Classification and Evolution Quiz

Question 1

Outline the different characteristics of the 3 domains of life.

Answer 1

• Archaea (prokaryotic, single-celled, proteins associated with DNA, cell walls not made of peptidoglycan, live in extreme environments).
• Eubacteria (prokaryotic, single-celled, naked DNA, cell walls made of peptidoglycan, bacteria).
• Eukarya/Eukaryote (eukaryotic, single-celled, multicellular organisms, membrane-bound organelles, DNA associated with histone proteins)

Question 2

Know the order of the taxa (in increasing and decreasing size).

Answer 2

Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species 

(King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti)

Question 3

Outline the different characteristics of the 4 plant phyla (and be able to identify plants as belonging to each phylum).

Answer 3

Bryophyta (i.e. liverworts and mosses)

• No vascularization (no xylem/no phloem tissue)
• Reproduces via spores released by stocks
• Small with no leaves, stems, or roots

Filicophyta (i.e. ferns)

• Vascularization (have xylem and phloem tissue)
• Reproduces via spores released in sporangia
• Have pinnate leaves (leaves on stalks)

Coniferophyta (i.e. conifers)

• Vascularization (have xylem and phloem tissue)
• Reproduces via seeds in cones
• Narrow leaves with a thick, waxy cuticle

Angiospermophyta (i.e. flowering plants like roses, grasses, orchids, etc.)

• Vascularization (have xylem and phloem tissue)
• Reproduce via seeds in fruits
• Reproduce with flowers as reproductive organs

Question 4

Outline the different characteristics of the 6 phyla of invertebrate animals (and be able to identify invertebrates belonging to each phylum).

Answer 4

Porifera (e.g. sponges)

• Have an asymmetrical body plan.
• Have no mouth or anus (have pores).
• May have spicules for structural supports.

Annelida (e.g. earthworms and leeches)

• Possess bilateral symmetry.
• Have a separate mouth and anus.
• Body composed of ringed segments.

Cnidaria (e.g. jellyfish and anemones)

• Possess radial symmetry.
• Have a mouth but no anus (single opening).
• Tentacles and stinging cells (cnidocytes).

Mollusca (e.g. squids, slugs, snails, bivalves)

• Possesses bilateral symmetry.
• Have a separate mouth and anus.
• Has non-visible segments (may have a shell)

Platyhelmintha (e.g. flatworms, tapeworms)

• Possesses bilateral symmetry.
• Have a mouth but no anus (single opening).
• Has a flattened body (increases SA:V ratio)

Arthropoda (e.g. insects, spiders, crustaceans)

• Possesses a bilateral symmetry.
• Have a separate mouth and anus.
• Have jointed appendages and exoskeletons.

Question 5

Outline the different characteristics of the 5 classes of vertebrate animals (and be able to identify vertebrates belonging to each class).

Answer 5

Reptiles

• Covered in scales (made of keratin).
• Have internal fertilization (soft eggs).
• Breathe via lungs and are ectothermic

Fish

• Covered in scales (body plates of skin).
• Reproduce via external fertilization.
• Breathe through gills and are ectothermic.

Birds

• Covered in feathers (made of keratin).
• Have internal fertilization (lays hard eggs).
• Breathe via lungs and are endothermic.

Amphibians

• Have moist skin (permeable to gases).
• Reproduce via external fertilization.
• Breathe through skin and are ectothermic.

Mammals

• Covered in skin (and keratin hair follicles).
• Have internal fertilization (and lactation).
• Breathe via lungs and are endothermic.

Question 6

Be able to define evolution.

Answer 6

The process of cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population over time.

Question 7

Explain how evolution happens (natural selection).

Answer 7

Evolution happens by means of natural selection. The theory of natural selection, which was proposed by Darwin and Wallace in the mid-1800s, states that there is genetic (inheritable) variation within a population. This variation, in turn, is caused by mutations, meiosis, and sexual reproduction. However, populations of organisms tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support, creating a struggle for survival. Environmental selection pressures give rise to differential rates of reproduction. Individuals with beneficial traits are likely to survive and reproduce, while those less adapted produce less offspring. Over generations, these beneficial traits become more common.

Question 8

Outline the evidence for evolution provided by fossils, selective breeding/ artificial selection, and homologous structures (the pentadactyl limb).

Answer 8

Fossil Record

• The fossil record shows that changes have occurred in organisms and these changes have occurred in a consistent sequence of development (the law of fossil succession) (ex: Ferns always appear before flowering plants).
• Transitional Fossils: Transitional fossils represent intermediary forms within the evolution of a genus and demonstrate species connections (ex: The archaeopteryx links the evolution of birds (wings and feathers) to dinosaurs (jaws and claws)).

Selective Breeding

• Selective breeding involves the mating of animals with the intention of producing desired characteristics for the offspring.
• As human intervention drives selection, changes will occur over fewer generations as phenotypes extremes are promoted.

Homologous Structures:

• The rapid diversification of an anatomical feature is a result of adaptive radiation. Closely related species demonstrate greater homology.
• Ex: The pentadactyl limb is a prime example of a homologous structure, as there are different appendages, yet the bone structure is the same.

Question 9

Outline the sources of variation within a population.

Answer 9

Mutation - Factors such as excess radiation creates changes to the gene sequence.

Sexual reproduction - Any one of the gametes from one individual can fertilize anyone of the gametes of another individual.

Gene flow - immigration and emigration.