Biology — Semester A Practice

Question 1 of 10

TEKS 7A-7F Easy Word

Which scientist is credited with the theory of natural selection?

A Charles Darwin

B Louis Pasteur

C James Watson

D Gregor Mendel

Explanation

📌 Charles Darwin developed the theory of natural selection after studying finches in the Galápagos Islands.

Question 2 of 10

TEKS 4A-5D Medium Word Diagram

The Venn diagram compares photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Which belongs in the overlapping section?

A Occurs only in animals

B Involves ATP and gas exchange

C Occurs in the nucleus

D Uses sunlight

Explanation

📌 Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration:
• Involve ATP
• Occur in all living organisms (plants do both!)
• Use electron transport chains
• Involve gas exchange

Question 3 of 10

TEKS 8A-8C Easy Word

The scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens. 'Homo' represents the:

A species

B genus

C kingdom

D family

Explanation

📌 In binomial nomenclature: first word = Genus (capitalized), second = species (lowercase). Both italicized.

Question 4 of 10

TEKS 4A-5D Easy Word

Which organelle is responsible for producing energy (ATP) in the cell?

A Ribosome

B Mitochondria

C Golgi apparatus

D Nucleus

Explanation

📌 Mitochondria = 'powerhouse of the cell'
They convert glucose + oxygen → ATP through cellular respiration.

Question 5 of 10

TEKS 8A-8C Easy Word

The correct order of taxonomic classification from broadest to most specific is:

A Domain, Phylum, Kingdom, Class, Family, Order, Genus, Species

B Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

C Species, Genus, Family, Order, Class, Phylum, Kingdom, Domain

D Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Explanation

📌 Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Memory: Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Spaghetti

Question 6 of 10

TEKS 4A-5D Medium Word Diagram

The diagram shows a cell in different solutions. In which solution will the cell shrink?

A A (Hypotonic)

B C (Hypertonic)

C All solutions cause shrinking

D B (Isotonic)

Explanation

📌 Hypertonic = more solute outside the cell
Water flows OUT of the cell by osmosis → cell shrinks (crenation)
Hypotonic → cell swells. Isotonic → no change.

Question 7 of 10

TEKS 4A-5D Easy Word

What is the function of the cell membrane?

A Controls what enters and exits the cell

B Produces energy

C Makes proteins

D Stores genetic information

Explanation

📌 The cell membrane is selectively permeable — it controls what enters and exits the cell.
It is made of a phospholipid bilayer.

Question 8 of 10

TEKS 1A-3F Easy Word Diagram

Which graph correctly shows exponential growth?

A Neither

B Both

C A

D B

Explanation

📌 Exponential growth = J-shaped curve (slow start, rapid increase)
Linear growth = straight line (constant rate)
Graph A shows exponential growth.

Question 9 of 10

TEKS 1A-3F Easy Word

In a controlled experiment, what is the independent variable?

A The control group

B The variable that stays constant

C The variable that is deliberately changed

D The variable that is measured

Explanation

📌 The independent variable is what the scientist deliberately changes/manipulates.
The dependent variable is what is measured as a result.

Question 10 of 10

TEKS 1A-3F Easy Word

Which of the following is the BEST example of a hypothesis?

A Plants need water

B If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller

C Photosynthesis is important

D All plants are green

Explanation

📌 A hypothesis is a testable, specific prediction.
'If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller' is testable and specific.

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