®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
Biology
Administered May 2021
RELEASED
Copyright © 2021, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
BIOLOGY
Biology
Page 3
DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the question from
thefouranswerchoices provided.Thenfill in theansweronyouranswer
document.
1 When the skin comes in contact with an irritant, receptors in the skin send signals to the
spinal cord. The signal is then sent to the brain for processing, and the individual begins to
scratch the affected area.
Which two systems are most likely interacting when a person experiences itching caused by a
skin irritant?
A
Circulatory and excretory
B Integumentary
and nervous
C Digestive
and muscular
D Respiratory
and lymphatic
2
During the cell cycle, proteins called cyclins bind to enzymes that send signals for the cell to
progress through stages of cell replication. At the end of this cycle, the cyclins degrade to
prevent further signaling for the cell to divide.
Uncontrolled production of cyclins will most likely result in —
F
the formation of tumors
G the immediate death of the cell
H the transfer of cyclins to other cells
J the formation of haploid cells
Biology
Page 4
3 An illustration of how a particular DNA mutation will most likely affect the polypeptide
produced is shown.
Original DNA strand
3’ 5’
GT A G T AGT AGT A G T A GT A G T A
His His His His His His His
Mutated DNA strand
3’ 5’
GT A G T AGT AGT A G T A G G AG T A
His His His Pro His His His
What type of mutation is illustrated?
A Insertion
B Translocation
C Substitution
D Deletion
4 Farmers spray pesticides on their plants to protect the plants from being eaten by insects.
Some individual insects have a genetic mutation that makes them resistant to the toxins in
the pesticides.
Which statement best describes how only a few resistant individuals resulted in the pesticide
becoming ineffective?
F
The resistant insects change the toxin on the plants, making it safe for others.
G The
resistant insects grow larger and eat less of the plants.
H The
resistant insects eat the contaminated surface and leave the rest for others.
J The
resistant insects are able to survive to reproduce and create a population that is also
resistant.
Biology
Page 5
5 The defenses of two flightless birds that live in different habitats are shown.
Picture
Gentoo Penguin Common Ostrich
Habitat Antarctic islands African savanna
Defenses
Wings are flattened and
tapered, like paddles, allowing
penguins to swim and jump out
of water at speeds up to 22 km/h.
Leg muscles are located closer to
the body, allowing ostriches to run
at speeds up to 70 km/h.
How do the wings of the Gentoo penguin and the legs of the common ostrich provide an
advantage in their habitat?
A
Allows them to find prey
B Allows
them to escape from predators
C Allows
them to control their body temperature
D Allows
them to be camouflaged in their environments
6 Which property is shared by the cells of all living things?
F
The cells contain DNA composed of adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine.
G The cells are surrounded by a phospholipid bilayer and a cell wall made of cellulose.
H The cells have chromosomes that are located inside a membrane-bound nucleus.
J The cells rely on mitochondria to carry out aerobic cellular respiration.
Biology
Page 6
7 The flow of energy in a grassland ecosystem is shown.
Hognose snake
Toad
Cricket Sparrow
Grass Mouse
Rabbit
Owl
Spider
Based on the diagram, which two populations best represent trophic levels that receive the
LEAST amount of the total energy provided to the ecosystem by the grass?
A
Crickets and sparrows
B Toads and spiders
C Rabbits and mice
D Hognose snakes and owls
Biology
Page 7
8 The life cycle of a frog is illustrated in the diagram.
Fertilized
eggs
Embryos
Adult frog
Young frog
Tadpoles
with legs
Which statement best explains how the cell cycle is important to the life cycle of the frog?
F
It enables frogs to produce tadpoles that are clones.
G It
allows frogs to grow, develop, and reproduce.
H It
prevents overproduction of frog offspring.
J It
ensures the best adapted frogs survive and pass on traits to offspring.
Biology
Page 8
Chemical
energy
Thermal
energy
Cellular
respiration
Photosynthesis
Light
energy
Light
energy
Chemical
energy
Cellular
respiration
Photosynthesis
Thermal
energy
9 Which graphic organizer best compares the energy inputs and outputs of cellular respiration
and photosynthesis?
A
Light Chemical
Photosynthesis
Chemical
energy energy energy
Cellular
respiration
B
Chemical Thermal
Photosynthesis
Chemical
energy energy energy
Cellular
respiration
C
D
10 Overfishing is causing the decline of fish populations, such as Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna in
the Mediterranean. Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna are caught faster than they can reproduce.
Which statement describes the most likely effect that overfishing will have on this ecosystem?
F
Overfishing makes the ecosystem more stable by increasing competition for limited
resources.
G Overfishing decreases the stability of the ecosystem by disrupting food chains.
H Overfishing has no effect on ecosystem’s stability because it affects one species out of
many.
J Overfishing increases ecosystem stability by allowing prey populations to overproduce.
Biology
Page 9
11 A segment of DNA is shown in the diagram.
DNA Segment
X
Which of these identifies the part of the DNA segment labeled X?
A Nucleotide
B Phosphate group
C Hydrogen bond
D Deoxyribose
Biology
Page 10
12 Which statements best compare the function of an ATP molecule to a DNA molecule?
F
ATP carries and transmits the genetic information of organisms.
DNA serves as a biological catalyst that speeds up the rate of chemical reactions.
G ATP
provides energy for chemical reactions in the cell.
DNA carries and transmits the genetic information of organisms.
H ATP
serves as a biological catalyst that speeds up the rate of chemical reactions.
DNA acts as a structural sugar in the cell walls of plants.
J ATP
acts as a structural sugar in the cell walls of plants.
DNA provides energy for chemical reactions in the cell.
13
A cladogram of five species is shown.
Turtle Horse Wolf Tiger House cat
Hair
Sharp
teeth
Retractable
claws
Ability
to purr
Four
limbs
Vertebral
column
Based on the cladogram, the ancestral species most likely had —
A
a vertebral column
B a vertebral column and hair
C sharp teeth and retractable claws
D the ability to purr
Biology
Page 11
14 Students created note cards comparing characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Which set of note cards most accurately compares these cells?
F
Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells
• No nucleus or other
• Membrane-bound nucleus
membrane-bound
or organelles
organelles
• DNA chromosomes in the
• DNA chromosome in the
nucleus
cytoplasm
G
Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells
• No nucleus or other
• Membrane-bound nucleus
membrane-bound
or organelles
organelles
• DNA chromosomes in the
• DNA chromosome in the
cytoplasm
cytoplasm
H
Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells
•
No membrane-bound
nucleus or organelles
• DNA chromosomes in the
cytoplasm
•
Membrane-bound nucleus
or organelles
• DNA chromosome in the
nucleus
J
Eukaryotic Cells Prokaryotic Cells
•
No membrane-bound
nucleus or organelles
• DNA chromosomes in the
nucleus
•
Membrane-bound nucleus
or organelles
• DNA chromosome in the
nucleus
Biology
Page 12
15 The Mexican long-nosed bat roosts in Big Bend National Park in West Texas. The bat feeds on
nectar and pollen and hovers while it feeds. Additionally, its tongue can extend up to eight
centimeters.
The features of Mexican long-nosed bats are evidence of natural selection because the
features are adaptations that —
A
lead to an increase in predation by other species of animals
B show
that most DNA mutations are necessary and advantageous but do not increase
survival or reproductive success
C help
individuals outcompete other individuals for food resources to increase survival and
reproductive success
D are the result of intentional breeding
16
Which statement describes the process of osmosis in an animal cell?
F
Sugar molecules move across the plasma membrane until the cell has enough energy to
grow in size and divide.
G
Water
molecules move across the plasma membrane until solute concentrations are equal
on both sides of the membrane.
H Ions
move across the plasma membrane until the inside of the cell has a higher
concentration of positive charges.
J Enzymes move across the plasma membrane until the cell has completed metabolism.
17
Sand dunes along the coast are formed of bare sand. Eventually, grasses take root on the
dunes. Over time, larger plants such as shrubs and trees are able to grow at the edge of the
sand dune ecosystem.
This
gradual change in plant communities of a sand dune ecosystem can result in —
A
reduced symbiotic relationships between producers and bacteria
B reduced energy absorption by consumers
C greater erosion rates
D greater species diversity
Biology
Page 13
18 A researcher determines an organism to be eukaryotic, unicellular, and autotrophic. In which
taxonomic group should this organism be classified?
F
Bacteria
G Protista
H Archaea
J Animalia
19 For an enzyme to be able to catalyze a reaction, the active site must —
A
be occupied by an inhibitor
B increase the activation energy level
C have a complementary shape to the substrate
D cause the enzyme to be destroyed in the reaction
20 Snowshoe hares can be found living in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. During the
summer months, when there is no snow on the ground, the snowshoe hare’s coat color is
typically brown. During the winter months, when the mountains are covered in snow, the
snowshoe hare’s coat is typically white.
Which statement describes the genetic basis for the seasonal changes in coat color?
F
The snow causes mutations in the genes that regulate coat color so that snowshoe hares
are adapted to their environment during the winter months.
G The
genes that control coat color are regulated by hormone signals that are altered by
changes in environmental factors.
H Sunlight
causes cancer cells to develop in the bodies of snowshoe hares, resulting in an
apparent brown-colored coat as a result of hair loss.
J The
genes that control coat color in snowshoe hares are deleted from the genome during
the summer months.
Biology
Page 14
Plant Mass
Together Separated
Time
KEY
Plant 1
Plant 2
Plant Mass
Together Separated
Time
KEY
Plant 1
Plant 2
Plant Mass
Together Separated
Time
KEY
Plant 1
Plant 2
Plant Mass
Together Separated
KEY
Plant 1
Plant 2
Time
21 In an experiment, two plants are grown together for a time and then separated. Plant 2 is a
parasite of Plant 1.
Which graph best predicts the growth of Plant 1 and Plant 2 during the experiment?
A
B
C
D
Biology
Page 15
22 When multiple transitional fossils are found in many rock layers, they provide evidence of —
F
seasonal variation in the diet of a species
G gradual change of a species over time
H DNA functioning as the genetic material of organisms
J an unchanging environment
23 Environmental factors typically activate genes in a cell by causing the cell to —
A
produce identical daughter cells through mitosis
B form haploid gamete cells through meiosis
C fuse with another cell to increase the size of its genome
D transcribe specific DNA segments to mRNA for translation
Biology
Page 16
24 A flower that has both male and female reproductive structures is shown.
Filament
Petal
Anther with
pollen grains
Stigma
Style
Ovary
Ovule
Which statement best describes an interaction that will allow a flowering plant to reproduce by
self-pollination?
F
An anther is transferred from a filament to another filament within the same flower.
G An ovule is transferred from the ovary to a petal on a different flower.
H A pollen grain is transferred from an anther to the stigma of the same flower.
J An ovary is transferred from a flower on one plant to a flower on a different plant.
25 A genetic cross involving two unlinked genes is represented.
AaGG
x aaGg
Which genotype is NOT possible in the offspring produced by the cross?
A
AaGG
B Aagg
C aaGg
D aaGG
Biology
Page 17
26 Breaking down food for nutrients involves many body systems. A student made a partial list of
the processes that occur.
• Salivary enzymes begin to break down starch molecules in food.
• Gastrointestinal enzymes are released in response to a hormone
signal.
• Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine.
Which body systems interact most directly in the three listed processes?
F
Digestive
H
Circulatory
Integumentary
Excretory
Muscular
Immune
G Excretory
J Circulatory
Immune
Muscular
Digestive
Endocrine
Biology
Page 18
27 A partial DNA segment and an mRNA codon chart are shown.
3′
TCATGCATG
5′
mRNA Codon Chart
Serine
Leucine
Phenyl-
alanine
Glycine
Glutamic
acid
Aspartic
acid
Alanine
Valine
Arginine
Serine
Lysine
Asparagine
Threonine
Tyrosine
(Stop)
(Stop)
Cysteine
Tryptophan
Leucine
Proline
Histidine
Glutamine
Arginine
Isoleucine
Methionine
U
AC
G
U
GU
G
C
AC
A
A
CA
C
G
UG
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
G
A
C
U
What amino acid sequence is encoded in the partial DNA segment?
A
Serine – Threonine – Tyrosine
B Serine – Serine – Tyrosine
C Serine – Threonine – Methionine
D Serine – Alanine – Methionine
Biology
Page 19
28 A farmer is struggling to control the population of a certain insect on his farm. After
researching population control techniques, he discovers that a particular bird is a predator of
this insect. The farmer purchases a number of these birds and releases them onto his farm.
How might the farmer’s action most likely have a negative impact on the ecosystem?
F
The birds will increase biodiversity of native plant species.
G The birds will pollinate native species, increasing genetic variation.
H The birds will consume beneficial insects, as well as the pest species.
J The birds will mate with native birds and create a new species.
Biology
Page 20
Bat Dichotomous Key
1a Solitary bat ....................................................Go to 2
1b Colonial bat ....................................................Go to 3
2a >35-cm wingspan ...........................................Hoary bat
2b <35-cm wingspan ...........................................Go to 4
3a >35-cm wingspan ...........................................Big brown bat
3b <35-cm wingspan ...........................................Go to 5
4a Reddish brown colored fur ................................Seminole bat
4b Light colored fur..............................................Eastern red bat
5a Large, round ears ............................................Mexican free-tailed bat
5b Short, pointy ears............................................Cave myotis bat
29 Students examine images of a certain species of bat commonly found in Texas. Using the bat
dichotomous key, they conclude that the bat species is a Mexican free-tailed bat due to its
large, round ears.
Based on
the dichotomous key, in addition to the shape of the bat’s ears, which other set of
features should the students look for to confirm the identity of the bat?
A
Solitary with a wingspan greater than 35 cm
B Solitary with a wingspan less than 35 cm
C Colonial with a wingspan greater than 35 cm
D Colonial with a wingspan less than 35 cm
Biology
Page 21
30 Materials are provided to students to build models of a prokaryotic cell, a eukaryotic cell, and
a virus. The materials and the structures they represent are listed in the table shown.
Material Structure Represented
Gray paper hexagon Capsid
Yellow paper oval Cytoplasm
Purple buttons Ribosomes
Blue yarn Genetic material
Orange paper circle Nucleus
Which material will students use in all three models?
F
Yellow paper oval
G Gray paper hexagon
H Blue yarn
J Purple buttons
Biology
Page 22
Carbohydrates Lipids
?
31 A student makes a Venn diagram to compare the functions of carbohydrates and lipids.
Which cellular function of carbohydrates and lipids should be placed in the shared section of
the Venn diagram?
A
Hormone production
B Structural support of cell walls
C Energy storage
D Catalyst for chemical reactions
32 Which statement is an example of how carbon moves through a food chain as part of the
carbon cycle?
F
Producers release carbon dioxide, and consumers take it in.
G Producers take in carbon dioxide, and consumers release it.
H Producers take in carbon from the soil, and they release it when they decompose.
J Producers release carbon into the soil, and consumers take it in from the soil.
Biology
Page 23
33 Which table correctly identifies how the plasma membrane contributes to the maintenance of
cellular homeostasis?
A
Function Yes No
Controls materials that enter and exit the cell X
Converts ATP to glucose for energy storage X
Catalyzes protein synthesis X
Receives signals for DNA replication X
B
Function Yes No
Controls materials that enter and exit the cell X
Converts ATP to glucose for energy storage X
Catalyzes protein synthesis X
Receives signals for DNA replication X
C
Function Yes No
Controls materials that enter and exit the cell X
Converts ATP to glucose for energy storage X
Catalyzes protein synthesis X
Receives signals for DNA replication X
D
Function Yes No
Controls materials that enter and exit the cell X
Converts ATP to glucose for energy storage X
Catalyzes protein synthesis X
Receives signals for DNA replication X
Biology
Page 24
34 In Texas Longhorn cattle, coat coloration is an inherited trait. What is the genetic basis of
coat-color variation in Texas Longhorn cattle?
F
Differences in the nucleotide sequences of genes
G Differences
in the numbers of chromosomes in cells
H Differences
in the diets of individual cattle
J Differences
in the environmental conditions of different geographic areas
35
The taxonomic classifications of four species of amphibians are shown.
Northern
Cricket Frog
Northern
Leopard Frog
Green Treefrog Bullfrog
Order Anura Anura Anura Anura
Family Hylidae Ranidae Hylidae Ranidae
Genus Acris Lithobates Hyla Lithobates
Species crepitans pipiens cinerea catesbeianus
Based on the information provided, which two species are most closely related?
A
Northern cricket frog and bullfrog
B Northern leopard frog and green treefrog
C Northern cricket frog and green treefrog
D Northern leopard frog and bullfrog
Biology
Page 25
36 Students construct a graphic organizer to illustrate the different levels of biological
organization.
Organ Organ system Population CommunityX
Which term does the letter X represent in the graphic organizer?
F Cell
G Organism
H Ecosystem
J Biosphere
37 When a new mutation occurs in a somatic cell of a sexually reproducing organism, what
percentage of the individual’s offspring are likely to inherit the mutation?
A
100%
B 75%
C 25%
D 0%
Biology
Page 26
38 Researchers have observed striped hyenas and gray wolves hunting together in certain areas.
One hypothesis suggests that changing hunting behavior aids both species in obtaining better
and more resources. In this hypothesis the hyenas benefit because the wolves chase and take
down large animals, such as goats, that the hyenas usually cannot catch alone. The wolves
benefit from hyenas using their jaw strength to crack open large bones of prey to access
additional nutrients from bone marrow.
Which table best identifies the ecological relationships among the gray wolf, hyena, and
goats?
F
Organisms Involved Relationship
Hyenas and gray wolves Predator-prey
Gray wolves and goats Commensalism
G
Organisms Involved Relationship
Hyenas and gray wolves Mutualism
Gray wolves and goats Predator-prey
H
Organisms Involved Relationship
Hyenas and gray wolves Parasitism
Gray wolves and goats Mutualism
J
Organisms Involved Relationship
Hyenas and gray wolves Commensalism
Gray wolves and goats Parasitism
Biology
Page 27
39 The diagram shows the major stages of the cell cycle and the percentage of time spent in
each phase.
Percentage of Time in
Each Major Stage of the Cell Cycle
M phase
Interphase
Which statement best describes why a cell spends the majority of its time in interphase?
A
The cell is growing and carrying out processes such as metabolism and DNA replication.
B The cell is aging and processes are stopping as lysosomes clear dead cell matter away.
C The cell needs time to synthesize spindle fibers to complete mitosis.
D The cell needs time to complete cytokinesis.
40
The giant octopus lays 20,000 to 100,000 fertilized eggs. After hatching, most octopuses
become prey to larger marine organisms, and less than 5% will reach adulthood to reproduce.
One benefit of the giant octopus laying many eggs is to —
F
increase the average body size for surviving individuals to avoid predation
G
decrease
competition between different octopus species to maintain resources in the
population
H increase the chance that more individuals will survive to maintain the population
J decrease the likelihood of offspring being consumed by predators
Biology
Page 28
41 Some angelfish colors are determined by codominance. Possible phenotypes and genotypes of
angelfish colors are shown.
Phenotype Genotype
Silver
LL
Black
BB
Black lace
BL
Which table shows the expected phenotypes of offspring resulting from a cross between a
black angelfish and a black-lace angelfish?
A
Phenotype Silver Black
Black
Lace
Phenotypic
probability of —
50
%
50
%
offspring
C
Phenotype
Silver Black
Black
Lace
Phenotypic
probability of
25
%
25
%
50
%
offspring
D
B
Phenotype
Silver Black
Black
Lace
Phenotypic
probability of
50
%
50
% —
offspring
Phenotype Silver Black
Black
Lace
Phenotypic
probability of
25
%
50
%
25
%
offspring
Biology
Page 29
42 A food web representing a Gulf Coast ecosystem is shown.
Bobcat Bald eagle
American alligator
Canada Eastern Loggerhead
Blue crab
goose cottontail sea turtle
Gulf
pipefish
Clover grass Sand dollar Phytoplankton
Based on this food web, which organism occupies multiple trophic levels?
F
Canada goose
G Eastern cottontail
H Loggerhead sea turtle
J Sand dollar
Biology
Page 30
43 A diagram of an HIV infection is shown.
Viral RNA
RNA-DNA hybrid
HIV entering cell
DNA
Host cell
Reverse
transcriptase
Nucleus
Chromosomal DNA
Provirus
RNA
Viral proteins
New HIV
Which conclusion about the HIV infection of a host cell is best supported by the diagram?
A
It takes place outside of living cells.
B It relies on the host cell to reproduce.
C It involves the process of meiosis.
D It requires carbon dioxide.
Biology
Page 31
Cynopterus sphinx
Haplonycteris fischeri
Dyacopterus spadiceus
Chironax melanocephalus
Otopteropus cartilagonodus
Ptenochirus jagori
Ptenochirus minor
Megaerops niphanae
44 Researchers analyzed a mitochondrial gene of different bat species to determine relatedness.
A cladogram of their results is shown.
Based on
the cladogram, which set of bat species is the least related?
F
Ptenochirus minor and Megaerops niphanae
G Dyacopterus spadiceus and Otopteropus cartilagonodus
H Haplonycteris fischeri and Ptenochirus jagori
J Cynopterus sphinx and Chironax melanocephalus
45 Which statement best describes how bacteria recycle matter in an ecosystem?
A
Bacteria are producers that create energy for second-order consumers.
B Bacteria produce toxins to prevent the growth of invasive species.
C Bacteria cause diseases that limit the reproduction of organisms in a population.
D Bacteria are decomposers that help to transfer organic material to the soil.
Biology
Page 32
46 Students set up a controlled experiment by growing the same type of seedlings in two
different locations. After a period of time, the students observed the seedlings and recorded
their observations in the table shown.
Group #1 Group #2
Growth Location
Enclosed in a box with a lamp on top of
seedlings
On the windowsill
Observation Shoots grow straight and upright
Shoots bend in the direction of the
window
What caused the shoots of the seedlings on the windowsill to bend toward the window?
F
Hormones produced in response to a light stimulus
G Sugars produced in response to a gravity stimulus
H Carbon dioxide produced in response to a water stimulus
J Water produced in response to a nitrogen stimulus
47
An illness caused by a certain virus includes fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, and headache.
The virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms quickly occur within
three to twelve days after contracting the virus. There is no vaccine for this virus.
Which description best explains the reproductive cycle of this virus?
A
Lytic, because the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes
B Lysogenic, because there is no way to vaccinate against it
C Lytic, because of the quick incubation time
D Lysogenic, because the virus causes a fever
Biology
Page 33
48 A cellular process is shown.
Which statement best describes the significance of this process?
F
The process allows organisms to grow and heal.
G The process produces clones of the parent organism.
H The process copies DNA before cell division.
J The process creates genetic variation in the resulting cells.
49 Which statement best describes an interaction between the muscular system and the
respiratory system?
A
The hormone adrenaline causes blood vessels to contract and send more blood to major
muscles.
B Metabolic wastes generated by muscle cells are eliminated in urine.
C The diaphragm contracts causing the chest cavity to expand, which draws air into the
lungs.
D Nutrients absorbed in the small intestine are transported in blood to the brain.
Biology
Page 34
50 Two scientists want to compare their research of fireflies. Which information must the two
scientists provide to each other to determine if they studied the same type of fireflies?
F
Size of the firefly populations
G Type of habitat in which the fireflies live
H Color of light produced by the fireflies
J Species name of the fireflies studied
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
Biology
Page 35
ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.
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STAAR
Biology
May 2021
