Genetics Quiz: Punnett Squares and Alleles

Structures with similar underlying anatomy but different functions, such as the wing of a bird and the arm of a human, indicating common ancestry.

Similarity in cell structure, often at the molecular level, suggesting evolutionary relationships between organisms.

A branching diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between organisms based on shared ancestry.

Fossils provide evidence of past life forms, showing evolutionary transitions and relationships between extinct and living organisms.

Comparing the sequences of genes or proteins between organisms reveals how closely related they are, like a 'molecular clock' tracking changes over time.

Comparing the stages of embryonic development in different organisms can reveal shared characteristics and evolutionary links.

The presence of similar chemical compounds within cells can be used to infer evolutionary relationships between organisms.

A fluid-filled sac that surrounds the embryos of certain vertebrates, like reptiles, birds, and mammals, indicating a shared evolutionary history.

The variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and their different ecosystems.

A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

An organism resulting from the breeding of two different species.

The branch of biology that classifies organisms and gives them universally accepted names.

The variation in genes within a single species.

The variety of different species in a particular environment.

The variety of ecosystems in a region.

Loss of natural habitats due to human activities.

Species introduced to an environment where they're not native.

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

A mature egg cell, produced in the ovaries.

An immature egg cell, found in the ovaries.

The process where two chromosomes fail to separate during Meiosis I, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

The process where two chromatids fail to separate during Meiosis II, leading to gametes with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

A condition where an individual has an abnormal number of chromosomes.

A condition where an individual has only one chromosome instead of a homologous pair.

A condition where an individual has three homologous chromosomes instead of a pair.

The most common type of trisomy, characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

A scientific explanation supported by a large body of evidence, observation, and experimentation. It does not contradict existing scientific results.

The process by which modern organisms have evolved from ancient organisms over time.

The scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth, based on evidence and observations.

The idea that species are unchanging and were created separately.

An idea proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, suggesting that acquired traits during an organism's lifetime could be inherited by offspring.

The theory that Earth's features were formed by gradual processes that are still happening today.

The study of fossils and rock layers which revealed that different species existed in the past compared to present.

The theory of evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth, while uniformitarianism provides evidence for the Earth's long history.

An allele that masks the expression of another allele when present together in a genotype.

An allele whose expression is masked by a dominant allele when present together in a genotype.

During gamete formation, each allele pair separates, so that each gamete receives only one allele from each pair.

Allele pairs on different chromosomes segregate independently during gamete formation.

A cross between an individual of unknown genotype and a homozygous recessive individual to determine the unknown genotype.

A genetic condition in which an individual inherits two recessive alleles for a specific gene, resulting in a disease phenotype.

A carrier of a recessive allele for a genetic disorder, exhibiting a healthy phenotype but able to pass the allele to offspring.

A protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

A first trimester pregnancy test that uses ultrasound and blood work to identify markers linked to Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome.

A prenatal blood test looking for fetal DNA markers in the mother’s blood to identify chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome.

A prenatal procedure involving sampling amniotic fluid for genetic analysis. Used to confirm chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or other conditions.

The transmission of traits from parents to offspring. It’s the basis of inheritance.

The incorrect idea that offspring inherit a blend of their parent’s traits.

Organisms that reproduce rapidly, have easily observable traits, and can be controlled for breeding.

The process of transferring pollen from one plant to another to control fertilization and observe trait inheritance.

Errors during cell division or DNA replication, leading to a change in chromosome number, often resulting in miscarriage.

A condition where an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental delays and physical characteristics.

A condition where an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 18, leading to developmental delays and physical characteristics.

Asexual reproduction involves a single cell dividing to make two identical daughter cells. Examples include mitosis, fragmentation, and binary fission.

Sexual reproduction involves two cells (egg and sperm) combining to form a new cell (zygote) that is not identical to the original cells. Meiosis is an example of sexual reproduction.

A form of cell division that results in four cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.

The combining of genetic material during sexual reproduction, requiring meiosis.

A collection of all an individual's chromosomes, typically totaling 46.

Pairs of chromosomes that are similar in size, shape, and function. Offspring inherit one chromosome from each parent.

Chromosomes in a homologous pair are similar but not identical, carrying variations in information.

Individuals with fewer or more than 46 chromosomes, resulting in diverse outcomes.

A condition where an individual has an extra X chromosome (47, XXY), leading to male sex characteristics, but with lower testosterone production and higher estrogen.

A condition where an individual has an extra X chromosome (47, XXX), often with no or mild symptoms.

A condition caused by a missing X chromosome (45, XO) in females, resulting in short stature, underdeveloped ovaries, and other characteristics.

A change in the structure of a chromosome, such as a duplication, deletion, inversion, or translocation.

Different versions of the same gene, responsible for variations in traits.

The stage before cell division where the cell grows, copies its DNA, and prepares for division.

In mitosis, the chromosomes begin to arrange in one single file line down the middle of the cell.

A biological process where replicated chromosomes are duplicated, creating sister chromatids.

The process of combining two haploid gametes (egg and sperm) to form a diploid zygote.

Sister chromatids are held together at the centromere, which is like the 'neck' of the chromosome.

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that offspring receive one set of chromosomes from each parent.

Characteristics that help organisms survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

Preserved remains of ancient organisms.

The Galapagos Islands are a group of islands with diverse climates, leading to different adaptations in the organisms that inhabit them.

Darwin observed that tortoise shells differed based on the island they lived on, suggesting adaptations to each island's environment.

A test done during the first trimester of pregnancy to screen for Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). It involves ultrasound and blood work.

Darwin's observations led him to question why organisms have specific adaptations, why reproduction varies, and how organisms are distributed geographically.

A blood test taken during the first trimester of pregnancy to look for genetic markers in fetal DNA circulating in the pregnant person's blood. More accurate than eFTS but usually costs money.

Darwin's study of fossils led him to wonder why many species have gone extinct and how extinct species are related to living ones.

Darwin believed that organisms evolve over time, meaning they change gradually through generations.

Darwin's observations of the Galapagos Islands, fossils, and other organisms convinced him that species are not fixed but have changed over generations.