Science BenchmarksAnnually Assessed
Biology End of Course Exam - 2011-2012
SC.912.N.1.1 Define
a problem based on a specific body of knowledge, for example: biology,
chemistry, physics, and earth/space science, and do the following: 1.
pose questions about the natural world, 2. conduct systematic observations, 3.
examine books and other sources of information to see what is already known, 4.
review what is known in light of empirical evidence, 5. plan investigations, 6.
use tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data (this includes the use of
measurement in metric and other systems, and also the generation and
interpretation of graphical representations of data, including data tables and
graphs), 7. pose answers, explanations, or descriptions of events, 8. generate
explanations that explicate or describe natural phenomena (inferences), 9. use
appropriate evidence and reasoning to justify these explanations to others, 10.
communicate results of scientific investigations, and 11. evaluate the merits
of the explanations produced by others.
SC.912.L.14.1 Describe
the scientific theory of cells (cell theory) and relate the history of its
discovery to the process of science. Also assesses
SC.912.L.14.3 Compare
and contrast the general structures of plant and animal cells. Compare and
contrast the general structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
SC.912.L.14.7 Relate
the structure of each of the major plant organs and tissues to physiological
processes.
SC.912.L.14.26 Identify
the major parts of the brain on diagrams or models.
SC.912.L.14.36 Describe
the factors affecting blood flow through the cardiovascular system.
SC.912.L.14.52 Explain
the basic functions of the human immune system, including specific and
nonspecific immune response, vaccines, and antibiotics.
SC.912.L.15.1 Explain
how the scientific theory of evolution is supported by the fossil record,
comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography, molecular biology,
and observed evolutionary change.
SC.912.L.15.6 Discuss
distinguishing characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living organisms.
SC.912.L.15.8 Describe
the scientific explanations of the origin of life on Earth.
SC.912.L.15.13 Describe
the conditions required for natural selection, including: overproduction of
offspring, inherited variation, and the struggle to survive, which result in
differential reproductive success.
SC.912.L.16.1 Use
Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment to analyze patterns of
inheritance.
SC.912.L.16.3 Describe
the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the transmission and
conservation of the genetic information
SC.912.L.16.13 Describe
the basic anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system. Describe the
process of human development from fertilization to birth and major changes that
occur in each trimester of pregnancy.
SC.912.L.16.17 Compare
and contrast mitosis and meiosis and relate to the processes of sexual and
asexual reproduction and their consequences for genetic variation.
SC.912.L.17.5 Analyze
how population size is determined by births, deaths, immigration, emigration,
and limiting factors (biotic and abiotic) that determine carrying capacity.
SC.912.L.17.9 Use
a food web to identify and distinguish producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Explain the pathway of energy transfer through trophic levels and the reduction
of available energy at successive trophic levels.
SC.912.L.17.20 Predict
the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how human lifestyles
affect sustainability.
SC.912.L.18.1 Describe
the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four major
categories of biological macromolecules.
SC.912.L.18.9 Explain
the interrelated nature of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
SC.912.L.18.12 Discuss the special properties of water that contribute to Earth's suitability as an environment for life: cohesive behavior, ability to moderate temperature, expansion upon freezing, and versatility as a solvent.