Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between homology and analogy in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Homology is similarity due to shared ancestry, while analogy is similarity due to convergent evolution.

Question 2

A researcher is comparing the DNA sequences of two species and finds that they share a high degree of similarity in a complex gene sequence. What is the most likely explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

The similarity is likely due to homology, indicating a shared common ancestor.

Question 3

Which taxonomic group is the most inclusive according to Linnaeus's hierarchical classification system?

Accepted Answer

Domain

Question 4

In binomial nomenclature, which part of the scientific name is unique to each species within a genus?

Accepted Answer

The specific epithet

Question 5

A phylogenetic tree shows that birds and crocodiles share several features, such as four-chambered hearts and nest building. What method is used to infer that dinosaurs also possessed these features?

Accepted Answer

Phylogenetic bracketing

Question 6

Which of the following statements about phylogenetic trees is correct?

Accepted Answer

Phylogenetic trees show patterns of descent, not phenotypic similarity.

Question 7

Which group includes an ancestral species and all its descendants, and is equivalent to a clade?

Accepted Answer

Monophyletic group

Question 8

A shared derived character is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

An evolutionary novelty unique to a particular clade.

Question 9

Which principle do systematists use to select the best phylogenetic tree when analyzing large genetic datasets?

Accepted Answer

Maximum parsimony

Question 10

A molecular clock is calibrated by plotting the number of genetic changes against:

Accepted Answer

The dates of branch points known from the fossil record

Question 11

Which of the following is a reason why the kingdom Monera is considered obsolete in modern classification?

Accepted Answer

It would have members in two different domains.

Question 12

Horizontal gene transfer can occur through all of the following mechanisms EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction between individuals of the same species

Question 13

Which domain contains only single-celled prokaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Both Bacteria and Archaea

Question 14

A scientist is using DNA sequence data to infer the evolutionary relationships among several species. Which type of character should they focus on to construct a reliable phylogeny?

Accepted Answer

Homologous characters

Question 15

If a gene evolves at a constant rate and accumulates 5 nucleotide substitutions every 10 million years, how many substitutions would you expect after 40 million years?

$	ext{Number of substitutions} = \frac{40\ 	ext{million years}}{10\ 	ext{million years}} 	imes 5$

Accepted Answer

$20$

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why some genes evolve much faster than others?

Accepted Answer

Genes with less critical amino acid sequences are more likely to accumulate neutral mutations.

Question 17

A paraphyletic group is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Including an ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.

Question 18

Which of the following scenarios is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Limbless lizards and snakes evolving similar body shapes independently due to adaptation to similar environments.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about molecular clocks is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

All genes evolve in a perfectly clocklike fashion.

Question 20

If a phylogenetic tree is rooted, what does the root represent?

Accepted Answer

The most recent common ancestor of all taxa in the tree.

Chapter 20: Phylogeny – Understanding Evolutionary Relationships

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards