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

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.

Other Related Questions

A diagram of a PV cell being exposed to sunlight is shown below. Click on the labels you want to select and drag them into the boxes to show the components of the PV cell.
Question image
  • A. Phosphorus-injected layer
  • B. Boron-injected layer
  • C. Electric field
  • D. Energy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,B,C

The components of a photovoltaic (PV) cell include the phosphorus-injected layer, which serves as the n-type semiconductor, and the boron-injected layer, acting as the p-type semiconductor. Together, these layers create a junction that facilitates the movement of electrons when exposed to sunlight. The electric field between these layers is crucial for separating charge carriers, enabling electricity generation. Option D, "Energy," is not a structural component of the PV cell but rather a result of its operation. It does not represent a physical part of the cell, making it an incorrect choice.
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.
Placing solid ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3, in a container of water causes an endothermic reaction. The result is ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH, and nitric acid, HNO3. Which diagram shows the correct equation for the reaction?
  • A. NH4OH + HNO3 → NH4NO3 + H2O + energy
  • B. NH4NO3 + H2O + energy → NH4OH + HNO3
  • C. NH4NO3 + H2O → NH4OH + HNO3 + energy
  • D. NH4OH + HNO3 + energy → NH4NO3 + H2O
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The reaction involving solid ammonium nitrate and water is endothermic, meaning it absorbs energy. Option B accurately reflects this by showing ammonium nitrate and water reacting to form ammonium hydroxide and nitric acid while requiring energy input, consistent with the endothermic nature of the process. Option A incorrectly suggests that energy is released, which contradicts the reaction's endothermic characteristic. Option C also misrepresents the energy aspect, implying that energy is produced, which is not the case. Option D similarly indicates that energy is released, misaligning with the reaction's true nature.
Which statement correctly summarizes this information?
  • A. Hemochromatosis is a dominant genetic disease caused by a single mutation.
  • B. Hemochromatosis is a recessive genetic disease, but is caused by a lack of iron.
  • C. Hemochromatosis is a recessive genetic disease, but the expression differs in individuals.
  • D. Hemochromatosis is a dominant genetic disease that can be caused by several different alleles.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Hemochromatosis is indeed a recessive genetic disorder, meaning that two copies of the mutated gene are typically required for the disease to manifest. Option A incorrectly categorizes it as a dominant disease, which does not align with its genetic inheritance pattern. Option B misstates the condition, as hemochromatosis is characterized by iron overload, not a deficiency. Option D also misrepresents the disease; while there are different alleles involved, hemochromatosis is primarily recessive, not dominant, making option C the most accurate summary of the information.