Classification and Evolutionary Relationships Review

Use the cladogram to answer: What two traits separate the shark from the lizard?

• Lungs and hair

• No tail and dry skin

• Lungs and dry skin

• Jaws and lungs

Answer explanation

The shark is distinguished from the lizard by having lungs, which allow for breathing air, and dry skin, as lizards have moist skin. Thus, the correct traits that separate them are lungs and dry skin.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A student compares the structures found in two different cells. Cell 1: Mitochondria; Ribosomes; Golgi apparatus; Nucleic acid with a nucleus. Cell 2: Ribosomes; Nucleic acid without a nucleus; Cytoplasm; Cell wall. Which of these best identifies both cells based on their structures?

• Cell 1 is prokaryotic and Cell 2 is eukaryotic

• Cell 1 is eukaryotic and Cell 2 is prokaryotic

• Cell 1 and Cell 2 are both prokaryotic

• Cell 1 and Cell 2 are both eukaryotic

Answer explanation

Cell 1 has a nucleus and organelles like mitochondria and Golgi apparatus, indicating it is eukaryotic. Cell 2 lacks a nucleus and has a cell wall, characteristic of prokaryotic cells. Thus, Cell 1 is eukaryotic and Cell 2 is prokaryotic.

A student is using the Venn diagram shown below to compare structures in plant and animal cells. Which description correctly identifies X, Y, and Z?

• X: lysosomes; Y: ribosomes; Z: chromosomes

• X: chloroplasts; Y: cell membrane; Z: centrioles

• X: mitochondria; Y: Golgi apparatus; Z: cytoplasm

• X: endoplasmic reticulum; Y: cell wall; Z: nucleolus

Answer explanation

X identifies chloroplasts, which are found in plant cells; Y is the cell membrane present in both cell types; Z refers to centrioles, which are found in animal cells. This matches the correct answer choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

The diagram shows possible evolutionary pathways of several species over time. Which species is most closely related to species M?

• species E

• species F

• species K

• species A

Answer explanation

Species F is most closely related to species M as they share a more recent common ancestor in the evolutionary pathway, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship compared to the other species listed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar structures.  These are known as

• vestigial structures

• analogous structures

• homologous structures

• fossil structures

Answer explanation

Homologous structures are features in different organisms that share a common ancestor, exhibiting similar structures but serving different functions, such as the forelimbs of mammals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which statement describes a main characteristic that separates members of the domain Eukarya from the domains Bacteria and Archaea?

• Eukarya have cells that contain a nucleus.

• Eukarya are able to reproduce.

• Eukarya are able to photosynthesize.

• Eukarya are made from more than one cell.

Answer explanation

Eukarya are distinguished by having cells with a nucleus, unlike Bacteria and Archaea, which lack a true nucleus. This characteristic is fundamental to the classification of these domains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which kingdoms have photosynthetic organisms?

• fungi and plants

• fungi and protists

• plants and animals

• protists and plants

Answer explanation

Photosynthetic organisms are primarily found in the kingdoms of plants and protists. Plants are well-known for photosynthesis, while many protists, like algae, also perform this process, making 'protists and plants' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Scientists discovered a new organism with these characteristics: eukaryotic, nonvascular, reproduces by spores, heterotrophic, cell walls contain chitin. Based on these traits, in which kingdom should this organism be classified?

• Protista

• Plantae

• Animalia

• Fungi

Answer explanation

The organism is classified in the kingdom Fungi because it is eukaryotic, nonvascular, reproduces by spores, is heterotrophic, and has cell walls made of chitin, which are characteristic traits of fungi.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What does taxonomy involve?

• The study of animal behavior.

• The naming and classification of species.

• The analysis of plant structures.

• The process of genetic mutation.

Which of the following are the three domains of life?

• Plants, Animals, Fungi

• Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, Viruses

• Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

• Monera, Protista, Animalia