Question 1

Which of the following best explains why antibiotic resistance in bacteria is considered a real-world example of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria with pre-existing resistance genes survive antibiotic treatment and reproduce, increasing the frequency of resistance in the population.

Question 2

A population of birds lives on an island where only large, hard seeds are available after a drought. Over several generations, the average beak size in the population increases. Which type of selection is most likely responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 3

Which of the following statements about viruses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Viruses require a host cell to reproduce and lack cellular structure.

Question 4

A small group of lizards is swept by a storm to a new island, where they establish a new population with limited genetic variation. This scenario is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Founder effect

Question 5

Which of the following is a prezygotic barrier to reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral isolation

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the role of mycorrhizae in plant-fungi mutualisms?

Accepted Answer

Fungi increase water and mineral uptake for plants, while plants supply sugars to fungi.

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the flow of energy through a terrestrial ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Producers → primary consumers → secondary consumers

Question 8

A scientist observes that two unrelated species of animals living in similar environments have developed similar body shapes and functions. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Analogous structures

Question 9

Which of the following equations correctly represents exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$

Question 10

Which adaptation allowed plants to colonize drier environments and grow taller?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of vascular tissue

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat and used for life processes at each level.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the xylem in plants?

Accepted Answer

Carrying water and minerals upward from roots

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, leading to global warming.

Question 14

Which of the following is a density-independent factor that can limit population growth?

Accepted Answer

Weather events

Question 15

Which of the following is a postzygotic barrier to gene flow between species?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of transpiration in plants?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation of water from leaves, creating a pull that moves water upward in xylem

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen fixation converts N₂ gas into forms usable by plants, often with the help of bacteria.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between bacteria and archaea?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are common in many environments, while archaea are often found in extreme conditions.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

A species is a group that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of coevolution?

Accepted Answer

A plant evolving thorns to deter herbivores, while the herbivore evolves resistance to the thorns.

General Biology: Evolution, Diversity, Microbial Life, Plants, Animals, and Ecology – Study Notes

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