Question 1

Which of the following best explains why all cells in a multicellular organism have the same DNA but different structures and functions?

Accepted Answer

Cells selectively express certain genes, leading to specialization.

Question 2

A mutation in a Hox gene in a fruit fly causes legs to develop where antennae should be. What does this demonstrate about Hox genes?

Accepted Answer

Hox genes control the identity and position of body parts during development.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best evidence supporting the Serial Endosymbiosis Theory for the origin of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have a double membrane and their own circular DNA.

Question 4

Why did the evolution of vascular tissue allow plants to grow larger and colonize new environments?

Accepted Answer

It allowed efficient transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant body.

Question 5

Which of the following is a consequence of the surface area to volume ratio ($$\frac{SA}{V}) $$decreasing as organisms increase in size?

Accepted Answer

Larger organisms require specialized structures like circulatory systems.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the process of gene duplication and its evolutionary significance?

Accepted Answer

Gene duplication creates extra copies of genes, which can mutate and acquire new functions.

Question 7

During the Cambrian Explosion, animal diversity increased rapidly. Which combination of factors best explains this event?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic genetic changes (like Hox gene duplication) and extrinsic environmental changes (like increased oxygen).

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used to classify animals?

Accepted Answer

Type of cell wall

Question 9

A plant species prevents self-fertilization by having male and female gametophytes mature at different times. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Temporal avoidance

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism, where both the fungus and plant benefit by exchanging nutrients.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct sequence in the plant life cycle (alternation of generations)?

Accepted Answer

Sporophyte ($$2n$$) → meiosis → spores ($$n$$) → mitosis → gametophyte ($$n)$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of protostomes compared to deuterostomes?

Accepted Answer

Protostomes develop the mouth from the blastopore; deuterostomes develop the anus from the blastopore.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of coevolution?

Accepted Answer

A plant evolving toxins and an insect evolving resistance to those toxins.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why cyanobacteria were critical to the evolution of life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

They were the first organisms to perform photosynthesis and produce oxygen.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct match between a phylum and a key characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Cnidaria – stinging cells (nematocysts)

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why gene families, such as the globin genes, exist?

Accepted Answer

Gene families arise from gene duplication events, allowing different genes to specialize for different functions or developmental stages.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of fungi in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation

Question 18

A researcher discovers a new organism that is multicellular, has cell walls made of chitin, and absorbs nutrients after external digestion. To which kingdom does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Fungi

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the Red Queen Hypothesis in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Species must continuously evolve to maintain their relative fitness in a changing environment.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi exchanging nutrients with plant roots

Evolutionary Developmental Biology, History of Life, Animal and Plant Diversity, and Ecology

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