AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ Scoring Guide

AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ Scoring Guide

AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check focuses on multiple-choice questions and scoring analysis for students preparing for the AP Biology exam. This guide includes detailed explanations of concepts related to evolution, genetics, and ecology, helping students understand the material thoroughly. It provides insights into the scoring rubric and rationales for correct answers, making it an essential resource for effective exam preparation. Ideal for AP Biology students looking to enhance their understanding and performance on the exam.

Key Points

  • Includes multiple-choice questions aligned with AP Biology curriculum
  • Provides detailed scoring analysis and rationales for correct answers
  • Covers key topics such as evolution, genetics, and ecology
  • Essential resource for AP Biology exam preparation
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Researchers have undertaken a long-term study of populations of rock pocket mice, , in ArizonaChaetodipus intermedius
and New Mexico. Rock pocket mouse fur is either dark or light in color. Most of the populations studied live in areas with
light-colored granite rocks; however, some areas are dominated by dark-colored rocks from ancient lava flows.
Researchers collected mice from six sites in Arizona and recorded their coat colors. Figure 1 shows the study sites, the
rock colors, and the distribution of coat colors.
Figure 1. Rock color and coat color at three sites on a lava flow (West, Mid, and East), and three nearby sites: O’Neill
Hills (O’Neill), the Tule Mountains (Tule), and Christmas Pass (Xmas)
In the Arizona populations, the melanocortin-1 receptor gene is responsible for coat color phenotype (light or
dark). The allele, which results in a dark coat, is dominant to the allele. Researchers collected samples of
mice from all six study sites and sequenced the gene. They also collected mice with dark coats from a location in
observed in that population. The rock pocket mouse population in Carrizozo is isolated from the populations in Arizona.
Table 1 presents the genotypic data from sampled mice from all seven locations.
Table 1. Genotypes of Rock Pocket Mice at Seven Collection Sites
State Collection Site Genotype Total Collected
Arizona Christmas Pass 0 0 6 6
Arizona Tule Mountains 0 5 80 85
Arizona West 6 1 0 7
Arizona Mid 3 2 0 5
Arizona East 35 7 3 45
Arizona O’Neill Hills 9 34 34 77
New Mexico Carrizozo 0 0 9 9
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1.
Which of the following best describes the processes occurring between the mouse populations and their
environments?
(A)
Natural selection favors the mice with the dark coat color, causing the mice in all of the populations to
be better adapted.
(B)
Natural selection favors the mice with the light coat color, causing the mice in all of the populations to
be better adapted.
(C) Dark color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations.
(D) Light color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations.
Answer C
Correct. On the dark lava flow rocks (West, Mid, and East locations), most of the mice have dark coats.
These dark-colored mice are better camouflaged, thus they are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Therefore, on the dark lava flow rocks, natural selection favors the mice with dark coats.
2.
Owls (primary predators of rock pocket mice) are nocturnal visual predators that are able to distinguish effectively
between dark and light colors in low-light conditions.
Which of the following best explains the relationship between coat color and predation rate in the rock pocket
mouse population on the lava flow rocks with respect to the different coat color phenotypes?
(A)
A dark coat color provides camouflage to mice on the lava flow rocks; therefore, mice with dark coats
have a lower predation rate in that habitat.
(B)
At night, predators have reduced vision, so there is no relationship between coat color and predation rate
on rock pocket mice.
(C) A dark coat color reflects less light and therefore mice with dark coats have a lower predation rate.
(D) A light coat color reflects more light and therefore mice with light coats have a lower predation rate.
Answer A
Correct. Many prey species have adaptations that allow them to blend in with their environment, thus
escaping predators. In this case, the dark coat color of rock pocket mice blends in with the dark rocks on
the lava flows but is more obvious on the light granite rocks. Therefore, mice with dark coats would have
a lower predation rate on the lava flow rocks and a higher predation rate on the granite rocks.
3.
Based on the data in Table 1, which of the following best describes the relationship between the gene and
coat color in the Carrizozo, New Mexico, rock pocket mouse population?
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(A)
The allele is responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population and likely spread
from the Arizona population through migration.
(B)
The allele is not responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population, so the dark coat
color is likely a result of convergent evolution.
(C)
The allele is absent from the Carrizozo population, so all the mice in this population must
have coats that are light in color.
(D)
The allele is absent from the Carrizozo population because of different environmental
pressures in the Carrizozo population.
Answer B
Correct. In the Arizona rock pocket mouse populations, mice with dark coats have a homozygous
dominant or heterozygous genotype for the gene. However, according to the data table, the dark
mice from the Carrizozo population are all homozygous recessive for the gene. The Carrizozo
population is also found on a dark lava flow. Convergent evolution occurs when different species or
populations show a similar adaptation to a similar environment, but the adaptation is due to different
genes. In this case, the Carrizozo mice population have a different mutation that results in a dark coat
color.
4.
The researchers built an enclosure to prevent migration into and out of the O’Neill rock pocket mouse population
for a period of two years.
Which of the following best predicts the effect of the enclosure on the O’Neill population?
(A) The O’Neill population will rapidly evolve into a separate species.
(B) The O’Neill population will become less diverse due to the bottleneck effect.
(C) The frequency of the allele will decline due to natural selection.
(D) One of the alleles for the gene will become fixed due to genetic drift.
Answer C
Correct. The allele occurs at a higher frequency in the O’Neill population than in the other
populations of rock pocket mice on the light granite rocks. This higher-than-expected frequency is likely
due to immigration from the East rock pocket mouse population on the lava flow rocks. An enclosure
that would prevent this gene flow would reinforce the selective pressures on the O’Neill population due
to the light-colored granite rocks. Since mice with dark coats are more visible to predators on light
granite rock, the mice with dark coats would be less likely to survive and reproduce, so the
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Faqs of AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check MCQ Scoring Guide
What key topics are covered in the AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check?
The AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check covers essential topics such as evolution, genetics, and ecology. It includes multiple-choice questions that assess students' understanding of these concepts. The guide also provides scoring analysis, helping students identify areas for improvement. By focusing on these key areas, students can better prepare for the AP Biology exam and enhance their overall understanding of the subject.
How does the scoring guide help students prepare for the AP Biology exam?
The scoring guide helps students by providing detailed explanations for each answer choice in the multiple-choice questions. This analysis allows students to understand the reasoning behind correct answers and identify common misconceptions. By reviewing the scoring guide, students can focus their studies on areas where they may need improvement, ultimately enhancing their performance on the AP Biology exam.
What is the significance of understanding evolution in AP Biology?
Understanding evolution is crucial in AP Biology as it forms the foundation for many biological concepts. It explains the diversity of life and the processes that drive changes in species over time. By studying evolution, students learn about natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation, which are key topics in the curriculum. This knowledge not only helps students perform well on the exam but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life on Earth.
What types of questions can students expect in the AP Biology Unit 7 Progress Check?
Students can expect multiple-choice questions that assess their knowledge of key concepts in biology, particularly those related to evolution, genetics, and ecology. These questions are designed to challenge students' understanding and application of biological principles. The guide includes a variety of question types, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the material and preparing students for the format of the AP Biology exam.
How can students effectively use the scoring guide to improve their exam performance?
Students can effectively use the scoring guide by carefully reviewing the explanations for each question after completing the practice test. By understanding why certain answers are correct or incorrect, students can identify their weaknesses and focus their study efforts on those areas. Additionally, practicing with the scoring guide allows students to become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter on the AP Biology exam, improving their confidence and test-taking skills.