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Sample Items for High School Proficiency Assessment
(HSPA) (p. 60-73)

Sample multiple-choice item
multiple choice | page 60 | page 61 | page 62 | page 63 | page 65 |  page 66 | page 67 | page 68 | page 70 | page 71 | page 72 |
open ended | page 64 | page 69 |
performance assessment | page 73 |


                 1.   Feather color in chickens is an example of
                       incomplete dominance.  If a gray rooster
                       mates with a gray hen, what is the most
                       probable ratio of the offspring's color?

                       A.  tone black, two gray, one white
                       B.  three black, one white
                       C.  one black, three white
                       D.  four gray
 


 
Answer:          The correct answer is A.

Explanation:    On the HSPA matrix, sample item #1 fits into cell D,2, Problem-Solving/
                          Genetics.  This sample item was derived from the HSPA Content/Skill Outlines
                          5.2.12.13.14.15 and 5.7.10.11.12.13.  On page 26, the Knowledge Statement for
                          5.2.12.13.14.15 says, "Hypothesis is a possible answer to a problem based on
                          observations or prior knowledge. " On page 32, the Knowledge Statement for
                          5.7.10.11.12.13 says, "Recessive traits shown by one parent may be hidden for
                          one or more generations, and show again in the descendants."

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