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

The equation for photosynthesis is often written as shown below. Based on this equation, what does the triangle symbol represent?
Question image
  • A. oxygen
  • B. chloroplast
  • C. heat
  • D. light
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

In the equation for photosynthesis, the triangle symbol represents light, which is essential for the process to occur. Plants capture light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Option A, oxygen, is a product of photosynthesis but not represented by the triangle. Option B, chloroplast, is the organelle where photosynthesis takes place, but it is not indicated by the triangle symbol. Option C, heat, is not a direct component of the photosynthesis equation, as it does not play a role in the conversion process. Thus, light is the critical factor denoted by the triangle.
Why is the conclusion about gene variation among cheetahs from Sommer's research more valid than the conclusion from O'Brien's research?
  • A. Sommer's research was conducted more recently than O'Brien's
  • B. Sommer's research used a different population of cheetahs than O'Brien's
  • C. Sommer's conclusion is about disease response, while O'Brien's is about skin grafts.
  • D. Sommer's conclusion is based on examining the genes, while O'Brien's conclusion is based on acceptance of a skin graft.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Sommer's conclusion is more valid as it directly examines gene variation, providing a clearer understanding of genetic factors influencing traits. This direct analysis allows for more reliable insights into gene functionality. In contrast, O'Brien's research focuses on skin graft acceptance, which, while informative, does not provide the same depth of genetic examination. Option A is incorrect as recency does not inherently validate research findings. Option B is misleading; differing populations may affect findings but do not necessarily validate one conclusion over another. Option C misrepresents the focus of the studies; both are relevant but differ in application rather than validity.
The chemical composition and energy density of four fuels are shown in the table. Ethane, which has a chemical composition of C2H6, is also a fuel. What is the predicted energy density of ethane?
Question image
  • A. 45 MJ/kg
  • B. 42 MJ/kg
  • C. 52 MJ/kg
  • D. 48 MJ/kg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the predicted energy density of ethane (C2H6), one can analyze its molecular structure and compare it to the energy densities of similar hydrocarbons listed in the table. Ethane, being an alkane, typically has a higher energy density due to its saturated carbon-hydrogen bonds. Option A (45 MJ/kg) is lower than expected for alkanes of similar size. Option B (42 MJ/kg) underestimates the energy density, as it does not align with the general trend for hydrocarbons. Option D (48 MJ/kg) is closer but still below the typical range for ethane. Thus, option C (52 MJ/kg) aligns with the expected energy density for ethane, reflecting its molecular composition and energy potential.
best explains the ammonia deposits found in ice core samples from the time of the Tunguska Event. The evidence that best supports the validity of this hypothesis is the-
  • A. Hypothesis 2
  • B. heat produced by fast-moving objects in the atmosphere
  • C. Hypothesis 1
  • D. match between measured and predicted amounts of ammonia
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,D

The ammonia deposits found in ice core samples from the time of the Tunguska Event suggest a significant environmental impact. Hypothesis 2 (Option A) likely proposes a link between the event and the ammonia presence, making it relevant for explaining the deposits. Option B, which discusses heat from fast-moving objects, does not directly address ammonia production or accumulation. Hypothesis 1 (Option C) may not provide sufficient evidence or detail to support the ammonia findings. Option D highlights the alignment between measured and predicted ammonia levels, reinforcing the validity of Hypothesis 2 as it connects empirical data with theoretical expectations.