Ask Joe Stuff Quiz

What percentage of DNA do humans share with bananas, and why is this significant?

• 25%, due to random genetic similarities.

• 50%, but it mainly highlights shared basic life mechanisms.

• 98%, indicating a close evolutionary relationship.

• 50%, because it shows we are closely related to bananas.

Why is comparing genetic similarity percentages between species not very informative?

• Because it doesn't account for protein functions and expression.

• Because it only applies to plants.

• Because percentages are always inaccurate.

• Because all species have the same DNA.

What is 'sympathetic vomiting' and why might it have evolved?

• A response to others vomiting, possibly to avoid toxins.

• A reaction to seeing food, evolved to encourage eating.

• A reflex to loud noises, evolved for survival.

• A reaction to spicy food, evolved to prevent overeating.

How do dogs typically respond to another dog vomiting?

• They bark at it.

• They also vomit.

• They avoid the vomit.

• They eat the vomit.

What does LUCA stand for and what does it represent?

• Last Unique Cellular Ancestor, a unique life form.

• Last Universal Common Ancestor, a shared ancestor of all life.

• Latest Universal Cellular Ancestor, a recent discovery.

• Last Uncommon Common Ancestor, a rare species.

What is the likelihood that all life evolved from a single common ancestor?

• Equally likely as multiple ancestors.

• Impossible to determine.

• 10 to the 2,860 times more likely than multiple ancestors.

• Less likely than multiple ancestors.

What significant event in the history of life does the speaker wish to witness?

• The origin of mitochondria.

• The first appearance of humans.

• The formation of the Earth.

• The extinction of dinosaurs.

What does the symbol 'c' represent in physics, and what is its origin?

• The speed of light, from 'celeritas'.

• The speed of sound, from 'constant'.

• The speed of light, from 'constant'.

• The speed of sound, from 'celeritas'.

What humorous issue does the speaker mention regarding ISPs?

• They slow down the speed of light.

• They speed up the speed of light.

• They make the internet too fast.

• They provide free internet.

What is the purpose of the Voyager Golden Record?

• To store scientific data.

• To play music in space.

• To record Earth's history.

• To send greetings to potential extraterrestrial life.