Unit 7 Progress Check

Which of the following is closest to the frequency of the MC1RD allele in the Tule Mountain population? A 0.03 B 0.06 C 0.94 D 0.97

A. 0.03

Owls (primary predators of rock pocket mice) are nocturnal visual predators that are able to distinguish effectively between dark and light colors in low-light conditions. 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? 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. B At night, predators have reduced vision, so there is no relationship between coat color and predation rate on rock pocket mice. C A dark coat color reflects less light and therefore mice with dark coats have a lower predation rate. D A light coat color reflects more light and therefore mice with light coats have a lower predation rate.

A. 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.

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? A Continue treating the three insect populations with the same insecticides and determine whether their efficiencies decline significantly after several generations. B Add an additional treatment group to the experiment to measure the effectiveness of another insecticide (Insecticide #3) over several generations. C Set up a new experiment in which these insects are sprayed with two different insecticides to see if they are more effective than Insecticides #1 and #2. D Spray these insecticides on a different species of insect (whose genotypes are also known) to determine its effectiveness on insects that are not pests.

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

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? A Convergent evolution, because these organisms do not share a recent common ancestor. B Adaptive radiation, because all three groups evolved from a unique, shared common ancestor from the cartilaginous fishes group. C Mutation, because the shared traits can be traced back to a shared recent common ancestor. D Founder effect, because all three groups formerly existed together as one population that then was disrupted, causing speciation.

A. Convergent evolution, because these organisms do not share a recent common ancestor.

Geologic events such as mountain building can directly affect biodiversity. The Sino‑Himalayan fern, Lepisorus clathratus is widely distributed on the Qinghai‑Tibetan plateau. 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? A Geographic isolation will create separate gene pools, leading to speciation over time. B Gene flow will be reduced by sexual selection and polyploidy. C Chance events will cause allele frequencies to fluctuate unpredictably from one generation to the next. D Ferns reproduce asexually, so there will be no impact on the gene pool of the species.

A. Geographic isolation will create separate gene pools, leading to speciation over time.

Students created a model showing one possible mechanism for speciation in which a geographic barrier separated one large population into two smaller populations, A and B. Over time, populations A and B developed into two distinct species. The model is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Model of speciation Which of the following best describes what occurred during the periods indicated by the arrows? A 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. B Population B was separated for a longer time from the original population than population A was, and population B evolved into a more distinct new species than population A did. C Gene flow between populations A and B maintained sufficient variation in both gene pools to facilitate the development of two distinct species. D In response to different environments, populations A and B experienced different mutation rates, leading to the emergence of two different gene pools and, over time, new species A and B.

A. 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.

In a particular region, a species of lizard lives in the lowlands. Even though there are numerous mountains in the region, the climate on the mountains is too cold for the lizards to survive. Scientists are concerned that the lowlands will become much warmer by the end of the twenty-first century and will become unsuitable for this lowland lizard species. 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? A Some lizards will migrate to new habitats in the mountains and become isolated, leading to allopatric speciation. B The species will undergo artificial selection, as the genes will adapt to warmer temperatures. C The species will experience a genetic bottleneck, and sympatric speciation will result in the development of several new species. D The lizards will hybridize with a different lizard species that is adapted to a warmer environment, leading to increased genetic variation in the species.

A. Some lizards will migrate to new habitats in the mountains and become isolated, leading to allopatric speciation.

In addition to the ABOABO blood groups, humans have an MNMN blood type system in which the MM and NN alleles are codominant to one another. A group of scientists found that in one population the frequency of the MM allele was 0.82, and the frequency of the NN allele was 0.18. Assuming that the population is in Hardy‑Weinberg equilibrium, which of the following is the expected frequency of individuals with the genotype MNMN? A 0.148 B 0.295 C 0.640 D 0.672

B 0.295

Over the next year, a virus attacks and rapidly kills almost all plants of the tobacco species. A closely related species of tobacco that is resistant to the virus becomes established during that same year. The nectary tube in the resistant species averages 7.5cm7.5⁢cm. Scientists monitored the area for the next five years to determine how this change affected the moth population. Which of the following best describes the expected distribution of proboscis size of the moths at the end of the five‑year study? A (mean of 3.5) B (mean of 7.5) C (mean of 4.5) D (bimodal)

B (mean of 7.5)

The peppered moth, Biston betularia was generally white in color with black speckles. Over time a more solid black moth became the more common variety. Which of the following best explains the relationship between wing pigmentation and the coloration of a moth's surroundings? A The frequencies of the different phenotypes in the moth population changed randomly due to genetic drift. B If the surroundings of the peppered moth became darker, those backgrounds conferred a selective advantage to a black variety, as described by natural selection. C There was a gene flow of the black variety, spreading it throughout the moth's normal range. D The black variety was a nineteenth century mutation, dominant to the peppered variety. The allele for the peppered trait, being recessive, decreased in frequency over time

B. If the surroundings of the peppered moth became darker, those backgrounds conferred a selective advantage to a black variety, as described by natural selection.

Based on the data in Table 1, which of the following best describes the relationship between the MC1RMC1R gene and coat color in the Carrizozo, New Mexico, rock pocket mouse population? The MC1RDMC1RD allele is responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population and likely spread from the Arizona population through migration. B The MC1RDMC1RD allele is not responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population, so the dark coat color is likely a result of convergent evolution. C The MC1RDMC1RD allele is absent from the Carrizozo population, so all the mice in this population must have coats that are light in color. D The MC1RDMC1RD allele is absent from the Carrizozo population because of different environmental pressures in the Carrizozo population.

B. The MC1RD allele is not responsible for dark coat color in the Carrizozo population, so the dark coat color is likely a result of convergent evolution.

The island was surveyed again in 2015, and scientists determined that the giant kangaroo rats originally in population A are now to be considered as a new species. Which of the following best explains the mechanism that caused this speciation event in the giant kangaroo rats of population A? A The animals in population A were exposed to different predators and had to modify their fur color to be better camouflaged. B The animals in population A were reproductively isolated from those in populations B, C, and D. C The animals in population A accumulated fewer genetic mutations, adapting to their microclimate. D The animals in population A mate at different times of year, causing their gametes to be incompatible with those from animals in populations B, C, and D.

B. The animals in population A were reproductively isolated from those in populations B, C, and D.

Mollusk fossils were excavated and collected from a coastal cliff. Scientists studying the fossils observed patterns of changing shell shape in the mollusks. The scientists identified a period of stability or stasis, followed by rapid change, and then stasis again with regard to shell shape. Which of the following statements best predicts the result of a comparison between the fossils found before and after the period of rapid change? A The same species will be found in both static periods, but they will have different shell shapes. B The same species will be found in both static periods, but the species in the second static period will have smaller shells due to the stress of undergoing rapid change. C Most of the species found in the first static period will be absent in the second static period. D Most of the species found in the second static period will resemble each other more than the species found in the first static period.

C Most of the species found in the first static period will be absent in the second static period.

Which of the following best describes the processes occurring between the mouse populations and their environments? A. Natural selection favors the mice with the dark coat color, causing the mice in all of the populations to be better adapted. B Natural selection favors the mice with the light coat color, causing the mice in all of the populations to be better adapted. C Dark color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations. D Light color is selected for in mice from the West, Mid, and East populations.

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

The researchers built an enclosure to prevent migration into and out of the O'Neill rock pocket mouse population for a period of two years. Which of the following best predicts the effect of the enclosure on the O'Neill population? A. The O'Neill population will rapidly evolve into a separate species. B The O'Neill population will become less diverse due to the bottleneck effect. C The frequency of the MC1RDMC1RD allele will decline due to natural selection. D One of the alleles for the MC1RMC1R gene will become fixed due to genetic drift.

C. The frequency of the MC1R D allele will decline due to natural selection.

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? A The Marion County populations have a higher rate of mutation than the Jasper County populations, as evidenced by the higher degrees of relatedness. B The Marion County populations are less stable because they are smaller than the Jasper County populations. C The M2M2 population has a higher degree of relatedness than the M1M1 population, meaning that it has more genetic diversity. D The M4M4 and M5M5 populations have the lowest genetic diversity of all

D The M4M4 and M5M5 populations have the lowest genetic diversity of all populations.

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? A Cells with nuclear membranes were better able to protect their genetic material against damage. B Cells with flagella were better able to find food and escape predators. C Cells with ribosomes were better able to produce proteins needed for a variety of metabolic functions. D Cells with mitochondria were able to utilize metabolic energy more efficiently.

D. Cells with mitochondria were able to utilize metabolic energy more efficiently.

Some researchers claim that the decrease in plant species richness of this woodlot is unrelated to human activities over the last forty years. Which of the following would be an appropriate alternative hypothesis? A Interspecific competition caused the extinction of species 4 and 5. B The woodlot environment is arid and species 1 and 2 are well-adapted to conserve water. C The woodlot is shaded, with little direct sunlight, and species 3, 4, and 5 are shade-intolerant canopy trees. D During the last few decades, tall buildings have been built around the woodlot, and species 3, 4, and 5 are shade‑intolerant plants

D. During the last few decades, tall buildings have been built around the woodlot, and species 3, 4, and 5 are shade‑intolerant plants

Which of the specimens indicated in the table is the oldest? A Specimen 1 B Specimen 2 C Specimen 3 D Specimen 4

D. Specimen 4

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? A. The presence of heterozygotes for the MC1RMC1R gene in the East lava flow population indicates that mating is occurring randomly between mice with different coat colors. B The selective pressures on the East lava flow population are not strong enough to maintain Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. C The East lava flow population does not experience migration, which is a required condition for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. D The presence of MC1RdMC1Rd alleles in the East lava flow population is an indication of gene flow from mice populations living on light granite rocks.

D. The presence of MC1Rd alleles in the East lava flow population is an indication of gene flow from mice populations living on light granite rocks.

Because cheetahs, Acinonyx jubatus, experienced a bottleneck event about ten thousand years ago, living cheetahs exhibit very little genetic variation compared to other living species of large cats. Which of the following principles best justifies a claim that cheetahs, compared to other large cats, have a relatively low resilience to environmental perturbations? A A captive population of cheetahs kept in a confined area will have a greater risk of contracting and passing on a virus. B When a population is reduced, new niches become available in the environment, which can trigger adaptive radiation. C Populations with little genetic diversity are less likely to contain individuals that can withstand different selective pressures. D Populations with low genetic diversity are more likely to contain individuals that can withstand different selective pressures.

c. Populations with little genetic diversity are less likely to contain individuals that can withstand different selective pressures.

Some plant species flower in response to increasing daily temperatures in the spring. Many of these species rely on pollinators that migrate based on changes in day length and the position of the Sun. The current global warming trend is placing new selective pressures on the species involved in these relationships. Which of the following best explains the impact of these new selective pressures on the organisms involved? A If the environment for the plant species becomes too warm, the pollinators will no longer migrate to that area in the spring, continuing on to a more northern environment instead. B The warmer temperatures will lead to a drier environment, so the plants will no longer produce enough nectar to attract the pollinators. C 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. D Migrating pollinators will start migrating later in the year, switching from spring-flowering plants to summer-flowering plants.

c. 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.

A scientist wishes to provide experimental evidence to support the model shown in Figure 1 by demonstrating the ability to synthesize an RNARNA molecule. Which of the following is an alternative hypothesis that can be tested to support the RNARNA World Hypothesis? A A protein template that matches proteins found on the primitive Earth added to a mixture of deoxyribonucleotides will produce double-stranded DNADNA molecules. B Double strands of DNADNA placed in a harsh environment will unwind and form RNARNA molecules for long term information storage. C A pool of amino acids can spontaneously form into single‑stranded RNARNA, which would then code for proteins. D A mixture of ribonucleotides such as adenine and uracil will spontaneously form single-stranded chains of RNARNA.

d. A mixture of ribonucleotides such as adenine and uracil will spontaneously form single-stranded chains of RNA

Which of the following student claims is best supported by the data provided? A Mushrooms and potatoes are most closely related, since the node they share gave rise to all of the other organisms. B Cattle are equally related to pigs and sheep, because the phylogeny places cattle between pigs and sheep. C Yeast and mushrooms are the most closely related, because they are both fungi. D Cattle and sheep are separated by only one node, and they are separated from the other organisms by more than one node.

d. Cattle and sheep are separated by only one node, and they are separated from the other organisms by more than one node.