Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'alpha diversity' in the context of the human microbiome?

Accepted Answer

The diversity within a single microbial community.

Question 2

A researcher is comparing the gut microbiomes of infants and adults. Which of the following patterns is most likely to be observed in infants compared to adults?

Accepted Answer

Lower alpha diversity and higher beta diversity.

Question 3

Which molecular method is most commonly used to characterize the diversity of bacteria in a microbiome sample by targeting the 16S rRNA gene?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing

Question 4

The 'Holobiont-Hologenome Theory of Evolution' proposes that:

Accepted Answer

The host and its microbiome evolve as a single cooperative unit.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key difference between 'richness' and 'evenness' in microbial ecology?

Accepted Answer

Richness measures the number of taxa, while evenness measures their relative abundance.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the term 'phylosymbiosis'?

Accepted Answer

A pattern where the phylogeny of host organisms matches the structure of their microbial communities.

Question 7

A newborn delivered by C-section is more likely to have which of the following compared to a vaginally delivered infant?

Accepted Answer

Microbiome composition more similar to maternal skin than vaginal microbiota.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) is correct?

Accepted Answer

HMOs serve as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut microbes such as Bifidobacterium.

Question 9

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of early-life antibiotic exposure, based on current research?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of asthma, allergies, and obesity.

Question 10

A scientist is using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the gut microbiome. Which of the following best describes a key advantage of NGS over traditional culturing methods?

Accepted Answer

NGS allows for the identification of both culturable and non-culturable microbes.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why the term 'commensal' is controversial in microbiome research?

Accepted Answer

More sensitive analyses often reveal that microbes previously thought to be neutral actually affect host fitness.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of 'vertical transmission' of microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of microbes from mother to infant during vaginal birth.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key finding from the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) Phase 1?

Accepted Answer

There is significant diversity in microbiome composition between individuals and body sites.

Question 14

A mother’s diet and microbiome can influence her infant’s risk for which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Asthma, allergy, diabetes, and adiposity.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes 'beta diversity'?

Accepted Answer

Diversity between different microbial communities.

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible mechanism by which breastmilk supports infant gut health?

Accepted Answer

Breastmilk contains both beneficial microbes and prebiotics that promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the controversy regarding the placental microbiome?

Accepted Answer

There is ongoing debate about whether a true placental microbiome exists or if the womb is sterile.

Question 18

Which of the following is a 'keystone' species in the vaginal microbiome, especially in women of European ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Lactobacillus species

Question 19

A child exposed to a diverse household microbiome (e.g., from pets and older siblings) is likely to have which of the following outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Decreased risk of asthma and allergies.

Question 20

Which equation would you use to calculate phylogenetic diversity in a microbial community?

Accepted Answer

$$PD = \sum_{i=1}^{n} L_i$$

Human Microbiomes: Infant and Normal Development

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