Genetics and Evolution questions

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Genetics and Evolution question collection

Review Genetics and Evolution questions for Biology, with correct answers shown and coverage across inherited and environmental variation; genes, DNA and chromosomes; adaptation and natural selection.

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Question 1

What is heredity?
  1. The passing of genetic information from one generation to the next
  2. The process of changing genes during one lifetime
  3. The movement of oxygen into the blood
  4. The breakdown of glucose in respiration

Question 2

Which cell structure contains chromosomes?
  1. Nucleus
  2. Cytoplasm
  3. Cell membrane
  4. Ribosome

Question 3

How is a gene best described?
  1. As a section of DNA that influences a characteristic
  2. As a whole chromosome pair
  3. As a type of cell membrane protein
  4. As a process that causes mutation in all cells

Question 4

What is the relationship between DNA, genes and chromosomes?
  1. Genes are DNA sections carried on chromosomes
  2. Genes are chromosomes carried inside DNA
  3. Chromosomes are DNA sections carried on genes
  4. DNA is made from chromosomes and cell membranes

Question 5

Most human body cells contain how many chromosomes?
  1. \(46\)
  2. \(23\)
  3. \(92\)
  4. \(12\)

Question 6

Why can children from the same parents look different?
  1. Inherited information and environments vary
  2. Their body cells contain different element types
  3. They copy DNA from older siblings
  4. Their environments replace inherited DNA

Question 7

Which is an example of continuous variation?
  1. Height
  2. Blood group
  3. Biological sex
  4. Tongue rolling ability

Question 8

Which is an example of discontinuous variation?
  1. Blood group
  2. Body mass
  3. Foot length
  4. Arm span

Question 9

What is variation within a species?
  1. Differences among individuals of that species
  2. Differences between separate species
  3. Changes one individual gains during growth
  4. Characteristics shared by every member of a species

Question 10

Which characteristic is affected by both genes and environment?
  1. Body mass
  2. ABO blood group
  3. Biological sex
  4. Eye colour

Question 11

Which factors can make genetically identical organisms develop differently?
  1. Different environmental factors
  2. Different inherited alleles
  3. Different chromosome numbers at fertilisation
  4. Different genetic codes in each tissue

Question 12

What is natural selection?
  1. Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
  2. All individuals survive equally and pass on all traits at the same rate
  3. Organisms choose traits they need during life and pass them on
  4. The largest organisms reproduce

Question 13

Thick-furred rabbits survive cold winters better. What is likely after many generations?
  1. Thick fur becomes more common
  2. Thin fur becomes more common
  3. All rabbits lose inherited differences
  4. Cold weather stops reproduction

Question 14

Why can environmental change increase extinction risk for some species?
  1. Fewer individuals may be adapted to the new conditions
  2. Individuals deliberately alter their genes to suit the conditions
  3. Competition disappears when a habitat changes
  4. Inherited variation stops affecting survival

Question 15

What does adaptation mean in biology?
  1. A feature that improves survival or reproduction in a particular environment
  2. A feature gained during life because an organism needs it
  3. A temporary response to a short-term environmental change
  4. Movement by an organism to a different habitat

Question 16

Which statement about evolution is correct?
  1. Change in inherited population characteristics over generations
  2. Change in one organism during its lifetime
  3. Seasonal change in the size of a population
  4. Movement of a species into a new habitat

Question 17

How does antibiotic resistance in bacteria illustrate natural selection?
  1. Resistant bacteria survive treatment and pass resistance genes to offspring
  2. Antibiotics cause all bacteria to become equally resistant instantly
  3. Non-resistant bacteria reproduce after treatment
  4. Resistance develops because bacteria choose to resist antibiotics

Question 18

What is the main purpose of a gene bank?
  1. To preserve genetic material and maintain biodiversity
  2. To store food for endangered animals
  3. To increase mutation rate in crops
  4. To remove genetic variation from populations

Question 19

Which group contributed key evidence and modelling for the DNA double helix?
  1. Watson and Crick using data from Franklin and Wilkins
  2. Darwin and Wallace using fossil layers
  3. Mendel and Pasteur using enzyme experiments
  4. Hooke and Jenner using vaccination trials

Question 20

Why does maintaining biodiversity matter for future generations?
  1. It preserves resilient ecosystems and useful genetic resources
  2. It guarantees no species will ever go extinct
  3. It means all habitats become identical
  4. It removes the need for conservation work

Question 21

What is a chromosome?
  1. A structure containing DNA and genes
  2. A type of cell membrane
  3. A nutrient
  4. A microorganism

Question 22

Which molecule carries genetic information?
  1. DNA
  2. Glucose
  3. Starch
  4. Cellulose

Question 23

Which description fits continuous variation?
  1. Values spread across a range
  2. Values fall into separate groups
  3. Every individual has one value
  4. The environment has no influence

Question 24

Which characteristic is mainly inherited?
  1. Blood group
  2. Accent
  3. Language spoken
  4. Scar from an injury

Question 25

Which characteristic is mainly environmental?
  1. A suntan
  2. Eye colour
  3. Blood group
  4. Natural hair colour

Question 26

What is a mutation?
  1. A change in DNA
  2. A change in habitat
  3. A type of reproduction
  4. A new organ system

Question 27

Why can a population evolve?
  1. Inherited variations change frequency over generations
  2. Individuals choose to change their genes
  3. All mutations are harmful
  4. Evolution happens within one lifetime

Question 28

What is selective breeding?
  1. Humans selecting parents with desired characteristics
  2. Predators selecting prey with less useful characteristics
  3. Organisms mating without selection by humans
  4. Scientists copying one organism without sexual reproduction

Question 29

What evidence supports evolution?
  1. Fossils showing changes over time
  2. A single weather forecast
  3. The colour of one organism
  4. A food label

Question 30

What does extinction mean?
  1. No members of a species remain alive
  2. A species produces more offspring
  3. An organism moves habitat
  4. A new allele appears

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Review Genetics and Evolution questions for Biology, with correct answers shown and coverage across inherited and environmental variation; genes, DNA and chromosomes; adaptation and natural selection.

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