EOC Bootcamp Day 4: Classification, Cladograms & Ecology

A geneticist examines part of a gene sequence in four different but related species. For each species, the bases in the sequence are indicated in the chart to the right.

She then determines that the common ancestor of these four species has a DNA strand of A C C T A G G T G A G C.

Based on this data, which species is most closely related to the common ancestor?

• Species 1

• Species 2

• Species 3

• Species 4

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

In an experiment to understand evolutionary relationships, a scientist compares the mitochondrial DNA sequences of five different mammals. The sequence of the most recent common ancestor is known to be C A T G G C A T A C G T.

Which mammal's mitochondrial DNA sequence shows the least mutation from the common ancestor?

• Mammal 1

• Mammal 2

• Mammal 3

• Mammal 4

Answer explanation

Mammal 1 shows the least mutation from the common ancestor as its mitochondrial DNA sequence matches the known sequence the closest.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A group of researchers are studying the genetic diversity within a population of a fish species. They sequence a particular gene from multiple individuals and compare it to the gene sequence of the species' known common ancestor, which is

A G T C A G T A C G A.

Based on the gene sequences analyzed, which individual fish is most genetically similar to the common ancestor?

• Fish 1

• Fish 2

• Fish 3

• Fish 4

Answer explanation

Fish 4 has the gene sequence 'AGTCAGTACGA' which has the least differences compared to the common ancestor's sequence, making it the most genetically similar.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

A paleontologist is comparing the bone collagen sequences of four different prehistoric animals to understand their evolutionary relationships. The sequence of the most ancient common ancestor is known to be G A T C A G T G A C T.

Which prehistoric animal's bone collagen sequence is least closely related to the common ancestor?

• Animal 1

• Animal 2

• Animal 3

• Animal 4

Answer explanation

Animal 3 is least closely related to the common ancestor because it has the most genetic differences.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists examine biodiversity at locations around the world. The map shows the decrease in species richness across the planet. Species richness is defined as the number of different species in an area.

The scientists determine that most ecosystems have lost 14% of their species (on average) over time, some locations have lost up to 30% of their species, and a loss of greater than 20% of species in an ecosystem is known to affect ecosystem services.

Select THREE reasons why an ecosystem could experience biodiversity loss.

• seasonal change from winter into summer

• land development for increased agriculture

• population cycling among predators and their prey

• increased commercial fishing to meet population needs

• fragmentation of viable habitat during urban expansion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Scientists study patterns found in native alpine plant species in an area. They document the species richness per hectare (10,000 square meters) at different elevations historically and recently. Species richness is defined as the number of different species in the area. The scientists attribute the difference between historical and recent species richness to climate change.

Which statement support the scientists' conclusion and could explain the data shown in the graph?

• the alpine plant species develop a resistance to effects of the colder conditions

• the number of diseases targeting alpine plant species increases as a result of increasing temperatures

• the number of invasive species that compete with the alpine plant species increases as a result of more favorable temperatures.

• the range of alpine plant species shifts to more suitable habitats to meet needs that are lacking as a result of increasing temperatures.

Answer explanation

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

According to the cladogram pictured, what trait(s) does the Beetle have? Select ALL that apply.

• coiled mouthparts

• wing sheaths

• folding wings

• wings

• exoskeletons

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

According to the cladogram pictured, who is most closely related to the Roaches?

• Bristletails

• Mayflies

• Moths

• Velvet Worms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

According to the cladogram pictured, which two species are most closely related?

• Roaches & Velvet Worms

• Mayflies & Moths

• Moths & Beetles

• Bristletails & Beetles

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Scientists discover five new species of shrimp. The table shows the nucleotide differences among the 5 species.

Which cladogram represents how the species should be arranged, based on the information in the table?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2