Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of endosymbiosis as it relates to the origin of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

A prokaryotic cell engulfed another prokaryote, which then became a functional organelle within the host cell.

Question 2

During which geologic eon did the first prokaryotic cells most likely appear on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Archaean eon

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between endosymbiosis and an endosymbiont?

Accepted Answer

Endosymbiosis is a process, while an endosymbiont is the organism living inside another.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why RNA is hypothesized to have been the first genetic material?

Accepted Answer

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

Question 5

The Cambrian explosion is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A rapid diversification of animal body plans and the appearance of most major animal phyla.

Question 6

Which of the following features would you expect to find in mitochondria if the endosymbiotic theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

A plasma membrane, DNA, and ribosomes

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of paedomorphosis?

Accepted Answer

A species of frog that retains its tail into adulthood, unlike related species.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of exaptation?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of bird feathers, which originally evolved for temperature regulation but are now used for flight.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the difference between heterochrony and paedomorphosis?

Accepted Answer

Heterochrony is a change in the timing or rate of developmental events; paedomorphosis is a type of heterochrony where juvenile features are retained in the adult.

Question 10

Which of the following events is most closely associated with the end of the Mesozoic era?

Accepted Answer

Cretaceous mass extinction

Question 11

Which of the following statements about plate tectonics is correct?

Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics can lead to the formation of new continents and the isolation of populations, promoting speciation.

Question 12

Which of the following is a plausible scenario for the formation of protocells on early Earth?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous assembly of lipid molecules into vesicles that encapsulate self-replicating RNA.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

A single lineage rapidly diversifies into many new species, often following a mass extinction or the colonization of new habitats.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the oxygen revolution?

Accepted Answer

It was caused by the evolution of photosynthetic prokaryotes, leading to a dramatic increase in atmospheric oxygen.

Question 15

A paleontologist discovers a fossil in a rock layer dated to the Paleozoic era. Which of the following organisms is most likely to be found in this fossil?

Accepted Answer

An early fish

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of a membrane-bound nucleus

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why fossils of mammals are more likely to be found in Cenozoic strata than in older rocks?

Accepted Answer

Mammals diversified and became dominant after the Cretaceous mass extinction, which marks the beginning of the Cenozoic era.

Question 18

Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?

Accepted Answer

The appendix

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between exaptation and a vestigial structure?

Accepted Answer

Exaptation is when a structure evolves a new function; a vestigial structure has lost its original function.

Question 20

A scientist is studying a microfossil from a 3-billion-year-old stromatolite. Which of the following structures is most likely to be present?

Accepted Answer

A plasma membrane

Chapter 25: Early Earth, Evolution, and Major Biological Events – Guided Study

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard