Question 1

Recent genetic analysis shows that the gene for pale skin present in many Europeans can be traced to Homo sapiens' earliest migrations to Europe.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

There is no evidence that natural selection continues to play a role in our biology.

Accepted Answer

Natural selection continues to play a significant role in our biology. It is an ongoing process that affects the traits and characteristics of populations over time, based on their ability to survive and reproduce in their environment. Genetic variations that improve an individual's fitness are more likely to be passed on to future generations, while those that reduce fitness are less likely to be passed on, leading to evolution through natural selection.

Question 3

Stable isotopic analysis of oxygen from ice cores is used to document temperature change throughout history.Information for the Holocene indicates:
A)the last 50 yBP were the coldest period in the last 700,000 yBP.
B)the last 50 yBP were the warmest period in the last 9,000 yBP.
C)the last 50,000 yBP have been the warmest on record.
D)none of the above

Accepted Answer

Stable isotopic analysis of oxygen from ice cores indicates that the last 50 years have been the warmest period in the last 9,000 years of the Holocene epoch.

Question 4

Anthropogenic forces that contribute to greenhouse gases include all of the following EXCEPT:
A)burning of fossil fuels.
B)farming.
C)movements of the continental plates.
D)deforestation.

Accepted Answer

Movements of the continental plates are a natural geologic process and do not contribute to the release of greenhouse gases. The other three choices all involve human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 5

Parents with asthma are more likely to have children with allergies.

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that children of parents with asthma are more likely to develop allergies, though the exact reasons why are not fully understood. Genetics and environmental factors may both play a role.

Question 6

Some of the most compelling scientific evidence for global climate change is:
A)the 85% reduction in the size of ice fields atop Mt.Kilimanjaro,in Tanzania.
B)a 1.3°F increase in global temperatures during the last 100 years.
C)the increase of sea levels by 12 cm during the last 100 years.
D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

All the given options provide compelling scientific evidence for global climate change. The reduction in the size of ice fields atop Mt.Kilimanjaro, the increase in global temperatures, and the rise in the sea level all indicate the impact of global warming on the environment.

Question 7

Climate scientists predict a shifting pattern of precipitation with:
A)increasing dryness in the American Southwest and Midwest.
B)increasing wetness in the American Southwest and Midwest.
C)overall increased food supply.
D)reduced precipitation in the northern United States and in Europe.

Accepted Answer

Climate models predict that the American Southwest and Midwest will experience increased dryness due to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe droughts.

Question 8

The record of human evolution over the last 5 myBP suggests that humans will develop the means for dealing with temperature change and with environmental disruption.

Accepted Answer

The record of human evolution over the last 5 myBP suggests that humans have developed the means for dealing with temperature change and with environmental disruption.

Question 9

Allergic reactions to food are a signal that the body is responding to something perceived as a foreign antigen.

Accepted Answer

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakes a harmless substance (such as food) as a foreign invader and releases histamines and other chemicals to fight it off. This immune response can cause symptoms ranging from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Question 10

Endotoxins appear important in the development of a healthy immune system.

Accepted Answer

Endotoxins, which are components of the cell wall of certain bacteria, have been shown to stimulate the development and maturation of the immune system. Exposure to endotoxins during early life may help reduce the risk of developing allergic and autoimmune diseases later in life.

Question 11

Evidence for continued biological evolution in humans and in other organisms includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A)increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis.
B)high frequencies of the sickle-cell trait in malaria-endemic areas.
C)technological solutions for coping with climate change.
D)antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in hospitals.

Accepted Answer

Technological solutions for coping with climate change do not necessarily indicate biological evolution. The other choices demonstrate the continued evolution of pathogens in response to environmental pressures, such as antibiotics and high rates of disease. The sickle-cell trait also demonstrates natural selection in humans in response to malaria.

Question 12

Reduction of biodiversity:
A)has few negative impacts for humans.
B)reduces our ability to produce food.
C)cannot be slowed.
D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

Reduction of biodiversity reduces our ability to produce food by limiting the variety of plant and animal species available for cultivation and rearing. Option A is incorrect as reduction of biodiversity has significant negative impacts on human well-being, such as increased spread of diseases and loss of ecosystem services. Option C is also incorrect as reduction of biodiversity can be slowed through conservation efforts and sustainable practices.

Question 13

The burning of coal is one of the main contributing factors to global warming.

Accepted Answer

Burning coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.

Question 14

Health conditions considered climate-sensitive and likely to increase with increasing greenhouse gases include:
A)cardiovascular disease.
B)malaria.
C)malnutrition.
D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on human health, and the effects will vary based on many factors, including geographic location, demographics, and socioeconomic status. However, some health conditions are identified as climate-sensitive and likely to worsen as greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, which may be exacerbated by extreme heat events, air pollution, and other factors associated with climate change, as well as infectious diseases such as malaria, which is likely to spread as temperatures and rainfall patterns change. Malnutrition is another climate-sensitive health condition that may be worsened by changes in agricultural productivity and food security caused by global warming. Therefore, all of the above options, cardiovascular disease, malaria, and malnutrition, are considered climate-sensitive health conditions likely to increase with increasing greenhouse gases.

Question 15

The United States will be relatively unaffected by the impacts of global warming.

Accepted Answer

The United States, like all other countries, will experience significant impacts of global warming, including sea level rise, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, changes in ecosystems and agricultural productivity, and potentially significant economic and human health impacts. While some regions and sectors within the US may be more affected than others, no part of the country is immune to the impacts of global warming.

Question 16

Burning of fossil fuels represents the earliest way in which humans began to alter their environment.

Accepted Answer

Humans began altering their environment through activities like agriculture and deforestation long before the burning of fossil fuels.

Question 17

Global warming affects us through all of the following EXCEPT:
A)potentially negative impacts on food production.
B)reduction of disease vectors.
C)melting ice masses and coastal flooding.
D)none of the above

Accepted Answer

Global warming can potentially increase disease vectors as a result of changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, making it easier for disease-carrying organisms to thrive. Therefore, reduction of disease vectors is not an effect of global warming.

Question 18

Climate changes bring about illness and death because of:
A)hot and cold temperature extremes.
B)declines in air quality and water quality.
C)evolution of disease-causing microorganisms.
D)all of the above

Accepted Answer

Climate changes can cause both hot and cold temperature extremes, which can lead to heatstroke, hypothermia, and other related illnesses or even death. Declines in air and water quality, such as the increase in air pollutants or waterborne diseases, can also lead to illness and death. Moreover, climate changes can also trigger the evolution and proliferation of disease-causing microorganisms, expanding their range and exposure to human populations. Therefore, all of these factors are responsible for the health impacts of climate change.

Question 19

Analysis by McKee and colleagues of changes in human growth rates and population density and the effects of those changes on biodiversity indicates:
A)human population growth rates are correlated with numbers of threatened species.
B)increases in human population density are strongly correlated with numbers of threatened species.
C)species extinction rates are not expected to increase with human population densities.
D)both A and B

Accepted Answer

The answer of Analysis by McKee and colleagues of changes...

Question 20

Geneticists have already identified a couple of dozen genes that appear to confer selective advantages to human carriers.

Accepted Answer

Geneticists have indeed identified multiple genes that appear to confer selective advantages to human carriers, such as the ability to digest lactose or resist certain diseases.

Quiz 14: Evolution: Today and Tomorrow

Recent genetic analysis shows that the gene for pale skin present in many Europeans can be traced to Homo sapiens' earliest migrations to Europe.

There is no evidence that natural selection continues to play a role in our biology.

Stable isotopic analysis of oxygen from ice cores is used to document temperature change throughout history.Information for the Holocene indicates:

Anthropogenic forces that contribute to greenhouse gases include all of the following EXCEPT:

Parents with asthma are more likely to have children with allergies.

Some of the most compelling scientific evidence for global climate change is:

Climate scientists predict a shifting pattern of precipitation with:

The record of human evolution over the last 5 myBP suggests that humans will develop the means for dealing with temperature change and with environmental disruption.

Allergic reactions to food are a signal that the body is responding to something perceived as a foreign antigen.

Endotoxins appear important in the development of a healthy immune system.

Evidence for continued biological evolution in humans and in other organisms includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Reduction of biodiversity:

The burning of coal is one of the main contributing factors to global warming.

Health conditions considered climate-sensitive and likely to increase with increasing greenhouse gases include:

The United States will be relatively unaffected by the impacts of global warming.

Burning of fossil fuels represents the earliest way in which humans began to alter their environment.

Global warming affects us through all of the following EXCEPT:

Climate changes bring about illness and death because of:

Analysis by McKee and colleagues of changes in human growth rates and population density and the effects of those changes on biodiversity indicates:

Geneticists have already identified a couple of dozen genes that appear to confer selective advantages to human carriers.