Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between homology and analogy in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Homology refers to similarities due to shared ancestry, while analogy refers to similarities due to convergent evolution.

Question 2

A scientist is constructing a phylogenetic tree using DNA sequence data. She notices that two species have very similar sequences for a particular gene. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The two species diverged from a common ancestor relatively recently.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic categories from most general to most specific?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 4

Carolus Linnaeus is best known for which contribution to biology?

Accepted Answer

Developing the binomial nomenclature system for naming species.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about molecular clocks is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Molecular clocks estimate divergence times based on the degree of genetic difference between species.

Question 6

A gene family, such as the globin genes, is an example of which evolutionary process?

Accepted Answer

Gene duplication followed by divergence within a species.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes orthologous genes?

Accepted Answer

Homologous genes in different species that diverged after a speciation event.

Question 8

Why is it important to use multiple genes when calibrating a molecular clock?

Accepted Answer

Different genes evolve at different rates and may be subject to different selective pressures.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of horizontal gene transfer?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium acquiring antibiotic resistance genes from another bacterium via conjugation.

Question 10

In a phylogenetic tree, what does a branch point (node) represent?

Accepted Answer

The most recent common ancestor of the descendant lineages.

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the pitfall of grouping by analogy rather than homology?

Accepted Answer

Grouping birds and mammals together because both have four-chambered hearts, even though this trait evolved independently.

Question 12

Which domain includes organisms with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 13

A researcher is comparing the amino acid sequences of a protein in humans and mice. She finds that 99% of the genes are orthologous. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Humans and mice share a recent common ancestor.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of wings in bats and birds, which are structurally different but serve the same function.

Question 15

If a gene changes very slowly over time, what is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

The gene is critical for survival and is under strong selective pressure to remain unchanged.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a clade?

Accepted Answer

A group consisting of an ancestral species and all its descendants.

Question 17

Why might the molecular clock rate not be constant over long evolutionary timescales?

Accepted Answer

Selective pressures can change, causing some genes to evolve faster or slower at different times.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct example of binomial nomenclature?

Accepted Answer

Homo sapiens

Question 19

A scientist finds a gene in humans and a similar gene in yeast. These genes are considered orthologous. What does this imply about their evolutionary history?

Accepted Answer

The genes were inherited from a common ancestor and diverged after speciation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world application of molecular systematics?

Accepted Answer

Tracking recent human migration using mitochondrial DNA.

Phylogeny and the Tree of Life: Systematics, Taxonomy, and Molecular Evolution

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