AIR Review - Evolution

As a scientist, I want to study evolutionary history, which molecule would not off me much information about the history of life?

• DNA

• Proteins

• Nucleic Acids

• Phospholipids

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Scientists want to determine how closely related horses are to zebras. Which data would give the most accurate comparison?

• DNA sequences

• physical characteristics

• behavioral characteristics

• habitats

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A particular bird species found in North America obtains most of its food energy by catching and eating insects. A mutation arises in this bird population that increases the length of its beak. Although many mutations are harmful, this particular mutation has increased the ability of the bird to catch and eat certain insects. Formulate the MOST LIKELY outcome resulting from this mutation.

• The insects that are eaten by this bird are likely to become extinct.

• Sharp pointed beaks will result in the birds eating other more unusual food items.

• individual birds with the mutation will be more likely to survive and reproduce than birds without the mutation.

• Other bird species will be more likely to also develop pointed beaks in order to compete.

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The arm or forelimb of humans, horses, goats, and mice all exhibit the same three bone structures: humerus, ulna, and radius. Which statement BEST explains this common skeletal structure?

• the limb bones are similar across these species because they share a common ancestor.

• The limb bones are the same across these species because all of them move in a similar way.

• The limbs are similar because of the recurring patterns of genetic mutation that are common in the Animal Kingdom.

• The limbs are structurally similar due to convergent evolution--different organisms evolving to become structurally similar.

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Many cactus plants, such as the species shown in the illustration, use a special type of photosynthesis called CAM photosynthesis. This specialized process allows the cactus plant to keep the stoma or leaf openings closed during the day. Most other plant species keep their stoma open during daylight hours. Which is the MOST likely reason that cactus use this special photosynthetic process?

• conserve water

• retain oxygen

• avoid insect predators

• conserve energy in the form of ATP

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The Eastern grey squirrel lives mostly in oak trees that have a medium gray bark. In some cities, oak tree bark is darkening due to air pollution. This Eastern grey squirrel shows melanism, or the increase in black pigment in its fur. What is MOST LIKELY the reason for the change in fur color?

• With age; this is a very old squirrel.

• It is a way to help the grey squirrel attract a mate.

• Squirrels from another region moved into the area.

• It is a way to camouflage the squirrel in a changing habitat.

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The phylogenetic tree illustrates the relationship between humans and our closest living relatives. The tree was based on biochemical comparisons, including DNA and amino acid sequences.

What statement COULD we make about the four species based on the phylogenetic tree?

• Humans are in no way similar to the other three organisms.

• The four have molecular similarities, but have their own unique traits.

• The orangutan has nothing in common with the other three organisms.

• The is no evidence of any connection between the four organisms.

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Apple farmers are currently having a very difficult time with pesticide-resistant insects. These insects are no longer being killed by the current chemical treatments, thus causing a lot of damage to the apple crops. In reaction to this, researchers are developing newer and stronger chemicals to help control the bugs.

Which of these best explains why the apple farmers seeing these new, stronger bugs?

• The bugs were not native to the area and thus cannot be killed by normal chemicals.

• Changes in the weather have led to stronger insects that can survive these harsh changes.

• The strongest bugs were able to survive pesticides, reproduce and create more resistant pests.

• The apple trees are producing too many apples, which is allowing the insects to reproduce rapidly.

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Forest elephants in Africa have been confirmed as a different species from the larger savanna elephant seen here. Scientists believe the savanna elephant is as different from the forest elephant as Asian elephants are from woolly mammoths. The two African species diverged about two million years ago, the same time the mammoth and the Asian elephant are thought to have diverged.

What evidence do scientists offer to support their idea that the African elephants are two different species?

• DNA analysis reveals that the two elephants are genetically different.

• The elephants occupy two different niches in Africa.

• One species of elephant appeared much later than the other.

• The two elephant species have different physical characteristics.

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The picture depicts three generations of moths over time. In the beginning, the environment was free of air pollution and the light colored moths were more prevalent in the forest against the light colored trees. However, as air pollution started to increase, black colored moths were more prevalent in the forest.

Which hypothesis provides the best explanation as to why the moth populations changed over time?

• Each moth changed color to adapt to the changing environment.

• As the soot covered trees became more prevalent, lighter colored moths stood out and were eaten.

• As the environment changed, darker moths were less likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes.

• The light colored peppered moths avoided predation because they were better adapted among the soot colored trees.

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