which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution?

A. Humans and chimpanzees
B. Bats and birds
C. Dolphins and sharks
D. Snakes and earthworms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

2. Which type of cell is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body?

A. Nerve cell
B. Muscle cell
C. Skin cell
D. Red blood cell

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Red blood cell. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are specifically designed to carry oxygen throughout the body. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues and organs in the body. Nerve cells, muscle cells, and skin cells do not have the specialized function of carrying oxygen like red blood cells do. Nerve cells transmit electrical signals, muscle cells are involved in movement, and skin cells provide a protective barrier and regulate body temperature. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of carrying oxygen throughout the body.

3. Which of the following is an example of a chemical property of matter?

A. Boiling point
B. Flammability
C. Density
D. Conductivity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flammability is an example of a chemical property of matter because it describes how a substance reacts with oxygen in the air to produce heat and light. Chemical properties involve the ability of a substance to undergo a chemical change or reaction, such as burning. Boiling point, density, and conductivity are examples of physical properties, not chemical properties. Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas, density is the mass of a substance per unit volume, and conductivity is the ability to conduct electricity. Therefore, flammability best exemplifies a chemical property as it pertains to the substance's reaction with oxygen, while the other options are physical properties that describe characteristics without changing the substance's chemical composition.

4. Differentiate between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.

A. Genotype refers to the physical manifestation of a trait, while phenotype represents its underlying genetic makeup.
B. Genotype encompasses the spectrum of possible traits encoded by an organism's genes, while phenotype signifies the specific trait observed.
C. Genotype denotes the presence of dominant alleles, while phenotype reflects the influence of recessive alleles.
D. There is no distinction; both terms are interchangeable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: - Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, including all the genes and alleles it possesses. - Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable physical characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genotype and the environment. - While genotype represents the genetic potential or range of traits that an organism can express, phenotype reflects the actual expression of specific traits. - Therefore, option B correctly captures the distinction between genotype and phenotype in the context of gene expression.

5. Which of the following meninges is a thin membrane containing numerous nerves and blood vessels that supply nourishment to the underlying brain cells and spinal cord?

A. Arachnoid mater
B. Dura mater
C. Periosteum
D. Pia mater

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pia mater is the correct answer. It is a thin, innermost layer of the meninges that contains numerous nerves and blood vessels, providing nourishment to the underlying brain cells and spinal cord. The arachnoid mater (Choice A) is the middle layer of the meninges and does not contain as many nerves and blood vessels as the pia mater. The dura mater (Choice B) is the tough, outermost layer of the meninges and is not responsible for supplying nourishment. The periosteum (Choice C) is a connective tissue membrane covering bones, not part of the meninges.