Q: Which equation would you use to estimate the similarity of DNA sequences between two species?

$$S = \frac{N_{match}}{N_{total}} \times 100\%$$

Question 1

The first image shows layers of rock, similar to those found in the Grand Canyon. What scientific method is most commonly used to determine the age of these rock layers and the fossils within them?

Accepted Answer

Radiometric dating

Question 2

The second image is of a Chinese hibiscus, a flowering plant. Which mechanism of speciation is most likely responsible for the origin of many cultivated plant species, including hibiscus?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation via polyploidy

Question 3

The third image shows a fluffy, feathered organism. Feathers are thought to have first evolved for which primary function, according to the concept of exaptation?

Accepted Answer

Insulation

Question 4

The fourth image is a fossil with both reptilian and avian features. Which evolutionary concept does this fossil best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Exaptation

Question 5

The fifth image shows a lizard on a smooth surface. Urban populations of this species have evolved more sticky scales. What evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for this adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations whose members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring

Question 7

Which of the following is a prezygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral isolation

Question 8

What is necessary for allopatric speciation to occur?

Accepted Answer

Geographic isolation

Question 9

Which equation represents the radioactive decay used in radiometric dating?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ e$$^{-\lambda t}$$

Question 10

Which event is associated with the Permian mass extinction?

Accepted Answer

The formation of the supercontinent Pangaea

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Bird wings and insect wings

Question 12

Which mechanism can result in sympatric speciation in plants?

Accepted Answer

Polyploidy

Question 13

Which concept explains why the structure of feathers did not evolve in anticipation of flight?

Accepted Answer

Exaptation

Question 14

Which equation would you use to calculate the rate of speciation if you know the number of species and the time interval?

Accepted Answer

$$r = \frac{\Delta N}{\Delta t}$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a postzygotic barrier?

Accepted Answer

Gametic isolation

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a clade?

Accepted Answer

An ancestral species and all its evolutionary descendants

Question 17

If marsupials originated in Asia and reached Australia via South America, where else should paleontologists find fossil marsupials?

Accepted Answer

In South America and Asia

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

The origin of flight in birds

Question 19

Which equation would you use to estimate the similarity of DNA sequences between two species?

Accepted Answer

$$S = \frac{N_{match}}{N_{total}} 	imes 100\%$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible outcome after geographic isolation of populations?

Accepted Answer

The populations evolve reproductive barriers and become separate species

How Biological Diversity Evolves: Speciation, Macroevolution, and Classification

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