Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring, while sexual reproduction produces genetically diverse offspring.

Question 2

A strawberry plant can reproduce both sexually and asexually. If the diploid number of chromosomes in the plant is 14, how many chromosomes are present in each gamete produced by the flower?

Accepted Answer

$$7$$

Question 3

Which process is responsible for reducing the chromosome number by half in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 4

During which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur, and what is its evolutionary significance?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I; it increases genetic variation among offspring.

Question 5

If a cell in prophase I of meiosis has a diploid number (2n) of 36, how many chromosomes will each gamete have at the end of meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

1 set of chromosomes for a total of 18 chromosomes

Question 6

Which of the following events is unique to meiosis and does NOT occur in mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Synapsis and crossing over of homologous chromosomes

Question 7

Which mechanism contributes most directly to the nearly infinite genetic variation seen in sexually reproducing populations?

Accepted Answer

The combination of independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization

Question 8

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After meiosis, how many chromosomes are present in each human gamete?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 9

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They carry the same genes but may have different alleles.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction is advantageous in changing environments, according to the Red Queen Hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

It generates genetic diversity, increasing the chances of survival against evolving threats.

Question 11

Which of the following is a direct result of independent assortment during meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Each gamete receives a random mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

Question 12

If a mutation occurs during DNA replication before meiosis, which cells are most likely to carry the mutation?

Accepted Answer

Only the gametes produced from that germ cell

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the outcome of meiosis II?

Accepted Answer

Four haploid cells, each with unduplicated chromosomes

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during S phase

Question 15

A cell contains two homologous sets of chromosomes. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The cell is diploid.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the alternation of fertilization and meiosis in the human life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number, and fertilization restores it.

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about sister chromatids?

Accepted Answer

They are formed by the replication of a single chromosome.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the chromosomes in each daughter cell at the end of meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

The sister chromatids of each duplicated chromosome are no longer identical.

Question 19

Which of the following equations correctly represents the chromosome number changes during the human life cycle?

Accepted Answer

$$2n \rightarrow 1n$$ during meiosis; $$1n + 1n = 2n$$ during fertilization

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why banana crops are at risk for disease outbreaks?

Accepted Answer

Bananas are genetic clones, so a disease can wipe out the entire population.

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles: Mechanisms of Genetic Variation

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