®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
Biology
Administered May 2022
RELEASED
Copyright © 2022, 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.
®
STAAR
State of Texas
Assessments of
Academic Readiness
Biology
Administered May 2022
RELEASED
Copyright © 2022, 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.
Form 01
BIOLOGYBIOLOGY
Biology
Page 3
Form 01
Form 01
Biology
Page 4
DIRECTIONS
Read each question carefully. Determine the best answer to the
question from the four answer choices provided. Then ll in the
answer on your answer document.
1 A dichotomous key of different mollusks is shown.
Partial Mollusk Dichotomous Key
1a
1b
2a
2b
3a
3b
4a
4b
5a
5b
External shell is present ...................................Go to 2
No external shell is present...............................Go to 3
Single shell.....................................................Go to 4
Two shells ......................................................Go to 5
Moves by jet propulsion....................................Squid
Moves by crawling with a single muscular foot.....Slug
Moves by jet propulsion....................................Nautilus
Moves by crawling with a single muscular foot.....Snail
Can burrow in the sand ....................................Clam
Attaches to solid surfaces .................................Oyster
Which mollusk moves by jet propulsion and does not have an
external shell?
A Squid
B Slug
C Nautilus
D Snail
8390
Form 01
Biology
Page 5
2 Which statement best describes how a virus replicates?
F A virus divides into two identical virus particles before infecting the
host cell.
G A virus enters a host cell and uses the materials from the host cell
to produce new virus particles.
H Multiple virus particles fuse and form a large particle that breaks
apart, releasing new virus particles.
J Multiple virus particles break down in component parts, which then
reassemble into new copies of the virus.
9513
3 Biting ies can transmit diseases and cause loss of blood for animals
in nature. Horses have developed behaviors to repel biting ies such
as ear twitching, head tossing, leg stomping, and tail swishing.
Which statement best describes the interaction between body systems
that allows horses to repel biting ies?
A The nervous system senses the biting ies and sends a signal to
the muscular system to move.
B The circulatory system senses the biting ies and sends a signal to
the nervous system to move.
C The muscular system senses the biting ies and sends a signal to
the integumentary system to move.
D The integumentary system senses the biting ies and sends a
signal to the circulatory system to move.
7894
Form 01
Biology
Page 6
4 Oil spills in the ocean affect marine food webs. Animals that are
initially affected by oil spills include sea otters, seabirds, and other
organisms that spend most of their time on the ocean surface.
Marine Food Web
Kelp
Sea urchins
Algae
Mussels
Sea otters
Sea lions
Fish
Killer whales
Based on the food web, how would a signicant decrease in the sea
otter population due to an oil spill most likely affect this ecosystem?
F The sea urchin population would increase causing the kelp
population to decrease.
G The sh population would increase in response to the changes in
the mussel population.
H The mussel population would increase in response to the changes
in the algae population.
J The killer whale population would increase causing the sh
population to decrease.
9161
Form 01
Biology
Page 7
5 Which of these shows an example of an insertion mutation?
A
SVXYTURSTUVXYZ
B
RSTUVXYZ RSTV XYZ
C
RSTUVXYZ RUTS XYZV
D
RSTUVXYZ KLRS VXYZTU
9247
6 In a Central Texas grassland, the producers incorporate 12,000 kJ of
energy from the sun into their tissues. About how much energy would
be incorporated into the tissues of herbivores?
F 12,000 kJ
G 1,200 kJ
H 10,800 kJ
J 1,080 kJ
7702
Form 01
Biology
Page 8
7 Positive thigmotropism is a response in plants in which they move
and grow toward an object the plant comes into physical contact with,
usually curling around the object.
Tendril
Tendril
Leaf
Leaf
Stick
(for support)
Stick
(for support)
Time
This response of the shoot system benets the plant by allowing the
plant to —
A produce more pollen for pollinators
B take in more carbon dioxide to convert into glucose
C absorb more water to transport to the leaves
D reach more sunlight for photosynthesis
8346
Form 01
Biology
Page 9
8 White clovers, Trifolium repens, are plants that are native to Europe
and Central Asia and are able to produce the poison cyanide within
their cells. Skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus, is a plant that
is native to eastern North America and can produce a chemical that
makes it have a strong, foul odor and bitter taste.
The chemicals produced by both the white clovers and skunk
cabbages are adaptations that allow them to —
F attract more pollinators
G survive a long-term drought
H protect against herbivores
J grow better in colder habitats
7516
Form 01
Biology
Page 10
9 A model of the genetic control of coat color in rabbits is shown.
Allele Phenotype Inheritance
C Black Dominant to all other alleles
c
ch
Chinchilla Recessive to C; Dominant to c
h
and c
c
h
Himalayan Recessive to C and c
ch
; Dominant to c
c Albino Recessive to all other alleles
Which Punnett square represents a cross that would produce
albino offspring?
A
c
ch
c
c
h
c
B
c
ch
c
h
c
h
c
C
C c
ch
c
h
c
h
D
c
ch
c
h
c
h
c
h
9520
Form 01
Biology
Page 11
10 When a stem cell divides, it produces two daughter cells. One
daughter cell will remain a stem cell, while the other daughter cell will
differentiate into a specialized cell.
Which factor will most directly determine what type of specialized cell
will be produced?
F The size of the cell
G The length of the cell cycle
H The number of chromosomes that are replicated
J The genes that are expressed
8216
11 Blue ying sh live in the upper layers of the ocean. Blue ying sh
have enlarged pectoral ns that enable them to glide for 400 meters
above the ocean surface and appear to y.
Which statement best describes how natural selection led to enlarged
pectoral ns in blue ying sh?
A Fish were able to glide out of the ocean and into other bodies of
water to mate with other species.
B Fish were able to live both on land and in the water as a result of
their larger pectoral ns.
C Fish with enlarged pectoral ns were able to glide out of the ocean
to escape predators, increasing their tness.
D Fish changed their DNA to express enlarged pectoral ns, changing
the allele frequency of the population.
9540
Form 01
Biology
Page 12
12 Scientists determined the total mass of DNA from a sample of animal
cells. The masses of equal numbers of cells were taken during three
different stages of the cell cycle. Stage I contains cells massed during
G
1
of the cell cycle.
Mass of DNA During the Cell Cycle
Stages
0
1
3
2
Mass of DNA (pg)
I II III
Which statement best describes the cells during Stage II?
F The cells have replicated their DNA, but have not completed mitosis
and cytokinesis.
G The cells have completed mitosis and cytokinesis without
replicating their DNA.
H The cells have replicated their DNA and completed mitosis
and cytokinesis.
J The cells have temporarily exited the cell cycle without replicating
their DNA.
8256
Form 01
Biology
Page 13
13 Green anoles are lizards that can change their skin color rapidly in
response to various stimuli. This adaptation is the result of —
A selective breeding of lizards by humans
B benecial traits passed from parents to offspring
C geographic isolation that prevented genetic mutation
D environmental pollutants that changed their genotype
9326
14 Which type of movement across a cell’s plasma membrane requires
energy supplied by ATP?
F Passive transport
G Simple diffusion
H Active transport
J Osmosis
9752
Form 01
Biology
Page 14
15 Leaf-cutter ants harvest leaves and carry them to fungi that convert
plant material into a usable form for the ants to digest. The fungi
depend on the leaves for nutrients. The ants also produce an antibiotic
on their bodies that helps protect the fungi from harmful bacteria.
Which of these explains the relationship between the leaf-cutter ants
and the fungi?
A Predation, because the ants feed on the fungi
B Mutualism, because both the ants and the fungi benet from
each other
C Competition, because both organisms consume the same resource
for energy
D Commensalism, because the ants receive energy from the fungi
and the fungi are unaffected
9339
Form 01
Biology
Page 15
16 A model of transcription and a codon chart are shown.
U
C
A
G
U
C
A
G
U
C
A
G
U
C
A
G
Cys
Cys
Stop
Trp
Arg
Arg
Arg
Arg
Ser
Ser
Arg
Arg
Gly
Gly
Gly
Gly
Tyr
Tyr
Stop
Stop
His
His
Gln
Gln
Asn
Asn
Lys
Lys
Asp
Asp
Glu
Glu
Ser
Ser
Ser
Ser
Pro
Pro
Pro
Pro
Thr
Thr
Thr
Thr
Ala
Ala
Ala
Ala
Phe
Phe
Leu
Leu
Leu
Leu
Leu
Leu
lle
lle
lle
Met
Val
Val
Val
Val
U
C
A
G
Third Base
First Base
UCAG
Second Base
Codon Chart
T A C G A T C A G C GG A A T A
RNA Transcript
A
U G C U A G U
A T G C T A G T C G C C T T A T
5′
5′
3′
3′
Transcription
Which amino acid would be coded rst from the DNA strand
being transcribed?
F Cys
G Phe
H Ile
J Met
9379
Form 01
Biology
Page 16
17 Why is it important to assign each organism a scientic name?
A Each scientic name applies to only one species, making it
universally identiable to scientists.
B Each scientic name allows scientists to better study the behavior
of an organism.
C The scientic name allows scientists to develop common names for
organisms.
D The scientic name describes how an individual looks relative to
others of the same genus.
7414
18 A cellular process is shown.
Which of these is the most likely result of the process shown in
the diagram?
F Chromosome replication will cease to avoid errors that result
in mutations.
G Offspring will no longer express traits from previous generations.
H Gametes will contain new allele combinations.
J Chromatids will have less genetic variety.
7929
Form 01
Biology
Page 17
19 Students studying the interaction among the reproductive parts of
owering plants make the graphic organizer shown.
The
attract
pollinators.
(1)
The pollen
grain grows
and fuses with
the .
(3)
(2)
Pollen is
deposited on
the .
Which terms best complete the numbered blanks in the owchart?
A (1) laments
(2) petals
(3) stigma
B (1) petals
(2) ovule
(3) stigma
C (1) laments
(2) petals
(3) ovule
D (1) petals
(2) stigma
(3) ovule
9627
20 What components make up the backbone of a DNA molecule?
F Purines and deoxyribose
G Pyrimidines and purines
H Deoxyribose and phosphate groups
J Phosphate groups and pyrimidines
9321
Form 01
Biology
Page 18
21 A prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell are shown.
Flagella
Cell membrane
Genetic material
Cytoplasm
Note: The drawings are not to scale.
Which characteristic best distinguishes these cells as either
prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
A The organization of the genetic material
B The location of the cytoplasm
C The role of the cell membrane
D The function of the agella
7861
Form 01
Biology
Page 19
22 Which sequence best describes an interaction between the
integumentary and excretory systems that helps maintain
homeostasis?
F Heart rate increases Blood vessels constrict Blood pressure
increases
G Blood vessel is damaged
Platelets begin to clump Blood
vessel ruptures
H Blood sugar levels rise
Pancreas secretes insulin Blood sugar
continues to rise
J Body temperature increases
Glands release sweat Body
temperature decreases
8354
23 Which statement best describes a similarity among trees, cats,
and amoebas?
A They are prokaryotic organisms.
B They are classied as members of the same kingdom.
C They have genomes that consist of the same number of genes.
D They contain DNA composed of the same four types of nucleotides.
9715
Form 01
Biology
Page 20
24 Students designed an experiment to model the carbon cycle. The
students combined water and carbon dioxide-producing disks in a
sealed ask. The ask represented Earth’s atmosphere, and the lamp
represented the sun. Their design is shown.
Lamp
Rubber stopper
Erlenmeyer flask
Carbon dioxide-producing
disks
20 mL water
Which component can be added to the ask to reduce the
concentration of carbon dioxide in the model atmosphere created
by the disks?
F Bacteria to use carbon during nitrication
G Plants to absorb carbon in the process of photosynthesis
H Snails to use carbon through cellular respiration
J Mushrooms to absorb carbon during decomposition
7502
Form 01
Biology
Page 21
25 Which characteristic do all organisms in Kingdoms Animalia, Protista,
and Fungi have in common?
A They are eukaryotic.
B They are prokaryotic.
C They are unicellular.
D They are multicellular.
7788
Form 01
Biology
Page 22
26 The graph shows the oxygen consumed by an athlete during different
stages of training.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
12345678910111213141
5
Volume of Oxygen Consumed During Exercise
Rest Exercise Recovery
Time
(min)
Volume of O
2
(mL/min)
Based on the graph, which process is occurring between minute 5
and minute 10?
F Nuclei are building amino acids for energy storage.
G Ribosomes are building carbohydrates to increase energy output.
H Chloroplasts are using energy to produce oxygen.
J Mitochondria are using oxygen to produce ATP.
8286
Form 01
Biology
Page 23
27 The table shows the classication of four mammals found in Texas.
Peccary Elk Pronghorn Fallow Deer
Kingdom Animalia Animalia Animalia Animalia
Phylum Chordata Chordata Chordata Chordata
Class Mammalia Mammalia Mammalia Mammalia
Order Artiodactyla Artiodactyla Artiodactyla Artiodactyla
Family Tayassuidae Cervidae Antilocapridae Cervidae
Genus Tayassu Cervus Antilocapra Cervus
Species T. tajacu C. elaphus A. americana C. dama
Based on this table, which explanation best describes why elk and
fallow deer are classied in the same genus?
A They are both in family Cervidae and share a more recent
common ancestor.
B They mate and produce fertile offspring.
C They live in similar habitats.
D They are both in kingdom Animalia and have similar diets.
8259
Form 01
Biology
Page 24
28 A model of DNA is shown.
Which part of the DNA model is most directly associated with the
coding of genetic information?
F
G
H
J
9699
Form 01
Biology
Page 25
29 A model of an enzyme and its corresponding substrate is shown.
Substrate
Enzyme
Which model best represents the molecules at the end of
the reaction?
A
B
C
D
8425
Form 01
Biology
Page 26
30 In domesticated dogs, hair type is controlled by two different alleles.
The allele for wire hair is (H) and the allele for smooth hair is (h).
When two heterozygous dogs are crossed, what percentage of the
offspring is expected to be homozygous for smooth hair?
F 0%
G 25%
H 50%
J 75%
8672
31 Which statements best compare a function of proteins and lipids in a
human cell?
A Proteins provide energy for cellular processes.
Lipids catalyze chemical reactions inside the cell.
B Proteins catalyze chemical reactions inside the cell.
Lipids allow for the transport of certain molecules into and out of
the cell.
C Proteins allow for the transport of certain molecules into and out of
the cell.
Lipids store genetic information for cells.
D Proteins store genetic information for cells.
Lipids provide energy for cellular processes.
9707
Form 01
Biology
Page 27
32 A table comparing the characteristics of four samples is shown.
Sample Nucleus Chloroplast Ribosome Size of Genome
Sample 1 Present Present Present 150 billion base pairs
Sample 2 Absent Absent Present 4.6 million base pairs
Sample 3 Absent Absent Absent 170,000 base pairs
Sample 4 Present Absent Present 3.2 billion base pairs
Which sample most likely contains viruses?
F Sample 1
G Sample 2
H Sample 3
J Sample 4
7681
Form 01
Biology
Page 28
33 In a recent study, scientists investigated the effects of microorganisms
naturally found in the body. They raised mice in two different
environments and compared their immune system functions in
response to a bacterial infection. Their data are shown.
Mouse Environment Immune System
Response to
Bacterial Infection
1 Without microorganisms
• Low variety
of immune
cells
• Weak
immune
response
to bacteria
2 With microorganisms
• High variety
of immune
cells
• Strong
immune
response
to bacteria
Which conclusion about the microorganisms naturally found in the
body is most likely supported by these data?
A All microorganisms are harmful to the body.
B Microorganisms are important in promoting healthy
immune systems.
C All bacteria in the body increase the effectiveness of the
immune system.
D Bacteria that cause infections decrease the number and variety
of immune cells in the body.
7808
Form 01
Biology
Page 29
34 Which statements explain how a mutation in a somatic cell is different
from a mutation that occurs in gametes?
F Somatic cell mutations occur in cells that give rise to gametes.
Gamete mutations occur in cells that result in apoptosis.
G Somatic cell mutations are maintained in the gene pool.
Gamete mutations are expelled from the gene pool.
H Somatic cell mutations are generally not passed to offspring.
Gamete mutations are usually passed to offspring.
J Somatic cell mutations will not be expressed by the individual that
contains the mutation.
Gamete mutations will be expressed by the individual.
7937
Form 01
Biology
Page 30
35 Which model accurately shows a cell progressing through mitosis?
A
B
C
D
7713
Form 01
Biology
Page 31
36 Some relationships between species found in the Texas Gulf Coast are
shown in the food web.
Crustaceans: blue crab,
stone crab
Reptiles: loggerhead sea turtle,
Atlantic ridley sea turtle
Herbivorous birds: Canada
goose, whistling swan
Herbivorous mammals:
muskrat, swamp rabbit
Aquatic plants
Herbivorous fish:
gulf pipefish, silverside
Which energy pyramid best models energy ow in the Texas Gulf
Coast community?
F
Canada
goose
Silverside
Aquatic plants
G
Aquatic
plants
Gulf pipefish
Atlantic ridley sea turtle
H
Stone
crab
Gulf pipefish
Aquatic plants
J
Aquatic
plants
Muskrat
Whistling swan
7450
Form 01
Biology
Page 32
37 Normal cells have a contact inhibition feedback mechanism that
prevents the cells from replicating when other cells are touched.
A diagram of cells with contact inhibition and cells without contact
inhibition is shown.
Cells with
Contact Inhibition
Top view
Side view
Cells without
Contact Inhibition
Which statement best describes what will happen to cells in an
organism that lack contact inhibition?
A The cells will continue to grow, causing a tumor in the body.
B The cells will replicate normally, replacing body cells that die.
C The cells will replicate until the food supply for each cell is used,
causing each cell to die.
D The cells will stop replicating once one layer is produced, as other
body cells will crowd them out.
7848
Form 01
Biology
Page 33
38 In some coral reefs, a symbiotic relationship exists between pygmy
seahorses and sea fans. The pygmy seahorse can wrap its tail around
the branches of the sea fan. This allows the pygmy seahorse to be
camouaged within the sea fan, protecting it from predators. The
pygmy seahorse does not harm or benet the sea fan while it grasps
the branches with its tail.
© iStock.com/Suwat Sirivutcharungc
What is the correct classication of this symbiotic relationship?
F Predator/prey
G Mutualism
H Commensalism
J Parasite/host
8250
Form 01
Biology
Page 34
39 Two scientists studied patterns of evolution in the fossil record. Many
species they analyzed showed periods of slow changes interrupted by
a period of rapid change.
This pattern of periods of slow change interrupted by periods of
rapid change with few, if any transitional fossils, best describes the
theory of —
A natural selection
B genetic drift
C punctuated equilibrium
D gene ow
9670
40 Which table best compares the events that occur during different
stages of the cell cycle?
F
Phase Event
S Phase DNA replication
M Phase Nuclear division
G
Phase Event
S Phase Nuclear division
M Phase Cytoplasm division
H
Phase Event
S Phase Cytoplasm division
M Phase Cell growth
J
Phase Event
S Phase Cell growth
M Phase DNA replication
9780
Form 01
Biology
Page 35
41 A phylogenetic tree based on genetic similarities is shown.
Species A
Species B
Species C
Species D
Species E
Species F
1
2
3
4
Which numbered location on the phylogenetic tree identies
characteristics shared by Species B, C, and D?
A Location 1
B Location 2
C Location 3
D Location 4
9136
Form 01
Biology
Page 36
42 Both the respiratory system and the digestive system involve the
uptake of necessary molecules from an animal’s surroundings. Alveoli
are tiny sacs that aid in the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen
in the lungs. Intestinal villi are tiny projections along the lining of the
intestines used to take in nutrients from food passing through.
Alveoli Intestinal Villi
Which system must interact with the respiratory and digestive
systems to transport gases and nutrients throughout the body?
F Endocrine
G Integumentary
H Immune
J Circulatory
8263
Form 01
Biology
Page 37
43 Cross-pollination of owers from different populations of the same
species will most likely result in —
A gene ow as new alleles are introduced
B evolution of a different species as alleles mix
C hybrid sterility as gametes from different individuals
are incompatible
D a decrease of genetic variation among individuals
7417
44 After a wheat eld is cleared, wild grasses and weeds begin growing.
This process is considered —
F primary succession because pioneer species appear
G primary succession because there are no large trees
H secondary succession because soil is already present
J secondary succession because the eld contains inorganic matter
7951
Form 01
Biology
Page 38
45 A model of two structures that perform cellular processes is shown.
III
What are the products of the cellular processes in these organelles?
A I: glucose and carbon dioxide
II: oxygen and water
B I: carbon dioxide and oxygen
II: glucose and water
C I: oxygen and glucose
II: water and carbon dioxide
D I: carbon dioxide and water
II: glucose and oxygen
8251
Form 01
Biology
Page 39
46 During an extended dry season in an area, the majority of the ground
cover dried up. Which description best explains how this would affect
the ecosystem in that area?
F The ecosystem would become less stable because the ranges of
many organisms would expand and overlap.
G The ecosystem would become more stable because there would be
less competition among canopy plants.
H The ecosystem would become less stable because less energy
would be available to it from the decrease in producers.
J The ecosystem would become more stable because organisms in
higher trophic levels would be able to nd prey more easily.
7455
47 Water, sugar, and other important nutrients need to be transported
from one part of a plant to another. Which statement correctly
describes the interaction of the root and shoot systems during
nutrient transport?
A The leaves take in water and sugar, which are then transported to
the rest of the plant through vascular tissues.
B The roots take in water and sugar, which are then transported to
the rest of the plant through vascular tissues.
C The leaves take in water and the roots produce sugar that are
transported to the rest of the plant through vascular tissues.
D The roots take in water and the leaves produce sugar that are
transported to the rest of the plant through vascular tissues.
8297
Form 01
Biology
Page 40
48 E. coli has three genes that each code for different enzymes that
break down lactose. Scientists conducted investigations about the
production of these enzymes using samples of E. coli. Their results are
shown in the table.
E. coli Investigation Results
Environment Contains Lactose Enzyme Concentration
1 Yes High
2 No Low
Which conclusion about the production of the enzymes can be
determined by analyzing the scientists’ results?
F Gene expression for the enzymes was controlled by the
temperature of lactose.
G The genes for the enzymes were expressed in equal amounts
during both experiments.
H Gene expression for the enzymes was controlled by the presence
of lactose.
J The genes for the enzymes were mutated before being expressed
by the presence of lactose.
7911
STOP
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS
ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.
Biology
Page 41
Form 01
49 Most animals avoid eating monarch butteries due to their bad taste.
Viceroy butteries look very similar to the monarchs.
Which of these best explains how the viceroy buttery benets
from looking like the monarch buttery?
A Viceroy butteries are able to reproduce with the monarch butteries.
B Viceroy butteries are able to deter predators in the same way as
the monarch butteries.
C Viceroy butteries are able to follow the migratory patterns of the
monarch butteries.
D Viceroy butteries are able to nd additional sources of food used
by the monarch butteries.
9280
50 Which sequence represents the levels of organization found in a
multicellular organism, from smallest to largest?
F Cell
tissue organ organ system
G Organ system
organ tissue cell
H Tissue
organ organ system cell
J Cell
organ system organ tissue
7780
STAAR
Biology
May 2022
STAAR
Biology
May 2022