Q: A population of flowers shows two color morphs: red and white. If the frequency of the red allele ($$p) is 0.7 $$and the white allele ($$q) is 0.3$$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

$$2pq = 2 \times 0.7 \times 0.3 = 0.42$$

Question 1

Which of the following best explains why seeds are considered a major evolutionary advancement over spores in terrestrial plants?

Accepted Answer

Seeds contain stored food and a protective coat, allowing for greater survival and dispersal in variable environments.

Question 2

A botanist discovers a plant species that produces flowers with both male and female reproductive organs. Which term best describes this type of flower?

Accepted Answer

Perfect flower

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between wind and animal pollination mechanisms in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Wind-pollinated flowers typically lack bright colors and scents, while animal-pollinated flowers often have these features to attract pollinators.

Question 4

Which of the following plant-derived medicines is correctly matched with its source and medical use?

Accepted Answer

Digitalis from foxglove, used to treat heart conditions

Question 5

A researcher is studying a plant that produces seeds enclosed within a fruit. Which group does this plant most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Angiosperms

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of double fertilization in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

One sperm fertilizes the egg, while another sperm fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm.

Question 7

A plant population is exposed to a new herbicide. After several generations, most individuals survive exposure. Which evolutionary mechanism best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 8

Which of the following equations represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$

Question 9

A population of flowers shows two color morphs: red and white. If the frequency of the red allele ($$p) is 0.7 $$and the white allele ($$q) is 0.3$$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$$2pq = 2 	imes 0.7 	imes 0.3 = 0.42$$

Question 10

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

A river forms and divides a population of rodents, leading to genetic divergence and the formation of two species.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a reproductive structure found in angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Rhizome

Question 12

Which of the following statements about plant pollination is correct?

Accepted Answer

Self-pollination can reduce genetic diversity within a population.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of the endosperm in angiosperm seeds?

Accepted Answer

It provides nutrition to the developing embryo.

Question 14

A scientist is studying a population of insects and observes a sudden decrease in genetic variation after a natural disaster. Which evolutionary process is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift (bottleneck effect)

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the alternation of generations in plants?

Accepted Answer

The sporophyte is diploid and produces haploid spores by meiosis.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why some plants produce secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and terpenoids?

Accepted Answer

They serve as chemical defenses against herbivores and pathogens.

Question 17

A patient is prescribed paclitaxel (Taxol) for cancer treatment. From which plant is this compound originally derived?

Accepted Answer

Pacific yew tree

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of gene flow between two populations?

Accepted Answer

It reduces genetic differences between populations.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a prezygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation, where two species breed at different times

Question 20

A population of plants is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. If the frequency of the dominant allele ($$p) is 0.8$$, what is the expected frequency of homozygous recessive individuals?

Accepted Answer

$$q^2 = (1$$ - $$0.8)^2 = 0.04$

BES108D Final Exam Study Guide: Evolution, Diversity, and Plant Biology

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