1.
The idea of
biological evolution goes back to?
Correct Answer
A. The ancient Greeks
Explanation
The idea of biological evolution can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. They were the first to propose the concept of evolution and natural selection, with philosophers like Anaximander suggesting that life forms could change over time. While the ancient Greeks did not have the scientific evidence or understanding that we have today, their ideas laid the foundation for future theories of evolution. Charles Darwin's work in the 19th century built upon these early ideas and provided a more comprehensive explanation of how evolution occurs.
2.
Archbishop James Ussher is credited with
calculating the age of the earth at about?
Correct Answer
D. 6000 years
Explanation
Archbishop James Ussher is credited with calculating the age of the earth at 6000 years. This calculation is based on his interpretation of the Bible, specifically the genealogical records in the Old Testament. Ussher used these records to trace the lineage from Adam and Eve to various biblical events, such as the birth of Jesus Christ. He then added up the years between these events to arrive at an estimate for the age of the earth. However, it is important to note that Ussher's calculation is not supported by scientific evidence and is widely considered to be inaccurate.
3.
Jean de Lamarck's
idea about biological evolution included both correct and incorrect parts. Which of his ideas has proved to be
correct?
Correct Answer
D. That evolution is related to changes in the environment
Explanation
Jean de Lamarck's idea that evolution is related to changes in the environment has been proven to be correct. This concept is supported by the theory of natural selection, which states that organisms that are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to changes in the traits and characteristics of a population, resulting in evolution.
4.
Which is NOT a part of Lamarck's inheritance
of acquired characteristics?
Correct Answer
C. Possibility of extinction when adaptation doesn't work
Explanation
Lamarck's theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics does not include the possibility of extinction when adaptation doesn't work. According to Lamarck, an organism can recognize environmental changes and respond to them by automatically producing new adaptive traits. These acquired traits are then passed on to offspring. However, Lamarck's theory does not address the possibility of extinction as a result of failed adaptation.
5.
The contribution of Charles Darwin to the
theory of evolution was that he?
Correct Answer
C. Provided a mechanism to explain how evolution works
Explanation
Charles Darwin's contribution to the theory of evolution was providing a mechanism to explain how evolution works. He proposed the concept of natural selection, which states that individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual change of species over time. Darwin's theory provided a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, and it revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. His work laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology.
6.
Darwin's idea about the major process of
evolution is called?
Correct Answer
B. Natural selection
Explanation
Darwin's idea about the major process of evolution is called natural selection. This concept suggests that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of beneficial traits in a population, ultimately resulting in the adaptation and evolution of species.
7.
Darwin delayed for
some time before publishing his idea.
Which was NOT a reason for his delay?
Correct Answer
D. Nobody believed in evolution in the first place
Explanation
The given answer suggests that the reason for Darwin's delay in publishing his idea was not because nobody believed in evolution in the first place. This implies that there were other reasons for his delay, such as his idea acknowledging extinction, his idea not including progressive evolution toward greater complexity, and his version not claiming that evolution was directed toward humans.
8.
Alfred Russel Wallace is known for?
Correct Answer
B. Hitting upon the idea of natural selection at about the same time as Darwin
Explanation
Alfred Russel Wallace is known for hitting upon the idea of natural selection at about the same time as Darwin. This means that he independently came up with the concept of natural selection, which is a key principle in the theory of evolution. Wallace's work on natural selection provided strong evidence for the validity of Darwin's theory and greatly contributed to the development of the theory of evolution.
9.
The basic laws of inheritance were
articulated by?
Correct Answer
A. Gregor Mendel
Explanation
Gregor Mendel is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the father of modern genetics. Mendel conducted experiments with pea plants in the 19th century and discovered the fundamental principles of inheritance, including the concepts of dominant and recessive traits, as well as the laws of segregation and independent assortment. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of how traits are passed from parents to offspring and revolutionized the field of genetics.
10.
The core of Mendel's
ideas about inheritance are that?
Correct Answer
B. Inheritance involves the passing on of "particles"
Explanation
Mendel's ideas about inheritance revolve around the concept that traits are passed on from parents to offspring through the transmission of "particles," which we now know as genes. This concept is known as the particulate theory of inheritance. Mendel's experiments with pea plants showed that traits are inherited in a discrete manner, with each parent contributing one allele for each trait to their offspring. This idea laid the foundation for modern genetics and our understanding of how traits are inherited.
11.
An allele is?
Correct Answer
A. A variant of a gene
Explanation
An allele is a variant of a gene. Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for building proteins, and alleles are different versions of a gene that can produce different traits or characteristics. Alleles can be inherited from parents and can be dominant or recessive, meaning that they can have different levels of influence on the expression of a trait. Therefore, the correct answer is "A variant of a gene."
12.
The combination of genes in an individual is
called the?
Correct Answer
B. Genotype
Explanation
The combination of genes in an individual is referred to as the genotype. The genotype determines the genetic makeup of an individual, including the specific alleles they possess for each gene. It is the combination of these alleles that ultimately determines the expression of traits and the phenotype of the individual.
13.
The expression of a genetic combination is
called the?
Correct Answer
A. pHenotype
Explanation
The term "phenotype" refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are determined by the interaction between its genetic makeup (genotype) and the environment. It encompasses physical traits such as eye color, height, and hair type, as well as physiological and behavioral traits. The phenotype is the result of the expression of specific alleles (alternative forms of a gene) that an organism inherits from its parents. Therefore, the correct answer is "Phenotype."
14.
Alleles that are both
expressed in the phenotype are said to be?
Correct Answer
C. Co-dominant
Explanation
Co-dominant alleles are both expressed in the phenotype. This means that when an individual has two different alleles for a particular gene, both alleles are fully expressed and contribute to the phenotype. In other words, neither allele is dominant over the other, and they both have equal influence on the phenotype. This can result in a blending or combination of traits from both alleles, rather than one allele masking the effects of the other.
15.
In Mendelian genetics, a dominant allele is?
Correct Answer
D. The one that is expressed pHenotypically over other alleles
Explanation
A dominant allele is the one that is expressed phenotypically over other alleles. This means that when an individual has a dominant allele for a particular trait, that trait will be expressed in their phenotype, regardless of whether they also have a recessive allele for the same trait. In Mendelian genetics, dominant alleles are represented by uppercase letters, while recessive alleles are represented by lowercase letters.
16.
In Mendelian genetics, a recessive allele is?
Correct Answer
B. Only expressed pHenotypically if homozygous
Explanation
A recessive allele is only expressed phenotypically if an individual has two copies of it, meaning they are homozygous for that allele. This is because the dominant allele will mask the expression of the recessive allele in heterozygous individuals. Therefore, individuals with only one copy of the recessive allele will not show the trait associated with it.
17.
Homozygous means?
Correct Answer
A. Having the same alleles in a pair
Explanation
Homozygous refers to having the same alleles in a pair. This means that both alleles for a particular trait are identical, whether they are dominant or recessive. For example, if an individual has two copies of the dominant allele for eye color (BB), they would be homozygous for that trait. Similarly, if an individual has two copies of the recessive allele for eye color (bb), they would also be homozygous.
18.
Heterozygous means?
Correct Answer
C. Having two different alleles in a pair
Explanation
Heterozygous refers to having two different alleles in a pair. Alleles are alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same position on a chromosome. In a heterozygous individual, each allele in a pair may code for a different trait or characteristic. This is in contrast to homozygous individuals, who have identical alleles in a pair.
19.
Gametes are?
Correct Answer
C. Sex cells like sperm and eggs
Explanation
Gametes are sex cells like sperm and eggs. They are responsible for sexual reproduction and carry half the genetic information of an individual. During fertilization, a sperm and an egg combine to form a fertilized egg cell, which develops into a new organism. Therefore, the correct answer is sex cells like sperm and eggs.
20.
Humans have approximately _________ genes.
Correct Answer
D. 20,000
Explanation
Humans have approximately 20,000 genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining the body. They determine traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases. The human genome, which is the complete set of genetic information, was sequenced and it was found that it contains around 20,000 protein-coding genes. These genes play a crucial role in the development and functioning of the human body.
21.
A species is best defined as?
Correct Answer
D. A reproductively isolated group of organisms
Explanation
A species is best defined as a reproductively isolated group of organisms. This means that members of the same species are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring, while being unable to reproduce with members of other species. This definition emphasizes the importance of reproductive barriers in maintaining distinct species and highlights the role of genetic isolation in the evolution and diversification of different species.
22.
The study of environmental relationships is
called?
Correct Answer
B. Ecology
Explanation
Ecology is the study of environmental relationships, including the interactions between organisms and their surroundings. It focuses on understanding how organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment. Evolution, adaptation, and descent with modification are related concepts in biology, but they do not specifically refer to the study of environmental relationships. Therefore, the correct answer is Ecology.
23.
The set of natural
features to which an organism is adapted and the way in which it is adapted is
known as its?
Correct Answer
C. Niche
Explanation
An organism's niche refers to the specific set of natural features in its habitat to which it is adapted and the way in which it is adapted. It includes the organism's role in the ecosystem, its interactions with other species, and its specific requirements for survival and reproduction. The niche determines the organism's place and function within the ecosystem, and it is crucial for its overall fitness and success.
24.
A set of directly interacting habitats make
up a(an)?
Correct Answer
B. Ecosystem
Explanation
A set of directly interacting habitats make up an ecosystem. Ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment (such as air, water, and soil), interacting as a system. The habitats within an ecosystem are interconnected and depend on each other for survival. This includes the relationships between different species, as well as the flow of energy and nutrients within the ecosystem.
25.
The study of how an animal is adapted should
focus on its?
Correct Answer
A. Behavior
Explanation
The study of how an animal is adapted should focus on its behavior because behavior plays a crucial role in an animal's survival and reproductive success. By studying an animal's behavior, researchers can understand how it interacts with its environment, finds food, avoids predators, and mates. Behavior also influences an animal's social interactions and communication strategies. Therefore, understanding an animal's behavior is essential for comprehending its adaptation strategies and overall survival in its specific ecological niche.
26.
The "descent" part of descent with
modification means that?
Correct Answer
D. Existing species give rise to new species
Explanation
The "descent" part of descent with modification refers to the idea that existing species give rise to new species. This concept is central to the theory of evolution, which states that over time, species change through a process of descent from common ancestors and the accumulation of small genetic variations. This process leads to the formation of new species as populations diverge and adapt to different environments.
27.
The "modification" part of descent
with modification means that?
Correct Answer
D. Species change through time as a result of a number of natural processes
Explanation
The correct answer is that species change through time as a result of a number of natural processes. This means that over time, species undergo changes in their characteristics and traits due to various natural processes such as natural selection, genetic mutation, and genetic drift. These changes in species occur gradually and accumulate over generations, leading to the diversity of life forms we see today.
28.
Which of the following supplies concrete
evidence for the fact of evolution?
Correct Answer
C. The fossil record
Explanation
The fossil record provides concrete evidence for the fact of evolution because it shows the existence of extinct species and the gradual changes in species over time. Fossils provide a physical record of past life forms and their characteristics, allowing scientists to study and compare them to present-day species. By analyzing the fossil record, scientists can observe the progression of different species and the development of new traits, supporting the idea of evolution and common ancestry.
29.
The stratigraphic record shows us which
general relationship between layers and time?
Correct Answer
A. The deeper the layer the older it is
Explanation
The correct answer is that the deeper the layer, the older it is. This is because in the stratigraphic record, layers of sedimentary rock are deposited in a sequential manner over time. As new layers are formed on top of older layers, the older layers are pushed deeper into the Earth's crust. Therefore, the deeper layers contain the oldest rocks and fossils, while the layers closer to the surface are more recent. Thicker layers can also indicate a longer period of deposition, making them older than thinner layers.
30.
Which of the following evolutionary trends is
NOT demonstrated by the fossil record?
Correct Answer
D. General evolution of more and more human-like characteristics
Explanation
The correct answer is "general evolution of more and more human-like characteristics". This is not demonstrated by the fossil record because the fossil record shows the evolution of various species and the development of different traits, but it does not specifically show a continuous progression towards human-like characteristics. The fossil record reveals a diverse range of species and their adaptations, but it does not provide evidence for a linear progression towards humans.
31.
The major process that explains descent with
modification is:
Correct Answer
C. Natural selection
Explanation
Natural selection is the major process that explains descent with modification. It is the mechanism by which certain heritable traits become more or less common in a population over time, based on their impact on survival and reproduction. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to their offspring, while individuals with less advantageous traits are less likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over generations, resulting in the evolution of new species.
32.
Artificial selection
refers to:
Correct Answer
D. Selection directed by human action
Explanation
Artificial selection refers to the process of selection that is directed by human action. This means that humans intentionally choose certain traits or characteristics in plants or animals and selectively breed them to produce offspring with those desired traits. This is different from natural selection, where the environment determines which traits are advantageous and individuals with those traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. In artificial selection, humans play the role of the environment, actively selecting and breeding individuals with desired traits to create new varieties or breeds.
33.
The measure of success under natural
selection is:
Correct Answer
A. How many offspring are produced
Explanation
In natural selection, the measure of success is determined by how many offspring are produced. This is because the main goal of natural selection is to pass on genes to the next generation, and individuals who produce more offspring have a higher chance of passing on their genes. The number of offspring produced is a direct measure of an individual's reproductive success and their ability to contribute to the gene pool of the population. Therefore, individuals who produce more offspring are considered more successful in terms of natural selection.
34.
Selection that maintains the adaptive
relationship between a species and its environment is:
Correct Answer
D. Stabilizing selection
Explanation
Stabilizing selection is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which individuals with average or intermediate traits are favored, while individuals with extreme traits are selected against. This type of selection helps to maintain the existing adaptive relationship between a species and its environment by reducing genetic variation and keeping the population well-suited to its environment.
35.
Selection that adapts
a species to changed environmental circumstances is:
Correct Answer
A. Directional selection
Explanation
Directional selection is the correct answer because it refers to a type of natural selection where individuals with traits that are advantageous in a changing environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This leads to a shift in the frequency of a particular trait in a population over time, as the advantageous trait becomes more common. This type of selection is often observed in response to environmental changes such as climate change or the introduction of a new predator or competitor.
36.
Of all species that
have ever existed:
Correct Answer
B. Most are extinct
Explanation
The correct answer is that most species that have ever existed are extinct. This is supported by scientific evidence and the fossil record, which show that the vast majority of species that have lived on Earth are no longer present today. Extinction is a natural process that occurs over time, and new species constantly evolve to replace those that go extinct. Therefore, it is accurate to say that most species are extinct.
37.
Mutations are:
Correct Answer
C. The source of new genetic variation
Explanation
Mutations are the source of new genetic variation because they introduce changes in the DNA sequence. These changes can lead to new traits or characteristics, allowing organisms to adapt and evolve over time. While mutations can sometimes be harmful, they can also be beneficial or have no significant effect. Therefore, mutations are not always harmful or always more beneficial than previous forms of a gene. Additionally, mutations can occur naturally and are not solely produced by increased radiation or pollution.
38.
When genes are exchanged or mixed between
populations within a species, the process is called:
Correct Answer
A. Gene flow
Explanation
Gene flow refers to the movement or exchange of genes between different populations of the same species. This can occur through migration or interbreeding, where individuals from one population mate with individuals from another population. As a result, genetic variation is introduced into the populations, leading to the mixing of gene pools. Gene flow helps to maintain genetic diversity within a species and can counteract the effects of genetic drift or other factors that may lead to genetic differentiation between populations.
39.
When a population splits into two or more new
populations the process is called:
Correct Answer
C. Fission
Explanation
Fission is the correct answer because it refers to the process of a population splitting into two or more new populations. This can occur when a group of individuals becomes geographically isolated or when subgroups within a population become reproductively isolated from each other. Fission can lead to the formation of new species over time as the isolated populations accumulate genetic differences and evolve independently.
40.
Fission produces populations that:
Correct Answer
D. Have different sets of genetic combinations
Explanation
Fission is a type of asexual reproduction where an organism splits into two or more separate individuals. This process leads to the formation of new populations that have different sets of genetic combinations. As the original organism divides, each new individual receives a unique combination of genes, resulting in genetic diversity within the new populations. Therefore, the correct answer is that fission produces populations with different sets of genetic combinations.
41.
When new sets of genetic combinations result
from population fissioning, the result is called:
Correct Answer
C. The founder effect
Explanation
The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals separates from a larger population and establishes a new population with a different genetic composition. This can happen due to migration, colonization, or other events that isolate a group from the main population. The new population may have a reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population, as it is derived from a small subset of individuals. This can lead to differences in allele frequencies and the emergence of unique genetic traits in the new population.
42.
The Hutterite practice of "branching
out" is an example of:
Correct Answer
B. Fission
Explanation
The Hutterite practice of "branching out" refers to the process in which a Hutterite colony splits into two or more separate colonies. This splitting or fission leads to the formation of new colonies that are genetically distinct from the original colony. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is fission, as it accurately describes the process of colony splitting and the formation of new colonies.
43.
Which of the
following is NOT included under the heading of genetic drift?
Correct Answer
A. Gene flow
Explanation
Gene flow is the movement of genes from one population to another through migration and interbreeding. It is a mechanism that can increase genetic variation within a population. Genetic drift, on the other hand, refers to the random changes in allele frequencies that occur in small populations due to chance events. Fission, gamete sampling, and the founder effect are all examples of genetic drift. Therefore, gene flow is not included under the heading of genetic drift.
44.
The form of genetic change that involves
genes not being sampled representatively when parents produce offspring is
Correct Answer
C. Gamete sampling
Explanation
Gamete sampling refers to the process in which genes are not sampled representatively when parents produce offspring. This can occur due to various factors, such as random chance or genetic mutations. It can lead to changes in the gene pool of a population over time, as certain genes become more or less common. This process is different from gene flow, which involves the movement of genes between different populations, and the founder effect, which occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population with a limited genetic diversity. Fission, on the other hand, refers to the splitting of a population into two or more separate populations.
45.
In general,
speciation occurs when:
Correct Answer
D. A portion of a species becomes reproductively isolated from the rest
Explanation
Speciation occurs when a portion of a species becomes reproductively isolated from the rest. This means that a group of individuals within a species becomes unable to reproduce with the rest of the species, leading to the formation of a new species over time. Reproductive isolation can occur due to various factors such as geographical barriers, behavioral differences, or genetic changes. This isolation prevents gene flow between the two groups, allowing for genetic divergence and the development of distinct characteristics in each group.
46.
A macromutation is a mutation that:
Correct Answer
C. Results in extensive pHysical effects
Explanation
A macromutation is a type of mutation that causes extensive physical effects. This means that it results in significant changes or alterations in the physical characteristics or traits of an organism. Unlike other types of mutations that may only cause minor changes, a macromutation has a more pronounced and noticeable impact on the organism's phenotype. It does not necessarily involve a large number of genes or result in a better adaptive trait, but rather focuses on the extent of physical changes caused by the mutation.
47.
We may best picture
the relationships among all species as:
Correct Answer
D. A dense bush with countless branches and twigs
Explanation
The correct answer is a dense bush with countless branches and twigs. This analogy suggests that the relationships among all species are complex and interconnected, similar to the branches and twigs of a bush. It implies that there are numerous species with varying degrees of complexity, rather than a linear progression or a small number of branches.