Comparative Genomics and Evolution Quiz
29 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is natural selection primarily influenced by?

  • Environmental pressures (correct)
  • Independent assortment
  • Random mutations in DNA
  • Human interventions

    • Speciation results only from genetic drift and mutation.

    False

    What are the three main types of phenotypic selection?

    Stabilizing, directional, and disruptive selection.

    ___ occurs when populations are separated by geographic barriers, leading to speciation.

    <p>Allopatric speciation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following processes with their definitions:

    <p>Gene flow = Movement of alleles between populations Genetic drift = Random changes in allele frequencies Mutation = Permanent alteration in DNA sequence Natural selection = Differential survival and reproduction based on phenotype</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the gene is responsible for coding and includes exons?

    <p>Coding DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mutations can result from errors in DNA replication only.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one example of a result from non-disjunction during cell division.

    <p>Aneuploidy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ process amplifies DNA to produce enough material for analysis.

    <p>polymerase chain reaction (PCR)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of mutations to their correct definitions:

    <p>Point mutation = A change in a single nucleotide Frameshift mutation = Insertion or deletion that alters reading frame Non-disjunction = Error in chromosome separation during cell division Aneuploidy = Abnormal number of chromosomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key transcription factor that regulates morphology?

    <p>SRY</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Polygenic inheritance refers to traits controlled by a single gene.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of restriction enzymes in biotechnology?

    <p>Cutting DNA at specific sequences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    DNA profiling is used to identify __________ genetic information.

    <p>unique</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method can be used to predict genotype frequency based on offspring outcomes?

    <p>Punnett Square</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?

    <p>Forms new complementary strands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All mutations are harmful to an organism.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the maximum population size that an environment can sustain?

    <p>Carrying capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ is an organism's role within its ecosystem, including its habitat and interactions with other species.

    <p>niche</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of succession with their descriptions:

    <p>Primary succession = Begins in lifeless areas where soil has not yet formed Secondary succession = Occurs in areas where a disturbance has cleared the area Pioneer species = First organisms to colonize barren environments Climax community = A stable and mature ecological community</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the process of ecological succession?

    <p>The gradual change in species composition in an ecosystem over time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist indefinitely.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term refers to the genetic changes in populations over generations that can lead to the formation of new species?

    <p>Speciation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An interspecific hybrid that does not produce fertile offspring is known as a _____, specifically in horses and donkeys.

    <p>mule</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method of estimating population size?

    <p>DNA sequencing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Biotechnology applications can lead to the improvement of crop yields.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define the term 'mutation' in genetics.

    <p>A change in the DNA sequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ is a diagram that reflects the evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms.

    <p>cladogram</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors limits the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem?

    <p>Both biotic and abiotic factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Comparative Genomics and Evolution

    • Comparative Genomics compares genomic features to provide evidence for the theory of evolution
    • DNA sequencing, gene order, and degree of DNA similarity can be used to reveal phylogenetic relationships

    Natural Selection and Microevolution

    • Natural selection occurs when environmental selection pressures confer a selective advantage on a phenotype. This advantage enhances survival (viability) and reproduction (fecundity).
    • Allele frequency selection in a gene pool can be positive or negative
    • There are three main types of phenotypic selection: stabilizing, directional, and disruptive.
    • Microevolutionary change occurs through mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift.

    Speciation and Macroevolution

    • Speciation and macroevolutionary changes result from an accumulation of microevolutionary changes over time.
    • Diversification between species can follow these patterns: divergent, convergent, parallel, and coevolution.
    • There are three modes of speciation: allopatric, sympatric, and parapatric.
    • Mechanisms of isolation (geographic, reproductive, spatial, and temporal) can influence gene flow.
    • Reduced genetic diversity, often from population bottlenecks, increases the risk of extinction.
    • Speciation can be determined by interpreting gene flow and allele frequency data from different populations.

    Cellular Replication and Variation

    • Meiosis I and II involve homologous chromosomes.
    • Crossing over and recombination contribute to genetic variation during meiosis.
    • Spermatogenesis and oogenesis differ in the production of gametes (haploid and diploid cells).
    • Independent assortment and random fertilization alter the genotype variations of offspring.

    Gene Expression

    • A genome is the complete set of an organism's genetic material; a gene is a unit of heredity.
    • Genes consist of coding (exons) and noncoding (introns) DNA. Noncoding DNA includes functional RNA (tRNA), centromeres, telomeres, and introns.
    • Protein synthesis involves transcription of a gene into mRNA in the nucleus and translation of mRNA into an amino acid sequence at the ribosome (refer to tRNA, codons and anticodons).
    • The purpose of gene expression is to synthesize a functional gene product (protein or functional RNA); this process is regulated and used by all life.
    • Transcription factors regulate gene expression, controlling cell differentiation for tissue formation and morphology.
    • Some examples of transcription factors include HOX genes (regulate morphology) and SRY (regulates sex determination).

    Mutations

    • Mutations in genes and chromosomes can result from errors in:
      • DNA replication (point and frameshift mutations)
      • Cell division (non-disjunction)
      • Damage by mutagens (physical, including UV radiation, ionizing radiation, and heat; and chemical)
    • Non-disjunction leads to aneuploidy.
    • A human karyotype can be used to identify ploidy changes and predict a genetic disorder.
    • Inherited mutations can alter the variations in the genotype of offspring.

    Inheritance

    • Use probability models (Punnett squares and frequency histograms) to predict genotype and phenotype frequencies while considering inheritance patterns.
    • Allele types include autosomal dominant, sex-linked, and multiple alleles.
    • Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes influencing a trait.
    • Predict frequencies of genotypes and phenotypes using three possible alleles for polygenic inheritance.

    Biotechnology

    • Recombinant DNA is made through a series of steps:
      • Isolation of DNA
      • Cutting of DNA (restriction enzymes)
      • Insertion of DNA fragment (plasmid vector)
      • Joining of DNA (DNA ligase)
      • Amplification of recombinant DNA (bacterial transformation)
    • DNA sequencing maps species’ genomes and DNA profiling identifies unique genetic information.
    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA fragments, and gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size.
    • Biotechnology has a range of applications, and evaluating its success rate requires examining data for each technique.

    Evolution

    • Evolution is the process of change in the inherited traits of a population over generations.
    • Microevolution refers to changes within a species; macroevolution refers to changes above the species level.
    • An evolutionary timeline of life on Earth (approximately 3.5 billion years) reveals episodes of evolutionary radiation and mass extinctions.
    • Interpret data from the fossil record to understand past ecosystems and changes in biotic and abiotic components.

    Biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life

    • Biodiversity includes the diversity of species and ecosystems.
    • Species diversity can be measured using species richness, evenness, percentage cover, percentage frequency, and Simpson's diversity index.
    • Ecosystems can be compared across spatial and temporal scales using diversity indices, species interactions (predation, competition, symbiosis, disease), and abiotic factors (climate, substrate, size/depth of area).
    • Environmental factors limit the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem.

    Classification Processes

    • Biological classification can be hierarchical and based on:
      • Similarity of physical features (Linnaean system)
      • Methods of reproduction (asexual, sexual - K and r selection)
      • Molecular sequences (molecular phylogeny - cladistics)
    • Multiple definitions of species are needed due to species variation.
    • Interspecific hybrids typically do not produce fertile offspring (e.g., mules).
    • Classification systems based on species interactions (predation, competition, symbiosis, and disease) help organize biological relationships.
    • A clade is a group of organisms that share a common ancestor.
    • Cladistics assumes common ancestry, bifurcation, and physical change.
    • Cladograms infer evolutionary relatedness between groups of organisms.
    • Analyze data from molecular sequences to infer species evolutionary relatedness.
    • Ecosystems comprise various habitats (microhabitat to ecoregion).
    • Interpret data to classify and name an ecosystem.
    • Classifying ecosystems is essential for effective ecosystem management.

    Stratified Sampling

    • Stratified sampling is used to:
      • Estimate population, density, distribution, environmental gradients and profiles, zonation, and stratification.
    • Site selection is crucial for stratified sampling.
    • Various ecological surveying techniques are used (quadrats, transects).
    • Minimizing bias involves using:
      • Appropriate sample size and number
      • Random-number generators
      • Consistent counting criteria
      • Calibrated equipment
      • Recording precision
    • Data presentation and analysis methods vary depending on the sampling goal.

    Functioning Ecosystems

    • Solar energy is transferred and transformed into biomass as it flows through biotic components of an ecosystem:
      • Sunlight is converted into chemical energy (photosynthesis)
      • Biomass is produced and the carbon cycle is interacted with.
    • Analyze and calculate energy transfer (food chains, webs, and pyramids) within ecosystems; consider:
      • Energy loss through radiation, reflection, and absorption
      • Energy transfer efficiencies between trophic levels
      • Biomass
    • Construct and analyze energy-flow diagrams illustrating the movement of energy through ecosystems, including productivity (gross and net) of trophic levels.
    • Matter (water, carbon, and nitrogen) cycles through ecosystems and is transferred and transformed.
    • Ecological niche refers to a species' habitat, feeding relationships, and interactions with other species.
    • The competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche in a stable environment over a prolonged period.
    • Identify species (including microorganisms) or populations occupying an ecological niche by analyzing data.
    • A keystone species plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of a community.
    • Analyze data to identify a keystone species (in an Australian ecosystem) and predict the outcomes of removing that species.

    Population Ecology

    • Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain.
    • Limiting factors (biotic and abiotic) determine carrying capacity.
    • Calculate population growth rate and change using birth, death, immigration, and emigration data.
    • Use the Lincoln Index to estimate population size from data.
    • Analyze population growth data to determine the mode (exponential growth (J-curve), logistic growth (S-curve)).
    • Discuss the effect of changes within population-limiting factors on the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.

    Changing Ecosystems

    • Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
    • Pioneer communities are the first to colonize a site; climax communities are the final stage.
    • There are two main modes of succession: primary (occurs on barren land) and secondary (occurs on previously vegetated land).
    • Pioneer species are effective colonizers due to their ability to:
      • Fixate nitrogen
      • Tolerate extreme conditions
      • Germinate seeds quickly
      • Photosynthesize
    • Analyze data from the fossil record to observe past ecosystems and changes in biotic and abiotic components.
    • Analyze ecological data to predict temporal and spatial successional changes.
    • Predict the impact of human activity on biodiversity, magnitude, duration, and speed of ecosystem change.

    DNA Structure and Replication

    • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a double-stranded molecule.
    • DNA is bound to proteins (histones) in chromosomes in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, and as unbound circular DNA in the cytosol of prokaryotes, and in the mitochondria and chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells.
    • DNA structure consists of:
      • Nucleotide composition
      • Complementary base pairing
      • Weak, base-specific hydrogen bonds between DNA strands
    • Helicase unwinds the double helix and separates the strands during DNA replication.
    • DNA polymerase creates new complementary strands during DNA replication.

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Unit 3 & 4 Coursework PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the principles of comparative genomics, natural selection, and the processes of speciation. This quiz covers the mechanisms driving evolution, including microevolution and macroevolution. Understand how genomic features and phenotypic selection contribute to the adaptation of species over time.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser