Quiz On Evolution And Classification! Trivia Facts
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How much do you know about evolution and classification? Do you know what characteristic of the early autotrophs gave them an advantage over early heterotrophs? What best describes the process of evolution, based on their taxonomic classification, which two organisms share the same ancestor, and to what do autotroph and heterotroph refer. This quiz was designed for those who need to know more about evolution and classification. If you are the curious soul, do not hesitate and take the quiz.
- 1.
When comparing 2 populations of animals, which statement most likely indicates that they are the same species?
- A.
They produce fertile offspring.
- B.
They inhabit the same general area.
- C.
Their outward appearance is similar.
- D.
They consume the same type of diet.
Correct Answer
A. They produce fertile offspring.Explanation
The statement "They produce fertile offspring" most likely indicates that the two populations of animals are the same species because the ability to produce fertile offspring is a key characteristic of a species. If two populations can successfully reproduce and produce offspring that are capable of reproducing themselves, it suggests that they share enough genetic similarity to be considered the same species. The other statements, such as inhabiting the same general area, having similar outward appearance, or consuming the same type of diet, can be indicative of similarity but do not necessarily confirm that the populations are the same species.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What characteristic of early autotrophs gave them an advantage over early heterotrophs?
- A.
They ate heterotrophs.
- B.
They produced spores.
- C.
They made their own food.
- D.
They reproduced asexually.
Correct Answer
C. They made their own food.Explanation
Early autotrophs had an advantage over early heterotrophs because they were able to produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis. This allowed them to obtain energy directly from the environment, without relying on consuming other organisms. By being able to generate their own food, autotrophs had a more reliable and independent source of energy, giving them a competitive edge over heterotrophs.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which example best illustrates the process of natural selection?
- A.
Giraffe necks varied in length, and all offspring had an equal chance of survival.
- B.
Giraffe necks varied in length, and the shorter-necked giraffes were at a disadvantage.
- C.
Giraffes with short necks migrated to locations best suited for their neck lengths.
- D.
Giraffes stretched their necks to reach for food, and resulting offspring had longer necks.
Correct Answer
B. Giraffe necks varied in length, and the shorter-necked giraffes were at a disadvantage.Explanation
The correct answer is "Giraffe necks varied in length, and the shorter-necked giraffes were at a disadvantage." This example best illustrates the process of natural selection because it shows that the variation in neck length among giraffes leads to certain individuals being less suited to their environment. The shorter-necked giraffes are at a disadvantage in reaching food sources, which reduces their chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, this can lead to the longer-necked giraffes being more successful in passing on their genes, resulting in a population with predominantly longer necks.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Horse skeleton fossils indicate that the size of horses increased over time. Which statement best explains this fossil record?
- A.
Smaller horses bred with larger horses, creating hybrids.
- B.
Smaller horses were infected by a fatal virus early in their history.
- C.
Larger horses consumed the food supply of the smaller horses.
- D.
Larger horses produced a slightly greater number of surviving offspring.
Correct Answer
D. Larger horses produced a slightly greater number of surviving offspring.Explanation
Larger horses producing a slightly greater number of surviving offspring best explains the increase in the size of horse skeletons over time. This suggests that the larger horses had a reproductive advantage, leading to more successful offspring. As a result, the population gradually shifted towards larger horses, causing an increase in their average size over generations.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Cytochrome C is a protein used in the electron transport chain. This table shows short sections of Cytochrome C's amino acid sequences in 5 organisms, using single-letter abbreviations. Use this data to determine which organism most likely shares the most recent common ancestor with humans.
- A.
Organism 1
- B.
Organism 2
- C.
Organism 3
- D.
Organism 4
Correct Answer
A. Organism 1 -
- 6.
Maria wanted to rid her home of cockroaches. She applied pesticide and after 1 day she found many dead cockroaches. Days later, she observed a few live cockroaches. She reapplied the pesticide, but she continued to see some live cockroaches. What best explains the continuing presence of live cockroaches?
- A.
A few cockroaches exhibited pesticide resistance due to natural variability within the population.
- B.
A few cockroaches developed pesticide resistance through contact with other resistant insects.
- C.
A few cockroaches developed pesticide resistance after contact with it.
- D.
A few cockroaches detected the pesticide and avoided sprayed areas.
Correct Answer
A. A few cockroaches exhibited pesticide resistance due to natural variability within the population.Explanation
A few cockroaches exhibited pesticide resistance due to natural variability within the population. This means that within the population of cockroaches, there is natural variation in their ability to resist the pesticide. Some cockroaches may have genetic traits that make them more resistant to the pesticide, allowing them to survive even after the pesticide has been applied. This explains why Maria continues to see live cockroaches despite reapplying the pesticide.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Dr. Romero is raising 3 types of damselfishes in separate aquariums: 2 from the Atlantic Ocean and 1 from the Pacific Ocean. This table summarizes the information she gathered through observations and breeding experiments. Based on the most commonly accepted definition of a species, how many different species of damselfishes is Dr. Romero raising, and which fish are they?
- A.
1 species: Fish A, B, and C are all members of a single species
- B.
2 species: Fish A and B are a single species; Fish C is a separate species
- C.
2 species: Fish A and C are a single species; Fish B is a separate species
- D.
3 species: Fish A, B, and C are all members of separate species
Correct Answer
C. 2 species: Fish A and C are a single species; Fish B is a separate speciesExplanation
Dr. Romero is raising two different species of damselfishes. Fish A and C are considered to be a single species, while Fish B is a separate species. This conclusion is based on the most commonly accepted definition of a species, which states that members of the same species can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, while members of different species cannot. Therefore, since Fish A and C can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, they are considered to be the same species, while Fish B is a separate species.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Based on their taxonomic classification, which 2 organisms share the most recent common ancestor?
- A.
Squid and octopus (same class)
- B.
Lobster and eel (same kingdom)
- C.
Chimpanzee and gorilla (same family)
- D.
Iguana and mouse (same phylum)
Correct Answer
C. Chimpanzee and gorilla (same family)Explanation
Chimpanzees and gorillas share the most recent common ancestor based on their taxonomic classification. The fact that they belong to the same family indicates that they are more closely related to each other compared to the other pairs of organisms listed. The shared family classification suggests a closer evolutionary relationship, indicating a more recent common ancestor.Rate this question:
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- 9.
An entomologist identified a new species of beetle in a South American rain forest. The beetle has all the features of the darkling beetle family Tenebrionidae and closely resembles other darkling beetles of the genus Tenebrio. What should the entomologist do next?
- A.
Give the beetle new genus and family names.
- B.
Give the beetle a new species name not used in the genus Tenebrio.
- C.
Name the beetle after the species it is most similar to.
- D.
Discard the beetle because it is not found in existing taxonomy.
Correct Answer
B. Give the beetle a new species name not used in the genus Tenebrio.Explanation
The entomologist should give the beetle a new species name not used in the genus Tenebrio because although the beetle closely resembles other darkling beetles of the genus Tenebrio, it has been identified as a new species. Giving it a new species name will help differentiate it from other species within the genus Tenebrio and accurately classify it in the taxonomy system.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Alec studied an unknown microscopic organism and recorded this information: - It contains DNA. - It has a cell wall, but no nucleus. What is Alec most likely studying?
- A.
Bacterium
- B.
Fungus
- C.
Protist
- D.
Virus
Correct Answer
A. BacteriumExplanation
Alec is most likely studying a bacterium. Bacteria are microscopic organisms that contain DNA and have a cell wall, but no nucleus. Fungi, protists, and viruses do not fit this description.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In what kingdom would scientists classify a multicellular, nonmotile, autotrophic organism?
- A.
Animalia
- B.
Fungi
- C.
Plantae
- D.
Protista
Correct Answer
C. PlantaeExplanation
A multicellular, nonmotile, autotrophic organism would be classified in the kingdom Plantae. This is because the characteristics mentioned, such as being multicellular and autotrophic, are common traits of plants. Plants are known for being able to produce their own food through photosynthesis and typically have a stationary lifestyle. Therefore, the correct answer is Plantae.Rate this question:
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- 12.
These animals are all placed in the vertebrate class Amphibia and the order Anura. - wood frog, Rana sylvatica - bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana - western toad, Bufo boreas - spadefoot toad, Scaphiopus hammondi What is the most likely conclusion about the evolutionary relationship between or among these organisms?
- A.
The wood frog and bullfrog are better jumpers than the western toad and the spadefoot toad.
- B.
The wood frog and bullfrog share a more recent common ancestor than do the western toad and the spadefoot toad.
- C.
The western toad and the spadefoot toad share a more recent common ancestor than do the wood frog and the bullfrog.
- D.
The western toad and the spadefoot toad both evolved in western North America, while the wood frog and the bullfrog evolved in the tropics.
Correct Answer
B. The wood frog and bullfrog share a more recent common ancestor than do the western toad and the spadefoot toad.Explanation
The most likely conclusion about the evolutionary relationship between these organisms is that the wood frog and bullfrog share a more recent common ancestor than the western toad and the spadefoot toad. This conclusion can be drawn because organisms that share a more recent common ancestor are more closely related. Since the wood frog and bullfrog are both in the same genus Rana, while the western toad and spadefoot toad are in different genera, it suggests that the wood frog and bullfrog have a closer evolutionary relationship.Rate this question:
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- 13.
All members of which biological group require a host cell to reproduce?
- A.
Fungi
- B.
Bacteria
- C.
Protists
- D.
Viruses
Correct Answer
D. VirusesExplanation
Viruses require a host cell to reproduce because they are obligate intracellular parasites. They cannot replicate or carry out metabolic processes on their own, so they rely on the machinery and resources of a host cell to complete their life cycle. Once inside a host cell, viruses hijack the cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles. This process often damages or destroys the host cell, leading to the release of new viruses that can infect other cells.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which group(s) contain organisms that can be classified as primary producers?
- A.
Monerans only
- B.
Protists only
- C.
Monerans and protists
- D.
Viruses and monerans
Correct Answer
C. Monerans and protistsExplanation
Monerans and protists can be classified as primary producers because they are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Monerans, such as bacteria, can perform photosynthesis or obtain energy from inorganic compounds. Protists, such as algae, can also perform photosynthesis and are important primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, both Monerans and protists are capable of producing organic matter and are essential for sustaining food webs and ecosystems.Rate this question:
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- 15.
An animal has these characteristics:
- Many more than 8 jointed legs on a segmented body
- 2 pairs of legs attached to each body segment
- Lacks biting jaws
- A.
Dragonfly
- B.
Millipede
- C.
Sea Star
- D.
Slug
Correct Answer
B. MillipedeExplanation
A millipede fits the given characteristics as it has many more than 8 jointed legs on a segmented body. It also has 2 pairs of legs attached to each body segment. Additionally, millipedes lack biting jaws, which is another characteristic mentioned. Therefore, the correct answer is millipede.Rate this question:
- 16.
The organisms of what kingdom possess these traits?
- Eukaryotic cells
- Photosynthetic
- Cellulose cell walls
- A.
Eubacteria
- B.
Fungi
- C.
Plantae
- D.
Monera
Correct Answer
C. PlantaeExplanation
The organisms that possess these traits are from the kingdom Plantae. Plantae includes all plants, which are characterized by having eukaryotic cells, being photosynthetic, and having cellulose cell walls.Rate this question:
- 17.
Lions and tigers both belong to genus Panthera. Cheetahs belong to the genus Acinonyx. Scientists group these 3 types of cats together at the next taxonomic level. What is the most specific taxonomic level tat lions, cheetahs, and tigers share?
- A.
Class
- B.
Family
- C.
Kingdom
- D.
Order
Correct Answer
B. FamilyExplanation
Lions, cheetahs, and tigers share the most specific taxonomic level of "Family." This is because they all belong to the same family, Felidae, which is a taxonomic grouping that includes all the big cats. The family level is more specific than the higher levels of Kingdom and Phylum, but less specific than the lower levels of Genus and Species.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What level of biological taxa includes Chordata, Molluska, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, and Cnidaria?
- A.
Family
- B.
Genus
- C.
Kingdom
- D.
Phylum
Correct Answer
D. pHylumExplanation
The correct answer is Phylum. Phylum is a level of biological taxa that groups together organisms with similar characteristics. Chordata, Molluska, Echinodermata, Arthropoda, and Cnidaria are all examples of phyla.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Based on their scientific names, what is the most accurate conclusion about the relationship of the organisms Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalus?
- A.
They are genetically similar.
- B.
They are the same species.
- C.
They are in different genera.
- D.
They are in different kingdoms.
Correct Answer
A. They are genetically similar.Explanation
The most accurate conclusion about the relationship of the organisms Homo erectus and Homo neanderthalus is that they are genetically similar. This can be inferred from the fact that they are both classified under the same genus, Homo. The genus classification suggests that they share common ancestry and have significant genetic similarities.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What accounts for genetic biodiversity existing in modern multicellular organisms?
- A.
Mutations in gametes are passed to offspring.
- B.
Protein mutations cause DNA changes, creating new species.
- C.
Genetic mutations form when similar species mate and reproduce.
- D.
Somatic cell DNA mutations create new phenotypes in the population.
Correct Answer
A. Mutations in gametes are passed to offspring.Explanation
Genetic biodiversity in modern multicellular organisms is accounted for by mutations in gametes being passed on to offspring. Gametes, such as sperm and eggs, carry the genetic information that is inherited by the next generation. Mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence, can occur in gametes and result in genetic diversity among offspring. This genetic diversity is essential for the adaptation and evolution of species, as it introduces new variations that can be selected for or against in response to changing environments.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which type of change exemplifies biological evolution?
- A.
Size of individuals
- B.
Size of a population
- C.
Gene pool of a population
- D.
Outward appearance of individuals
Correct Answer
C. Gene pool of a populationExplanation
Biological evolution refers to the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. This change occurs in the gene pool of a population as new genetic variations arise and are passed on to future generations. The size of individuals, size of a population, and outward appearance of individuals may vary within a population, but these changes do not necessarily represent biological evolution as they do not involve changes in the genetic composition of the population.Rate this question:
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- 22.
What characteristics of early autotrophs gave them an advantage over early heterotrophs?
- A.
They ate heterotrophs.
- B.
They produced spores.
- C.
They made their own food.
- D.
They reproduced asexually.
Correct Answer
C. They made their own food.Explanation
Early autotrophs had an advantage over early heterotrophs because they were capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. This ability allowed them to utilize energy from the environment and convert it into organic compounds, providing a constant and reliable source of nutrition. In contrast, early heterotrophs were dependent on consuming other organisms for their energy needs, which may have been less efficient and more unpredictable. By being self-sufficient in their food production, early autotrophs had a competitive edge and were able to thrive and reproduce more effectively.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which criterion is NOT necessarily true of a trait that has evolved through natural selection?
- A.
It is heritable.
- B.
It varies among individuals.
- C.
It increases individuals' life spans.
- D.
It influences individuals' reproductive success.
Correct Answer
C. It increases individuals' life spans.Explanation
A trait that has evolved through natural selection does not necessarily increase individuals' life spans. Natural selection favors traits that increase an individual's reproductive success, not necessarily their longevity. While increased life span can sometimes be a byproduct of traits that enhance reproductive success, it is not a necessary criterion for evolution through natural selection.Rate this question:
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- 24.
As part of a simulation of evolutionary process, a teacher drops 500 red and 500 green jelly beans on green grass. The read and green jelly beans represent individuals of the same species. Students represent predators and pick up as many jelly beans as possible in 30 seconds. Which prediction is most accurate?
- A.
Red individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- B.
Green individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.
- C.
Predators are more likely to capture green individuals.
- D.
Predators are equally likely to capture red and green individuals.
Correct Answer
B. Green individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.Explanation
In this simulation, the green individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce because they blend in with the green grass, making it harder for predators (represented by the students) to spot and capture them. The red individuals, on the other hand, stand out against the green grass, making them easier targets for the predators. This natural selection process favors the survival and reproduction of the green individuals, leading to a higher likelihood of their population increasing over time.Rate this question:
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- 25.
When comparing 2 populations of animals, which statement most likely indicates that they are the same species?
- A.
They produce fertile offspring.
- B.
They inhabit the same general area.
- C.
Their outward appearance is similar.
- D.
They consume the same type of diet.
Correct Answer
A. They produce fertile offspring.Explanation
The statement "They produce fertile offspring" most likely indicates that the two populations of animals are the same species. This is because the ability to produce fertile offspring is a key characteristic of members of the same species. If two populations can successfully mate and produce offspring that are capable of reproducing, it suggests that they share enough genetic similarity to be considered the same species.Rate this question:
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- 26.
What process of natural selection favors the extreme phenotypes of a trait and eliminates intermediate phenotypes?
- A.
Directional selection
- B.
Disruptive selection
- C.
Random selection
- D.
Stabilizing selection
Correct Answer
B. Disruptive selectionExplanation
Disruptive selection is the process of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes of a trait and eliminates intermediate phenotypes. This occurs when individuals with extreme variations of a trait have a higher fitness compared to individuals with average or intermediate variations. As a result, the population becomes divided into two or more distinct groups, with each group having individuals that possess extreme phenotypes. This can lead to the development of new species or subspecies over time.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 26, 2013Quiz Created by
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