Biology Evolution and Natural Selection Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which type of science aims to characterize a system without manipulating any variables?

Descriptive science, observational study (correct)

Hypothesis-testing science, observational study

Pseudo-science, observational study

Descriptive science, manipulative study

Homologous traits perform the same function in different species.

False

What mechanism does evolution rely on to explain homologies?

Shared ancestry

Blending inheritance results in the loss of ______ variation each generation.

phenotypic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about blending inheritance is true?

It proposes traits are combined into intermediate values. Signup and view all the answers

An individual with the genotype Aa is considered a homozygote.

False Signup and view all the answers

A locus is a specific ______ on a chromosome.

location Signup and view all the answers

Match the following fruit fly behaviors with their characteristics:

Attraction to food = Guided by sensory cues Fruit fly populations = Used for experimental evolution studies Maze performance = Test of learning and memory Behavioral responses = Adaptation through natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with the experimental design regarding courtship intensity scoring?

Confounding variable due to different scorers Signup and view all the answers

Observer bias may result in inaccurate scoring of courtship intensity.

True Signup and view all the answers

Define observer bias in the context of scoring behavior.

Observer bias is the tendency of observers to interpret or score data based on their expectations rather than the actual observations. Signup and view all the answers

Each male’s courtship intensity is scored on a scale from _ to _.

0, 10 Signup and view all the answers

What would be a better design to minimize differences in scoring between observers?

Randomize the scoring assignments among both observers Signup and view all the answers

Recording courtships on video and having one person score them is an unreasonable method to reduce bias.

False Signup and view all the answers

Explain why having different observers score different diet treatments can be problematic.

Different observers may have varying scoring criteria and interpretations, leading to inconsistent results that could falsely indicate differences caused by diet. Signup and view all the answers

Match the scoring method to its benefit:

Scoring by a single observer = Reduces variability in scoring Randomizing treatment assignments = Minimizes observer bias Using video recordings = Provides consistent assessment over trials Training assistants well = Improves reliability of observations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about natural selection is true?

Natural selection helps explain organism suitability to environments. Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection can lead to traits that are detrimental to population survival.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the Weismann barrier?

It is the concept that information flows only from germline to soma, preventing somatic mutations from affecting germ cells. Signup and view all the answers

In the study of southern elephant seals, males defend __________ containing many reproductive females.

harems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is false regarding germ-soma division?

Mutations in the soma can be transmitted to germ cells. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

Natural Selection = Variation among individuals in reproductive success Germ-soma division = Separation of genetic information from bodily mutations Harem behavior = Males defending multiple females for reproduction Weismann barrier = Restriction of mutations being passed to germ cells Signup and view all the answers

Natural selection is influenced by __________ among individuals.

variation Signup and view all the answers

Germ cells can originate from somatic tissue in some organisms.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Quiz 2

Academic Integrity Pledge: A pledge is required to ensure honest study practices.
Germ-Soma Division: In organisms with germ-soma division, genetic information flows only from the germline (reproductive cells) to the soma (body cells). Mutations in somatic cells usually cannot be passed on to the next generation. Exception: Plants, corals, and sponges do not have a strict germ-soma division. Somatic mutations can sometimes be passed onto germline cells.
Natural Selection: Natural selection helps organisms survive and reproduce in their specific environments. It's about the fittest individuals (not necessarily the strongest) leaving the most offspring. Traits that help with survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on. Natural selection acts on individuals, not species.
Evolutionary Study of Elephant Seals: A study is to record the number of females in the harem of each male elephant seal. This is a descriptive science, observational study, because the goal is just to describe observations and not to test causes.
Homologies: Homologous traits in different species often have similar structures, though their functions may differ. The similarities suggest shared ancestry (common descent). Not all homologies are visible at all stages of development. Homologies contradict the theory of special creation.
Blending Inheritance vs. Mendel's Inheritance: Blending inheritance states that traits of parents mix to create intermediate values in offspring. This model is incorrect because it fails to account for how traits reappear in later generations. Mendel's model of inheritance explains the reappearance of parental traits by describing how traits can be passed down through specific genes.
Genotypes and Phenotypes: An individual with genotype Aa is a heterozygote. An organism's observable traits (phenotype) aren’t always predictable from its genetic makeup (genotype), due to dominance, or potential environmental factors. Alleles, which are alternative forms of a gene, vary in terms of their traits and presence on the same locus.
Evolutionary Experiment with Fruit Flies: Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are used to study evolution. 50 males and 50 females from a population are placed at a maze. One group represents a control, while other groups are selected preferentially from the lowest numbered vials. The position of the flies in the maze is tracked over multiple generations.
Observational Study of Praying Mantises: Research involves observing how the courtship intensity of male praying mantises depends on their nutritional status. Researchers rear mantises on different diets to observe the difference in the courtship intensity through observers. This may cause observer bias, which would be a confounding variable. Solutions to this include removing cues that an observer might pick up or blind the observers, and/or quantifying data objectively.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in biology, including the academic integrity pledge, germ-soma division, and natural selection. Dive into the evolution of elephant seals and understand how these principles apply to real-world observations. This quiz covers fundamental aspects of evolutionary biology.

Biology Evolution and Natural Selection Quiz

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

Which type of science aims to characterize a system without manipulating any variables?

Homologous traits perform the same function in different species.

What mechanism does evolution rely on to explain homologies?

Blending inheritance results in the loss of ______ variation each generation.

Which of the following statements about blending inheritance is true?

An individual with the genotype Aa is considered a homozygote.

A locus is a specific ______ on a chromosome.

Match the following fruit fly behaviors with their characteristics:

What is a potential issue with the experimental design regarding courtship intensity scoring?

Observer bias may result in inaccurate scoring of courtship intensity.

Define observer bias in the context of scoring behavior.

Each male’s courtship intensity is scored on a scale from _ to _.

What would be a better design to minimize differences in scoring between observers?

Recording courtships on video and having one person score them is an unreasonable method to reduce bias.