Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why protists are considered a paraphyletic group?

Accepted Answer

They do not share derived characteristics that set them apart from all other lineages.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a unicellular organism with a membrane-bound nucleus and mitochondria. Which domain does this organism belong to?

Accepted Answer

Domain Eukarya

Question 3

Which process is primarily responsible for the origin of mitochondria in eukaryotic cells according to the endosymbiosis theory?

Accepted Answer

Endosymbiosis of an alpha-proteobacterium

Question 4

Which of the following is a real-world example of a protist causing a major impact on human society?

Accepted Answer

The Irish potato famine caused by Phytophthora infestans

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of photosynthetic protists in the global carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

They act as primary producers, fixing atmospheric $$CO_2$$ into organic molecules.

Question 6

A harmful algal bloom in a coastal area is most likely caused by which group of protists?

Accepted Answer

Dinoflagellates

Question 7

Which of the following features is NOT evidence supporting the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the process of photosynthesis carried out by autotrophic protists?

Accepted Answer

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6$ + 6O_2$$

Question 9

Which of the following is a key ecological function of protists in aquatic food chains?

Accepted Answer

They serve as primary producers, forming the base of the food chain.

Question 10

A protist moves by extending long, fingerlike projections from its cell. What is this type of movement called?

Accepted Answer

Amoeboid motion via pseudopodia

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why sexual reproduction is considered adaptive in protists?

Accepted Answer

It produces genetically variable offspring that may survive environmental changes.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of taxonomic categories from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following is a plausible reason why researchers have difficulty developing a vaccine for malaria?

Accepted Answer

Plasmodium evolves resistance to drugs and changes rapidly due to natural selection.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a way protists obtain nutrients?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing nutrients from nitrogen gas via nitrogen fixation

Question 15

Which of the following structures is associated with support and protection in protists?

Accepted Answer

Cell walls, external shells, and rigid internal structures

Question 16

A protist is observed to be multicellular, have a cell wall, and is found in a massive structure in wet soil. To which major lineage does it most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Plantae

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the carbon cycle involving protists?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthetic protists fix $$CO_2$$ into organic molecules, which can become part of carbon sinks such as sedimentary rock and petroleum.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible strategy to help limit global climate change using protists?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizing the ocean to increase protist populations and enhance carbon sequestration in carbon sinks.

Question 19

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of stramenopiles?

Accepted Answer

Flagella covered with hollow, hairlike structures

Diversification of Eukaryotes: Protists and the Tree of Life

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