Rock Pocket Mouse Population Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the processes occurring between the mouse populations and their environments?

All colors are equally selected for in these populations.

No color selection occurs in these mouse populations.

Dark color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations. (correct)

Light color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations.

Which of the following best explains the relationship between coat color and predation rate in the rock pocket mouse population on the lava flow rocks with respect to the different coat color phenotypes?

All colors result in the same predation rate.

Light coat colors are favored in the lava flow rocks.

A dark coat color provides camouflage to mice on the lava flow rocks; therefore, mice with dark coats have a lower predation rate in that habitat. (correct)

Coat color has no effect on predation rate.

Based on the data in Table 1, which of the following best describes the relationship between the MC1R gene and coat color in the Carrizozo, New Mexico, rock pocket mouse population?

The MC1R allele is not responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population, so the dark coat color is likely a result of convergent evolution. (correct)

The dark coat color is entirely due to MC1R alleles.

There is no relationship between MC1R and coat color.

MC1R causes lighter coat colors.

Which of the following best predicts the effect of the enclosure on the O'Neill population?

The frequency of the MC1R allele will decline due to natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is closest to the frequency of the MC1R allele in the Tule Mountain population?

0.03 Signup and view all the answers

The researchers determined that the East lava flow population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Which of the following best explains why the population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

The presence of MC1R alleles in the East lava flow population is an indication of gene flow from mice populations living on light granite rocks. Signup and view all the answers

If geologic events lead to a series of new mountain ranges that divide the plateau into several discrete valleys, which of the following best describes how the L. clathratus population would be affected?

Geographic isolation will create separate gene pools, leading to speciation over time. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the phylogenetic relationships shown in Figure 1, which of the following best explains the similarities exhibited by whales, bony fishes, and cartilaginous fishes?

Convergent evolution, because these organisms do not share a recent common ancestor. Signup and view all the answers

Scientists claim that some of the populations in Marion County are at an increased risk of decline or extinction. Based on the data in Table 1, which of the following best provides evidence to support this claim?

The M4 and M5 populations have the lowest genetic diversity of all populations. Signup and view all the answers

Assuming that the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which of the following is the expected frequency of individuals with the genotype MN?

0.295 Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided in the figure, which of the following best describes how membrane-bound organelles provided unique evolutionary advantages to the last eukaryotic common ancestor?

Cells with mitochondria were able to utilize metabolic energy more efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the impact of these new selective pressures on the organisms involved?

The plant species will flower earlier in the spring in response to rising temperatures before the arrival of the pollinators, so seeds will not be produced. Signup and view all the answers

A scientist wishes to provide experimental evidence to support the model shown in Figure 1 by demonstrating the ability to synthesize an RNA molecule. Which of the following is an alternative hypothesis that can be tested to support the RNA World Hypothesis?

A mixture of ribonucleotides such as adenine and uracil will spontaneously form single-stranded chains of RNA. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the specimens indicated in the table is the oldest?

Specimen 4 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following student claims is best supported by the data provided?

Cattle and sheep are separated by only one node, and they are separated from the other organisms by more than one node. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the mechanism that caused this speciation event in the giant kangaroo rats of population A?

The animals in population A were reproductively isolated from those in populations B, C, and D. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best predicts the result of a comparison between the fossils found before and after the period of rapid change?

Most of the species found in the first static period will be absent in the second static period. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles best justifies a claim that cheetahs, compared to other large cats, have a relatively low resilience to environmental perturbations?

Populations with little genetic diversity are less likely to contain individuals that can withstand different selective pressures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an appropriate alternative hypothesis?

During the last few decades, tall buildings have been built around the woodlot, and species 3, 4, and 5 are shade-intolerant plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best predicts the impact on the lizard species if there is a gradual increase in the average temperatures found in both the lowlands and mountains in this region?

Some lizards will migrate to new habitats in the mountains and become isolated, leading to allopatric speciation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the expected distribution of proboscis size of the moths at the end of the five-year study?

Graph that starts at 5.0 cm and ends at 9.0 cm. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes what occurred during the periods indicated by the arrows?

Natural selection acted on variation that was present in both populations A and B, and the lack of gene flow eventually led to the formation of two new species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the phenotypic pattern in the moths over time?

The increased air pollution of the nineteenth century due to the use of coal led to a darkening of surfaces from soot. The darker backgrounds conferred a selective advantage to the black variety, as described by natural selection. A shift to less polluting fuel in the twentieth led to cleaner air and a lightening of the moth's normal habitat. Signup and view all the answers

Of the following, which is the best next step for the researchers to best determine the long-term effectiveness of these insecticides with regards to the development of resistance?

Continue treating the three insect populations with the same insecticides and determine whether their efficiencies decline significantly after several generations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mouse Populations and Coat Color

Dark coat color is favored in all mouse populations across geographical regions due to environmental adaptation.
Dark-coated rock pocket mice experience lower predation rates on lava flow rocks, indicating a survival advantage linked to camouflage.

Genetic Relationships and Evolution

The MC1RD allele does not influence dark coat color in the Carrizozo population, suggesting convergent evolution from different ancestors.
Natural selection will reduce the frequency of the MC1RD allele in the O'Neill population if conditions remain consistent.
The Tule Mountain population has a MC1RD allele frequency of 0.03.

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Dynamics

The East lava flow population shows signs of not being in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting gene flow from lighter granite populations.
Geographic barriers like new mountain ranges lead to the formation of separate gene pools and potential speciation.
A low genetic diversity in M4M4 and M5M5 populations points to increased risk of decline or extinction.

Phylogenetic Relationships and Speciation

Whales, bony fishes, and cartilaginous fishes demonstrate convergent evolution, highlighting shared adaptations rather than a common ancestor.
Cattle and sheep are closely related, separated by a single evolutionary node.
Speciation in giant kangaroo rats occurred due to reproductive isolation from other populations.

Environmental Changes and Adaptations

Species are expected to respond to rising temperatures by changing flowering times, affecting seed production.
Predictions suggest a rise in average temperatures could lead to lizards migrating to new habitats, resulting in allopatric speciation.

Evolutionary Mechanisms and Fossil Records

Fossil comparisons reveal that many species will be absent after rapid environmental changes, reflecting shifts in biodiversity.
Cheetahs, due to low genetic diversity, are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes compared to other large cats.

Research Methodologies and Future Directions

Evidence for the RNA World Hypothesis could include spontaneous formation of RNA from a mix of ribonucleotides.
Continued treatment of insect populations with insecticides is recommended to assess long-term resistance development.

Morphological Changes and Selection Pressures

Moth proboscis size is projected to increase from 5.0 cm to 9.0 cm over a five-year study, indicating evolutionary changes.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, natural selection favored variations in moth coloration due to changing environmental conditions from pollution.

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Test your knowledge of ecology and evolution with these multiple choice questions from Biology Unit 7. Explore concepts such as natural selection and the relationship between coat color and predation in mouse populations. Perfect for revision and reinforcing your understanding of key topics.

Biology Unit 7 MCQ Flashcards

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