Question 1

Which of the following best explains why siblings from the same parents can look different from each other?

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation arises from independent assortment, crossing over during meiosis, and random fertilization.

Question 2

A human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. After meiosis, how many chromosomes will each gamete contain?

Accepted Answer

$$23$$

Question 3

Which process is responsible for reducing the chromosome number from diploid to haploid in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 4

In a species where $$n = 4$$, how many possible combinations of chromosomes can be produced in gametes due to independent assortment alone?

Accepted Answer

$$2^4 = 16$

Question 5

Which event during meiosis increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Crossing over during prophase I

Question 6

A diploid cell with $$2n = 8$$ undergoes meiosis. How many chromosomes will each resulting gamete have?

Accepted Answer

$$4$$

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis involves crossing over; meiosis does not.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes a clone?

Accepted Answer

A group of genetically identical individuals from the same parent

Question 9

If a mutation occurs in a gene located at a specific locus on a chromosome, what is the most likely result?

Accepted Answer

A new allele of the gene may be created.

Question 10

Which of the following mechanisms does NOT contribute to genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

Replication of DNA during S phase

Question 11

During which phase of meiosis do homologous chromosomes separate?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 12

A geneticist observes that a certain plant species can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Which of the following is a likely advantage of sexual reproduction for this plant?

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic variation among offspring.

Question 13

If a human egg with an abnormal number of chromosomes (24 instead of 23) is fertilized by a normal sperm, what will be the chromosome number in the resulting zygote?

Accepted Answer

$$47$$

Question 14

Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They carry genes for the same traits at the same loci.

Question 15

In humans, how many possible chromosome combinations can result from independent assortment alone during gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

$$2^{23}$$

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Sister chromatids are separated into four haploid cells.

Question 17

A scientist observes a cell with two sets of chromosomes (2n) undergoing division. After two consecutive divisions, four cells are produced, each with one set of chromosomes (n). Which process did the cell undergo?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct result of fertilization in humans?

Accepted Answer

Doubling of chromosome number to restore diploidy

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the sexual life cycle of animals?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis → Fertilization → Mitosis

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why genetic variation is important for evolution?

Accepted Answer

It provides the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards