Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the difference between Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) and Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes)?

Accepted Answer

Sarcopterygii have fleshy, lobed fins with bones homologous to tetrapod limbs, while Actinopterygii have thin, ray-like fins supported by bony spines.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a unique feature of arthropods?

Accepted Answer

Radial symmetry

Question 3

A population of cheetahs experienced a drastic reduction in numbers due to habitat loss, resulting in only a few individuals surviving. Which evolutionary process is most likely to reduce genetic diversity in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift (bottleneck effect)

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why amniotes were able to colonize drier terrestrial environments more successfully than amphibians?

Accepted Answer

Amniotes developed the amniotic egg, which protects embryos from desiccation.

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a mammal group with a representative species and its birthing habit?

Accepted Answer

Monotreme – platypus – lays eggs

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Biotic factors include living organisms such as plants and animals; abiotic factors include non-living components like sunlight, temperature, and water.

Question 7

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor that can regulate population size?

Accepted Answer

A contagious disease

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct description of the three survivorship curves?

Accepted Answer

Type I: Low mortality early, high late; Type II: Constant mortality; Type III: High mortality early, low late

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the mitochondrion in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

ATP production through cellular respiration

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of a keystone species in a biological community?

Accepted Answer

A species whose removal causes a significant decline in community structure and diversity

Question 11

Which of the following is true regarding the nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA?

Accepted Answer

RNA contains uracil instead of thymine, which is found in DNA.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotic cells lack both.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of gene flow?

Accepted Answer

Pollen from one population of flowers fertilizes flowers in a neighboring population, introducing new alleles.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why permafrost limits plant growth in the tundra biome?

Accepted Answer

Permafrost prevents deep root penetration and restricts water drainage.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct match between a macromolecule class and an example?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrate – starch

Question 16

Which of the following is a feature shared by all chordates at some point in their development?

Accepted Answer

Notochord

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the main adaptation that allowed birds to achieve powered flight?

Accepted Answer

Presence of feathers and a lightweight, hollow-boned skeleton

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the Cambrian Explosion?

Accepted Answer

It occurred approximately 540 million years ago and saw a rapid diversification of animal body plans.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Accepted Answer

Autotrophs produce their own food (e.g., via photosynthesis); heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible reason for considering the reintroduction of woolly mammoths to the tundra biome?

Accepted Answer

They could help maintain grassland ecosystems and promote biodiversity.

Comprehensive Study Guidance for General Biology Exam 4 Topics

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