Question 1

A scientist is testing whether a new fertilizer increases plant growth. She sets up two groups: one receives the fertilizer, the other does not. She measures plant height weekly for two months. Which of the following best describes the independent and dependent variables in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable: fertilizer application; Dependent variable: plant height

Question 2

In Mendel's experiments, crossing two heterozygous pea plants for flower color (Pp x Pp) results in what expected phenotypic ratio in the offspring?

Accepted Answer

$$3:1$$

Question 3

Which of the following best explains how meiosis contributes to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis allows for crossing over and independent assortment, creating new allele combinations.

Question 4

A point mutation in a gene changes a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence. Which of the following outcomes is most likely if the mutation results in a stop codon early in the coding sequence?

Accepted Answer

The protein will be shorter and likely nonfunctional.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of Darwin’s four postulates for evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

All individuals survive and reproduce equally.

Question 6

In a population of 1000 individuals, the frequency of allele A ($$p) is$$ $$0.7$$ and allele a ($$q) is$$ $$0.3. $$According to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($$Aa$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$2pq = 0.42$$

Question 7

Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely to decrease genetic variation within a population but increase differences between populations?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 8

A population of birds is separated by a newly formed river, preventing gene flow. Over time, the two groups diverge and become distinct species. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation by vicariance

Question 9

Which of the following statements about phylogenetic trees is correct?

Accepted Answer

Tips represent current species, and nodes represent common ancestors.

Question 10

A biome is characterized by high annual precipitation and consistently warm temperatures. Which biome is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Tropical rainforest

Question 11

According to the theory of island biogeography, which island would you expect to have the highest species richness?

Accepted Answer

A large, nearshore island

Question 12

Which equation correctly represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$

Question 13

A population of rabbits grows rapidly at first, but as resources become limited, the growth rate slows and the population size levels off. This pattern is best described by which model?

Accepted Answer

Logistic growth

Question 14

In a community, a bee pollinates a flower while feeding on its nectar. This interaction is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient?

Accepted Answer

Most energy is converted to heat or lost as waste at each trophic level.

Question 16

Which of the following is a key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes do not.

Question 17

The endosymbiotic theory explains the origin of which eukaryotic organelles?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria and chloroplasts

Question 18

Which evolutionary innovation allowed plants to colonize land successfully?

Accepted Answer

Formation of vascular tissue and cuticle

Question 19

Which of the following is a major ecological role of fungi in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers and nutrient cyclers

Question 20

The evolution of the amniotic egg was a key adaptation for which group of vertebrates, and what advantage did it provide?

Accepted Answer

Amniotes (reptiles, birds, mammals); enabled reproduction away from water

BIO 150 Final Exam Study Guide: Core Concepts in Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards