GACE: Biology

The Biology assessment, offered as part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, is divided into two tests.

The first test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response assignments (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the first test are cell structure, cell processes, heredity, and evolution. The topics covered by the cell structures and processes subarea are: cell structure and function; the basic chemical components and reactions of cells; the physiological processes of cells; and the processes of cell division, growth, and differentiation. The topics covered by the heredity and evolution subarea are: heredity; the molecular basis of genetics and genetic engineering; the principles of taxonomy and classification and biology; and the theory, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution.

The second test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed response questions (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the second test are the characteristics of organisms, ecosystems, and the characteristics of science. The topics covered by the characteristics of organisms subarea are: reproduction, development, and lifecycles of living organisms; structures, organization, and functions of systems in organisms; the means by which organisms obtain, store, and use matter and energy; and the structure and function of the human body. The topics covered by the ecosystems subarea are: populations and communities; the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems; and the types and characteristics of ecosystems and biomes and factors affecting their change over time. The topics covered by the characteristics of science subarea are: the characteristics of scientific knowledge and the process of scientific inquiry; basic scientific tools, instruments, materials, and safety practices; and the skills and procedures for analyzing and communicating scientific data.

The examination must be completed within four hours. The total test score is placed on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 as the lowest passing score. Scores are based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly and the scores assigned by judges to the constructed responses. Test-takers will also receive performance indices indicating their success in each subarea of the examination. Scores will be available approximately a month after the date of the examination; unofficial results are posted on the internet, and an official score report is mailed to the test-taker, the Professional Standards Commission, and the institution specified by the test-taker during registration.

Practice Questions

1. What is the name of the chromosomal mutation in which gametes have more than 2 full sets of chromosomes?

A: deletion
B: translocation
C: inversion
D: polyploidy

2. Which section of the marine biome receives no sunlight?

A: littoral
B: neritic
C: abyssal
D: pelagic

3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of reptiles?

A: they undergo metamorphosis
B: they are covered with scales
C: they are ectothermic
D: they hatch from amniotic eggs

4. Which part of a eukaryotic cell is responsible for aerobic respiration?

A: nucleus
B: cell membrane
C: mitochondria
D: lysosome

5. What is another name for a random change in allele frequency?

A: mutation
B: deletion
C: gene flow
D: genetic drift

Answer Key

1. D. Chromosomal mutations affect the entire organism.
2. C. The abyssal areas are the deepest parts of the ocean.
3. A. Undergoing metamorphosis is characteristic of amphibians.
4. C. The mitochondria are known as the "power plant" of the cell.
5. D. Genetic drift results in either the founder effect or the bottleneck effect.