A comprehensive high-school equivalency preparation module focusing on Wisconsin HSED Life Science standards. This modular quiz series integrates key Reading Language Arts (RLA) skills, including text feature analysis, drawing conclusions, and interpreting scientific data, alongside life science concepts.
Some Wisconsin hares (rabbits) have white fur to blend into snow. Others have brown fur. Due to climate change, snow melts 3 weeks earlier than normal, leaving brown grass. What is most likely to happen to the hare population over time?
A. White hares will hide better on brown grass and survive longer.
B. Brown-furred hares will blend in better on brown grass, survive more, and pass on their brown fur genes to their offspring.
C. The hares will instantly learn to fly to escape predators.
D. All hares will turn yellow automatically.
Q5. GENETIC DIVERSITY: Survival of a Species [2 points]
In another forest, all hares have the exact same DNA (no genetic variation). If a new deadly disease invades this forest, what is the most likely outcome?
A. All of them will survive because they are identical.
B. Without genetic variety to provide resistance, the entire population could get sick and die out.
C. They will split into two new species immediately to avoid the disease.
D. The disease will help them live twice as long.
WISCONSIN HSED SYSTEM • LIFE SCIENCE MODULE 2 • PAGE 2
dissolved oxygen
dead zone
STEP 1 Fertilizer Runoff
STEP 2 Algae Bloom
STEP 3 Bacteria Decompose Algae
STEP 4 Oxygen Depleted (Dead Zone)
Q3. CAUSE AND EFFECT: How Dead Zones Form [2 points]
Based on the text and the diagram above, what is the direct cause of fish dying in a dead zone?
A. The fish eat the algae and get poisoned.
B. Bacteria consume all the dissolved oxygen in the water to break down dead algae, leaving no oxygen for the fish to breathe.
C. The fertilizer raises the water temperature until it boils.
D. The fish leave the water to live on land.
Q4. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Testing Water Temperature [2 points]
Suppose you want to test this new hypothesis: "Algae grows faster in warmer water than in colder water." How should you design your new experiment?
A. Put the same amount of phosphorus in all tanks, but set each tank to a different temperature.
B. Give each tank different amounts of phosphorus and keep them at the exact same temperature.
C. Change both the phosphorus levels and temperatures randomly in all tanks.
D. Remove all water and grow the algae in soil.
Q5. CONTEXT CLUES: Word Meanings [1 point]
In paragraph 2 of the passage, the word hypoxic is used. Based on context, what is the best meaning of hypoxic?
A. Full of nutrients
B. Extremely cold
C. Low in oxygen (oxygen-depleted)
D. Safe for fish
WISCONSIN HSED SYSTEM • LIFE SCIENCE MODULE 3 • PAGE 2
Wisconsin HSED Science Admin • Simplified Quizzes
Scoring Guide & Key
Simplified Quizzes 1, 2, and 3 Solutions & Alignment
PAGE 2 RESOURCE
Module 2 Quiz Answer Key & Explanations
Q1 (Choice B) Zebra mussels consume primary producers (phytoplankton), which collapses the zooplankton population and deprives the Yellow Perch of food.
Q2 (Choice B) The 10% Rule states that 90% of energy is lost (primarily as heat/metabolism) at each level, leaving very little energy to support high apex populations.
Q3 (Choice B) The Gray Wolf and Coyote share the most recent branching point (node) in the family tree, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship.
Q4 (Choice B) Hares with brown fur blend in with snow-free ground better, allowing them to escape predators and reproduce, passing on the brown trait.
Q5 (Choice B) Without genetic variation, no individuals possess resistant traits. An environmental stressor like a parasite can decimate the entire population.
Module 3 Quiz Answer Key & Explanations
Q1 (Choice C) The independent variable is the factor deliberately manipulated by the scientist. In this experiment, it is the phosphorus concentration (0, 5, or 10 ppm).
Q2 (Choice A) An over-dense algae population quickly consumes the excess nutrients. Once phosphorus is fully depleted, the population crashes.
Q3 (Choice B) Aerobic bacteria decompose the massive amounts of dead algae. This cellular respiration process consumes dissolved oxygen, suffocating fish.
Q4 (Choice A) To test temperature, temperature must be the independent variable (varied across tanks), while phosphorus must be kept constant (controlled).
Q5 (Choice C) "Hypoxic" is defined in context as being severely depleted of dissolved oxygen.
