Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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Study for the Biology STAAR Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary role of the digestive system?

To deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells
To carry messages from the brain to the body
To break down food for nutrient absorption
To produce and regulate hormones

The correct answer is: To break down food for nutrient absorption

The primary role of the digestive system is to break down food for nutrient absorption. This system is essential because it transforms the food we consume into smaller, digestible components, allowing the body to absorb nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are vital for energy production, growth, and overall cellular function. During the digestive process, food is mechanically and chemically processed in various organs, including the mouth, stomach, and intestines. Enzymes produced by the digestive organs play a key role in breaking food down into its simplest forms, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the body's cells for use. While the other choices outline important biological functions—delivering oxygen and nutrients through the circulatory system, transmitting signals via the nervous system, and producing hormones through the endocrine system—none are directly related to the primary role of digesting food and facilitating the absorption of nutrients.