1. OGT PREP
Life Science

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

3. Indicators for Benchmark A
1. Explain that living cells a. are composed of a small number of key chemical elements (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur) b. are the basic unit of structure and function of all living things c. come from pre-existing cells after life originated, and d. are different from viruses 2. Compare the structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles in eukaryotic cells (e.g., nucleus, chromosome, mitochondria, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast, cilia, flagella) and prokaryotic cells.

4. Cell Theory
Indicator 1, Benchmark A

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

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

7. Sample Question
The correct answer is D. all cells contain the same organelles.
Remember, not all cells contain the same organelles. Some cells are specialized, for example the blood cells do not have a nucleus.

8. Structure
Indicator 2, Benchmark A

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

10. Sample Question
The correct answer is B. One has a nucleus and the other does not.
Remember, whether or not the cell contains a nucleus is the essential difference between the two types of cell.

11. Benchmark B for Life Science
Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by cellular processes and describe the process of cell division and development.

12. Indicators for Benchmark B
3. Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by cellular processes including a. homeostasis b. energy transfers and transformation c. transportation of molecules d. disposal of wastes e. synthesis of new molecules 4. Summarize the general processes of cell division and differentiation, and explain why specialized cells are useful to organisms and explain that complex multicellular organisms are formed as highly organized arrangements of differentiated cells.

13. Characteristics of Life
Indicator 3, Benchmark B

14. Sample Questions
An essential distinction made in biology is the difference between living and non-living things as they are generally accepted in biological sciences.
Extended Response (4 points)

15. Sample Questions
This answer must contain most of the characteristics of life.
Composed of Cells
Carry out Metabolism
Maintain Homeostasis
Grow
React of Stimuli
Reproduce
Evolve

16. Cell Division
Indicator 4 (part), benchmark B

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

18. Sample Question
The correct answer is D. Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis, Interphase
Remember, during cell division you will always start and end with Interphase, which is the time between cell division.

19. Differentiation
Indicator 4 (part), benchmark B

20. Sample Question
The great variety of organisms is possible due to_________.
a. cell differentiation
b. cell specialization
c. Mitosis
d. None of the above

21. Sample Question The correct answer is B. Cell specialization.
Remember, cell specialization enables multicellular organisms to adapt and survive in a variety of environments.

22. Benchmark C for Life Science
Explain the genetic mechanisms and molecular basis of inheritance.

23. Indicators for Benchmark C
5. Illustrate the relationship of the structure and function of DNA to protein synthesis and the characteristics of an organism.
6. Explain that a unit of hereditary information is called a gene, and genes may occur in different forms called alleles (e.g., gene for pea plant height has two alleles, tall and short).

24. Indicators for Benchmark C
7. Describe that spontaneous changes in DNA are mutations, which are a source of genetic variation. When mutations occur in sex cells, they may be passed on to future generations; mutations that occur in body cells may affect the functioning of that cell or the organism in which that cell is found. 8. Use the concepts of Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics (e.g., segregation, independent assortment, dominant and recessive traits, sex-linked traits and jumping genes) to explain inheritance.

25. Protein Synthesis
Indicator 5, Benchmark C

26. Sample Question
The genetic code inside the nucleus of a cell is important in cell reproduction and the production of proteins by the cell. Protein synthesis occurs outside the nucleus at the ribosome's. How does the genetic code for a protein get from the nucleus to the ribosome?
Short Answer (2 points)

27. Sample Question
mRNA codes the DNA strand inside the nucleus and then travels out to the cytoplasm to the ribosome. The mRNA carries the code for individual proteins.
Example, GCU codes for alanine

28. Genes
Indicator 6, Benchmark C

29. Sample Question
The basic unit of inheritance is held in the sequence of base pairs in a DNA molecule in a cell. A unit of information in this system is called___________.
a. DNA
b. a chromosome
c. an allele
d. a gene

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

31. Mutations
Indicator 7, benchmark C

32. Sample Question
The environment has an impact on the inheritance of characteristics from parent to offspring. Three students made statements in a class debate about this topic:
Student A: Poisonous chemicals can cause mutations in genetic structure and these frequently cause evolutionary changes in species.
Student B: Radiation from the sun and other extraterrestrial sources can cause mutations in skin cells which can be passed on to their offspring.
Student C: Mutations can occur from many sources but they are usually repaired by the cell or result in fatal problems with the offspring.

33. Sample Question Who has correctly stated the situation?
a. Student A only
b. Student B only
c. Student C only
d. Students A and C

34. Sample Question The correct answer is C. Student C.
Remember, most mutations are usually repaired or are lethal. Mutations can only be passed on to offspring if they are in the sex cells.

35. Genetics
Indicator 8, benchmark C

36. Sample Question
A male and female pea plant are crossed. The phenotypes of the offspring are 75% tall plants and 25% short. Draw a Punnett Square that demonstrates the genotypes of the parents and the offspring.
Short Answer (2 points)

37. Sample Question
Be careful and make sure that you answer the question being asked.
They want you to draw a punnett square of the parental generation by using the known phenotypes of the offspring given in the question.
So your genotypes will be TT, Tt, and tt

38. t T T TT Tt t Sample Questions tt
So the only way you could end up with 75% of the plants tall and 25% of the plants short, is if both parents were heterozygous tall (Tt). t T T TT Tt tt t

39. Benchmark D for Life Science
Explain the flow of energy and the cycling of matter through biological and ecological systems (cellular, organismal and ecological).

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

41. Indicators for Benchmark D
10. Describe how cells and organisms acquire and release energy (photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, cellular respiration and fermentation). 11. Explain that living organisms use matter and energy to synthesize a variety of organic molecules (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids) and to drive life processes (e.g., growth, reacting to the environment, reproduction and movement).

42. Ecosystem Cycles
Indicator 9, benchmark D

43. Sample Questions
The movement of molecules (energy) through a food web is a cycle. When is the cycle complete. Describe what happens once the cycle is complete.
Short Answer (2 points)

44. Sample Questions
First the answer must state that a cycle is completed when decomposers of the cycle return the molecules back to the environment.
Second, once the molecules are returned to the environment they can be used again by producers, which begins a new cycle.

45. Acquirement and Release of Energy
Indicator 10, benchmark D

46. Sample Questions
It can be said that humans and animals are solar powered. How can this statement be justified?
Short Answer (2 points)

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

48. Synthesis
Indicator 11, benchmark D

49. Sample Questions
In order to make a copy of itself, in the process of mitosis, a cell must use raw materials and energy found in the cell and synthesize many different kinds of biological molecules. These synthesis processes require energy that is found stored in the cell as________.
a. ATP
b. chlorophyll
c. proteins
d. sugars

50. Sample Questions The correct answer is A. ATP
Remember, ATP, or Adenosine Tri Phosphate, is the ENERGY molecule, which is made by the MITOCHONDRIA of the cell.

51. Benchmark E for Life Science
Explain how evolutionary relationships contribute to an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

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

53. Indicators for Benchmark E
13. Explain that the variation of organisms within a species increases the likelihood that at least some members of a species will survive under gradually changing environmental conditions. 14. Relate diversity and adaptation to structures and their functions in living organisms (e.g., adaptive radiation).

54. Classification
Indicator 12, benchmark E

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

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

57. Sample Question
The correct answer is D. Performing a DNA analysis of different organisms.
Remember, modern taxonomy constructs cladograms, which are ancestry diagrams, based on similarities in the genetic make up.

58. Diversity
Indicator 13, benchmark E

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

60. Sample Question
Which of the following represents this kind of adaptation?
a. keeping vestigial appendages which may some day be useful.
b. sexual reproduction, which provides for variation within the population.
c. the ability to quickly clone the entire population to make more individuals
d. strength and mobility to quickly leave an area that is environmentally challenging.

61. Sample Question
The correct answer is B. Sexual reproduction, which provides for variation within the population.
Remember, Sexual reproduction provides a varied population in which at least a few members of the population are likely to survive because of characteristics they possess that are different from other members of the population.

62. Biodiversity
Indicator 14, benchmark E

63. Sample Question
A shark and a dolphin both live in the same aquatic ecosystem, and both have similar adaptations to their environment; for example, they both have fins. This is known as_________.
a. natural selection
b. adaptive radiation
c. convergent evolution
d. artificial selection

64. Sample Question The correct answer is C. Convergent Evolution.
Remember, different species may converge as they adapt to similar environments.

65. Benchmark F for Life Science
Explain the structure and function of ecosystems and relate how ecosystems change over time.

66. Indicators for Benchmark F
15. Explain how living things interact with biotic and abiotic components of the environment (e.g., predation, competition, natural disasters and weather).
16. Relate how distribution and abundance of organisms and populations in ecosystems are limited by the ability of the ecosystem to recycle materials and the availability of matter, space and energy.

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

68. Organisms and Environment
Indicator 15, benchmark F

69. Sample Question
In order to survive and place progeny in their environment, organisms must be adapted in ways that help them survive changing environmental conditions. Which of the following strategies would be the least adaptive to drought conditions?
a. the ability to go into a state of torpor
b. migration to other areas
c. shedding fur
d. the ability to find plants that store water

70. Sample Question The correct answer is C. Shedding fur.
Remember, Shedding fur would be the least likely to be adaptive for a drought because it only allows for the control of heat in the organism.

71. Populations
Indicator 16, benchmark F

72. Sample Question
The distribution and abundance of organisms in an ecosystem is related to the abundance of materials found in that environment. Give an example of a limiting factor in the environment and its impact on the organisms found there.
Extended Response (4 points)

73. Sample Question
A correct answer will specifically identify a limiting factor and give examples of how it impacts the ecosystem.
Example, Water as the limiting factor, thus a decline in organisms.

74. Genetic Equilibrium
Indicator 17, benchmark F

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

76. Sample Question
The correct answer is A. Polar bears will learn to hunt while swimming.
Remember, It is unlikely that a species can survive based on the ability of an individual to adapt to quickly changing conditions.

77. Benchmark G for Life Science
Describe how human activities can impact the status of natural systems.

78. Indicators for Benchmark G
18. Describe ways that human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter the equilibrium in ecosystems. Explain how changes in technology/biotechnology can cause significant changes, either positive or negative, in environmental quality and carrying capacity.
19. Illustrate how uses of resources at local, state, regional, national, and global levels have affected the quality of life (e.g., energy production and sustainable vs. no sustainable agriculture).

79. Human Interaction
Indicator 18, benchmark G

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

81. Sample Question
The correct answer is C. The threatening of the Kirland’s Warbler because of fire suppression in their breeding territory.
Remember, Extinction is forever. Threatening extinction can still be reversed if the proper measures are taken.

82. Conservation
Indicator 19, benchmark G

83. Sample Question
The quality of life in the southern United States was significantly altered by Hurricane Katrina in which human activity is likely not related to the enormous devastation experienced as a result of this storm?
a. increased shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
b. draining of swamp land for development in the Mississippi Delta area
c. the channeling of rivers and streams and building of dikes
d. increased erosion of barrier islands caused by changing the flow of water in the Delta

84. Sample Question
The correct answer is A. Increased shrimp fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Remember, shrimp fishing does impact the environment, but is not likely related to the destruction of Katrina.

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

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

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

88. Indicators for Benchmark H
22. Describe historical scientific developments that occurred in evolutionary thought (e.g., Lamarck and Darwin, Mendelian Genetics and modern synthesis). 23. Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory. (The intent of this indicator does not mandate the teaching or testing of intelligent design.)

89. Mutation
Indicator 20, benchmark H

90. Sample Question
Biological evolution is a central concept of our understanding the biological world. Which of the following is not a key condition for evolution to occur?
a. Genetic variation is present in the population.
b. There are more offspring produced than can survive.
c. Extinction of other species leaving empty niches.
d. There is environmental pressure to rely on inherited adaptations to survive.

91. Sample Question
The correct answer is C. Extinction of other species leaving empty niches.
Remember, this only results in the movement of current species into the new available niches. This does not have to occur for evolution to take place.

92. Natural selection
Indicator 21, benchmark H

93. Sample Question
What is the impact of changes in the environment on the survival of the species?
a. Individuals must spontaneously adapt to changing conditions.
b. the survival value of some inherited characteristics changes.
c. Fewer offspring will be born.
d. Sudden extinction is likely for many species

94. Sample Question
The correct answer is B. The survival value of some inherited characteristic changes.
Remember, genetic variation in a population will provide selective advantage in survival and reproduction.

95. Darwin
Indicator 22, benchmark H

96. Sample Question
Current evolutionary thought is an accumulation of observations and experiments over many years. Provide one example of a significant contribution to the field of evolutionary thought since the publication of Darwin’s Origin of the Species.
Short Answer (2 points)

97. Sample Question The question wants a significant contribution.
Examples
Mendel and the inheritance of genes
Watson and Crick and the DNA helix
Redi and flies came from flies

98. Evolution
Indicator 23, benchmark H

99. Sample Question
Peter and Rosemary Grant spent years observing, tagging, and measuring Galapagos finches and their environment. During that time they documented environmental changes and how these changes favored certain individuals within the population. Those individuals survived and passed their characteristics on to the next generation, illustrating natural selection in action. What are characteristics of research that lead to significant findings?
Extended Response (4 points)

100. Sample Question
In order to be considered significant it must meet several conditions. The answer should contain several of the following:
Research method is strictly adhered to
Measurements are precise
Conditions are carefully recorded or controlled
Findings can be repeated
Research of others is carefully considered

101. Benchmark I for Life Science
Explain how natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms account for the unity and diversity of past and present life forms.

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

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

104. Diversity
Indicator 24, benchmark I

105. Sample Questions
The process of natural selection combined with other ecological and evolutionary concepts have been suggested as an explanation for the diversity of past life forms as depicted in the fossil record. Still, the fossil record is not complete. Which of the following is a reason for this lack of completeness in the fossil record.
a. a life form has to be buried in sediment to become fossilized, which is not common.
b. Fossils are just hard to find.
c. Scientists have to make assumptions from very small samples.
d. Since all organisms are preserved, there are no missing fossils in the rock record.

106. Sample Questions
The correct answer is A. a life form has to be buried in sediment to become fossilized, which is not common.
Remember, not all organisms have been fossilized. In order to become a fossil it has to be buried in sediment.

107. First Life Forms
Indicator 25, benchmark I

108. Sample Question
Approximately 4 billion years ago, the first life forms are thought to have originated in the oceans under very special conditions of chemistry and environment. For billions of years after, only single-celled organisms existed. Which of the following evolved that stimulated the development of increasingly complex multicellular life forms?
a. a cell wall
b. chloroplasts
c. mitochondria
d. a nucleus

109. Sample Question The correct answer is D. a nucleus.
Remember, the development of the nucleus appears to have stimulated multicellular life.