what does monophyletic mean in the context of classification

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. What does 'monophyletic' mean in the context of classification?

A. A group with a single representative organism
B. A group with diverse and unrelated members
C. A group with similar functions but different origins
D. A group descended from a common ancestor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of classification, 'monophyletic' refers to a group that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. This group shares a single evolutionary origin and forms a complete branch on a phylogenetic tree. Monophyletic groups are considered natural and valid taxonomic units because they reflect evolutionary relationships accurately. Option D is the correct choice as it accurately defines the term 'monophyletic' in the context of classification. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because 'monophyletic' does not refer to a group with a single representative organism but rather a group descended from a common ancestor. Choice B is incorrect as a monophyletic group consists of related, not diverse and unrelated, members. Choice C is incorrect as a monophyletic group includes descendants from a common ancestor, not just organisms with similar functions but different origins.

2. How does water affect the temperature of a living thing?

A. Water increases temperature.
B. Water keeps temperature stable.
C. Water decreases temperature.
D. Water does not affect temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release a large amount of heat energy without causing a significant change in temperature. This property allows water to help regulate the temperature of living things by buffering against sudden temperature changes in the environment. Overall, water helps to maintain a stable temperature within living organisms, which is crucial for their survival and physiological processes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because water's high specific heat capacity enables it to stabilize temperatures rather than increasing, decreasing, or having no effect on them.

3. Which structure, located between the pons and the spinal cord, plays a crucial role in coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and posture?

A. Thalamus
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the cerebellum. The cerebellum, located between the pons and the spinal cord, is responsible for coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and posture. The thalamus functions in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, the medulla oblongata controls vital autonomic functions such as breathing and heart rate, and the hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions like temperature and hunger. Therefore, the cerebellum is the structure that specifically handles coordination, balance, and posture.

4. Four different groups of the same species of peas are grown and exposed to differing levels of sunlight, water, and fertilizer as documented in the table below. The data in the water and fertilizer columns indicate how many times the peas are watered or fertilized per week, respectively. Group 2 is the only group that withered. What is a reasonable explanation for this occurrence? Group Sunlight Water Fertilizer 1 partial sun 4 mL/hr 1 2 full sun 7 mL/hr 1 3 no sun 14 mL/hr 2 4 partial sun 3 mL/hr 2

A. Insects gnawed away at the stem of the plant.
B. The roots rotted due to poor drainage.
C. The soil type had nutritional deficiencies.
D. This species of peas does not thrive in full sunlight.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Group 2, the only group that withered, was exposed to full sun. This suggests that the species of peas being studied does not thrive in full sunlight, leading to its deterioration compared to the other groups with different light exposures. Choices A, B, and C are not the correct explanations for the withering of Group 2. There is no mention of insects in the stem, poor drainage, or soil nutritional deficiencies in the scenario provided. The key factor that sets Group 2 apart from the others is the full sunlight exposure, indicating that the species of peas is not suited for such conditions.

5. What is the length of DNA that can code for a particular protein?

A. Chromosome
B. Nucleotide
C. Gene
D. Ribosome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gene. A gene is a specific segment of DNA that contains the information necessary to produce a particular protein. Genes are responsible for coding proteins, and each gene carries the instructions for a specific protein. Chromosomes consist of many genes and are not a specific length that codes for a protein. Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and are not a length that codes for a protein. Ribosomes are cellular organelles involved in protein synthesis and do not directly code for proteins.