MS-LS4-4 | Genetic Variation and Survival · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions

From NY Science Standards Wiki
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Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on using simple probability statements and proportional reasoning to construct explanations.

Grade 8 Science Test Questions

Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-LS4-4 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.

Exam Cluster Question
Spring 2026 Grade 8 Test Giraffe Adaptations and Population Changes Question 44
Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test Respiration Question 43

Vocabulary

Terms from the Middle School Science Glossary that come from this standard or from the released Grade 8 Science Test questions that assess it.

From this standard
  • environment
  • evidence
  • explanation
  • frequency
  • generation
  • genetic variation
  • natural selection
  • population
  • probability
  • probability statement
  • proportional reasoning
  • reproduction
  • survival
  • trait
  • trait frequency
  • variation
From released test questions

Performance Level Descriptions

Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-LS4-4 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.

Level 1: Identify an explanation based on evidence that describes how a variation in a genetic trait in a given population may cause an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing. Spring 2026 · Q44 Spring 2024 · Q43
Level 2: Identify the evidence that supports the explanation that a variation in a genetic trait in a given population increases some individuals’ probability of surviving and/or reproducing in a specific environment.
Level 3: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population causes an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
Level 4: Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population causes an increase in some individuals’ probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment, and explain why these traits would appear more frequently in future generations.
Notice: PLD levels!

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS4-4.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation MS-LS4-4 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices
  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
    • Construct an explanation that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables that describe phenomena.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • LS4.B: Natural Selection
    • (NYSED) Natural selection can lead to an increase in the frequency of some traits and the decrease in the frequency of others.
Crosscutting Concepts
  • Cause and Effect
    • Phenomena may have more than one cause, and some cause and effect relationships in systems can only be described using probability.
Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman, Shirley Shameen
MS | MS. Natural Selection and Adaptations
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