Question 1

Which hypothesis explains the maintenance of sexual reproduction as a response to parasite pressure, and is illustrated by the 'Red Queen' analogy (as seen in the first image)?

Accepted Answer

Red Queen hypothesis

Question 2

According to Muller's Ratchet, what is the main disadvantage of asexual reproduction in small populations?

Accepted Answer

Deleterious mutations accumulate and cannot be eliminated

Question 3

Which equation best represents the two-fold advantage of asexual reproduction over sexual reproduction, assuming all females have two offspring?

Accepted Answer

$$N_{asexual} = 2N_{female}$$

Question 4

In the context of parasite-host coevolution, what is the primary advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction enables rapid generation of new genotypes via recombination

Question 5

Empirical studies with snails and their parasites in New Zealand (as shown in the fourth image) demonstrated which pattern regarding sexual and asexual populations?

Accepted Answer

Sexual populations were more stable, while asexuals experienced 'booms and busts'

Question 6

The 'good genes' hypothesis for female mate choice suggests that females prefer males with exaggerated traits because:

Accepted Answer

Such traits indicate resistance to parasites and higher offspring viability

Question 7

Wolbachia bacteria can induce parthenogenesis in arthropods. What is parthenogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Reproduction without fertilization, resulting in only female offspring

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an effect of Wolbachia infection in arthropods?

Accepted Answer

Increased male fecundity

Question 9

In the life cycle of Strongyloides ratti (as shown in the sixth image), what is the difference between homogonic and heterogonic development?

Accepted Answer

Heterogonic development includes both male and female free-living stages

Question 10

Which scenario would favor the maintenance of sexual reproduction according to the Red Queen hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

High parasite pressure and rapidly changing environment

Question 11

What is the main benefit for Wolbachia in causing cytoplasmic incompatibility in arthropods?

Accepted Answer

It increases the proportion of infected females in the population

Question 12

Which equation best describes the process of recombinational DNA repair in sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

$$DNA_{repaired} = DNA_{damaged} + DNA_{template}$$

Question 13

In the case of bedbugs and Wolbachia, what is the nature of their relationship?

Accepted Answer

Obligate mutualism, with bedbugs dependent on Wolbachia for vitamin B7

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction is favored in environments with high parasite diversity?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction allows for rapid generation of new host genotypes that can evade parasites

Question 15

What is the expected mode of transmission for Wolbachia in nematodes, where it is essential for development and fertility?

Accepted Answer

Vertical transmission

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible reason why asexual lineages may experience 'booms and busts' in populations exposed to parasites?

Accepted Answer

Asexual lineages cannot generate new genotypes quickly enough to evade specialized parasites

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a proposed advantage for sexual systems?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of adaptive combinations without recombination

Question 18

What is the main reason that sexual reproduction can help hosts counter parasites, according to the Red Queen hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction allows for rapid generation of new host phenotypes

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the relationship between parasite pressure and the frequency of sexual reproduction in host populations?

Accepted Answer

High parasite pressure leads to increased frequency of sexual reproduction

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example supporting the Red Queen hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Snails in New Zealand with fluke parasites showing more stable populations in sexual individuals

parasite lec 11

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