Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation through meiosis and fertilization, while asexual reproduction produces clones of the parent.

Question 2

During which stage of meiosis do homologous chromosomes separate?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 3

If an organism has a diploid number of 8 ($$2n = 8$$), how many chromosomes will be present in each gamete after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 4

Which process is responsible for the independent assortment of genes during gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

Random alignment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I

Question 5

A genetic disorder is caused by nondisjunction during meiosis. Which of the following best explains the result?

Accepted Answer

Gametes have either an extra or missing chromosome.

Question 6

Which of the following equations correctly represents the number of possible chromosome combinations due to independent assortment in gametes, where $$n is $$the haploid number?

Accepted Answer

$$2^n$$

Question 7

Which event during meiosis increases genetic variation among offspring?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes during prophase I

Question 8

A human cell with 47 chromosomes is most likely the result of which chromosomal abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Nondisjunction

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA without error

Question 10

In humans, how many autosomes are present in a typical somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$44$$

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why siblings from the same parents can look very different from each other?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation is produced by independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization.

Question 12

Which stage of meiosis is responsible for reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis I

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of crossing over during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Genetic material is exchanged between non-sister chromatids, increasing genetic diversity.

Question 14

If a diploid organism has $$2n = 10$$, how many chromosomes will be present in each sperm cell after meiosis?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of fertilization in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

It restores the diploid number of chromosomes.

Question 16

Which chromosomal abnormality is characterized by the loss of a chromosome segment?

Accepted Answer

Deletion

Question 17

Which of the following is true about homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

They carry the same genes but may have different alleles.

Question 18

Which process ensures that offspring inherit a unique combination of genes from both parents?

Accepted Answer

Random fertilization

Question 19

Which of the following is a result of nondisjunction during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Some gametes have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Question 20

Which equation represents the total number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell?

Accepted Answer

$$2n = 46$$

Chapter 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards