Question 1

Which of the following best describes a synapomorphy in the context of phylogenetic trees?

Accepted Answer

A shared derived characteristic that is present in an ancestor and all its descendants.

Question 2

A paleontologist discovers a fossil with features found in both reptiles and birds. Which concept best explains the presence of these shared derived characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Synapomorphy

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The development of wings in bats and birds, which evolved independently.

Question 4

Which type of bias in the fossil record results from the fact that organisms with hard parts are more likely to be preserved?

Accepted Answer

Tissue bias

Question 5

A researcher is constructing a phylogenetic tree and must decide between two possible trees. According to the principle of parsimony, which tree should be chosen?

Accepted Answer

The tree that requires the fewest evolutionary changes.

Question 6

Which of the following best defines a monophyletic group?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 7

During which geological era did the Cambrian explosion occur?

Accepted Answer

Paleozoic era

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a background extinction event?

Accepted Answer

The gradual disappearance of a species due to competition and environmental change.

Question 9

Which method is most appropriate for determining the absolute age of a fossil?

Accepted Answer

Radiometric dating

Question 10

A group of organisms that share a recent common ancestor but not all descendants of that ancestor are included in the group is called:

Accepted Answer

Paraphyletic group

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the ecological niche of a species?

Accepted Answer

The role a species plays in its environment, including its interactions and resource use.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

A single ancestral species rapidly diversifies into many new species to fill different ecological niches.

Question 13

Which of the following is a derived trait (apomorphy)?

Accepted Answer

A trait that evolved in a lineage and is unique to that lineage.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the fossil record is incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Only organisms with hard parts are fossilized, and certain environments favor fossilization.

Question 15

A scientist is studying a group of organisms that do not share a recent common ancestor but have similar features. This group is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Polyphyletic

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct application of radiometric dating?

Accepted Answer

Using the decay of $$^{14}C to$$ $$^{14}N to $$estimate the age of a 5,000-year-old bone.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a mass extinction event?

Accepted Answer

A rapid and widespread loss of a large number of species in a relatively short period.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of taxonomic bias in the fossil record?

Accepted Answer

Fossils of mollusks are more common than those of soft-bodied worms.

Question 19

A paleontologist finds a fossil in a rock layer dated to the end-Permian period. Which major event is most likely associated with this fossil?

Accepted Answer

The largest mass extinction in Earth's history.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a clade?

Accepted Answer

A group of organisms that share a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Key Terms in Evolutionary Biology and Paleontology

스터디 가이드 - 연습 문제

학습 가이드 - 플래시카드