species and taxonomy exam questions

Question 1

there are many different species of ield mouse in europe. Using a phylogenetic classification, all of these species have names that start with apodemus.
what information does this give about field mouse. (2)

Answer 1

-same genus
-same evolutionary history/common ancestor

Question 2

the male birds were selected because they were very similar to each other. Suggest 2 reasons why it was important that they are a similar age. (2)

Answer 2

-ensures similar sexual maturity
-ensures females response to males is not due to their age
-so they have the correct feathers.

Question 3

of the 40 male birds, the scientsts selected 20 receive the NR treatement. They selected these birds at random. Suggest how. (1)

Answer 3

number the birds and then use a random number generator to pick the birds.

Question 4

the pigment in the throat feathers of the male birds that reflects UV light is a protein. This protein arose by a gene mutation. Explain how a gene mutation could result in a new protein. (4)

Answer 4

-change in sequence of bases
-due to deletion/subsitution
-different primary structure/specific sequence of amino acids
-change to tertiary structure

Question 5

explain how the standard deviation helps in the interpretation of this data. (2)

Answer 5

-shows spread of data
-overlap= no significant difference.

Question 6

the biologist analysed the amino acid sequence of the blood protein samples from these hummingbirds.
Explain how these sequences could provide evidence as to whether the crimson and fiery topaz are different species

Answer 6

-different species- different amino acid sequence
-amino acid sequence is a result of DNA base sequence.

Question 7

suggest 2 other sources of evidence which scientists may have used to classify cheetahs and lepards in different generas. (2)

Answer 7

-evolutionary history
-DNA base sequence

Question 8

differences in cynaide production may affect the total number of clover leaf plants growing in different areas. Describe how you would use quadrats in an investigation to determine whether or not there is a difference in the number of clover leaf plants in two large areas of equal size. (4)

Answer 8

-large number of quadrats in both areas
-calcualte average/mean for both areas
-random sampling e.g. using a random number generator
-measure percentage cover in each quadrat
-statistical test to see if there is a significant difference in the number of clover leaf plants.

Question 9

suggest how info on amino acid sequences is used to construct a phylogenetic tree. (2)

Answer 9

-similar sequence- more closely related
-the more different the amino acid sequence is- the longer ago they diverged.