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Questions and Answers
What year did Nettie Stevens earn her PhD?
Nettie Stevens's work on sex determination was widely acknowledged during her lifetime.
False
Which chromosomes did Nettie Stevens identify as determining sex in males and females?
X and Y chromosomes
Nettie Stevens conducted her research at the __________ Institute.
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Match the following years with Nettie Stevens's corresponding accomplishments:
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What was the primary focus of Nettie Stevens's research?
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Stevens was the first female scientist to study genetics.
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What significant debate did Stevens's research help to end?
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Stevens's work linked physical characteristics related to __________ with chromosomes.
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What type of cells did Stevens study to conduct her research?
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Study Notes
Nettie Stevens: Pioneer in Sex Determination
- Early Life and Education: Nettie Stevens enrolled at Stanford University in 1896 to study biology and later earned a PhD from Bryn Mawr College in 1903, advised by prominent geneticist Thomas Hunt Morgan.
- Groundbreaking Research: Stevens conducted meticulous research on mealworms, focusing on their chromosomal behavior. This research, sponsored by the Carnegie Institute, led to her landmark discovery about sex determination in 1905.
- Sex Determination Discovery: Stevens's research showed that sex is determined by chromosomes, specifically the X and Y chromosomes. She discovered that males possess both an X and a Y chromosome, while females possess only X chromosomes. This finding ended long-standing debates about the role of external factors in sex determination.
- Method: Stevens was a meticulous researcher, utilizing a microscope to observe reproductive cells and their chromosomal arrangements.
- Impact: Stevens's work provided strong evidence for the theory of chromosomal inheritance, demonstrating its relevance across diverse species, including insects.
- Recognition and Legacy: Although not widely recognized during her lifetime, Stevens's contributions to understanding the genetic basis of sex left a lasting legacy. Her work is now widely acknowledged for its pioneering role in the fields of genetics and biology.
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Description
Explore the life and groundbreaking research of Nettie Stevens, a pioneering biologist who discovered the chromosomal basis of sex determination. This quiz covers her early life, education, and significant contributions that changed the understanding of genetics. Delve into her meticulous methods and the impact of her findings on the field of biology.
