Genetics and Evolution: Online Learning Quizzes for High School Seniors

Question 1

Which of the following is not a source of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Nutritional deficiencies

Answer

Chromosomal disorders

Answer

Single-gene disorders

Answer

Multifactorial disorders

Question 3

How does genetic recombination contribute to genetic variation and population diversity?

Accepted Answer

By exchanging alleles between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, creating new allele combinations in gametes.

Answer

By occurring exclusively in somatic cells, contributing to genetic variation.

Answer

By increasing genetic variation but not contributing to population diversity.

Answer

By being responsible for DNA replication, the process of creating new DNA copies.

Question 4

Examine the strengths and limitations of molecular clocks in estimating evolutionary relationships and timescales, considering factors that affect their accuracy.

Accepted Answer

Molecular clocks assume a constant rate of mutation, which may not always be true.

Accepted Answer

The choice of calibration points can significantly impact the accuracy of molecular clock estimates.

Answer

Molecular clocks are highly accurate and provide a definitive estimate of evolutionary relationships and timescales.

Answer

Molecular clocks can only be used to estimate relationships between closely related species.

Question 5

How do environmental factors impact gene expression, and what mechanisms are involved?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors influence gene expression by modifying the activity or abundance of transcription factors.

Answer

Environmental factors have no effect on gene expression, as gene expression is solely determined by the genotype.

Question 6

Which factors disrupt the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Accepted Answer

Non-random mating

Answer

Large population size

Question 7

Describe adaptive radiation and explain how it contributes to the diversification and specialization of species.

Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation is the process where a single species evolves into multiple new species, each adapted to specific ecological niches.

Answer

Adaptive radiation involves the expansion of a species' habitat range.

Answer

Adaptive radiation is a type of convergent evolution where separate species develop similar traits due to shared environmental pressures.

Question 8

In genetic counseling for an inherited disorder, the main responsibility of a genetic counselor is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform individuals and families about their risks and choices

Answer

Offer medical treatment for the disorder

Answer

Conduct research to create new genetic tests and treatments

Answer

Make medical decisions for people with genetic disorders

Question 9

What is the structure of DNA? Describe its components and their arrangement.

Accepted Answer

DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides, each consisting of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Answer

DNA is a single-stranded molecule made up of amino acids linked by phosphodiester bonds.

Answer

DNA is a circular molecule found only in prokaryotic cells.

Answer

DNA contains only two nitrogenous bases: adenine and cytosine.

Question 10

Which pair of scientists is credited with discovering the double helix structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

James Watson and Francis Crick

Answer

Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin

Answer

Friedrich Miescher and Oswald Avery

Question 11

What is the main reason for using a Punnett square in genetics?

Accepted Answer

To predict the possible genotypes and traits of offspring based on the genotypes of the parents.

Answer

To determine the exact genotype of a particular individual.

Answer

To predict the chances of inheriting a dominant or recessive trait.

Question 12

How are an organism's genotype and phenotype related?

Accepted Answer

Genotype is the genetic makeup, and phenotype is the observable traits.

Answer

Genotype is the outward appearance, and phenotype is the genetic makeup.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are always the same.

Answer

Phenotype is determined only by genotype, not by the environment.

Question 13

Gregor Mendel's experiments revolutionized our understanding of inheritance. Explain how his work laid the foundation for modern genetics.

Accepted Answer

Mendel's experiments showed that traits are inherited as separate units, proving the particulate nature of inheritance.

Answer

Mendel discovered the role of chromosomes in transmitting genetic information.

Answer

Mendel's experiments supported the theory of blending inheritance, where traits blend together from both parents.

Question 14

Explain the concept of alleles. How do they contribute to genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Alleles are different forms of a gene that can exist at a specific gene locus.

Answer

Alleles are located on different chromosomes.

Answer

Alleles are always dominant.

Answer

Alleles do not contribute to genetic variation.

Question 15

Which of the following is the fundamental unit of inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Allele

Answer

Nucleotide

Question 16

According to Mendel's law of segregation, each gamete carries:

Accepted Answer

One allele for each gene

Answer

Two alleles for each gene

Answer

Four alleles for each gene

Answer

No alleles for each gene

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT considered a mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Acclimatization

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Migration

Question 18

Which type of selection favors the survival and reproduction of individuals with intermediate phenotypes?

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Directional selection

Answer

Disruptive selection

Answer

Frequency-dependent selection

Question 19

What is the impact of genetic drift in small populations?

Accepted Answer

It reduces genetic diversity.

Answer

It increases genetic diversity.

Answer

It has no effect on genetic diversity.

Answer

It only affects recessive alleles.

Question 20

What is the main purpose of a Punnett square?

Accepted Answer

To determine the probability of different genotypes in offspring

Answer

To predict the phenotype of an individual

Answer

To analyze genetic pedigrees

Answer

To study the evolution of populations

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of a genetic disorder caused by a dominant allele?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Hemophilia

Answer

Tay-Sachs disease

Question 22

What is the distinction between a genotype and a phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable traits.

Answer

Phenotype refers to the genetic makeup, while genotype refers to the observable traits.

Answer

Genotype and phenotype are interchangeable terms.

Answer

Genotype refers to the dominant alleles, while phenotype refers to the recessive alleles.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Recombination

Answer

Point mutation

Answer

Inversion

Answer

Translocation

Question 24

Which of the following is a form of natural selection where individuals with extreme traits are more likely to survive and reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection

Answer

Directional selection

Answer

Stabilizing selection

Answer

Artificial selection

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a type of molecular marker used in genetic research?

Accepted Answer

Chromosomal rearrangement

Answer

RFLP

Answer

SNP

Answer

Microsatellite

Question 26

The process by which DNA is copied during cell division is called:

Accepted Answer

Replication

Answer

Transcription

Answer

Translation

Answer

Mutation

Question 27

The theory of punctuated equilibrium suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Evolution occurs in short bursts of rapid change followed by periods of stasis

Answer

Evolution occurs in long periods of gradual change

Answer

Evolution is a random process

Answer

Evolution is driven by genetic drift

Question 28

The fundamental unit of heredity that carries genetic information is:

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Allele

Answer

Nucleotide

Question 29

Mendel's law of segregation states that during the formation of gametes:

Accepted Answer

Alleles of a gene separate and assort independently

Answer

Alleles of different genes separate and assort independently

Answer

Sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes separate and assort independently

Answer

Genes of different chromosomes separate and assort independently

Question 30

Genetic recombination, which shuffles genetic material, is primarily a result of:

Accepted Answer

Crossing over

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Independent assortment

Answer

Gene flow

Question 31

A population in genetic equilibrium, according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, is one that is:

Accepted Answer

Not evolving

Answer

Evolving

Answer

Undergoing genetic drift

Answer

Experiencing natural selection

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT recognized as a mechanism of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Lamarckian inheritance

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 33

Genetic engineering primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Modifying an organism's genetic makeup

Answer

Creating entirely new species

Answer

Eliminating all genetic diseases

Answer

Preventing the occurrence of mutations

Question 34

An example of a homologous structure is:

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of a bat and a bird

Answer

The leg of a dog and the arm of a human

Answer

The eye of a human and the eye of a squid

Answer

The leaves of a tree and the scales of a fish

Question 35

A defining characteristic of natural selection is that it:

Accepted Answer

Favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction

Answer

Acts on individuals, not populations

Answer

Always leads to an increase in population size

Answer

Is a completely random process

Question 36

The gradual process by which species adapt to their surroundings over generations is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Evolution

Answer

Acclimatization

Answer

Habituation

Answer

Ontogeny

Question 37

Genetic variation is crucial for evolution. Explain its significance and discuss the different sources of genetic variation that influence a population's ability to adapt.

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation provides the raw material for evolution, allowing natural selection to act on diverse traits and promote adaptations that enhance fitness.

Answer

Genetic variation primarily reduces a population's vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Answer

Genetic variation is only found in species that reproduce sexually.

Answer

Genetic variation is unaffected by environmental factors.

Question 38

How does gene regulation contribute to phenotypic plasticity and adaptation in organisms?

Accepted Answer

Gene regulation allows organisms to adjust gene expression, enabling them to respond and adapt to different environments.

Answer

Gene regulation mainly involves controlling the timing and location of gene expression.

Answer

Gene regulation does not play a significant role in phenotypic plasticity or adaptation.

Question 39

How does genetic diversity help a population adapt to changes in its environment?

Accepted Answer

It increases the chances of having individuals with traits suited to the new environment.

Answer

It reduces competition for resources.

Answer

It makes the population more vulnerable to diseases.

Answer

It ensures equal survival and reproduction for all members.

Question 40

How does gene regulation influence gene expression and determine an organism's observable traits?

Accepted Answer

Gene regulation controls gene expression, shaping an organism's phenotype.

Answer

Gene regulation is crucial only in complex organisms for cell specialization.

Answer

Gene regulation is unaffected by the environment, relying solely on genetics.

Answer

Gene regulation solely affects protein-coding genes, not non-coding genes.

Question 41

How have advancements in genetic technologies impacted our understanding of genetics?

Accepted Answer

They have provided new tools and techniques for genetic research.

Answer

They have hindered genetic research.

Answer

They have made genetics less relevant in modern society.

Answer

They have made genetic principles more difficult to understand.

Question 42

Which of the following processes describes the transmission of traits from parents to offspring?

Accepted Answer

Mendelian genetics

Answer

Population genetics

Answer

Evolutionary biology

Answer

Molecular genetics

Question 43

Which subcellular structure houses the genetic material?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus

Answer

Ribosome

Answer

Mitochondrion

Answer

Cytoplasm

Question 44

What is the name of the molecule that carries the genetic code?

Accepted Answer

DNA

Answer

Protein

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

RNA

Question 45

Which process generates novel genetic combinations?

Accepted Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Gene regulation

Answer

Natural selection

Question 46

Which of the following is a key driving force of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Genetic drift

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of homologous structures?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of humans and bats

Answer

The hearts of humans and fish

Answer

The feathers of birds and the scales of fish

Answer

The eyes of insects and mammals

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT considered an application of genetic engineering?

Accepted Answer

Predicting disease risk based on genetic information

Answer

Treating genetic disorders

Answer

Producing genetically modified crops

Answer

Cloning animals

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a nitrogenous base found in DNA?

Accepted Answer

Uracil

Answer

Guanine

Answer

Adenine

Answer

Thymine

Question 50

According to Mendelian genetics, when heterozygous parents are crossed, the probability of their offspring inheriting two recessive alleles for a given trait is:

Accepted Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Question 51

The theory of evolution by natural selection was first proposed by:

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

James Watson

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Question 52

Genetic drift is a phenomenon that can cause random changes in allele frequencies, and is most likely to occur in:

Accepted Answer

Small populations

Answer

Only in populations with large numbers of individuals

Answer

Only in asexual populations

Question 53

The term "heredity" refers to the process by which:

Accepted Answer

Characteristics are passed down from parents to offspring

Answer

New species are formed

Answer

Genetic variation is introduced into populations

Answer

Individuals adapt to their environment

Question 54

Which of the following statements about dominant alleles is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are expressed in heterozygous individuals

Answer

They are only found in heterozygous individuals

Answer

They are masked in heterozygous individuals

Answer

They are only found in homozygous individuals

Question 55

DNA replication involves:

Accepted Answer

Pairing of each DNA strand with a complementary strand

Answer

Random insertion of new nucleotides

Answer

Mutation of existing nucleotides

Answer

Removal of mismatched nucleotides

Question 56

Which of the following is the fundamental unit of heredity?

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Nucleotide

Answer

Protein

Question 57

What is the term for the alternative forms of a gene that occupy the same locus on homologous chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

Alleles

Answer

Phenotypes

Answer

Genotypes

Question 58

According to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which conditions must be met for allele and genotype frequencies to remain constant in a population?

Accepted Answer

No mutations, no gene flow, random mating, no genetic drift

Answer

Only random mating and no genetic drift

Answer

Only no mutations and no gene flow

Question 59

What is the biological process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself?

Accepted Answer

Replication

Answer

Translation

Answer

Mutation

Answer

Transcription

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic modification

Answer

Genetic recombination

Answer

Gene flow

Answer

Mutation

Question 61

Who is credited with developing the theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Answer

James Watson

Answer

Gregor Mendel

Question 62

Which of the following is a mechanism of evolution that can lead to the formation of new species?

Accepted Answer

Speciation

Answer

Natural selection

Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Mutation

Question 63

An allele that is expressed only in homozygous individuals is said to be:

Accepted Answer

Recessive

Answer

Dominant

Answer

Codominant

Answer

Incomplete Dominant

Question 64

Which of the following is the basic unit of heredity?

Accepted Answer

Gene

Answer

Nucleotide

Answer

Chromosome

Answer

Codon