Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the complete set of genes inherited, while phenotype is the combination of genotype and environmental influences resulting in the actual expression of traits.

Question 2

A child inherits one allele for brown eyes from their mother and one allele for blue eyes from their father. If brown is dominant, what will be the child's eye color and what is the genetic term for this allele combination?

Accepted Answer

Brown eyes; heterozygous

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of polygenetic inheritance?

Accepted Answer

A person developing height influenced by many genes, each contributing a small effect

Question 4

Which prenatal period is characterized by the development of the three embryonic layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm?

Accepted Answer

Period of the embryo

Question 5

A pregnant woman is exposed to high levels of lead in her environment. According to the study materials, what is a likely consequence for her child?

Accepted Answer

The child may experience both physical and mental developmental issues, and may have increased risk for health problems such as leukemia.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about dizygotic (fraternal) twins is correct?

Accepted Answer

They result from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm and are no more genetically similar than other siblings.

Question 7

Which principle of prenatal development explains why the head develops before the rest of the body?

Accepted Answer

Cephalocaudal principle

Question 8

A woman gives birth at 34 weeks gestation. According to the study materials, how would this birth be classified?

Accepted Answer

Premature or preterm

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about the impact of teratogens on prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

The effect of a teratogen depends on the genotype of the organism and the timing of exposure.

Question 10

Which of the following genetic disorders is caused by a dominant allele?

Accepted Answer

Huntington's disease

Question 11

A couple is concerned about the risk of inherited disorders in their future child. Which of the following would be the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Seek genetic counseling to assess the chances of inherited disorders.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the process of niche picking?

Accepted Answer

Children actively select environments that complement their genetic tendencies.

Question 13

During which week of prenatal development does the circulatory system begin to function?

Accepted Answer

Week 12

Question 14

A newborn is delivered with a birth weight of 2.0 pounds. According to the study materials, how would this birth weight be classified?

Accepted Answer

Extremely low birth weight

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely risk factor for postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Pre-pregnancy depression, high stress, and lack of support

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why monozygotic twins are genetically identical?

Accepted Answer

They result from one egg and one sperm that split into two embryos soon after conception.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a general risk factor for abnormal prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Mother's age between 20 and 35 years

Question 18

A researcher wants to determine whether a trait is more influenced by heredity or environment. Which study design would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Comparing adopted children to both their biological and adoptive parents

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the cephalocaudal and proximodistal principles of development?

Accepted Answer

Cephalocaudal: growth from head to tail; Proximodistal: growth from center to extremities

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

DNA is a double string of chemical compounds, including adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine.

Biological Foundations: Heredity, Prenatal Development, and Birth

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards