scientists compare the dna of different organisms to understand evolutionary relationships what is this type of evidence called

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 science practice

1. Scientists compare the DNA of different organisms to understand evolutionary relationships. What is this type of evidence called?

A. Morphological evidence (comparing body structures)
B. Biochemical evidence (comparing molecules like proteins)
C. Geographic distribution evidence (where organisms live)
D. Genetic evidence (comparing DNA sequences)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A) Morphological evidence involves comparing body structures of organisms, which can provide information about evolutionary relationships based on physical similarities and differences. However, DNA comparison is a more direct and accurate method for understanding evolutionary relationships. B) Biochemical evidence involves comparing molecules like proteins, which can also provide insights into evolutionary relationships. However, DNA comparison is considered more reliable due to the direct relationship between DNA sequences and genetic information. C) Geographic distribution evidence refers to where organisms live and how their distribution may provide clues about evolutionary history. While this can be informative, it is not as direct or specific as comparing DNA sequences. D) Genetic evidence involves comparing DNA sequences of different organisms to understand their evolutionary relationships. DNA comparison is a powerful tool in evolutionary biology because it provides direct information about genetic similarities and differences, offering precise insights into evolutionary relationships.

2. Which of the following describes the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

A. Prokaryotic cells have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells don't.
B. Eukaryotic cells are simpler in structure than prokaryotic cells.
C. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells don't.
D. Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells lack these.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus that contains the genetic material, while prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are absent in prokaryotic cells.

3. What is the primary organ responsible for filtering urine?

A. Kidneys
B. Bladder
C. Ureters
D. Urethra

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are the primary organs responsible for filtering urine. They filter waste products and excess substances from the blood to produce urine. Subsequently, urine travels from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. The bladder temporarily stores urine until it is expelled from the body through the urethra. The bladder's function is storage, the ureters transport urine, and the urethra is the exit pathway for urine expulsion. Therefore, the kidneys play a vital role in the filtration and production of urine within the urinary system.

4. In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit commonly used to quantify:

A. Energy
B. Radioactivity
C. Nuclear cross-section
D. Half-life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In nuclear physics, the term 'barn' is a unit used to quantify nuclear cross-section. Nuclear cross-section is a measure of the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when an atomic nucleus interacts with a particle or another nucleus. The barn is a unit of area equal to 10^-28 square meters; it is commonly used to describe the cross-sectional area of atomic nuclei for nuclear reactions. Choice A, 'Energy,' is incorrect because a barn is not a unit for measuring energy; it is a unit of area. Choice B, 'Radioactivity,' is incorrect as radioactivity is typically measured in units like becquerels. Choice D, 'Half-life,' is also incorrect as half-life is a measure of the time it takes for half of a substance to decay, not related to the concept of a barn as a unit of nuclear cross-section.

5. What is the relationship between genetic drift and the founder effect?

A. Founder effect is a cause of genetic drift within a small population
B. Genetic drift is a cause of the founder effect in new populations
C. They are the same phenomenon with different names
D. They are unrelated concepts.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - The founder effect is a specific type of genetic drift that occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation. - Genetic drift, on the other hand, is a broader concept that refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population over time due to chance events. - Therefore, the founder effect is a specific scenario within the broader concept of genetic drift, where the establishment of a new population by a small number of individuals leads to genetic changes in the population.