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Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #55 : How To Find Research Summary In Biology

Many motile organisms exhibit “fight or flight” responses in order to survive and reproduce. Aggressive posturing and combative behavior are important for the reproductive success and the formation of pack hierarchies of some species. Submissive actions and retreats permit other species the ability to evade capture or danger and enhance survival capabilities. Scientists have debated about the mechanics and moderation of these behaviors within organisms. Two studies regarding this behavior were performed.

Study 1

Researchers decided to study crayfish, a type of freshwater arthropod, in an aquarium. They placed two crayfish opposing one another in an enclosed space. The crayfish were divided by an opaque screen that inhibited their ability to notice one another. The screen was lifted and the crayfish were permitted to interact with one another. The scientists observed their interactions and noted the crayfish's submissive and aggressive behaviors. The scientists noticed that more dominant and aggressive behaviors correlated with larger sized individuals. Their observations indicate that large size and aggression are traits actively selected for within the crayfish population and are necessary for survivorship and reproductive success.

Study 2

Researchers in this study suggest that aggressive behaviors are linked to chemical messengers. They attempted to alter the crayfish’s lateral giant escape reaction through chemical manipulation. They injected crayfish with serotonin, an aggression stimulant, and octopamine, a natural facilitator of the flight response. They monitored and recorded the crayfish’s response to aggressive stimuli (see Figure 1). The researchers concluded that the crayfish escape response is significantly different in the chemical trials in comparison to the control trial that observed the injection of an inert saline solution into the arthropods.

Arthropod

Figure 1

Which of the following types of organisms exhibit the "fight or flight" response.

Possible Answers:

Only predator organisms

Only prey organisms

Sessile organisms

Motile organisms

Correct answer:

Motile organisms

Explanation:

The correct answer to this problem is "motile organisms." The first paragraph of the passage states that "many motile organisms exhibit the 'fight or flight' response." Both prey and predator organisms exhibit this response; however, it is not limited to one type of organism. Sessile organisms do not have the capability to move in response to external stimuli and would not exhibit this response.

Example Question #52 : How To Find Research Summary In Biology

Many motile organisms exhibit “fight or flight” responses in order to survive and reproduce. Aggressive posturing and combative behavior are important for the reproductive success and the formation of pack hierarchies of some species. Submissive actions and retreats permit other species the ability to evade capture or danger and enhance survival capabilities. Scientists have debated about the mechanics and moderation of these behaviors within organisms. Two studies regarding this behavior were performed.

Study 1

Researchers decided to study crayfish, a type of freshwater arthropod, in an aquarium. They placed two crayfish opposing one another in an enclosed space. The crayfish were divided by an opaque screen that inhibited their ability to notice one another. The screen was lifted and the crayfish were permitted to interact with one another. The scientists observed their interactions and noted the crayfish's submissive and aggressive behaviors. The scientists noticed that more dominant and aggressive behaviors correlated with larger sized individuals. Their observations indicate that large size and aggression are traits actively selected for within the crayfish population and are necessary for survivorship and reproductive success.

Study 2

Researchers in this study suggest that aggressive behaviors are linked to chemical messengers. They attempted to alter the crayfish’s lateral giant escape reaction through chemical manipulation. They injected crayfish with serotonin, an aggression stimulant, and octopamine, a natural facilitator of the flight response. They monitored and recorded the crayfish’s response to aggressive stimuli (see Figure 1). The researchers concluded that the crayfish escape response is significantly different in the chemical trials in comparison to the control trial that observed the injection of an inert saline solution into the arthropods.

Arthropod

Figure 1

Researchers have discovered fossils that suggest that a snake known as the titanoboa dominated its marsh environment due to its immense size and aggressive nature. The researchers of which study would most agree with this conclusion?

Possible Answers:

The researchers of both studies

None of the researchers would agree with this information.

The researchers of Study 1

The researchers of Study 2

Correct answer:

The researchers of Study 1

Explanation:

The researchers of Study 1 concluded that aggressiveness and large size are traits selected for within the crayfish populations. They would readily agree with studies that came to similar conclusions. The titanoboa researchers stated that the snake "dominated" its environment due to its size and aggressize nature, which corroborates the results of Study 1.

Example Question #191 : Act Science

Many motile organisms exhibit “fight or flight” responses in order to survive and reproduce. Aggressive posturing and combative behavior are important for the reproductive success and the formation of pack hierarchies of some species. Submissive actions and retreats permit other species the ability to evade capture or danger and enhance survival capabilities. Scientists have debated about the mechanics and moderation of these behaviors within organisms. Two studies regarding this behavior were performed.

Study 1

Researchers decided to study crayfish, a type of freshwater arthropod, in an aquarium. They placed two crayfish opposing one another in an enclosed space. The crayfish were divided by an opaque screen that inhibited their ability to notice one another. The screen was lifted and the crayfish were permitted to interact with one another. The scientists observed their interactions and noted the crayfish's submissive and aggressive behaviors. The scientists noticed that more dominant and aggressive behaviors correlated with larger sized individuals. Their observations indicate that large size and aggression are traits actively selected for within the crayfish population and are necessary for survivorship and reproductive success.

Study 2

Researchers in this study suggest that aggressive behaviors are linked to chemical messengers. They attempted to alter the crayfish’s lateral giant escape reaction through chemical manipulation. They injected crayfish with serotonin, an aggression stimulant, and octopamine, a natural facilitator of the flight response. They monitored and recorded the crayfish’s response to aggressive stimuli (see Figure 1). The researchers concluded that the crayfish escape response is significantly different in the chemical trials in comparison to the control trial that observed the injection of an inert saline solution into the arthropods.

Arthropod

Figure 1

Which of the crayfish in Study 2 are most likely to become submissive members of a heirarchy?

Possible Answers:

Those treated with serotonin

Those treated with octopamine

Those in the control trial

None of the crayfish would behave in this manner.

Correct answer:

Those treated with octopamine

Explanation:

The crayfish treated with octopamine would be most likely to exhibit an escape reaction. These crayfish would be the most submissive in an heirarchy and appeal to more aggressive members of the group. This is supported by information and data in the passage.

Example Question #191 : Act Science

Many motile organisms exhibit “fight or flight” responses in order to survive and reproduce. Aggressive posturing and combative behavior are important for the reproductive success and the formation of pack hierarchies of some species. Submissive actions and retreats permit other species the ability to evade capture or danger and enhance survival capabilities. Scientists have debated about the mechanics and moderation of these behaviors within organisms. Two studies regarding this behavior were performed.

Study 1

Researchers decided to study crayfish, a type of freshwater arthropod, in an aquarium. They placed two crayfish opposing one another in an enclosed space. The crayfish were divided by an opaque screen that inhibited their ability to notice one another. The screen was lifted and the crayfish were permitted to interact with one another. The scientists observed their interactions and noted the crayfish's submissive and aggressive behaviors. The scientists noticed that more dominant and aggressive behaviors correlated with larger sized individuals. Their observations indicate that large size and aggression are traits actively selected for within the crayfish population and are necessary for survivorship and reproductive success.

Study 2

Researchers in this study suggest that aggressive behaviors are linked to chemical messengers. They attempted to alter the crayfish’s lateral giant escape reaction through chemical manipulation. They injected crayfish with serotonin, an aggression stimulant, and octopamine, a natural facilitator of the flight response. They monitored and recorded the crayfish’s response to aggressive stimuli (see Figure 1). The researchers concluded that the crayfish escape response is significantly different in the chemical trials in comparison to the control trial that observed the injection of an inert saline solution into the arthropods.

Arthropod

Figure 1

 

Crayfish are considered to be which of the following animal types?

Possible Answers:

Arthropods

Insects

Fish

Reptiles

Correct answer:

Arthropods

Explanation:

In the text for Study 1, the crayfish are referred to as "a type of freshwater arthropod." The other answers are incorrect because there is no supportive evidence located within the passage.

Example Question #192 : Biology

Bacterial resistance is a common issue encountered in various infections. Scientists have attributed this phenomenon to the overuse of anti-bacterial sanitizers and prescription antibiotics. Two groups of researchers performed studies to test bacterial resistance.

Study 1

Researchers in this study state that bacterial resistance is the result of bacterial plasmid translocation. Bacteria carry their genes on circular rings of bacterial DNA and on small, physically separate molecules known as plasmids. Plasmids are unique because they are replicons that are capable of replication autonomously within a suitable host. Researchers radioactively marked plasmids in bacterial specimens and noted that they could be easily transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. They then observed that the genes transferred from the plasmid could be incorporated into the bacteria’s genetic makeup. These genetic alterations enhanced survivorship within the environment and promoted resistance to antibiotics. They concluded that plasmids carry genes important for survival and facilitate bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Study 2

Researchers in this study state that resistance is the result of the misuse of antibiotics. Researchers administered various antibiotics to a culture of E. coli and studied their effects over time (Figure 1). They concluded that bacterial resistance is the result of natural selection. In other words, the strongest bacteria survive antibiotics and reproduce, which produces anitbiotic-resistant offspring bacteria. 

Bacterial_fixed

Figure 1

According to the passage, what are small, physically separate genetic molecules that can replicate independently within a host called?

Possible Answers:

Viruses

Cells

DNA

Plasmids

Correct answer:

Plasmids

Explanation:

"Plasmids" is the correct answer because it is directly supported by the passage. The other choices are incorrect because they are not supported by the passage.

Example Question #193 : Biology

Bacterial resistance is a common issue encountered in various infections. Scientists have attributed this phenomenon to the overuse of anti-bacterial sanitizers and prescription antibiotics. Two groups of researchers performed studies to test bacterial resistance.

Study 1

Researchers in this study state that bacterial resistance is the result of bacterial plasmid translocation. Bacteria carry their genes on circular rings of bacterial DNA and on small, physically separate molecules known as plasmids. Plasmids are unique because they are replicons that are capable of replication autonomously within a suitable host. Researchers radioactively marked plasmids in bacterial specimens and noted that they could be easily transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. They then observed that the genes transferred from the plasmid could be incorporated into the bacteria’s genetic makeup. These genetic alterations enhanced survivorship within the environment and promoted resistance to antibiotics. They concluded that plasmids carry genes important for survival and facilitate bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Study 2

Researchers in this study state that resistance is the result of the misuse of antibiotics. Researchers administered various antibiotics to a culture of E. coli and studied their effects over time (Figure 1). They concluded that bacterial resistance is the result of natural selection. In other words, the strongest bacteria survive antibiotics and reproduce, which produces anitbiotic-resistant offspring bacteria. 

Bacterial_fixed

Figure 1

What do the researchers in Study 2 believe is the main cause for bacterial resistance?

Possible Answers:

Genetic defects

Bacterial mutation

Plasmid translocation

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics

Correct answer:

Misuse and overuse of antibiotics

Explanation:

The passage states that the researchers believe bacterial resistance is caused by the misuse of antibiotics. This leads to natural selection, where stronger bacteria survive and produce antibiotic-resistant offspring. The other answers are incorrect because they are not supported by the passage.

Example Question #194 : Biology

Bacterial resistance is a common issue encountered in various infections. Scientists have attributed this phenomenon to the overuse of anti-bacterial sanitizers and prescription antibiotics. Two groups of researchers performed studies to test bacterial resistance.

Study 1

Researchers in this study state that bacterial resistance is the result of bacterial plasmid translocation. Bacteria carry their genes on circular rings of bacterial DNA and on small, physically separate molecules known as plasmids. Plasmids are unique because they are replicons that are capable of replication autonomously within a suitable host. Researchers radioactively marked plasmids in bacterial specimens and noted that they could be easily transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. They then observed that the genes transferred from the plasmid could be incorporated into the bacteria’s genetic makeup. These genetic alterations enhanced survivorship within the environment and promoted resistance to antibiotics. They concluded that plasmids carry genes important for survival and facilitate bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Study 2

Researchers in this study state that resistance is the result of the misuse of antibiotics. Researchers administered various antibiotics to a culture of E. coli and studied their effects over time (Figure 1). They concluded that bacterial resistance is the result of natural selection. In other words, the strongest bacteria survive antibiotics and reproduce, which produces anitbiotic-resistant offspring bacteria. 

Bacterial_fixed

Figure 1

How were plasmids marked and traced in Study 1?

Possible Answers:

Gene sequences

Nitrogenous base configuration of DNA

Careful observation

Radioactive markers

Correct answer:

Radioactive markers

Explanation:

The passage states that the transmittance of plasmid genetic material was observed utilizing radoactive markers. None of the other choices are supported by the passage.

Example Question #195 : Biology

Bacterial resistance is a common issue encountered in various infections. Scientists have attributed this phenomenon to the overuse of anti-bacterial sanitizers and prescription antibiotics. Two groups of researchers performed studies to test bacterial resistance.

Study 1

Researchers in this study state that bacterial resistance is the result of bacterial plasmid translocation. Bacteria carry their genes on circular rings of bacterial DNA and on small, physically separate molecules known as plasmids. Plasmids are unique because they are replicons that are capable of replication autonomously within a suitable host. Researchers radioactively marked plasmids in bacterial specimens and noted that they could be easily transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. They then observed that the genes transferred from the plasmid could be incorporated into the bacteria’s genetic makeup. These genetic alterations enhanced survivorship within the environment and promoted resistance to antibiotics. They concluded that plasmids carry genes important for survival and facilitate bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Study 2

Researchers in this study state that resistance is the result of the misuse of antibiotics. Researchers administered various antibiotics to a culture of E. coli and studied their effects over time (Figure 1). They concluded that bacterial resistance is the result of natural selection. In other words, the strongest bacteria survive antibiotics and reproduce, which produces anitbiotic-resistant offspring bacteria. 

Bacterial_fixed

Figure 1

E. coli is commonly found in the digestive tract of mammals and helps facilitate digestion. It is beneficial under normal conditions but can cause illness if populations grow out of control. Given the information present in Study 2, would it be wise to administer a patient penicillin for more than 15 days?

Possible Answers:

Yes, E. coli is unaffected by penicillin; therefore, the antibiotic would not disrupt its physiological functions. 

Yes, E. coli can cause bacterial infections and should be removed from the body at all costs.

No, E. coli facilitates digestion; therfore, it would be unwise to administer too much penicillin because it could complicate normal digestion.

No, E. coli is needed for digestion and should be enabled to grow rapidly and uninhibited.

Correct answer:

No, E. coli facilitates digestion; therfore, it would be unwise to administer too much penicillin because it could complicate normal digestion.

Explanation:

Since too much E. coli bacteria could promote illness but a small amount is required to facilitate digestion, a doctor should provide a treatment regime that would restore balance to the number of the bacteria in a patient's system. It would be unwise to either promote E. coli's continued growth or kill them off entirely.

Example Question #196 : Biology

Bacterial resistance is a common issue encountered in various infections. Scientists have attributed this phenomenon to the overuse of anti-bacterial sanitizers and prescription antibiotics. Two groups of researchers performed studies to test bacterial resistance.

Study 1

Researchers in this study state that bacterial resistance is the result of bacterial plasmid translocation. Bacteria carry their genes on circular rings of bacterial DNA and on small, physically separate molecules known as plasmids. Plasmids are unique because they are replicons that are capable of replication autonomously within a suitable host. Researchers radioactively marked plasmids in bacterial specimens and noted that they could be easily transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. They then observed that the genes transferred from the plasmid could be incorporated into the bacteria’s genetic makeup. These genetic alterations enhanced survivorship within the environment and promoted resistance to antibiotics. They concluded that plasmids carry genes important for survival and facilitate bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Study 2

Researchers in this study state that resistance is the result of the misuse of antibiotics. Researchers administered various antibiotics to a culture of E. coli and studied their effects over time (Figure 1). They concluded that bacterial resistance is the result of natural selection. In other words, the strongest bacteria survive antibiotics and reproduce, which produces anitbiotic-resistant offspring bacteria. 

Bacterial_fixed

Figure 1

How are plasmids transmitted from one bacterium to another?

Possible Answers:

Horizontal gene transfer

Genetic mutation

Translocation

Reproduction

Correct answer:

Horizontal gene transfer

Explanation:

The passage states that genes in plasmids are transmitted from one bacterium to another via horizontal gene transfer. The other answers are incorrect because they are not supported by the passage.

Example Question #64 : How To Find Research Summary In Biology

Hormones are biochemical messengers utilized by multicellular organisms to coordinate development and behaviors. Hormones are secreted by the endocrine system and are key components in signal cascades that result in various essential activities. Plants, like animals, depend on hormonal signals for physiological adaptation and development.

There are several hormones that are primarily involved with seed germination and sprout formation. Abscisic acid, in high concentrations, prevents seed germination. Auxins are compounds that positively influence cell enlargement, the formation of buds, and the development of roots. Cytokinins influence cell division and shoot formation. Gibberellins promote seed germination as well as flowering and growth post-germination.

Study 1

Several scientists soaked Zea mays (corn) seeds in solutions rich in certain plant hormones. They observed and recorded seed germination and development over a three week period. At the end of the three week period, they measured coleoptile (the protective extension of sprout) and radicle (the primary root) growth of the seeds and plotted them in a graph (Figure 1).

Germination1

Figure 1

Study 2

Scientists exposed Zea mays (corn) seeds to several hormonal treatments and measured coleoptile growth over a 14-day period and recorded their observations in a line graph (Figure 2). The groups consisted of a control exposed to saline solution, a treatment group exposed to a 0.15 millimolar solution of abscisic acid, and a treatment group exposed to a solution that included 0.15 millimoles of abscisic acid and 0.20 millimoles of gibberellins.

Germination_2

Figure 2

A fire devastates an area. Seeds begin to germinate several months later. Scientists study the hormonal composition on the germinating seeds. Which hormone would the scientists of Study 2 expect to find in the greatest level?

Possible Answers:

Cytokinins

Gibberellins

No hormones would be found in the seeds.

Abscisic acid

Correct answer:

Gibberellins

Explanation:

The passage states that gibberellins promote seed germination, so it would be safe to assume that gibberellins would be found in the greatest levels in germinating seeds. This is supported by the data from Study 2, which shows that abscisic acid inhibits germination and gibberellins counteract this inhibition.

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