Question 1

Which process is primarily responsible for the genetic variation observed in sexually reproducing populations, as described in Mendel's experiments?

Accepted Answer

Random fertilization and independent assortment during meiosis

Question 2

According to Mendel's Law of Segregation, what happens to alleles during gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

The two alleles for a character separate and end up in different gametes

Question 3

A diploid cell with 20 chromosomes undergoes S-phase and then meiosis I. How many chromosomes will each resulting cell have after meiosis I?

Accepted Answer

40 after S-phase; 20 after meiosis I

Question 4

Which phase of meiosis best confirms Mendel’s observation of the segregation of alleles in gamete formation?

Accepted Answer

Anaphase I

Question 5

In Mendel’s monohybrid cross between true-breeding purple and white pea plants, what was the phenotypic ratio observed in the F2 generation?

Accepted Answer

$$3:1$$

Question 6

If a heterozygous pea plant (Pp) is self-fertilized, what is the expected genotypic ratio in the F2 generation?

Accepted Answer

$$1:2:1 (PP$$:Pp:pp)

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction is favored in populations experiencing high levels of parasitism?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation, allowing rapid adaptation to changing environments

Question 8

What is the main difference between blending inheritance and Mendel’s particulate inheritance hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Blending inheritance suggests traits mix and become intermediate, while particulate inheritance suggests traits are inherited as discrete units (genes)

Question 9

A population of freshwater snails in New Zealand shows a higher proportion of sexually reproducing individuals when parasitism is high. What evolutionary concept does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The Red Queen hypothesis

Question 10

In a Punnett square for a cross between two heterozygous pea plants (Pp x Pp), what fraction of the offspring will be homozygous recessive?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{1}{4}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of incomplete dominance?

Accepted Answer

A cross between red and white snapdragons produces pink offspring

Question 12

If a parent with blood type B ($$I^B i) $$mates with a parent with blood type AB ($$I^A I^B$$), which blood types are possible in their offspring?

Accepted Answer

A, B, and AB

Question 13

Which term describes the outward appearance of an individual resulting from its genotype?

Accepted Answer

Phenotype

Question 14

What is the evolutionary significance of genetic variation within populations?

Accepted Answer

It allows natural selection to accumulate genetic variations favored by the environment

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a 'selfish' gene involved in meiotic drive?

Accepted Answer

A gene that causes certain chromosomes to be overrepresented in offspring, potentially bringing along negative genotypes

Question 16

In Mendel’s experiments, what was the key reason for using pea plants?

Accepted Answer

They could self-fertilize or be cross-fertilized, and had many varieties with distinct traits

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a result of random fertilization in sexually reproducing organisms?

Accepted Answer

It ensures offspring are genetically identical to parents

Question 18

What is the genotype of a true-breeding dominant pea plant for flower color?

Accepted Answer

PP

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of genetic polymorphism, as illustrated by ABO blood groups?

Accepted Answer

The existence of multiple alleles for a gene within a population

Question 20

If a population experiences rapid environmental changes due to parasites, which reproductive strategy is most likely to be favored?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction

Mendelian Genetics, Sexual Reproduction, and Genetic Variation

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