Exam
Question 1. Which kingdom includes organisms that are eukaryotic, multicellular, and perform
photosynthesis?
A) Fungi
B) Monera
C) Plants
D) Protists
Answer: C) Plants
Explanation: Plants are eukaryotic, multicellular organisms that perform photosynthesis, unlike fungi
and protists which have different characteristics.
Question 2. An organism's environment includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Abiotic factors like sunlight and water
B) Biotic factors like predators and prey
C) The organism's genetic makeup
D) Temperature and soil type
Answer: C) The organism's genetic makeup
Explanation: The environment refers to external factors; genetics pertain to the organism's internal
characteristics.
Question 3. Which of the following is an example of adaptation?
A) A fish developing coloration that blends with the environment to avoid predators
B) A plant dropping leaves during winter
C) An animal migrating to a different habitat
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All options describe adaptations or behaviors that increase survival in specific
environments.
Question 4. In the life cycle of a butterfly, what is the correct order of stages?
, Options Hawaii HiSET Science Paper Based Test
Exam
A) Egg, larva, pupa, adult
B) Pupa, egg, larva, adult
C) Larva, egg, pupa, adult
D) Egg, pupa, larva, adult
Answer: A) Egg, larva, pupa, adult
Explanation: Butterflies develop through complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs, then larvae
(caterpillars), pupae, and finally adults.
Question 5. Which process results in two genetically identical daughter cells?
A) Mitosis
B) Meiosis
C) Fertilization
D) Conjugation
Answer: A) Mitosis
Explanation: Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells, essential for growth and repair.
Question 6. During meiosis, what is the main purpose?
A) To produce genetically identical cells
B) To create gametes with half the chromosome number
C) To repair damaged DNA
D) To clone an organism
Answer: B) To create gametes with half the chromosome number
Explanation: Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid gametes for sexual
reproduction.
Question 7. Which of the following best describes mutualism?
A) One organism benefits at the expense of another
B) Both organisms benefit
C) One organism benefits, the other is unaffected
, Options Hawaii HiSET Science Paper Based Test
Exam
D) Both organisms are harmed
Answer: B) Both organisms benefit
Explanation: Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species gain advantages.
Question 8. In a food chain, which organism is typically at the second trophic level?
A) Producer (plant)
B) Primary consumer (herbivore)
C) Secondary consumer (carnivore)
D) Decomposer
Answer: B) Primary consumer (herbivore)
Explanation: The second trophic level consists of herbivores that eat producers.
Question 9. Photosynthesis primarily occurs in which part of the plant?
A) Roots
B) Stem
C) Leaves
D) Flowers
Answer: C) Leaves
Explanation: Chloroplasts in leaf cells carry out photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy.
Question 10. Homeostasis is best described as the body's ability to:
A) Grow rapidly
B) Maintain stable internal conditions
C) Adapt to new environments
D) Reproduce efficiently
Answer: B) Maintain stable internal conditions
Explanation: Homeostasis involves regulation mechanisms to keep internal conditions within a narrow
range.
, Options Hawaii HiSET Science Paper Based Test
Exam
Question 11. Which molecule carries genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?
A) DNA
B) RNA
C) Protein
D) Lipid
Answer: B) RNA
Explanation: Messenger RNA (mRNA) transports genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Question 12. The "survival of the fittest" concept is most closely associated with which theory?
A) Lamarck's theory of inheritance
B) Darwin's theory of natural selection
C) Mendel's laws of inheritance
D) Newton's theory of gravity
Answer: B) Darwin's theory of natural selection
Explanation: Natural selection favors organisms with advantageous traits, leading to evolution over
time.
Question 13. The nervous system's main function is to:
A) Pump blood through the body
B) Control and coordinate body activities
C) Digest food and absorb nutrients
D) Filter waste from the blood
Answer: B) Control and coordinate body activities
Explanation: The nervous system processes information and directs responses to maintain bodily
functions.
Question 14. Which organ system is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients
throughout the body?