Biology Test Biology Genetics & Evolution 3

Question 1

What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle predict about allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

They remain constant in the absence of evolutionary forces

Answer

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations in a non-evolving population.

Question 2

Which stage of meiosis results in genetic recombination via crossing over?

Accepted Answer

Prophase I

Answer

Crossing over between homologous chromosomes occurs during Prophase I of meiosis, generating new allele combinations.

Question 3

A gene has two alleles with frequencies p = 0.6 and q = 0.4. Under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes?

Accepted Answer

0.48

Answer

Heterozygote frequency = 2pq = 2 × 0.6 × 0.4 = 0.48.

Question 4

What distinguishes microevolution from macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution is changes in allele frequency within a species; macroevolution is species-level divergence and above

Answer

Microevolution refers to allele frequency changes within a population, while macroevolution encompasses speciation and higher-level evolutionary changes.

Question 5

Which mutation type results in an amino acid change that may or may not affect protein function?

Accepted Answer

Missense mutation

Answer

Missense mutations change one codon to code for a different amino acid, which may or may not impact protein function depending on the change.

Biology Practice Test

Biology Practice Test

Biology Test Biology Genetics & Evolution 3