1.
Among "Gypsies" (the Roma) there is a mutation (1267de1G) that is particulary common. Individuals identified as Roma live at varioous locations in the Old world. Statistical analysis dates the mutation's arrival in the population to ~1000 years ago. The mutation is otherwise found only in families of Indian or Pakistani origin, supporting the theology that the Roma originated there. One would predict that the reason for its much higher incidence among the Roma than among Indians or Pakistani is
Correct Answer
D. Tow of the above are liely explantions
Explanation
The reason for the higher incidence of the mutation among the Roma than among Indians or Pakistanis is likely due to both genetic drift in the small populations of the Roma and gene flow from India and Pakistan to the various parts of the world where the Roma live. The small populations of the Roma would experience genetic drift more significantly, leading to the higher frequency of the mutation. Additionally, the gene flow from India and Pakistan would introduce the mutation to different regions where the Roma live, further contributing to its higher incidence among them.
2.
Hybridization between humans and chimpanzees is unliekly to produce a viable lineage of hybride because
Correct Answer
D. Humans and chimps do not have a common karyotype
3.
ON which of the following did Linneaeus base his classification system?
Correct Answer
A. MorpHology and anatomy
Explanation
Linneaeus based his classification system on morphology and anatomy. This means that he categorized organisms based on their physical characteristics and structures. By studying the external appearance and internal structures of different organisms, Linneaeus was able to group them into different taxonomic categories. This approach allowed for the organization and classification of species based on their observable traits, rather than on their evolutionary history or the fossil record.
4.
There is a theory that to account for highly complex biological systems as we know them todya, it is essential to rely on the presence of a intelligence ot explain the complexity of those systems.
Correct Answer
D. None of the above is a correct statement
Explanation
The given question presents four statements regarding a theory that suggests the presence of intelligence to explain the complexity of biological systems. The correct answer states that none of the four statements are correct. This implies that none of the statements accurately reflect the general acceptance or rejection of the theory, its consistency with Darwin and Wallace's theories, or the demonstration of the existence or non-existence of an intelligence responsible for the organization of modern biological systems. Therefore, the correct answer suggests that all four statements are incorrect in their assessment of the theory.
5.
Which of the follwing was Darwin famililar with and contributed to his crafting of his theory in the latter part of the 1830's shortly after returning form his voyage on the Beagle:
Correct Answer
C. The modification (domestication) of populations of aniamls and plants by selective breeding
Explanation
Darwin was familiar with and contributed to his theory by studying the modification of populations of animals and plants through selective breeding. This concept of selective breeding, also known as domestication, allowed Darwin to observe how certain traits could be artificially selected and passed on to future generations. This understanding of artificial selection provided a foundation for his theory of natural selection, where he proposed that similar processes occur in nature, leading to the evolution of species over time.
6.
Darwin is credited with:
Correct Answer
B. Promoting an approach to biology such that theories may be proposed without having first compiled an exhaustive background of observations
Explanation
Darwin is credited with promoting an approach to biology such that theories may be proposed without having first compiled an exhaustive background of observations. This means that Darwin encouraged scientists to develop hypotheses and theories based on limited observations and then gather more evidence to support or refine those theories. This approach allowed for the advancement of scientific understanding and the development of the theory of evolution.
7.
In an effort to influence the gene pool in the early twentieth centruy United States, the government promoted policies of Social Darwinism by all of the followign except which one:
Correct Answer
D. Genetic engineering humans
Explanation
In the early twentieth century United States, the government promoted policies of Social Darwinism to influence the gene pool. These policies included sterilizing humans judged to be mentally defective, restricting human immigration, and proscribing interracial marriage. However, genetic engineering of humans was not a method utilized by the government to influence the gene pool during this time period.
8.
Electrophoresis has been used to determine levels of
Correct Answer
D. Genetic variation within populations
Explanation
Electrophoresis is a technique used to separate molecules based on their size and charge. It is commonly used in genetics to study genetic variation within populations. By subjecting DNA samples from different individuals to electrophoresis, scientists can observe differences in the banding patterns, which indicate genetic variations. This information is important for understanding the genetic diversity within a population and can provide insights into evolution, adaptation, and disease susceptibility. Therefore, electrophoresis is a suitable method for determining genetic variation within populations.
9.
Which of the following are liely examples of homologous organs or structures?
Correct Answer
D. The wings of a bird and the arms of an orangutan
Explanation
The wings of a bird and the arms of an orangutan are likely examples of homologous organs or structures because they have a similar underlying structure and evolutionary origin, despite serving different functions in different organisms. This suggests that they share a common ancestor and have diverged over time to adapt to different environments and lifestyles.
10.
The "biological speiceis concept" offers us a practical way to distinguish species of organisms and to assign individuals to one taxon or another. In order to catalog individuals as being members of one species or another using this concept focuses on
Correct Answer
C. The ability of individuasl to successfully breed with each other
Explanation
The biological species concept focuses on the ability of individuals to successfully breed with each other. This means that individuals belonging to the same species are capable of producing fertile offspring when they reproduce. This concept emphasizes reproductive isolation as the key factor in distinguishing species. Morphological differences and geographic distribution may be indicators of different species, but the ability to interbreed and produce viable offspring is the defining characteristic of the biological species concept.
11.
In New Guinea, Vogelkop bowerbirds erect bowers of sticks that are stacked about a central tree. One of the two populations that is found at different locations on one of the islands constructs bowers that have a rounded shape. In front of the bowers, the birds pile brightly colored objects. The other populations of birds constructs bowers that appear as spries and these have no brightly-colored objects.
Correct Answer
C. The populations of bower birds appear to be reproductively isolated
Explanation
The given answer suggests that the populations of bower birds appear to be reproductively isolated. This means that the two populations are not interbreeding and producing viable offspring, which indicates that they may be evolving into separate species. Reproductive isolation is a key factor in speciation, as it prevents gene flow between populations and allows for the accumulation of genetic differences over time.
12.
In the example of species formation involving flies that feed on fruit in Wisconsin, the two populations of flies are kept reproductively isolated because
Correct Answer
D. They find different frutis acceptable as stages for courtship dances
Explanation
The two populations of flies are kept reproductively isolated because they find different fruits acceptable as stages for courtship dances. This means that each population of flies is attracted to and performs their courtship dances on different fruits, preventing them from mating with flies from the other population. This leads to reproductive isolation and eventually speciation, as the two populations are unable to interbreed due to their different preferences for fruits during courtship.
13.
One form that "social Darwinism" took in the early twentieth century was
Correct Answer
C. Discouraging the reproduction of those deemed to be genetically inferior
Explanation
In the early twentieth century, one form of "social Darwinism" involved discouraging the reproduction of individuals considered genetically inferior. This ideology was influenced by the belief that certain traits and characteristics were inherited and that the human population should be improved through selective breeding. This approach aimed to prevent the passing on of traits deemed undesirable or detrimental to society.
14.
Some species of Whiptail lizards are partheonogenetic. That is to say, there are no males; females reproduce via unfertilized eggs. Modern speices of these lizards appeared to have evolved via the hybridization of closely-related species.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer, which is True, is that some species of Whiptail lizards are indeed parthenogenetic, meaning they can reproduce without the need for males. This is possible because the females are able to produce unfertilized eggs that develop into offspring. Additionally, it is believed that modern species of these lizards have evolved through the process of hybridization, where closely-related species mate and produce offspring with a combination of traits from both parent species.
15.
Which of the following is true of the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago?
Correct Answer
C. The distribution of shock crystals suggests that the impact of a meteor occurred in what is now Mexico
Explanation
The distribution of shock crystals suggests that the impact of a meteor occurred in what is now Mexico. This implies that the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago was caused by a meteor impact in Mexico.
16.
On the Hawaiian island or Kauai, Telogryllus oceanicus crickets came from Australia and western Pacific islands. Male crickets advertised their reproductive availability by broadcasting an auditory display by using specialized anatomical features. The parasitic fly Ormia ochracea fly, invaded from North America. In the 1990's , there was an intense fly infestation parasitizing one-third of the crickets. In a 2001 survey, only one male was heard singin and in 2003 no males were heard singing. the cricekts were still there, in fact the cricket population was larger than it had been for years but few males sitll had wings with functional chirping equipment. The silencing came from chages in only one or two genes. if you were the investigator of the reason for why the change in only one or two genes. if you were the investigator of the reason for why the chagne occurred so quickly, you might reasonably hypothesize that hte resulting chagne in the crickets is a matter of
Correct Answer
A. Natural selction and genetic drift
Explanation
The reason for the change in only one or two genes in the crickets could be attributed to natural selection and genetic drift. Natural selection refers to the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their impact on survival and reproduction. In this case, the intense fly infestation caused a decrease in the number of male crickets that were able to sing, leading to a decrease in their reproductive success. This would have exerted selective pressure on the population, favoring individuals with mutations in the genes responsible for chirping equipment. Genetic drift, on the other hand, refers to random changes in gene frequencies in a population over time. In this case, the small population size of male crickets with functional chirping equipment may have made them more susceptible to genetic drift, leading to the rapid changes in gene frequencies.
17.
There is evidence that one or perhaps two individuals of one specieis of finch originally colonized the Galapagos Islands, and more specifically San Cristobal Island on the eastern and of the archipelago. Since that time, the descendants of that species have proliferated into a number of species. The ancestor of the original colonizer(s) came from the Americas. One would expect to find that
Correct Answer
A. There is less diversity in the mitochondrial DNA of finches on San Cristobal than among their finch ancestors remaining in the Americas
Explanation
The correct answer is that there is less diversity in the mitochondrial DNA of finches on San Cristobal than among their finch ancestors remaining in the Americas. This is because when a small group of individuals colonize a new area, they carry only a subset of the genetic diversity present in the original population. Over time, genetic drift and natural selection can further reduce the genetic diversity in the colonizing population. Therefore, the finches on San Cristobal, which are descendants of a small group that colonized the island, would have less diversity in their mitochondrial DNA compared to their finch ancestors remaining in the Americas.
18.
That birds have the same bones in their wings as whales have in their flippers may be best interpreted as evidence that:
Correct Answer
C. Modern birds and whales share a common ancestor
Explanation
The fact that birds have the same bones in their wings as whales have in their flippers suggests that modern birds and whales share a common ancestor. This is because the similarity in bone structure indicates a common evolutionary origin, where the ancestor possessed these bones that were later modified in different lineages to serve different functions. This explanation is supported by the principles of comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology.
19.
Data in the figure below is consistent with the hypothesis that:
Correct Answer
A. The greater the degree of geograpHic isolation between populations the less gene flow
Explanation
The figure shows a graph with two populations, A and B, that are geographically isolated from each other. The graph also shows the amount of gene flow between the populations, with a higher degree of geographic isolation resulting in less gene flow. This supports the hypothesis that the greater the degree of geographic isolation between populations, the less gene flow there is.
20.
Which factor most liekly caused the animals and plants of India to differ greatly from species in nearby southeast Asia?
Correct Answer
E. India was a separate continent until about 55 million years ago
Explanation
India being a separate continent until about 55 million years ago is the most likely factor that caused the animals and plants of India to differ greatly from species in nearby southeast Asia. The separation of India allowed for distinct evolutionary processes to occur, leading to the development of unique species in India.
21.
The theory that a meteor impact played a role in the mass extinction of dinosaurs is supported by all of the follwoing except which one?
Correct Answer
D. Caves near Lascaux in France have sketches, engravings and paintings depicting events aroudn the timeof the event
Explanation
The theory that a meteor impact played a role in the mass extinction of dinosaurs is supported by the discovery of a crater dating to 65 million years ago, shock crystal distributions, a layer of the rare earth element iridium in deposits dating to the time of that mass extinction, and results of computer modeling of volcanic and nuclear incidents. However, the caves near Lascaux in France, with sketches, engravings, and paintings depicting events around the time of the event, do not directly support the theory of a meteor impact causing the mass extinction of dinosaurs.
22.
It was widely accepted in Darwin's day that the assemblage of organisms on earth had changed over time. One theory to expain the apparent chagne held that there ahd been a series of local mass extinctions followed by the immigration of novel organisms from other places on earth. Such a theory is not considered a "scientific" theory because ti is not possible to prove that in the past such immigration events actually occurred.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement is incorrect. The theory mentioned in the question, which suggests that there were local mass extinctions followed by immigration of novel organisms, is actually considered a scientific theory. While it may not be possible to prove that these immigration events occurred in the past, scientific theories are not necessarily required to be proven beyond doubt. They are based on evidence, observations, and logical reasoning, and can be supported or refuted through further research and investigation. Therefore, the statement that such a theory is not considered scientific is false.
23.
During the 1970's on an island in the Galapagos, a speicies of finch was observed to experience a change in the size of beaks. The size distribution of beaks changes such that average beak size increased compared with what had existed earlier in the decade. The explanation for why the beaks had cahnged in size was that
Correct Answer
E. Larger-beaked individuals were more successful at harvesting the limited food resources available during the particularly arid period.
Explanation
During a particularly arid period in the 1970s on an island in the Galapagos, a species of finch experienced a change in the size of their beaks. The explanation for this change is that larger-beaked individuals were more successful at harvesting the limited food resources available. As the environment became drier, the larger beaks allowed these individuals to access and consume the available food more efficiently, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, this led to a shift in the average beak size of the population, with larger beaks becoming more prevalent.
24.
Sympatric speciation, as illustrated by "true" fruit flies that feed on apples and cherries (in Wisconsin) is a classic illustration of the necessity for geographic isolation before speciation can occur
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is false. Sympatric speciation refers to the formation of new species within the same geographical area, without any geographic isolation. The example of "true" fruit flies that feed on apples and cherries in Wisconsin does not demonstrate the necessity for geographic isolation before speciation occurs, as it is an example of sympatric speciation.
25.
For evolution to occur,
Correct Answer
C. Some individuals must be more successful at leaving offspring than others
Explanation
In order for evolution to occur, some individuals must be more successful at leaving offspring than others. This is because the process of evolution involves the passing on of advantageous traits from one generation to the next. If all individuals had an equal chance of leaving offspring, there would be no selection pressure and no opportunity for certain traits to become more common in a population over time. By having some individuals be more successful at reproduction, natural selection can act upon the variation within a population and drive evolutionary change.
26.
The walking stick (Timena cristinae) seems to be adapting so that it can hide on either of two speices of plants. Within this species, there are two genetically-distinct morphs: a striped form that is found onthe chamise plant and a non-striped form on blue lilac. Each form is more likely to blend into the foliage when on its preferred plant species and therby avoid detection by potential predators. Mating tests have shown that each insect morph preferred to mate with one of its own color pattern. A likely long-term result is that
Correct Answer
B. The species will divide into two distinct species
Explanation
The walking stick species is currently composed of two genetically distinct morphs, each adapted to blend in with a specific plant species. The mating tests have shown that individuals prefer to mate with those that have the same color pattern. Over time, this preference for mating with individuals of the same color pattern will likely lead to reproductive isolation between the two morphs. As a result, the species will eventually divide into two distinct species, each specialized for a specific plant species.
27.
Sugar gliders are foudn in Australia and flying squirrels are found in North America. They are similar in size and morphology and they both can spring from a perch on one tree and glide to another. That they are so similar can be explained becaue they share a common ancestor in the past prior to the continents drifting as they have so that now the two continents are far apart.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer being False is that the statement in the question about sugar gliders and flying squirrels sharing a common ancestor is incorrect. While sugar gliders and flying squirrels do have similar abilities and physical characteristics, they are not closely related. Sugar gliders are marsupials and are more closely related to kangaroos and koalas, while flying squirrels are rodents and are more closely related to other squirrels. Therefore, their similarities in size and gliding abilities are a result of convergent evolution, not a shared common ancestor.
28.
The formation of distinct species of bushmaster snakes where one is in Amazonia on the eastern side of the Andes Moutians and the other is in Cnetral America to the west of the Andes is an example of
Correct Answer
A. Allopatric speciation
Explanation
The formation of distinct species of bushmaster snakes in different regions on either side of the Andes Mountains suggests that they have undergone allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation occurs when populations of a species are geographically separated and evolve independently, leading to the formation of new species. In this case, the geographic barrier of the Andes Mountains has likely prevented gene flow between the populations of bushmaster snakes in Amazonia and Central America, allowing for genetic divergence and the development of distinct species.
29.
Red deer are known from France, England, New Zealand, and the Isle of Jersey, in the English Channel. Which of the follwoign is Not correc?
Correct Answer
D. They are found in New Zealand because the island was once part of a larger land mass which included what is now Europe
Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer is that the statement "They are found in New Zealand because the island was once part of a larger land mass which included what is now Europe" is not correct. Red deer are not found in New Zealand because it was once part of a larger land mass that included Europe. Instead, red deer were introduced to New Zealand by humans for hunting purposes. They are not native to the island.
30.
The Australian red-backed spider is related to our balck widow. The female ismuch larger than the male. When mating, males will frequently position themselves in such a fashion that their mates can niblle away at them during the mating process. Which of the following is NOT true?
Correct Answer
B. By "serving" themselves up to their mates in such a fashion males may be reducing the size of thier own popultion so as to reduce competition among individuasl for the limited amoutn of food available in their desert environment
31.
Eugenics is essentially ________ in human populations.
Correct Answer
C. Artificial selection
Explanation
Eugenics is essentially artificial selection in human populations. Eugenics is a belief system that aims to improve the genetic quality of the human population through controlled breeding. This involves selecting individuals with desired traits and encouraging them to reproduce, while discouraging or preventing those with undesirable traits from reproducing. Artificial selection is the process of intentionally selecting and breeding individuals with specific traits to create offspring with those traits. Therefore, artificial selection is the most appropriate term to describe eugenics in human populations.
32.
Plant species A has a diploid number of 12; plant speices B has a diploid number of 16., A new polyploid speicies, C arises by hybridization of A and B. The diploid number for speices C would be:
Correct Answer
D. 28
Explanation
When two plant species with different diploid numbers undergo hybridization, the resulting polyploid species will have a diploid number that is the sum of the diploid numbers of the two parent species. In this case, species A has a diploid number of 12 and species B has a diploid number of 16. Therefore, when they hybridize to form species C, the diploid number for species C would be 12 + 16 = 28.
33.
Consider the M and N blood group. The two alleles are equal in dominance. In a sampling of 1000 individuals froma much larger populaiton, it was found that 490 individuals were type MM, 420 individuals were type NN and the rest were type MN. The requency of the N allele was known to be .7 in 1990. Does the population appear to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
Correct Answer
B. No
Explanation
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium predicts that the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population will remain constant from generation to generation if certain conditions are met. One of these conditions is that the population is large, which is true in this case. However, the observed frequencies of the MM and NN genotypes do not match the expected frequencies based on the allele frequencies. According to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the expected frequencies of the MM and NN genotypes would be (0.3)^2 = 0.09 and (0.7)^2 = 0.49 respectively, but the observed frequencies are 0.49 and 0.42. Therefore, the population does not appear to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
34.
Mexican hairless dogs are a breed for whichthe hairless dogs are heterozygous (+h), normal haired dogs are homozygous (++) and the other homozygous conditon (hh) results in stillborn pups. Imagine a population where the frequency of the allele responsible for hair (+) is .7 If breeding occurs at random, the fraction of the population of adult dogs with the nromal hair phenotype in the next generation shoudl be about:
Correct Answer
E. .54
Explanation
In this population, the frequency of the allele responsible for hair (+) is 0.7. Since normal-haired dogs are homozygous (++), their genotype would be ++. The frequency of the homozygous genotype (++), which represents the normal hair phenotype, can be calculated by squaring the frequency of the allele responsible for hair (+), which is 0.7. Therefore, the fraction of the population of adult dogs with the normal hair phenotype in the next generation should be about 0.7^2 = 0.49, which is approximately 0.54.
35.
Extra long eyelashes are inherited as an autosomal recessive. In a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, 75% of the males have nomal-length eylashes. what is the expected frequency of the recessive allele?
Correct Answer
D. .50
Explanation
In a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of the recessive allele can be calculated using the equation p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1, where p represents the frequency of the dominant allele and q represents the frequency of the recessive allele. Since the trait is autosomal recessive, the frequency of individuals with normal-length eyelashes (dominant phenotype) is 75%, which can be represented as p^2 = 0.75. Solving for p, we find that p = √0.75 ≈ 0.866. Therefore, q = 1 - p ≈ 1 - 0.866 ≈ 0.134. The expected frequency of the recessive allele is q^2 = 0.134^2 ≈ 0.018 ≈ 0.50.
36.
Consider the ABO blood group. If the AA genotypic frequency is 1% and the frequency of the O phenotype is 9% then among the males in a population at equilibrium, the frequencyof the B phenotype must be:
Correct Answer
D. .72
Explanation
In the ABO blood group system, the B phenotype is determined by the presence of the B allele. The O phenotype is determined by the absence of both the A and B alleles. Since the frequency of the O phenotype is 9%, the frequency of the A phenotype (AA genotype) can be calculated by subtracting the frequency of the O phenotype from 100% (100% - 9% = 91%). Since the A and B alleles are codominant, the frequency of the B phenotype (BB genotype) can be calculated by squaring the frequency of the B allele (sqrt(1%)). Therefore, the frequency of the B phenotype is 0.72 or 72%.
37.
Red-green color-blindness is inherited as a sex-linked recessive. Consider a randomly-breeding population composed of 600 females and 600 males. If 1% females are afflicted with this disorder, one would expect that approximately _______ of the males would have normal color vision?
Correct Answer
C. 60
Explanation
In this scenario, red-green color blindness is inherited as a sex-linked recessive trait. Since it is a sex-linked trait, it is more commonly found in males. The question states that 1% of females are afflicted with this disorder, which means that 99% of females have normal color vision. Since there are 600 females in the population, approximately 99% of them (594 females) would have normal color vision. Since there are an equal number of males in the population, we can expect that approximately the same number of males (594 males) would also have normal color vision. Therefore, the correct answer is 60.