Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why lateral gene transfer complicates the construction of prokaryotic phylogenies?

Accepted Answer

Lateral gene transfer allows genes to move between unrelated lineages, resulting in gene trees that may not match organismal trees.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a cell wall containing pseudopeptidoglycan, living in a hot, salty environment. To which domain does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Archaea

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the process of primary endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A eukaryotic cell engulfed a cyanobacterium, which became the chloroplast.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key adaptation that allowed plants to colonize land?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of cuticle and stomata to reduce water loss

Question 5

A plant cell is placed in a solution with a lower solute concentration than its cytoplasm. Which process will primarily drive water movement into the cell, and what is the relevant equation?

Accepted Answer

Osmosis; $\Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between xylem and phloem transport in plants?

Accepted Answer

Xylem uses the cohesion-tension mechanism to move water upward, while phloem uses pressure flow to move sugars bidirectionally.

Question 7

Which of the following is a synapomorphy for all fungi?

Accepted Answer

Cell walls made of chitin

Question 8

In the alternation of generations in land plants, which of the following correctly matches the generation with its ploidy and function?

Accepted Answer

Sporophyte: diploid, produces spores by meiosis

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why biofilms are adaptive for prokaryotes in natural environments?

Accepted Answer

Biofilms provide protection from environmental stress and facilitate nutrient sharing among cells.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a chemoautotrophic prokaryote?

Accepted Answer

A bacterium that oxidizes ammonia ($\mathrm{NH_3}$) to obtain energy and uses $\mathrm{CO_2}$ as a carbon source

Question 11

Which of the following is evidence supporting the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria have their own circular DNA and ribosomes similar to bacteria.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between gymnosperms and angiosperms?

Accepted Answer

Angiosperms have flowers and double fertilization, while gymnosperms do not.

Question 13

A botanist is examining a plant with parallel leaf veins, scattered vascular bundles in the stem, and a single cotyledon in the seed. To which group does this plant most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Monocots

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of saprobic fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients.

Question 15

Which process is responsible for the movement of water from roots to leaves in tall trees, and what property of water is essential for this process?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion-tension mechanism; hydrogen bonding

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of how prokaryotes affect their environment through the nitrogen cycle?

Accepted Answer

Cyanobacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen ($\mathrm{N_2}$) into ammonia ($\mathrm{NH_3}$), making it available to plants.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the alternation of generations in a multicellular protist like Ulva?

Accepted Answer

Both haploid and diploid forms are multicellular and look identical; meiosis produces spores, and mitosis occurs in both generations.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why the majority of prokaryote species have never been studied?

Accepted Answer

Most prokaryotes cannot be cultured in the laboratory using standard techniques.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of quorum sensing in bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria detect population density by releasing and sensing signaling molecules, coordinating group behaviors.

Question 20

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Study Guide: Evolution and Diversity of Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Plants, and Fungi

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards