Meiosis and Genetic Diversity Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What change in ploidy occurs during Meiosis I?

Diploid to haploid (correct)

Haploid to haploid

Diploid to diploid

Haploid to diploid

Which process during meiosis contributes to genetic diversity through the mixing of genetic material?

Cell division

Gene linkage

Independent Assortment

Crossing-Over (correct)

What is the outcome of meiosis in terms of the number of haploid cells produced?

Two haploid cells

Four diploid cells

Four haploid cells (correct)

Two diploid cells

In a dihybrid cross, what does Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment state?

Chromosomes are randomly distributed into gametes Signup and view all the answers

What results from independent assortment during meiosis?

Increased genetic diversity among gametes Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes allopatric speciation?

It involves geographic isolation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a prezygotic barrier?

Temporal isolation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why no single phylogeny is considered absolutely correct?

Evolution is complex and interpretations can vary. Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows bacteria to share genes across completely different species?

Horizontal gene transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reproductive barrier occurs after fertilization?

Hybrid inviability Signup and view all the answers

What usually follows mass extinction events in terms of evolutionary processes?

Adaptive radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of bacteria in biogeochemical cycles?

They transform and recycle vital elements. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sympatric speciation is true?

It often arises from ecological or behavioral differences. Signup and view all the answers

What does hybrid sterility refer to?

Hybrids are unable to reproduce at all. Signup and view all the answers

What type of ecosystem service encompasses products like food and water?

Provisioning Signup and view all the answers

Which method of horizontal gene transfer involves direct contact between bacteria?

Conjugation Signup and view all the answers

What ecological role do archaea primarily serve?

They are crucial for nutrient cycling in extreme environments. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is essential for maintaining soil fertility and water purification in ecosystems?

Biogeochemical cycles Signup and view all the answers

How do biodiverse ecosystems contribute to sustaining ecosystem services?

They ensure multiple species fulfill various ecological roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can disrupt animal phylogenetic trees?

Loss of traits or convergent evolution Signup and view all the answers

What does resilience refer to in the context of ecosystems?

The capacity to recover from disturbances. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major driver of the sixth mass extinction event?

Human activities Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of food webs is critical for enhancing ecosystem stability?

Complexity and diversity of feeding relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg principle regarding the population's mating patterns?

Mating occurs randomly among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of selection is characterized by favoring both extreme phenotypes?

Disruptive selection Signup and view all the answers

What happens to allele frequencies in a population when genetic drift occurs?

They fluctuate unpredictably and may lead to loss or fixation. Signup and view all the answers

What does gene flow typically do to genetic variability within a population?

Increases genetic variability within populations. Signup and view all the answers

Which species concept defines a species based on its ecological niche?

Ecological Species Concept Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between sexual selection and natural selection?

Sexual selection can lead to traits harmful for survival. Signup and view all the answers

How are expected genotype frequencies derived from known allele frequencies?

By applying the Hardy-Weinberg equations. Signup and view all the answers

Which assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg principle prevents genetic drift from occurring?

Population size is infinitely large. Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of selection is characterized by favoring intermediate phenotypes?

Stabilizing selection Signup and view all the answers

What does balancing selection maintain in a population?

Multiple alleles or phenotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

There is high gene flow between populations. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the impact of genetic drift in small populations?

It leads to significant and rapid changes in allele frequencies. Signup and view all the answers

How can the Biological Species Concept be a limitation when applied to certain organisms?

It doesn't apply to asexual organisms or fossils. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the transfer of alleles between populations due to migration?

Gene flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason linked genes do not assort independently?

They are located on the same chromosome. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to evolution according to the technical definition?

Artificial selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct ratio of phenotypes observed in a typical F2 generation from a dihybrid cross of two heterozygous parents?

9:3:3:1 Signup and view all the answers

What best explains the reason fossils are considered part of an incomplete record?

Some organisms do not leave fossil traces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of Darwin's postulates relates to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce more effectively than others?

Differential survival and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What role does synapomorphy play in phylogenetic trees?

It helps identify traits shared due to common ancestry. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of dating fossils provides a specific age, such as using carbon-14?

Absolute dating Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Darwin's four postulates?

Evolution Signup and view all the answers

How is homology important in understanding evolutionary patterns?

It provides evidence of shared ancestry among different species. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can significantly affect a population's response to climate change?

Genetic diversity and variation Signup and view all the answers

What describes the change in allele frequencies over generations under the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

They remain constant unless influenced by external factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of natural selection?

A species adapting to a changing environment. Signup and view all the answers

In a population, what does differential fitness mean?

Certain traits ensure survival more than others. Signup and view all the answers

Which influential figure emphasized the struggle for survival due to resource competition?

Thomas Malthus Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms are Archaea classified as?

Prokaryotes Signup and view all the answers

How do Archaea differ from bacteria?

In genetics, biochemistry, and cell structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why all eukaryotes perform cellular respiration?

They have mitochondria that evolved from aerobic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What organelles are said to have originated from the endosymbiotic event involving aerobic bacteria?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of chloroplasts derived from cyanobacteria?

Contain pigment chlorophyll for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which major plant lineage does not possess vascular tissue?

Bryophytes Signup and view all the answers

The presence of which structures is a synapomorphy for non-vascular plants?

Cuticle and multicellular gametangia Signup and view all the answers

Which event supports the development of plastids in plants, green algae, and red algae?

Endosymbiosis of a photosynthetic bacterium Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of having mitochondria in all eukaryotic cells?

The capacity for cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plant contains vascular tissue and has a dominant sporophyte life cycle?

Angiosperms Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic unites Charophytes and land plants?

Cellulose in cell walls Signup and view all the answers

In what environment do extremophiles, often classified as Archaea, typically thrive?

High-temperature acidic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What defines the sporophyte-dominant life cycle in vascular plants?

The presence of diploid sporophyte stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT influence biomes?

Soil Type Signup and view all the answers

How do ultimate causes of behavior differ from proximate causes?

Proximate causes explain mechanisms of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hamilton's rule predict?

Altruism will evolve if benefits exceed costs adjusted for relatedness. Signup and view all the answers

What leads to exponential population growth?

Abundant resources and minimal restrictions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes logistic population growth?

Growth slows as carrying capacity is approached. Signup and view all the answers

How do density-dependent factors affect populations?

They increase their effects as population density rises. Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction leads to one species benefiting while the other is harmed?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes species richness?

The variety of different species present in a community. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a high species evenness in a community?

Species populations are relatively balanced. Signup and view all the answers

Which index combines both species richness and evenness into a single value?

Shannon Index Signup and view all the answers

In mutualism, how is fitness affected for both species involved?

Fitness increases for both species. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of community structure does trophic structure examine?

The feeding relationships and energy flow. Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily leads to changes in carrying capacity (K) for a population?

Availability of food and resources. Signup and view all the answers

How do human activities impact K for various organisms?

They can cause resource depletion and habitat loss. Signup and view all the answers

What key adaptation do seeds provide for seed plants?

They allow for reproduction without water. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are included in gymnosperms?

Conifers and cycads Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes angiosperms from gymnosperms?

Angiosperms have flowers and fruit. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do seeds and amniotic eggs operate similarly?

Both allow reproduction on dry land. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of plants as primary producers?

They capture and convert solar energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a biogeochemical cycle in which plants play a critical role?

Oxygen cycle Signup and view all the answers

In what type of community interaction do plants benefit without harming other organisms?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

What significant role do fungi play in ecosystems?

Serve as decomposers. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the digestive process in fungi from that in humans?

Fungi absorb nutrients and digest externally. Signup and view all the answers

Why are fungal mating types considered unusual from an animal perspective?

Fungi can have multiple mating types. Signup and view all the answers

How do mycorrhizal relationships benefit plants?

They supply essential nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What role do plants play in maintaining soil health?

They prevent erosion and enhance fertility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit provided by plants to humans?

Artificial intelligence development Signup and view all the answers

How do fungi contribute to ecosystem stability?

Through nutrient recycling and soil formation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the flow of energy through ecosystems?

Energy flows in a one-way path from producers to consumers with loss at each level. Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

They break down dead organic material, recycling matter. Signup and view all the answers

Which biogeochemical cycle is heavily impacted by the combustion of fossil fuels?

Carbon cycle Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic variability contribute to a population's survival amid climate change?

It provides raw material for evolution and adaptation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main components of diversity?

Genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key synapomorphy that distinguishes sponges (Phylum: Porifera) from other animal groups?

No true tissues Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Bilateria group of animals?

Triploblastic structure and bilateral symmetry Signup and view all the answers

What effect do synthetic fertilizers have on the nitrogen cycle?

They contribute to nitrogen runoff, leading to eutrophication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a characteristic of protostomes?

Enterocoely formation of coelom Signup and view all the answers

What is phenotypic plasticity?

The ability of organisms to adjust traits without genetic change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of climate change on species populations?

Some populations may decline or face extinction. Signup and view all the answers

What synapomorphy is shared by all vertebrates?

Vertebral column and cranium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the concept of ecosystem services?

Benefits provided by ecosystems that support human well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates cnidarians from ctenophores in the group Radiata?

Cnidarians have a polyp and medusa form Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes major adaptations in response to climate change?

Range shifts of species towards cooler locations. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of animals is characterized by having an amniotic egg?

Reptiles Signup and view all the answers

How does human activity disrupt the phosphorus cycle?

By increasing phosphorus runoff from mining activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic organisms, including animals?

Presence of membrane-bound organelles Signup and view all the answers

What describes the term 'niche' in ecology?

The ecological role of an organism in its environment Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change affect biogeochemical cycles?

It influences the cycling of key elements and exacerbates problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about human evolution is accurate?

It is characterized by branching evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the 10% rule in the context of energy flow through ecosystems?

10% of energy is available to the next trophic level while the rest is lost as heat. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors affects climate?

The angle of sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Which factor decreases genetic diversity within a population?

Inbreeding and habitat loss. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly contrasts animals with plants and fungi?

Animals exhibit mobility at some life stage, while most plants do not Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between weather and climate?

Climate involves average weather conditions over long periods Signup and view all the answers

What role does the extracellular matrix (ECM) play in animal evolution?

It contributes to multicellularity and structure Signup and view all the answers

In terms of energy acquisition, how do animals differ from fungi?

Animals consume food while fungi absorb nutrients externally Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the major groups of jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomes)?

Development of jaws Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meiosis

Ploidy changes during meiosis:
- Meiosis I: Diploid (2n) cells become haploid (n) due to homologous chromosome separation.
- Meiosis II: Haploid (n) cells remain haploid as sister chromatids separate.
- Result: Four haploid cells with a single set of chromosomes.
Genetic diversity from meiosis:
- Crossing-over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new gene combinations.
- Independent assortment: Random distribution of chromosomes into gametes, increasing genetic variation.
Result: Genetically diverse offspring, promoting adaptation.

Mendelian Genetics

Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses with Punnett squares: Analyze genotype and phenotype ratios (P, F1, and F2 generations). Predict offspring numbers based on ratios.
Dihybrid crosses show independent assortment of traits unless genes are linked.
Linked genes: Located on the same chromosome, inherited together, leading to different phenotype ratios.

History of Evolutionary Thought

Definition of evolution: Change in a population's genetic composition over generations, leading to new species.
Major influences on Darwin:
- Charles Lyell (geology): Earth's gradual changes.
- Thomas Malthus (population): Struggle for existence.
- Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (incorrect theory): Organisms changing over time.
- Alfred Russel Wallace (independent theory): Natural selection.
- Darwin's observations (HMS Beagle): Evidence from the Galapagos Islands.
Fossil record:
- Definition and location: Preserved remains/traces, mostly in sedimentary rocks.
- Dating: Relative (position in layers) and absolute (radiometric, tree-rings).
- Incompleteness: Not all organisms fossilize, many fossils are destroyed, and many remain undiscovered.

Homology

Definition: Similarity in traits due to shared ancestry (structures, genetic sequences).
Synapomorphy: Shared trait, inherited from the most recent common ancestor, used for phylogenetic trees (evolutionary relationships).
Differential fitness: Variation in reproductive success based on environment.
Homology reveals evolutionary pattern; differential fitness reflects an evolutionary process (natural selection).

Darwin's Four Postulates

Variation, inheritance, differential survival and reproduction, adaptation.
Source of heritable variation: Mutations, recombination, gene flow.
Natural selection, fitness, and adaptation are interrelated processes driving evolution.
Response to climate change: Depends on existing genetic variation and diversity of a population.

Evolutionary Processes

Hardy-Weinberg Principle and Population Evolution:
- Equilibrium: Constant allele and genotype frequencies without evolution.
- Deriving frequencies: Calculate allele frequencies from genotype frequencies, vice versa, and predict genotype numbers in a population.
- Evolution detection: Comparing observed with expected frequencies.
- Assumptions linked to evolutionary mechanisms.
Four modes of selection:
- Directional: Favors one extreme trait.
- Stabilizing: Favors intermediate traits.
- Disruptive: Favors both extreme traits.
- Balancing: Favors multiple alleles or phenotypes.
- Character displacement: Directional selection leading to distinct traits in competing species, reducing competition.
Sexual vs. natural selection:
- Sexual selection: Focuses on traits for mate attraction; trade-offs with survival.
- Natural selection: Focus on survival and adaptation to environment (fitness).
Genetic drift: Random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, significant in small populations. Impacts genetic variability.
Gene flow: Transfer of alleles between populations due to migration; affects genetic variability.

Speciation

Species concepts:
- Biological (BSC): Reproductive isolation.
- Morphological: Physical traits (simple, fossils).
- Ecological: Niche and ecological role (works for asexual species).
- Phylogenetic (PSC) : Smallest monophyletic group (evolutionary history).
- Recognition (mate recognition): (sexual species)
Allopatric vs. sympatric speciation:
- Allopatric: Speciation due to geographic isolation.
- Sympatric: Speciation without geographic isolation.
Reproductive barriers: Prezygotic (before zygote formation) and postzygotic (after) mechanisms preventing interbreeding; essential for speciation.

Phylogeny and History of Life

Phylogeny: Evolutionary trees showing relationships, derived from morphological and molecular data.
Testing phylogenies: Statistical methods, comparing data from different sources like fossils, or outgroup data.
Incompleteness and limitations of phylogenies. Errors due to convergent evolution and traits lost.

Mass Extinctions

Definition: Large-scale loss of species due to catastrophic events.
Sixth Mass Extinction (current): Human-driven causes (habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation).
Adaptive radiation: Rapid diversification after extinctions.

Microbes

Bacteria and biogeochemical cycles: Essential for nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.
Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria: Movement of genes between species. (Transformation, conjugation, transduction).
Archaea: Prokaryotic microorganisms, more closely related to eukaryotes than to bacteria; often extremophiles.

Eukaryotes ~ Protists

Endosymbiotic theory for mitochondria and plastids (chloroplasts):
- Mitochondria: Aerobic bacteria engulfed; crucial for cellular respiration in all eukaryotes.
- Plastids: Photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria) engulfed; crucial for photosynthesis in plants and green algae/diatoms/red algae.

Plants

Plant phylogeny: Charophytes (green algae), non-vascular plants (bryophytes), vascular plants, seedless vascular plants (lycophytes & pterydophytes), seed plants (gymnosperms, angiosperms).
- Synapomorphies for each group (specific traits that unite).
Seed vs. Amniotic egg: Evolutionarily distinct solutions for terrestrial reproduction.
Ecosystem roles: Support food webs, matter/energy cycling, ecosystem services.
Community interactions (among plants): Competition herbivory, mutualism, parasitism.
Ecosystem services of plants: Support other organisms, important ecological services.

Fungi

Fungal nutrition and interactions: Heterotrophs that externally digest organic matter, diverse interactions.
Ecosystem role: Decomposers, supporting biogeochemical cycles; mutualisms.
Fungal reproduction: Asexual and sexual reproduction, complex life stages.

Animals

Animal phylogeny: Poriferans, eumetazoans, radiata (radial symmetry bilateria (bilateral symmetry), protostomes, deuterostomes, vertebrates, key lineages in vertebrate radiation. Key synapomorphies.
Animal characteristics: Multicellularity, heterotrophic nutrition, and sexual reproduction.
Human classification within animal phylogeny (Hominins, Hominidae, anthropoids, primates): Radiation model rather than linear progression.
Modern human hypothesis relation to other humans: Assimilation model.

Ecology

Range vs. niche: Range is geographical area; a niche is a species' role in the environment.
Niches are multidimensional (habitat, food sources, interactions).
Weather vs. climate: Short-term (weather) vs. long-term (climate) atmospheric conditions.
Climate and biomes: Climate strongly determines biome characteristics
Behavior ecology: Proximate vs. ultimate causes of behavior, reciprocity vs. altruism.
Population ecology: Factors influencing population size (birth/death rates, immigration/emigration), exponential vs. logistic growth, carrying capacity, density-dependent factors (limited resources, disease), and density-independent factors (natural disasters).
Population response to climate change: Genetic variability, adaptation, selection, and phenotypic plasticity play important roles.

Community Ecology

Species interactions (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, competition); impacts on fitness, evolutionary relationships.
Community structure: Measurement or comparison (species richness, species evenness, diversity indices, trophic structure)

Ecosystem and Global Ecology

Energy and matter flow: One-way energy flow (producer → consumer) and cycling matter in ecosystems, with trophic levels.
Biogeochemical cycles: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles - major pools, modern human impacts (industrialization).
Climate change: Causes, effects on biogeochemical cycles, organismal responses.
Biodiversity and conservation: Components (genetic, species, ecosystem). Ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, cultural, supporting). Resilience to disturbances linked to biodiversity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on meiosis, including ploidy changes, genetic diversity mechanisms, and Mendel's principles. This quiz covers key concepts related to cell division and inheritance. Perfect for students studying biology and genetics.