Human Genetic Variation: Delve into the Genetic Basis of Human Diversity

Question 1

How does natural selection contribute to genetic diversity, and how does it interact with other evolutionary forces?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection collaborates with other evolutionary mechanisms to shape genetic diversity within populations.

Answer

Natural selection is the only factor that determines genetic diversity within populations.

Answer

Natural selection solely increases genetic diversity within populations.

Question 2

What is the term for the random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population due to chance events?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Question 3

Which of the following processes can contribute to an increase in genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Isolation

Answer

Non-random mating

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 4

What is the name of the phenomenon where alleles from one population are introduced into another population?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Population bottleneck

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Fixation of beneficial alleles

Answer

Loss of genetic variation

Answer

Increase in homozygosity

Answer

Speciation

Question 6

How does population size influence the likelihood of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Smaller populations are more susceptible to genetic drift.

Answer

Larger populations are less susceptible to genetic drift.

Answer

Population size has no effect on the likelihood of genetic drift.

Answer

The effect of population size on genetic drift depends on the mutation rate.

Question 7

Which factor plays no role in shaping genetic diversity within human populations?

Accepted Answer

Latitude

Answer

Population size

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Natural selection

Question 8

Genetic drift refers to:

Accepted Answer

Random changes in allele frequencies in small populations

Answer

The loss of alleles due to gene flow

Answer

The introduction of new alleles through mutation

Answer

The selection of certain alleles over others

Question 9

Which mechanism can enhance genetic diversity within a population?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift in large populations

Answer

Non-random mating within a small population

Question 10

How does population subdivision affect genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

It decreases genetic diversity due to reduced gene flow

Answer

It increases genetic diversity due to increased mutation rates

Answer

It has no effect on genetic diversity in the long term

Answer

It always increases genetic diversity

Question 11

Which factor does not contribute to genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Geographic isolation

Question 12

The founder effect is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift in small populations

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Question 13

Genetic distance provides a measure of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic similarity between populations

Answer

Gene flow rate between populations

Answer

Genetic drift in a population

Answer

Mutation rate in a population

Question 14

The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes:

Accepted Answer

Allele and genotype frequencies in non-evolving populations

Answer

The forces that drive evolution

Answer

The relationship between genetic diversity and fitness

Answer

The impact of genetic drift on populations

Question 15

Compare and contrast genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in terms of their strengths and limitations for genetic research.

Accepted Answer

NGS is better at finding rare genetic variations compared to GWAS.

Accepted Answer

GWAS is generally less costly and faster than NGS.

Answer

Both GWAS and NGS provide highly accurate and complete genetic information.

Answer

GWAS and NGS can always pinpoint genetic variations linked to human traits or diseases.

Question 16

How has genetic diversity contributed to the evolution of humans?

Accepted Answer

Increased resistance to diseases

Answer

Reduced adaptability to environmental changes

Answer

Diminished capacity for natural selection

Answer

Complete elimination of harmful genetic traits

Question 17

Which measure quantifies the genetic similarity between populations?

Accepted Answer

F-statistics

Answer

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Answer

Linkage disequilibrium

Answer

Allelic frequency

Question 18

How does gene flow contribute to reducing genetic differentiation among populations?

Accepted Answer

Facilitates gene exchange

Answer

Hinders gene exchange

Answer

Accelerates genetic drift

Answer

Reduces mutation rate

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Heightened susceptibility to genetic disorders

Answer

Enhanced adaptability

Answer

Increased resilience

Answer

Diminished susceptibility to disease

Question 20

Which technique is employed to analyze genetic variations at the DNA level?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

PCR

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Karyotyping

Question 21

What term refers to a group of individuals with a common ancestor and a shared gene pool?

Accepted Answer

Population

Answer

Species

Answer

Race

Answer

Subspecies

Question 22

Which statistical method is used to test for neutrality in genetic evolution?

Accepted Answer

Tajima's D

Answer

Nei's D

Answer

Wright's F-statistics

Answer

Chi-square test

Question 23

How does mutation contribute to genetic diversity within human populations?

Accepted Answer

By introducing new genetic variants that serve as raw material for natural selection.

Answer

By eliminating existing genetic variants.

Answer

By having no effect on genetic diversity due to its rarity.

Answer

By only affecting dominant alleles.

Question 24

Genetic recombination is a crucial process in meiosis. How does it contribute to genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, creating new combinations of alleles, increasing genetic diversity.

Answer

Genetic recombination occurs only in somatic cells, resulting in new genetic combinations.

Answer

Genetic recombination is the process of gene duplication, leading to increased genetic diversity.

Answer

Genetic recombination does not contribute to genetic diversity, as it only reshuffles existing genes.

Question 25

How does genetic diversity impact human health and disease susceptibility? Discuss both its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Accepted Answer

Genetic diversity enhances adaptability to various environments but may increase the risk of inheriting genetic disorders.

Answer

Genetic diversity always benefits human health by enabling better adaptation to diverse environments.

Answer

Genetic diversity is only beneficial for human health in small, isolated populations.

Answer

Genetic diversity has no impact on human health or disease susceptibility.

Question 26

In anthropology, genetic data is commonly used for various purposes. Which of the following is NOT a typical application of genetic data in this field?

Accepted Answer

Predicting an individual's susceptibility to diseases

Answer

Determining evolutionary relationships among human populations

Answer

Identifying genetic markers linked to specific traits or diseases

Answer

Examining the genetic basis of cultural practices and adaptations

Question 27

Which of the following is a primary factor contributing to genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Sudden reductions in population size (bottlenecks)

Answer

Gene flow between populations

Answer

Natural selection favouring certain traits

Answer

Random changes in DNA sequences (mutations)

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the genetic variation observed between human populations?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 29

How does gene flow impact genetic diversity and contribute to genetic variation, potentially leading to differentiation between populations?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow introduces new alleles, increasing genetic variation and homogenizing allele frequencies across populations.

Answer

Gene flow reduces genetic variation by promoting genetic drift and increasing the likelihood of allele fixation.

Answer

Gene flow creates physical barriers that restrict gene flow and foster genetic divergence between populations.

Answer

Gene flow increases the mutation rate, creating new genetic variation and altering allele frequencies.

Question 30

The process of genes being exchanged between populations is known as:

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Recombination

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Natural selection

Question 31

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to result in reduced genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Small isolated population with low gene flow

Answer

Large population size with high gene flow

Answer

High mutation rate in a large population

Answer

Non-random mating within a large population

Question 32

The founder effect is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Epigenetic change

Question 33

Which technique is commonly used to study genetic diversity?

Accepted Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Microscopy

Answer

Physiological testing

Answer

Behavioral observation

Question 34

The scientific field that investigates the geographic distribution of genes is called:

Accepted Answer

Phylogeography

Answer

Phylogenetics

Answer

Population genetics

Answer

Biogeography

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic marker utilized in population genetics studies?

Accepted Answer

Phenotype

Answer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

Answer

Microsatellites

Answer

Blood type

Question 36

The gradual loss of genetic diversity due to random sampling is known as:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can influence the genetic diversity of a population?

Accepted Answer

Recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 38

Gene flow is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The exchange of genetic material between populations

Answer

The change in allele frequencies over time

Answer

The random fluctuation of allele frequencies due to chance

Answer

The differential survival and reproduction of individuals with certain traits

Question 39

Which of the following is a consequence of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Loss of genetic variation

Answer

Increased genetic variation

Answer

Stabilization of allele frequencies

Answer

Directional change in allele frequencies

Question 40

Which factor does NOT contribute to genetic diversity within human populations?

Accepted Answer

Cultural practices

Answer

Population size

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 41

Gene flow is defined as the:

Accepted Answer

Transfer of genetic material between populations

Answer

Alteration of allele frequencies over time

Answer

Loss of genetic variation due to chance events

Answer

Non-random mating within a population

Question 42

A potential consequence of genetic drift is:

Accepted Answer

Reduced genetic diversity

Answer

Increased genetic variation within a population

Answer

Rapid adaptation to environmental changes

Answer

Preservation of genetic equilibrium

Question 43

The field of study that investigates the distribution of genetic variation within and between populations is called:

Accepted Answer

Population genetics

Answer

Molecular anthropology

Answer

Forensic science

Answer

Paleontology

Question 44

A characteristic of genetic diversity in humans is:

Accepted Answer

High levels of genetic variation

Answer

Low levels of genetic differentiation among populations

Answer

Absence of genetic variation within populations

Answer

Rapid loss of genetic variation over time

Question 45

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a population in which:

Accepted Answer

Allele frequencies remain constant

Answer

Evolutionary forces are actively changing allele frequencies

Answer

Genotype frequencies deviate from expected values

Answer

Gene flow is occurring at a high rate

Question 46

A limitation in using genetic markers to study human genetic diversity is that:

Accepted Answer

They may not always capture functional genetic variation

Answer

They can only be used to study ancient human populations

Answer

They are not affected by environmental factors

Answer

They provide comprehensive information about an individual's genome

Question 47

The concept of 'race' in the context of human genetic diversity is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A social construct without biological basis

Answer

A scientifically valid classification system

Answer

A useful tool for understanding genetic variation

Answer

A combination of biological and social factors

Question 48

The random change in allele frequencies within a population, often due to chance events, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Non-random mating

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene flow

Question 49

The term used to describe the genetic differences that exist between populations is:

Accepted Answer

Genetic differentiation

Answer

Speciation

Answer

Adaptive radiation

Answer

Genetic similarity

Question 50

Which type of natural selection favors individuals with traits that are in the middle range of a phenotypic spectrum?

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Directional selection

Answer

Sexual selection

Answer

Disruptive selection

Question 51

Genetic diversity is crucial for a population's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Adapt to environmental changes

Answer

Reduce reproductive success

Answer

None of the above

Answer

Increase susceptibility to diseases

Question 52

The branch of genetics that specifically focuses on studying genetic variation within and between populations is called:

Accepted Answer

Population genetics

Answer

Molecular genetics

Answer

Behavioral genetics

Answer

Evolutionary biology