(1) The benchmark for science content standard 3 at the end of grade 8 is that the student will:

(a) compare the structure and function of prokaryotic cells (bacteria) and eukaryotic cells (plant, animal, etc.) including the levels of organization of the structure and function, particularly with humans;

(b) explain how organisms and systems of organisms obtain and use energy resources to maintain stable conditions (e.g., food webs, photosynthesis, respiration) ;

(c) communicate the differences in the reproductive processes of a variety of plants and animals using the principles of genetic modeling (e.g., Punnett squares) ;

(d) investigate and explain the interdependent nature of populations and communities in the environment and describe how species in these populations adapt by evolving; and

(e) create and use a basic classification scheme to identify plants and animals.