Life Science (Grades 9–12) Subtest 2

Subarea 1. Structural and Functional Relationships

0011

Understand the characteristics and processes of life and structures of common organisms.

recognizing characteristics that distinguish living organisms from nonliving things and methods and evidence for determining the presence of life
demonstrating knowledge of structures of representative organisms from major taxonomic groups
analyzing structural and functional relationships involved in basic life processes (e.g., obtaining nutrients and energy, maintaining homeostasis, reproducing, growing) carried out by organisms from major taxonomic groups

0012

Understand the structures and functions of systems in plants and animals.

demonstrating knowledge of the relationship between structure and function in the major systems in plants
demonstrating knowledge of the relationship between structure and function in the major systems in animals
predicting the system function of a given structure based on its characteristics and components

0013

Understand the human immune system, human diseases, and principles of disease prevention.

recognizing components of the human immune system and their functions
demonstrating knowledge of immune system responses that take place in cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems throughout the progression of a given viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic disease
recognizing causes and characteristics of common human diseases (e.g., influenza, malaria, cancer), including risk factors
applying knowledge of methods for preventing or treating common human diseases