Question 1

Which of the following best describes a monophyletic group in a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 2

A scientist discovers two unrelated desert plants with thick, fleshy stems that store water. This similarity is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Analogy due to convergent evolution.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about horizontal gene transfer is correct?

Accepted Answer

It can result in genes moving between different domains of life.

Question 4

Gram-negative bacteria differ from gram-positive bacteria in that gram-negative bacteria:

Accepted Answer

Have an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides.

Question 5

Which process allows a bacterium to acquire new genetic material from a virus?

Accepted Answer

Transduction

Question 6

A prokaryote that uses light as an energy source and CO$$_2 as a $$carbon source is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Photoautotroph

Question 7

Which of the following is a derived trait that distinguishes land plants from charophyte green algae?

Accepted Answer

Alternation of generations

Question 8

In the alternation of generations in plants, which stage is diploid and produces spores by meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Sporophyte

Question 9

Which of the following is a key advantage of seeds over spores in plant reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Seeds contain a protective coat and stored food, allowing for greater survival in harsh conditions.

Question 10

Double fertilization in angiosperms results in the formation of:

Accepted Answer

A diploid zygote and a triploid endosperm

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between protostome and deuterostome development?

Accepted Answer

In protostomes, the blastopore becomes the mouth; in deuterostomes, it becomes the anus.

Question 12

Which animal group is characterized by a water vascular system and tube feet?

Accepted Answer

Echinoderms

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all chordates at some point in their life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Exoskeleton made of chitin

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct pairing of a protist group and a unique feature?

Accepted Answer

Diatoms – silica cell walls

Question 15

Which of the following statements about arthropods is true?

Accepted Answer

They have jointed appendages and an exoskeleton that must be shed for growth.

Question 16

A scientist is studying a worm with a true coelom, segmentation, and bristles (chaetae). To which phylum does this organism most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Annelida

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of pharyngeal slits in early chordates?

Accepted Answer

Filter-feeding

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why amphibians are tied to water for reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Their eggs lack a protective shell and must remain moist.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the evolutionary significance of Tiktaalik?

Accepted Answer

It shows both fish and tetrapod characteristics, illustrating the transition to land vertebrates.

Phylogeny, Prokaryotes, Protists, Plant and Animal Diversity: Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions