ged science and practice test

A a high school equivalency exam designed for individuals who did not graduate from high school but want to demonstrate they have the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate

Various species of birds from the genus Agaporis possess differing behaviors. These behaviors differ in a way that can be used to infer how the species are related and how they have evolved over time. For example, the three lovebird species considered to be the most primitive all build simple nests in preexisting cavities. The three middle species all build elaborate nests with tops, and one even digs out a cavity for the nest. The four modern species build cuplike nests: These nests are more complex than those built by the primitive species but less complex than those built by the middle species. William Dilger conducted an investigation to show that the nest-building behaviors of these birds were genetic rather than learned behaviors. In his investigation, Dilger used two different species of lovebird that readily mate with each other-Fischer's lovebird and the peach-faced lovebird. Fischer's lovebird is a species of moder lovebird while the peach-faced lovebird is a slightly more primitive species. Fischer's lovebird carries small pieces of nesting material in its beak. The small size of the nesting material is the reason for the simpler cuplike nests of Fischer's lovebird. The peach-faced lovebird cuts long strips of nesting material, which is then tucked into the feathers on the back of the bird. These long strips of nesting material will often fall out of the bird's feathers. However, the long strips of material allow the peach-faced lovebird to build an elaborate nest. The hybrid offspring of these two species has difficulty building nests. The hybrid offspring will cut long strips of material like its peach-faced parent. However, the hybrid offspring will attempt to carry the material in its beak and have difficulty flying. If it does attempt to place the material in the feathers of its back, the material falls out because the bird does not properly secure the material in its feathers.
According to the passage, which statement about hybrid lovebirds is true?
  • A. Nest-building behavior can be used to determine evolutionary relationships between lovebird species.
  • B. Hybrid lovebirds use nest-building material in ways they learn from the parents.
  • C. Nest-building behavior in hybrid lovebirds is a mixture of the parents' behaviors.
  • D. Hybrid lovebirds build complex nests using smaller pieces of nest-building material.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Hybrid lovebirds exhibit nest-building behavior that reflects a combination of their parents' distinct styles, showcasing the influence of both species in their hybrid traits. This blending of behaviors illustrates how hybridization can lead to unique adaptations. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not indicate that nest-building behavior is a reliable indicator of evolutionary relationships. Option B is misleading; while learning from parents is important, the focus is on the integration of behaviors rather than direct imitation. Option D is inaccurate; the passage does not mention the complexity of nests or the size of materials used, making this statement unsupported.

Other Related Questions

Which statement describes one feature of the Rutherford-Bohr atom model that the Thomson model does not share?
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  • A. The Rutherford-Bohr model identifies different elements by the numbers of particles present.
  • B. The Rutherford-Bohr model maintains the observed neutral charge of atoms.
  • C. The Rutherford-Bohr model correctly describes the types of particles in the atom.
  • D. The Rutherford-Bohr model restricts the positive charge of the atom to the nucleus.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The Rutherford-Bohr model uniquely restricts the atom's positive charge to the nucleus, a significant advancement over the Thomson model, which depicts a diffuse positive charge throughout the atom. Option A is incorrect as both models can identify elements based on particle numbers, but the Rutherford-Bohr model adds more detail about electron arrangements. Option B is misleading; both models account for atomic neutrality, but the Rutherford-Bohr model provides a clearer structure. Option C is also inaccurate; while the Rutherford-Bohr model describes particles more accurately, it does not fundamentally change the types of particles present compared to Thomson's model.
Which statement is a valid conclusion from the data?
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  • A. The male athletes used more energy than the female athletes after 30 minutes of exercise.
  • B. Strenuous exercise is more difficult for male athletes than female athletes.
  • C. The average increase in heart rate was lower for the females than for the males.
  • D. All the females had a lower heart rate than the males after 30 minutes of exercise.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C accurately reflects the data, indicating a measurable difference in heart rate between male and female athletes after 30 minutes of exercise. This conclusion is supported by the data trends, which typically show a higher average heart rate in males. Option A makes an assumption about energy expenditure without specific data to support it, making it invalid. Option B incorrectly suggests a subjective comparison of difficulty, which cannot be deduced from heart rate data alone. Lastly, Option D overgeneralizes by claiming that all females had lower heart rates than males, which is unlikely and not supported by typical statistical findings, as individual variations exist.
How do the results of Bateson's experiment affect the interpretation of Mendel's experimental results?
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  • A. Bateson's experimental results show that Mendel's conclusions were incorrect.
  • B. Bateson's experimental results show that Mendel's conclusions were incomplete.
  • C. Bateson's experiments resulted in different ratios of traits in the offspring, confirming Mendel's conclusion.
  • D. Bateson's experiments studied different traits than Mendel's so Bateson's results could not challenge or support Mendel's conclusions.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Bateson's experimental results highlight that Mendel's conclusions, while groundbreaking, did not encompass all genetic variations and interactions. Mendel's work focused primarily on simple traits, but Bateson demonstrated that there are complexities in inheritance that Mendel did not address, indicating that his findings were incomplete. Option A is incorrect as Bateson did not disprove Mendel but rather expanded on his work. Option C misinterprets Bateson's findings; while they may align with Mendel's, they also reveal additional complexities rather than merely confirming his conclusions. Option D is misleading; although Bateson studied different traits, the implications of his findings still relate to Mendel’s conclusions, thereby challenging and enriching our understanding of genetics.
which sentence describes a difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
  • A. In natural selection, variation is heritable; in artificial selection, variation is not heritable.
  • B. In natural selection, there is differential reproduction; in artificial selection, there is not differential reproduction.
  • C. In natural selection, there is variation within the population of organisms; in artificial selection, there is no variation within the population or organisms.
  • D. In natural selection, reproductive success is driven by naturally occurring processes; in artificial selection, reproductive success is driven by human-imposed processes.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Natural selection occurs through naturally occurring processes where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to evolutionary change over time. In contrast, artificial selection involves human intervention, where specific traits are chosen for breeding based on human preferences. Option A is incorrect; both types of selection involve heritable variation. Option B misrepresents artificial selection, which also involves differential reproduction based on selected traits. Option C is inaccurate as artificial selection can still involve variation within the chosen traits. Thus, option D accurately highlights the fundamental distinction between the two processes.