Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the Miller experiment was significant in the study of the origin of life?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrated that Earth's early atmosphere could have given rise to organic molecules.

Question 2

What is the most likely explanation for the origin of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, according to the endosymbiont theory?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria originated as aerobic proteobacteria that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.

Question 3

Which of the following lines of evidence would NOT support the endosymbiosis theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have their own nucleus.

Question 4

Which of the following events occurred first in the history of life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The appearance of Ediacarans.

Question 5

What was the primary role of RNA in the early history of life?

Accepted Answer

RNA acted as a self-replicating molecule, allowing natural selection to favor stable replicators.

Question 6

Why did the development of photosynthesis dramatically change Earth's atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis decreased $$CO_2$$ levels and increased $$O_2 in $$the atmosphere.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes how eukaryotic cells developed internal compartments such as the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Internal membranes arose by infolding of the plasma membrane.

Question 8

Which of the following is a direct consequence of multicellularity in the evolution of life?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of specialized cells and increased diversity in body forms.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the Precambrian supereon is correct?

Accepted Answer

Simple life, including the first prokaryotic cells, developed during the Precambrian supereon.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why some eukaryotes have chloroplasts with three membranes?

Accepted Answer

They resulted from two separate endosymbiosis events.

Question 11

During which period did the first land plants and vertebrates appear?

Accepted Answer

Ordovician period

Question 12

What adaptation allowed amphibians to dominate during the Carboniferous period?

Accepted Answer

Ability to live both in water and on land

Question 13

Which of the following is a key feature that distinguishes primates from other mammals?

Accepted Answer

Opposable thumbs

Question 14

What evidence supports the idea that humans and chimpanzees share a recent common ancestor?

Accepted Answer

Similarities in bone structure and molecular (DNA) data

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the evolution of Homo sapiens is supported by mitochondrial DNA evidence?

Accepted Answer

Early humans evolved in Africa and later migrated to other continents.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main difference between hominids and hominins?

Accepted Answer

Hominins are a subset of hominids that includes modern humans and their extinct relatives.

Question 17

Which of the following adaptations is most closely associated with bipedalism in hominins?

Accepted Answer

Upright walking on two legs

Question 18

What is the significance of the chromosomal fusion event found in humans but not in other great apes?

Accepted Answer

It is a unique genetic marker that distinguishes humans from other great apes.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the Cretaceous period ended with a mass extinction?

Accepted Answer

A powerful asteroid impact caused the extinction of dinosaurs and many other species.

Chapter 15: The Origin and History of Life – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions