Preparing for the Florida Biology End-of-Course (EOC) exam can be daunting, but with the right practice, you can significantly boost your confidence and score. This comprehensive practice test mirrors the format and content of the actual exam, providing you with valuable experience and identifying areas where you might need further review. Remember, consistent study and focused practice are key to success.
Disclaimer: This practice test is designed to simulate the Florida Biology EOC. It is not an official exam and should not be considered a substitute for official practice materials provided by the Florida Department of Education.
Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.
1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living things?
(a) Growth and development (b) Response to stimuli (c) Ability to move freely (d) Reproduction
Answer: (c) Ability to move freely (Many living things are sessile, meaning they don't move.)
2. What process converts light energy into chemical energy in plants?
(a) Cellular respiration (b) Photosynthesis (c) Chemosynthesis (d) Fermentation
Answer: (b) Photosynthesis
3. DNA is responsible for:
(a) Transporting oxygen in the blood (b) Storing genetic information (c) Producing energy for the cell (d) Building cell walls
Answer: (b) Storing genetic information
4. Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell"?
(a) Nucleus (b) Ribosome (c) Mitochondria (d) Golgi apparatus
Answer: (c) Mitochondria
5. The process by which cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells is called:
(a) Meiosis (b) Mitosis (c) Binary fission (d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c) (Mitosis for eukaryotic cells, binary fission for prokaryotic cells)
6. Natural selection is best described as:
(a) The survival of the fittest (b) The inheritance of acquired characteristics (c) The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time (d) Random changes in gene frequency
Answer: (c) The process by which organisms adapt to their environment over time
7. Which kingdom includes organisms that are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic?
(a) Plantae (b) Animalia (c) Fungi (d) Protista
Answer: (b) Animalia
8. What is the basic unit of heredity?
(a) Chromosome (b) Gene (c) Protein (d) Nucleotide
Answer: (b) Gene
9. The process of converting nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants is called:
(a) Denitrification (b) Nitrogen fixation (c) Nitrification (d) Assimilation
Answer: (b) Nitrogen fixation
10. Which biome is characterized by permafrost and low-growing vegetation?
(a) Tropical rainforest (b) Desert (c) Tundra (d) Taiga
Answer: (c) Tundra
Section 2: Short Answer Questions (Example)
1. Briefly explain the difference between mitosis and meiosis.
Answer: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Mitosis is involved in growth and repair, while meiosis is involved in sexual reproduction.
Section 3: Essay Question (Example)
1. Discuss the impact of human activities on biodiversity and propose some solutions to mitigate these negative impacts.
(This section would require a detailed, well-structured essay demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic. A sample answer would be too lengthy to include here but would address deforestation, pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and overexploitation, and suggest solutions like conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and policy changes.)
This practice test offers a starting point for your EOC preparation. Remember to consult your textbook, class notes, and other study materials for a more comprehensive review. Good luck!
