Question 1

-The figure illustrates the concept of

Accepted Answer

Punctualism is the theory that evolution occurs in short, rapid bursts of change, rather than gradually over time. The figure shows a series of species that appear to have changed suddenly, rather than gradually. This is consistent with the theory of punctualism.

Question 2

Which of the following would be considered a population genetics question that could be answered using the Hardy-Weinberg equation?

Accepted Answer

The Hardy-Weinberg equation allows for the calculation of expected allele and genotype frequencies in a population under the assumption of no evolutionary forces at work (e.g. no selection, mutation, migration, or genetic drift). Therefore, one can use the equation to predict the frequency of a particular genotype in a future generation based on the allele frequencies in the current population.

Question 3

In order to support the hypothesis that two groups are different races, one group should have at least some unique alleles

Accepted Answer

For two groups to be considered different races, they should have significant differences in their genetic makeup. This means that a significant number of members in each group should have unique alleles that are not present in the other group. Therefore, option C is the best choice as it specifies that the unique alleles should be present in a significant number of members in the population. Options A, B, and D are not appropriate as they either mention unique alleles in just one individual or family line, or all members of the population, which is not sufficient to support the hypothesis of different races.

Question 4

Genealogical species are groups that have diverged from a common ancestor but aren't yet reproductively ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Genealogical species are groups that have diverged...

Question 5

What is found when alleles among different human groups are analyzed?

Accepted Answer

Studies on human genetics have shown that there are no race-specific alleles and no consistent patterns of allele frequencies within racial groups. While there may be some genetic differences between various populations, these differences do not align perfectly with traditional racial categories. Therefore, it is not accurate or scientifically valid to equate race with genetics.

Question 6

-California tarweed seeds were able to reach the Hawaiian Islands, and a new species emerged from this isolated population. This example illustrates

Accepted Answer

The founder hypothesis explains how a small group of individuals can establish a new population in a new location, leading to the emergence of new species due to genetic drift and isolation from the original population.

Question 7

The terms "subspecies" and "race" are best described by which of the following scenarios?

Accepted Answer

Subspecies or races are typically populations that are geographically separated and have distinct characteristics but can still interbreed if the geographical barrier is removed.

Question 8

Fossil evidence shows that all modern human populations evolved from human ancestors in Africa.

Accepted Answer

Fossil evidence and genetic analysis support the conclusion that all modern humans evolved from ancestors in Africa, specifically the region of East Africa, over hundreds of thousands of years.

Question 9

After a speciation event

Accepted Answer

After a speciation event, one new species may evolve, but the original species may also stay the same or evolve into something different. This is because speciation can occur through different processes, such as allopatric, sympatric or parapatric speciation, and the outcome of each may differ. In some cases, the original species may continue to exist alongside the new species, while in others, it may go extinct. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it accounts for the possible variability in the outcome of speciation events.

Question 10

The eggs released by sponges during reproduction have proteins on their surfaces that prevent sperm from different sponge species from binding to the eggs. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

This is an example of gamete compatibility, where proteins on the egg surface prevent sperm from different species from binding, ensuring species-specific fertilization.

Question 11

You read that two populations of hyena are different subspecies. Which of the following would be true of the two populations?

Accepted Answer

If two populations are different subspecies, they may have distinct physical features and genetic variations but would still be able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Thus, the choice A is correct. B, C, and D are not necessarily true characteristics of different subspecies.

Question 12

You're studying two species of frog. How would you know if gradualism or punctuated equilibrium played a role in the formation of the two species from their common ancestor?

Accepted Answer

The degree of difference between species is more influenced by the time elapsed since speciation rather than whether the speciation occurred gradually or suddenly.

Question 13

You're interested in the genetics of earlobe shape on your campus. Free (unattached)earlobes are caused by a dominant allele. The attached earlobe phenotype is caused by a recessive allele. Individuals with free earlobes have either a homozygous genotype or a heterozygous genotype. Assuming that your college campus is a stable population, how could you use one calculation to determine the percentage of students who have a heterozygous genotype for earlobe shape?

Accepted Answer

The percentage of people with attached earlobes (recessive phenotype) can be used to determine the frequency of the recessive allele, which can then be used to calculate the percentage of heterozygous individuals using the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

Question 14

Where can you find the most genetically diverse populations of humans?

Accepted Answer

Africa is considered to be the region with the highest genetic diversity among humans. This is due to the fact that humans are believed to have originated in Africa, and thus there has been more time for genetic diversity to accumulate. Additionally, many populations in Africa have had relatively limited contact with other populations, leading to increased genetic differences.

Question 15

You read that the frequency of a particular disease-associated recessive allele in a population is 12%. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of a recessive allele in a population refers to the proportion of all copies of the gene in that population that are of the recessive type. If the frequency is 12%, it means that, on average, 12 out of every 100 copies of the gene in the population are the disease-associated recessive allele. This does not directly translate to the percentage of individuals affected by or carriers of the disease, nor does it imply the allele is present in a specific percentage of cells in an individual's body.

Question 16

Why would a scientist use DNA fingerprinting to answer a question about human migration?

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine the frequency of a particular allele in different populations, which can provide information about the history of human migration and the spread of genetic traits across different regions. It is not useful for determining race, paternity, or the advantage of a specific allele in a particular environment.

Question 17

A gene exists as two alleles in a population of freely mating individuals. If 40% of the population carries the recessive allele (a)for the gene, what percentage of the population has the homozygous recessive aa genotype?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A gene exists as two alleles in...

Question 18

How are human fossils classified into species?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are human fossils classified into species?
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Question 19

About how long have modern humans existed?

Accepted Answer

The answer of About how long have modern humans existed?
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Question 20

A genealogical species definition includes fewer organisms than a biological species definition.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A genealogical species definition includes fewer organisms...

Quiz 12: Who Am I? Species and Races