SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

Directions: Each passage is followed by several questions. After reading a passage, choose the best answer to
each question and fill in the corresponding oval on your answer document. You may refer to the passages as
often as necessary.
You are NOT permitted to use a calculator on this test.

Organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) compose and are produced by living
organisms. Scientists believe that simple organic molecules originally formed from inorganic molecules on
primitive Earth. This step is considered a key precursor to the development of life on our planet. Two leading
theories on the origin of the first organic molecules are described here.
Primordial Soup
The theory that organic molecules formed in the atmosphere of primitive Earth using energy from lightning is
often called the "primordial soup theory." Evidence for this theory includes the Miller-Urey experiment, in
which the conditions believed to exist in the primitive atmosphere were reproduced to create organic
molecules.
The major components of the primitive atmosphere were believed to be methane (CH 4), ammonia (NH3),
hydrogen (H2), and water (H2O). These gases were put into a closed system and exposed to a continuous
electrical charge to simulate lightning storms. After one week, samples taken from the apparatus contained a
variety of organic compounds, including some amino acids (components of proteins). Figure 4.1 is a diagram of
the apparatus used in the Miller-Urey experiment.

Figure 4.1
Hydrothermal Vents
The theory that organic molecules originally formed in the deep oceans using energy from inside the earth
focuses on the existence of hydrothermal vents. Evidence for this theory includes the fact that ecosystems of
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

diverse organisms have been found to exist around hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean. These ecosystems
thrive without any energy input from the sun.
Organic molecules are only stable within a very narrow temperature range. Hydrothermal vents release hot
(300°C) gases originating from inside the earth into the otherwise cold (4°C) water of the deep ocean. This
release of gases causes a temperature gradient to exist around deep-sea vents. Scientists believe that within this
temperature gradient exist the optimal conditions to support the formation of stable organic compounds. Figure
4.2 shows a diagram of the gradient produced by deep-sea vents.

Figure 4.2
1. Which of the following is not an organic molecule?
A. Carbohydrates B. Water
C. Lipids D. Nucleic acids
2. Both theories on the origin of organic molecules are based on the assumption that those molecules:
A. contain different atoms than inorganic molecules.
B. only exist in the atmosphere and deep ocean.
C. have not yet been produced in the laboratory.
D. can be produced from inorganic molecules.
3. In Figure 4.1, the purpose of the heat source is to:
A. produce water vapor for the simulated atmosphere.
B. simulate hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean.
C. reduce inorganic compounds to organic compounds.
D. generate an electrical charge to stimulate the reaction.
4. Ammonia (NH3) is an:
A. inorganic compound.
B. element.
C. amino acid.
D. organic compound.
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

5. In Figure 4.1, the reaction that produces organic molecules occurs in which part of the Miller-Urey
apparatus?
A. Condenser B. Large sphere
C. Trap D. Small sphere
6. Based on the hydrothermal vents theory, which of the following would most likely be the optimal
temperature range for organic molecule formation?
A. Between 0°C and 4°C B. Higher than 300°C
C. Lower than 300°C D. Between 4°C and 25°C
7. Which of the following statements would scientists supporting either theory most likely agree on?
A. At least some organic compounds on Earth likely originated in meteorites from space.
B. The production of amino acids requires the existence of a temperature gradient.
C. The existence of water on Earth was essential to the original formation
of organic compounds.
D. A single method most likely produced the original versions of all organic molecules.
8. The specific source of energy used to form simple organic molecules is:
A. addressed in the primordial soup theory only.
B. not discussed in either of the two theories.
C. a major difference between the two theories.
D. the only similarity between the two theories.
9. According to the primordial soup theory, which of the following gases is not believed to have been a major
component of the primitive atmosphere?
A. Methane B. Hydrogen
C. Water vapor D. Helium
10. The greatest limitation in the design of the Miller-Urey experiment is the:
A. use of a condenser to cool water vapor.
B. production of a variety of organic compounds.
C. presence of a constant electrical charge.
D. recycling of water throughout the apparatus.
11. The hydrothermal vents theory states that organic molecules originally formed:
A. inside the earth. B. in the earth's atmosphere.
C. in the deep ocean. D. within volcanoes.
12. Scientists consider the outcome of the Miller-Urey experiment to be evidence:
A. that refutes the primordial soup theory.
B. in support of the primordial soup theory.
C. that refutes both the primordial soup and the hydrothermal vents theories.
D. in support of the hydrothermal vents theory.
13. According to the passage, temperature gradients exist in the deep ocean due to the:
A. constant release of hot gases into cold water.
B. decreased availability of sunlight at greater depths.
C. existence of ecosystems made up of diverse organisms.
D. reactions that produce organic molecules.
14. Which of the following is a key assumption of the primordial soup theory?
A. Sunlight provided the energy needed to convert inorganic compounds to
organic compounds.
B. The composition of the primitive atmosphere was different than that of the
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

current atmosphere.
C. Amino acids can be produced from inorganic compounds in the laboratory.
D. Organic compounds can only be produced by the reaction of other organic compounds.

As a liquid evaporates, the vapors on the surface of the liquid exert a vapor pressure. Vapor pressure varies with
the liquid's temperature.
When vapor pressure equals the surrounding atmospheric pressure, boiling occurs. The normal boiling point of
a liquid is defined as the temperature at which vapor pressure is equal to the standard atmospheric pressure of
760 mmHg (1 atm). If atmospheric pressure changes, a liquid's boiling point will also change.
Figure 4.3 illustrates the relationship between vapor pressure and temperature for four organic compounds
belonging to the alkane group. The normal boiling point is indicated by a horizontal dashed line.

Figure 4.3
Source: [Link]
Organic compounds are composed of various functional groups attached to a hydrocarbon backbone.
A functional group is a specific grouping of atoms that exhibits a characteristic set of properties. These
properties remain consistent, regardless of the overall size of the compound.
Figure 4.4 compares the normal boiling points of organic compounds of increasing size for eight different
functional groups, including the alkane group.
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

Figure 4.4
Table 4.1 lists the types of chemical bonds each of the eight functional groups are capable of forming. Stronger
bonds are more difficult to break, thus requiring a higher temperature for phase changes.
TABLE 4.1 Functional Group Bonds

Table 4.2 lists characteristics of four common organic compounds with similar molecular weights. The
temperatures listed represent the normal boiling point for each molecule.
TABLE 4.2 Molecular Weight

15. A compound's normal boiling point is the:

SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

A. minimum temperature at which the compound boils.

B. average temperature at which the compound boils across all possible atmospheric pressures.
C. maximum temperature at which the compound boils.
D. temperature at which the compound boils under standard atmospheric pressure.
16. According to Figure 4.3, an organic compound will boil at a lower temperature if:
A. vapor pressure increases.
B. atmospheric pressure decreases.
C. atmospheric and vapor pressures become unequal.
D. vapor pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure.
17. At a vapor pressure of 50 mmHg, which alkane in Figure 4.3 would boil closest to 0°C?
A. Heptane B. Hexane
C. Pentane D. Octane
18. According to Figure 4.3, what vapor pressure will cause pentane's boiling point to be closest to 40°C?
A. 760 mmHg B. 600 mmHg
C. 400 mmHg D. 850 mmHg
19. What is the best approximation for the normal boiling point of octane in Figure 4.3?
A. 126°C B. 100°C
C. 145°C D. 98°C
20. According to Figure 4.4, the alkanes exhibit normal boiling points most similar to which other group?
A. Alkynes B. Alcohols
C. Carboxylic acids D. Amines
211. Based on the data in Figure 4.4, a 2-carbon alcohol would exhibit a normal boiling point closest to that of a:
A. 3-carbon alkane. B. 9-carbon alkene.
C. 4-carbon ketone. D. 2-carbon carboxylic acid.
22. Based on the data in Figure 4.4, which type of bond listed in Table 4.1 is the weakest?
A. Dipole-dipole B. Double hydrogen
C. Van der Waals D. Single hydrogen
23. Caproic acid is a carboxylic acid with a molecular formula of C 6H12O2. Which of the following temperatures
is closest to the normal boiling point of caproic acid?
A. 200°C B. 250°C
C. 100°C D. 125°C
24. Based on the data in Figure 4.4, which of the following lists the bonds in Table 4.1 from the highest to the
lowest boiling point required to break them?
A. Van der Waals, dipole-dipole, single hydrogen, double hydrogen
B. Double hydrogen, single hydrogen, dipole-dipole, Van der Waals
C. Single hydrogen, double hydrogen, dipole-dipole, Van der Waals
D. Dipole-dipole, Van der Waals, single hydrogen, double hydrogen
25. Which of the following generalizations about the relationship between an organic compound's
molecular weight and its boiling point is best supported by the data in Table 4.2?
A. The boiling point varies directly with molecular weight.
B. As molecular weight increases, the boiling point decreases.
C. As molecular weight decreases, the boiling point increases.
D. The boiling point is not determined by molecular weight.
26. Based on the data in Figure 4.4, n-Butanol (see Table 4.2) most likely contains which
functional group?
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

A. Alcohol B. Ester
C. Amine D. Alkyne
27. Which of the four compounds in Table 4.2 is most likely to contain double hydrogen bonds?
A. Pentane B. Butanone
C. Propanoic acid D. n-Butanol
28. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following can be inferred about the type of bonds in
an organic compound?
A. Double hydrogen bonds are easier to break at high temperatures than single hydrogen bonds.
B. Dipole-dipole bonds require the highest boiling point to break of all four types of bonds.
C. Van der Waals bonds become easier to break as a compound's vapor pressure is increased.
D. At the same vapor pressure, single hydrogen bonds require a higher boiling point to
break than dipole-dipole bonds.
29. Which of the following generalizations is best supported by the data in Figures 4.3 and 4.4?
A. Organic compounds containing the same number of carbon atoms have similar boiling points.
B. The boiling point increases with the number of carbon atoms among organic compounds
within the same group.
C. The number of carbon atoms in an organic compound cannot be used to predict the
compound's relative boiling point.
D. The greater the number of carbon atoms in an organic compound, the lower that compound's
boiling point is.

Shebay Park has been the site of ongoing population dynamics studies since the 1960s. Consisting of a group of
isolated islands, the park provides ecologists with a unique, closed ecosystem in which to analyze the
relationship between predator and prey populations. Figure 4.5 illustrates the food web for the Shebay Park
ecosystem.

Figure 4.5
Ecological research in the park has focused mainly on the predator-prey relationship between the jaguar and
peccary (a type of pig) populations. In addition to the typical selective pressures each species exerts on the
other, scientists have observed specific events over the years that have affected population sizes. The
inadvertent introduction of feline leukemia by humans in the late 1980s severely reduced the jaguar population.
In 2004, the severest winter on record and an outbreak of ticks did the same to the peccary population. Figure
4.6 compares the annual population sizes for both species observed between 1968 and 2012.
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

Figure 4.6
30. Shebay Park is considered a closed ecosystem because:
A. organisms cannot easily migrate in from other ecosystems.
B. population sizes within the ecosystem do not fluctuate.
C. scientists have never had the opportunity to study the ecosystem.
D. predator-prey is the only type of relationship that exists in the ecosystem.
31. According to the food web in Figure 4.5, peccary can be categorized as which type of consumer?
A. Scavengers B. Herbivores
C. Carnivores D. Omnivores
32. According to Figure 4.6, what has been the maximum size of the jaguar population since 1968?
A. 20 B. 60 C. 50 D. 10
33. The peccary population reached its smallest size in which year?
A. 2006 B. 2003 C. 1995 D. 1988
34. It can be inferred that the 13-year trend in the peccary population that began after 1990 was largely
influenced by a sharp decline in:
A. the jaguar population caused by disease.
B. cactus growth caused by disease.
C. the jaguar population during a severe winter.
D. cactus growth during a severe winter.
35. According to Figure 4.5, how many secondary consumer species are present in the Shebay Park
ecosystem?
A. 0 B. 1 C. 6 D. 2
36. Organisms that compete for many of the same resources within an ecosystem are said to occupy
SCIENCE MOCK TEST #12 TOTAL TIME: 60 Minutes (1 hour)

similar niches. Based on the information in Figure 4.5, which populations occupy a niche most
similar to that of the peccary population?
A. Nutria and squirrel B. Fox and jaguar
C. Duck and fox D. Nutria and duck
37. Based on the data in Figure 4.6, a sharp decline in a population's size most commonly
occurs in response to:
A. a sharp increase in another population's size.
B. an event that reduces individuals' immediate survival.
C. a parallel decline in the size of other populations.
D. an event that limits individuals' reproductive ability.
38. Ecologists believe that an increase in parasites is partially responsible for the shift in:
A. the peccary population after 2004. B. the peccary population before 2004.
C. the jaguar population after 1990. D. the jaguar population before 1990.
39. Which of the following statements is best supported by the information in the passage?
A. Predation is the single greatest factor affecting peccary population size.
B. Food availability is the single greatest factor affecting peccary population size.
C. Peccary population size varies independently of the predator population size.
D. Predation is one of several factors that impact the size of the peccary population.
40. Based on Figure 4.5, which population is least likely to be affected by a change in the peccary
population?
A. Aquatic plants B. Squirrel C. Cacti D. Duck