Biology | Graded Assignment | Unit Assessment, Part 2 | Survey of Living Things 1
Name: Madi Date:
Graded Assignment
Unit Assessment, Part 2: Survey of Living Things 1
Complete this teacher-scored portion of the assessment and submit it to your teacher.
Total score: ____ of 15 points
(Score for Question 1: ___ of 5 points)
1. How does taxonomy help us understand relationships among organisms on earth? What kinds of evidence do
scientists use in taxonomy?
Answer: Taxonomy, the science of classifying and naming organisms, helps us understand relationships
by organizing species based on shared characteristics. This hierarchical classification system allows scientists to
create phylogenetic trees, illustrating evolutionary connections. Evidence in taxonomy includes morphological
features, molecular data, behavioral traits, and ecological considerations, enabling a comprehensive
understanding of the diversity of life on Earth.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 2: ___ of 5 points)
2. Discuss the importance of oxygen to all living organisms, and describe how three different organisms—
human, flatworm, and fern—obtain the oxygen they need.
Answer: Oxygen is vital for cellular respiration in all living organisms. Humans obtain oxygen through the
respiratory system, flatworms rely on diffusion through their thin bodies, and ferns use stomata during
photosynthesis. Each organism's strategy reflects its evolutionary adaptation to its environment, showcasing the
diversity of life's response to the essential need for oxygen.
Type your answer here.
(Score for Question 3: ___ of 5 points)
3. Discuss the three kinds of waste that humans must remove from their bodies, and explain why waste removal
is important to living organisms.
Answer: Humans must eliminate three main types of waste to maintain internal balance. Metabolic waste,
including carbon dioxide, is removed through respiration. Urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism, is filtered by
the kidneys and excreted as urine. Feces, composed of undigested food and bacteria, are eliminated through the
digestive system. Efficient waste removal prevents harmful substance buildup, supports metabolic processes, and
contributes to overall health.
Type your answer here.
© 2018 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 1
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.
