HiSET Science: Life Science Practice Test 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the cell's equator?
- Prophase
- Anaphase
- Metaphase (Correct answer)
- Telophase
Correct answer: Metaphase
During metaphase, chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (cell equator), allowing spindle fibers to attach and separate them equally.
Question 2: A patient has a blocked lymphatic vessel. Which body function would most likely be impaired?
- Oxygen transport to cells
- Removal of excess fluid from tissues (Correct answer)
- Digestion of proteins
- Transmission of nerve impulses
Correct answer: Removal of excess fluid from tissues
The lymphatic system drains excess interstitial fluid from tissues; a blockage causes fluid buildup called lymphedema.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a mutualistic relationship?
- A tapeworm living inside a host's intestine
- Clownfish living among sea anemone tentacles for mutual benefit (Correct answer)
- A lion hunting and eating a zebra
- Barnacles attached to a whale's skin without harming it
Correct answer: Clownfish living among sea anemone tentacles for mutual benefit
Clownfish and sea anemones benefit each other — the fish is protected by the anemone, and it keeps the anemone clean.
Question 4: In which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?
- G1 phase
- S phase (Correct answer)
- G2 phase
- M phase
Correct answer: S phase
DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase of interphase, before the cell begins mitosis.
Question 5: What adaptation allows desert cacti to minimize water loss?
- Large, flat leaves to absorb more sunlight
- Thick waxy cuticle and modified leaves (spines) (Correct answer)
- Deep taproots that reach groundwater
- Stomata that open during the day
Correct answer: Thick waxy cuticle and modified leaves (spines)
Cacti have a thick waxy cuticle and spines instead of leaves to dramatically reduce water loss through transpiration.
Question 6: Which level of biological organization is ABOVE the organism level?
- Organ system
- Tissue
- Population (Correct answer)
- Cell
Correct answer: Population
A population consists of multiple organisms of the same species living in the same area, placing it above the organism level.
Question 7: A scientist observes that a certain bacteria can survive extremely high temperatures. This trait is most likely an example of:
- Convergent evolution
- Genetic mutation leading to natural selection (Correct answer)
- Lamarckian inheritance
- Genetic drift in a large population
Correct answer: Genetic mutation leading to natural selection
Heat resistance in bacteria arises from mutations that are naturally selected because they confer a survival advantage in high-temperature environments.
HiSET Science: Life Science Practice Test 3
During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the cell's equator?