) It forces manufacturers to reduce air pollu-
Which structure is correctly paired with its tion when they are making the containers.
reproductive function?
(1) A – pathway of gametes 22 The diagram below represents a food web.
(2) B – synthesis of progesterone
(3) C – production of sperm
(4) D – regulation of homeostasis 4

19 For centuries, humans have used resources from

coastal areas and open ocean waters. An example
of an activity that would promote the conservation 3
of coastal areas and ocean resources is
(1) harvesting large numbers of different fish
species
(2) allowing all-terrain vehicles access to beach 2
areas
(3) creating protected zones of natural grasses
and shrubs in beach areas 1
(4) encouraging the construction of factories
along the ocean shoreline
Which level contains organisms that carry out
autotrophic nutrition?
20 Which activity would eventually result in a stable
ecosystem? (1) 1 (3) 3
(1) deforestation in an area to increase space for (2) 2 (4) 4
the species living there
(2) mowing a large field so it can be used for 23 Mad cow disease is a fatal disease that destroys
recreation brain tissue. Researchers have found that a prion
(3) allowing native plants to grow undisturbed in protein, which is an abnormally constructed
an abandoned field molecule, is responsible. Which statement best
(4) spraying pesticides on a field at the end of describes the characteristics a protein must have
each growing season to function correctly?
(1) A protein is a long chain of amino acids folded
into a specific shape.
(2) A protein is a long chain of simple sugars
folded into a specific shape.
(3) A protein is made of amino acids synthesized
into a short, circular chain.
(4) A protein is made of simple sugars synthe-
sized into a short, circular chain.
Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [5] [OVER]
 24 The diagram below represents the results of the 26 It is recommended that people avoid excessive
net movement of a specific kind of molecule use of tanning beds. Exposure to the radiation
across a living cell membrane. emitted by tanning beds can cause skin cancer.
This cancer is the direct result of a
(1) change in a starch molecule
Direction of Movement of Molecules
(2) mutation in the genetic material
(3) mutation in a protein
Membrane
(4) change in a fat molecule

27 The diagram below represents a developing fetus

in a human.

Side A Side B
X
The movement of molecules from side A to side
B is an example of the process of
(1) active transport
(2) chromatography
(3) cellular respiration
(4) diffusion What would most likely happen if structure X
were damaged in the early stages of pregnancy?
25 Several companies now offer DNA “banking (1) The genes from the mother would not be
services,” where DNA is extracted from a pet turned on in the fetus.
and is stored so that a “replacement pet” might (2) The nutrients necessary for development
be produced using cloning techniques when the would not be able to reach the fetus.
original pet dies. Which statement best explains (3) The fertilized egg would not be able to travel
why the replacement pets that are produced in from the ovary to the uterus.
this way might not look or act like the original? (4) Development would take longer since the
(1) The new animal must get the DNA from two fetus would have to synthesize nutrients.
different parents, not just one cell.
(2) Mutations could occur that change the cloned
28 The reproductive structure in a female mammal
animal into a completely different species.
that produces sex cells is the
(3) Recombination of the cells as they are cloned
will make the resulting pet act differently. (1) ovary (3) uterus
(4) The environment could influence how genes (2) testes (4) placenta
are expressed, changing how the animal looks
and acts.

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [6]

 29 Fungi are decomposers that play an important role in the maintenance of an ecosystem. The role of fungi is
important because they
(1) synthesize energy-rich compounds that are directly used by producers
(2) break down materials that can then be used by other organisms
(3) limit the number of plants that can perform photosynthesis in an area
(4) are competitors of other consumers such as herbivores

30 In 2011 and 2012, scientists working on the Banana River in Florida recorded a dramatic increase in the
number of manatee deaths. Over the past 50 years, this area has also seen the human population increase
by more than 500,000 people. It is believed that pollution from numerous sewage tanks leaked into the
water, eliminating the manatees’ food source, replacing it with an alga that is toxic to the manatee. This is an
example of
(1) a natural cycle in an ecosystem
(2) the effect of increased biodiversity on an ecosystem
(3) direct harvesting in an ecosystem
(4) human actions altering ecosystems with serious consequences

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Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [7] [OVER]

 Part B–1

Answer all questions in this part. [13]

Directions (31–43): For each statement or question, record on the separate answer sheet the number of the
word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.

31 A student performed an experiment to see if 34 The diagrams below represent portions of two
water temperature affects the level of activity in genes that code for leaf structure in the same
aquatic snails. The student set up four tanks with species of clover. Gene 1 was taken from the
five snails in each tank. All four of the setups were cells of a clover plant with 3 leaves and gene 2
identical in every way, except for the temperature was taken from the cells of a clover plant with
of the water. In order to make the conclusions 4 leaves.
more valid, the student could
(1) alter the pH of the water Gene 1 Gene 2
(3 leaves) (4 leaves)
(2) change the size of the tank
(3) carry out the experiment for a shorter period G C G C
of time A T A T
(4) use a larger number of snails T A A T
T A T A
32 The following events occur during sexual C G T A
reproduction:
C G
A. mitosis
B. meiosis
C. fertilization The clover plant having gene 2 (4 leaves) was
D. birth most likely the result of
(1) an insertion (3) a substitution
Which sequence represents the correct order of (2) a deletion (4) normal replication
these events during sexual reproduction?
(1) A → C → B → D
35 Increased concern over the number of heat-
(2) B → C → A → D related illnesses among football players has led
(3) C → B → A → D to a possible change in uniform design. Shoulder
(4) B → A → C → D pads were designed that constantly blew cool,
dry air underneath the shoulder pads. Tests
33 A broad body of evidence, subject to revisions, showed that the use of the device during rest and
supported by different kinds of scientific investi- recovery periods resulted in a reduction of body
gations and often involving the contributions of temperature and heart rate. This new device
scientists from different disciplines is necessary would help the athlete to
to develop (1) control the rate of muscle activity
(1) an inference (3) a theory (2) increase muscle strength
(2) a fact (4) a prediction (3) maintain homeostasis
(4) eliminate the release of heat from the body

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [8]

 Base your answers to questions 36 and 37 on the information and data table below and on your knowledge
of biology.
A student wanted to investigate the effect of light on the rate of ripening of tomatoes.
She set up four pots of the same size with identical amounts of soil, water, and type of
tomato plants. Each plant was exposed to a different intensity of light as shown in the table
below.

Light Intensity
Plant
(lumens)
1 0
2 1000
3 5000
4 10,000

36 To report the final results, which label would be most appropriate for the third column of the data table?
(1) Height of Tomato Plants (cm) (3) Average Weight of Tomatoes per Plant (grams)
(2) Average Ripening Time (days) (4) Acidity of Tomatoes (pH)

37 The independent variable in this experiment is the

(1) type of tomato plant (3) color of tomatoes
(2) amount of soil provided (4) light intensity

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Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [9] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 38 and 39 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology. The diagram
illustrates activities taking place in the body of a human.

Antibodies
C

B
A Antigen
White blood
cells

38 Vaccinations usually stimulate the body to produce more of

(1) structure A, only (3) structures A and C, only
(2) structure B, only (4) structures A, B, and C

39 Which structure normally stimulates an allergic response?

(1) A, only (3) C, only
(2) B, only (4) A, B, and C

40 Which population in the chart below has the best chance for survival in a rapidly changing environment?

Type of Average Life Total Number of

Population
Reproduction Span of Individuals Offspring Produced
(1) sexual 13 days 100
(2) asexual 13 days 100
(3) sexual 12 weeks 25
(4) asexual 12 weeks 25

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [10]

 41 The table below represents a segment of a DNA molecule found in a stomach cell, both before and after
undergoing replication.

DNA Segment Before and After Replication

Before replication TGT ATG AAA CAC AAT TAT
After replication TGT ATT AAA CAC AAT TTT

Which statement best describes a change that would most likely be observed in the cells formed as a result
of this mitotic division?
(1) An enzyme the cell produces might no longer function.
(2) The cells would begin to form gametes to be released.
(3) Many new hormones would be synthesized by the cells.
(4) Chloroplasts would be produced by the ribosomes.

Base your answers to questions 42 and 43 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge of
biology.
The setup below shows four test tubes. Tube 1 contains water only. Tube 2 contains
a live snail. Tube 3 contains a live green water plant. Tube 4 contains both a live green
water plant and a live snail.

Tube1 Tube 2 Tube 3 Tube 4

42 In this setup, which tubes contain at least one organism carrying on cellular respiration?
(1) tubes 1 and 2, only (3) tubes 3 and 4, only
(2) tubes 2 and 4, only (4) tubes 2, 3, and 4, only

43 Which compound that directly provides energy in living cells is being produced in every tube where cellular
respiration is occurring?
(1) oxygen (3) DNA
(2) glucose (4) ATP

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [11] [OVER]

 Part B –2

Answer all questions in this part. [12]

Directions (44–55): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet
the number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all
other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this
examination booklet.

Base your answers to questions 44 through 47 on the information and data table below and on your knowl-
edge of biology.

The concentration of a specific antibody in the blood of an individual was measured

at various times over a period of 50 days. The results obtained are shown in the data table
below.
Antibody Concentration in an Individual
Antibody Concentration
Day
in Arbitrary Units (arb. units)
5 0
10 110
16 120
25 10
35 200
45 390
50 200

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [12]

 Directions (44–45): Using the information in the data table, construct a line graph on the grid, following the
directions below.

44 Mark an appropriate scale, without any breaks in the data, on each labeled axis. [1]

45 Plot the data on the grid. Connect the points and surround each point with a small circle. [1]

Example:

Antibody Concentration in an Individual

Antibody Level (arb. units)

Day

46 State one reason for the change in antibody production during the first 10 days. [1]

Note: The answer to question 47 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
47 The antibody level (in arb. units) of the individual on day 30 is closest to
(1) 30 (3) 110
(2) 70 (4) 160
Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [13] [OVER]
 Base your answers to questions 48 and 49 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge of
biology.

If a Chihuahua with short hair has a hidden gene for long hair, it can produce both
long-haired and short-haired puppies when bred to a Chihuahua with long hair.

short/long

short/long long/long

long/long

short/long long/long

48 A family decides that they want to produce Chihuahuas with long hair. Identify a procedure that could be
used to make sure that the puppies all have long hair. [1]

Note: The answer to question 49 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
49 A Chihuahua is born having a trait that is different from either of its parents. A possible explanation for the
difference is that the Chihuahua puppy
(1) was produced as a result of the recombination of genes during sexual reproduction
(2) was produced as a result of the process of asexual reproduction
(3) inherited a gene from one of its grandparents and not its parents
(4) had a mutation that occurred after it was born

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [14]

 Base your answers to questions 50 and 51 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.
The diagram represents a technique used by scientists today to maintain the genetic makeup of an organism.

Cell Cluster
of cells
Culture dish
Original plant New plant
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Note: The answer to question 50 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
50 Which graph below best represents the DNA content found in each cell in each of the stages in the diagram
above?
Amount of

Amount of

Amount of

Amount of
DNA

DNA

DNA

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 DNA 1 2 3 4
Stage Stage Stage Stage
(1) (2) (3) (4)

51 Describe one specific reason why scientists would want to maintain the genetic makeup of a particular
plant. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [15] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 52 and 53 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Breast Cancer Research

Most deaths that are a result of breast cancer occur because the cancer cells metastasize
(spread) from the breast to other organs. As they metastasize, cancer cells travel through
the bloodstream.
MicroRNA molecules are involved in both the movement and control of metastasized
cells. One microRNA, known as miR-7, shuts down a protein that helps cancer cells travel
through the blood.
Understanding how miR-7 interacts with cancer cells may lead to new treatments
for certain types of cancer. Since certain levels of miR-7 expression can also stimulate
the development of cancer cells, the use of miR-7 to treat cancer will have to be studied
in more detail. Researchers are hoping that eventually levels of miR-7 will be used to
diagnose, treat, and prevent the spread of cancer in an individual.

52 State one negative effect of using miR-7 as the only treatment for breast cancer. [1]

53 State one way cancer cells are different from normal body cells. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [16]

 Base your answers to questions 54 and 55 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge of
biology.
Each body cell contains the same genetic information, but can differ in appearance
and size. The diagram below shows three different types of cells found in the human
body.

Skin
Muscle

Nerve

54 Identify one similarity, other than the genetic information, that these body cells have. [1]

55 Explain why differences in these human body cells are a biological advantage. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [17] [OVER]

 Part C

Answer all questions in this part. [17]

Directions (56–72): Record your answers in the spaces provided in this examination booklet.

Base your answers to questions 56 through 58 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Owl vs. Owl

Barred owl Spotted owl

Federal wildlife officials plan to dispatch armed bird specialists into forests of the
Pacific Northwest starting this fall to shoot one species of owl to protect another that is
threatened with extinction. …
…“If we don’t manage barred owls, the probability of recovering the spotted owls goes
down significantly,” said Paul Henson, Oregon state supervisor for Fish and Wildlife. The
agency’s preferred course of action calls for killing 3,603 barred owls in four study areas in
Oregon, Washington and northern California over the next four years. …
…Mr. Henson said unless barred owls are brought under control, the spotted owl
in coming decades might disappear from Washington’s northern Cascade Range and
Oregon’s Coast Range, where the barred owl incursion [takeover] has been greatest.
The northern spotted owl was listed as a threatened species in 1990. Barred owls are
bigger, more aggressive and less picky about food. Barred owls now cover the spotted owl’s
range, in some places outnumbering them as much as 5-to-1.
Source: Associated Press, 7/26/13

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [18]

 56 Describe how the barred owl population is having a negative effect on the spotted owl population. [1]

57 Explain why it is important to protect the spotted owl from extinction. [1]

58 Certain groups oppose the plan to kill barred owls, in part because they feel it will not solve the problem.
They recommend that the focus should be on protecting the habitat of the spotted owl. Describe the role
that the habitat plays in the survival of an animal species such as the spotted owl. [1]

Base your answer to question 59 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an emissions
test on most gasoline-powered automobiles in order to help reduce harmful emissions.
Vehicles that fail this test must be repaired and pass inspection before they can be driven
on the road. Some people did not support this legislation.

59 State one advantage and one disadvantage of automobile emission testing. [1]

Advantage:

Disadvantage:

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [19] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 60 through 63 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Enzyme Investigation
An enzyme was isolated from digestive juices taken from the small intestine.
An experiment was set up to test the ability of the enzyme to break down protein. Two
test tubes, labeled A and B, were placed in a hot water bath at 37°C, human body
temperature.
Test tube A contained only protein and test tube B contained protein and the enzyme.
The chart below shows the set-up.

Test Tube Contents

A protein
B protein, enzyme

After two hours, the contents of both test tubes were analyzed. Test tube A showed
only the presence of protein. Test tube B showed the presence of the end products of
protein digestion, indicating the enzyme had successfully broken down the protein.

60 Identify the end products of protein digestion that made up the contents of test tube B after the two hours.
[1]

61 Explain the importance of temperature in the functioning of enzymes. [1]

62 State what the result would be if the same enzyme that was added to test tube B was added to a test tube
containing starch. Support your answer. [1]

63 In the digestive system many large molecules, such as proteins, are broken down into much smaller molecules.
State what happens to these smaller molecules following digestion. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [20]

 Base your answers to question 64–66 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Secondhand Smoke and Estrogen

A fertility researcher conducted a study of pregnant women. The researcher’s
hypothesis was that the estrogen levels of pregnant women who were exposed to daily
secondhand cigarette smoke would be higher than estrogen levels of pregnant women not
exposed to daily secondhand smoke.
The researcher measured the estrogen levels of eight pregnant women each week
throughout their pregnancy. Four of the women lived in houses with heavy smokers, the
other four did not. The women’s ages varied from 19 to 42 years old. Six of the women
were pregnant with girls, one was pregnant with a boy, and one was pregnant with twin
boys. The research was submitted for peer review.

64–66 Analyze this experiment. In your answer, be sure to:

• identify one error in the researcher’s experimental design [1]
• identify one way, other than affecting estrogen levels, that secondhand smoke could affect a
developing embryo [1]
• explain why the process of peer review is an important step in this research [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [21] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 67 through 69 on the information and passage below and on your knowledge
of biology.
Snowy Owls Move to the South
Snowy owls are large white birds that normally inhabit the cold northern regions of
Canada. Recently, scientists and birdwatchers have sighted the snowy owls much farther
south than usual.
When snowy owls are in northern areas, they feed on lemmings (small rodents). When
lemmings are not available, as in the areas further south, the owls will seek out mice or
rabbits as their food source.
Several snowy owls migrated into an area represented by the food web below.

Mountain lions Hawks

Level Snakes
C

Rabbits Frogs

Level
B Mice

Elk
Crickets

Level
A Grasses
Trees

67 Identify one population of organisms shown in the food web, other than rabbits or mice, that would likely be
affected by the introduction of the snowy owls and explain why their population would be affected. [1]

Population affected:

68 Identify one condition that might cause snowy owls to leave their usual habitat and move to another area.
[1]

69 State which level, A, B, or C, contains the least total available energy. Support your answer. [1]

Level:

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [22]

 Base your answers to questions 70 through 72 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Pocket Mice
Pocket mice are small rodents that feed mainly at night and are preyed upon by
owls, hawks, and snakes. Scientists studied pocket mice living on dark volcanic rock in
both New Mexico and fifty miles away in Arizona. They recorded their data in the chart
below.

Number of Mice on Dark Volcanic Rock

New Mexico Arizona
Year
Light Fur Dark Fur Light Fur Dark Fur
2000 120 122 16 125
2001 140 136 8 140
2002 134 130 6 135
2003 115 120 12 115
2004 122 126 8 129

70 State one possible hypothesis that would explain the differences in the observed data between the two
locations. [1]

71 Dark fur color in pocket mice is the result of a mutation. Scientists analyzed the sequence of bases in the
gene known to play a role in fur color and discovered that the mutation was identical in both the New
Mexico and Arizona mouse populations. Explain how it is possible for these two different populations to
have identical gene sequences for dark fur color. [1]

72 Explain what is meant by the statement: “While mutations are random, natural selection is not.” [1]

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 Part D

Answer all questions in this part. [13]

Directions (73–85): For those questions that are multiple choice, record on the separate answer sheet the
number of the choice that, of those given, best completes each statement or answers each question. For all
other questions in this part, follow the directions given and record your answers in the spaces provided in this
examination booklet.

Note: The answer to question 73 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
73 The diagram below represents evolutionary pathways of seven groups of organisms alive today.

Present A B C D E F G

M E L
H
Time

E
J

Which two living species would be expected to have the most similar proteins?
(1) A and C (3) E and F
(2) B and C (4) H and M

Note: The answer to question 74 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
74 Scientists recently discovered that three different types of squid, a marine animal, previously thought to be
three different species, were actually all members of one species. Their earlier ideas were based on using
squid carcasses (dead bodies). The new, more accepted classification is most probably based on an analysis of
(1) a greater number of squid carcasses
(2) the feeding habits of the three different species
(3) a number of newly found squid fossils
(4) the DNA present in the cells of squid

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [24]

 Note: The answer to question 75 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
75 The diagram below represents a laboratory experiment involving sucrose and water molecules in a cellophane
bag which functions in the same way as dialysis tubing.

Glass tube

Rubber stopper
Key
Rubber band
- Sucrose molecule
- Water molecule
Cellophane bag

At beginning of At end of
experiment experiment

Which statement correctly explains the rise of liquid in the tube at the end of the experiment?
(1) The concentration of sucrose molecules increased as water molecules entered the bag. This concentra-
tion increase pushed the liquid up the tube.
(2) Water entered the bag due to the lower concentration of water inside. The extra water pushed the liquid
up the tube as the bag filled.
(3) Sucrose indicator entered the bag and reacted with the sucrose molecules. The reaction made the bag
increase in size and pushed the liquid up the tube.
(4) Sucrose molecules moved out of the bag and up the tube while water moved out, causing the rise of
liquid in the tube.

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [25] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 76 through 78 on the diagram below that shows variations in the beaks of
finches in the Galapagos Islands and on your knowledge of biology.

Variations in Beaks of Galapagos Islands Finches

Large
ground
finch
Medium
ground Vegetarian
finch finch

Small Large
ground
ing
lls tree finch
finch Edge crush

i
Crushing b

Biti
Gr
Mainly

asping bills

ng tips
plant
food Mainly
animal
food
100%
animal
Sharp-billed Pr food Small
ground finch obing bills tree finch
Probing

Cactus Woodpecker
finch finch
Warbler
finch

from: Galapagos: A Natural History Guide

Note: The answer to question 76 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
76 Which row correctly pairs a finch species with its primary nutritional role and bill type?

Row Finch Bill Type Nutritional Role

(1) cactus finch probing bill carnivore
(2) medium ground finch grasping bill herbivore
(3) large tree finch crushing bill herbivore
(4) warbler finch probing bill carnivore

77 In certain years, the Galapagos plants produce many tube-shaped flowers rich in nectar. Identify the finch
that is best adapted to feed on the nectar within those flowers. Support your answer. [1]

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 78 The number of small tree finches is increasing on an island inhabited by a large population of small ground
finches. State one reason why the population of small ground finches has not been affected by the increasing
number of small tree finches. [1]

79 Explain why glucose molecules can cross a cell membrane and starch molecules can not. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [27] [OVER]

 Base your answers to questions 80 through 82 on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

Progressive Resistance Exercise

Progressive resistance exercise (PRE) is a method of increasing the ability of muscles
to generate force. The principles of PRE for increasing force production in muscles have
remained unchanged for almost 60 years. These principles are (1) to perform a small number
of repetitions until fatigued, (2) to allow sufficient rest between exercises for recovery, and
(3) to increase the resistance as the ability to generate force increases. Traditionally, PRE
has been used by young, healthy adults to improve athletic performance.
A student decided to incorporate PRE into his exercise program. He did not know
how to determine when he had allowed sufficient rest between exercises for recovery.
He hypothesized that waiting for his pulse to return to normal would probably be a good
indication.

80 Explain why allowing his pulse rate to return to normal might be a good indication that he had waited long
enough for recovery. [1]

Note: The answer to question 81 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
81 Students wanted to try PRE to increase their ability to rapidly squeeze a clothespin. They thought if they
could do this, they could challenge another class to a clothespin squeezing competition and win. Which steps
should the students take to follow the principles of PRE?
(1) Measure their pulse rate after squeezing the clothespin until fatigued. Then increase the resistance of
the clothespin for the next trial.
(2) Squeeze a clothespin until fatigued, rest, and repeat. Over time, they should gradually increase the re-
sistance of the clothespins they are squeezing.
(3) Measure their pulse rate, squeeze a clothespin for one minute, rest, and measure their pulse rate.
(4) Squeeze a clothespin for as long as they can, measure their pulse rate, rest, eat some candy. Increase the
resistance of the clothespin for the next trial.

Note: The answer to question 82 should be recorded on your separate answer sheet.
82 Students following the principles of PRE monitored their ability to lift weights. Which observation would
indicate that their exercise program was successful?
(1) They could eventually lift heavier weights than when they started.
(2) Their pulse rate increased more rapidly as they kept lifting weights.
(3) The number of weights their group could lift during competition decreased.
(4) Males and females could lift the same weight an equal number of times during competition.

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 83 Using the axes on the graph below, sketch a line graph showing the changes in heart rate of a person who is
walking slowly, then begins running, and then sits down to rest for a few minutes. [1]

Heart Rate
Time

84 Identify one waste product that is released during exercise. Explain how this waste product leaves the body.
[1]

Waste product:

85 State one way scientists could use the banding patterns produced by gel electrophoresis. [1]

Living Environment–Aug. ’17 [29]

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LIVING ENVIRONMENT