Learn Mode

Evolutionary Relationships in Classification Quiz

#1

Which scientist proposed the binomial nomenclature system for naming species?

Carl Linnaeus
Explanation

Carl Linnaeus introduced the binomial nomenclature system for systematic and universally accepted naming of species.

#2

What is the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms called?

Phylogenetics
Explanation

Phylogenetics is the field focused on analyzing and understanding the evolutionary relationships among organisms.

#3

Which scientist proposed the concept of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution?

Charles Darwin
Explanation

Charles Darwin introduced the concept of natural selection as a driving force for evolution.

#4

What is the term for the evolutionary change within a lineage over time?

Divergence
Explanation

Divergence refers to the gradual evolutionary change within a lineage over time.

#5

Which evolutionary relationship indicates a closer genetic relatedness?

Two species in the same family
Explanation

Species in the same family have a closer genetic relatedness, indicating a more recent common ancestor.

#6

Which of the following is a molecular technique used to determine evolutionary relationships?

Phylogenomics
Explanation

Phylogenomics involves studying the evolutionary relationships among organisms by analyzing their complete genomic information.

#7

What does a cladogram depict?

Evolutionary relationships among taxa
Explanation

A cladogram visually represents the evolutionary relationships among different taxa or groups of organisms.

#8

What is the primary criterion used to establish evolutionary relationships among organisms?

Genetic similarity
Explanation

Genetic similarity is a key factor in establishing evolutionary relationships, as it reflects common ancestry.

#9

What is the term for a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants?

Monophyletic group
Explanation

A monophyletic group comprises an ancestor and all of its descendants, emphasizing evolutionary relationships.

#10

What is the term for a trait that is similar in two species due to inheritance from a common ancestor?

Homologous trait
Explanation

A homologous trait is a characteristic shared by two species due to common ancestry.

#11

Which of the following evolutionary relationships is closest?

Two species in the same genus
Explanation

Species in the same genus share a more recent common ancestor, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship.

#12

Which of the following is a technique used to estimate the time since two species diverged from a common ancestor?

Radiometric dating
Explanation

Radiometric dating is a method for estimating the divergence time between species by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

#13

What is the term for the process by which species evolve from a common ancestor while living in different environments?

Divergent evolution
Explanation

Divergent evolution is the process where species evolve from a common ancestor but adapt to different environments.

#14

What is the term for a trait that evolved separately in two species due to similar selective pressures?

Homoplastic trait
Explanation

A homoplastic trait is a characteristic that evolved independently in two species due to similar selective pressures.

#15

Which of the following is a method used to reconstruct ancestral characteristics in phylogenetic analysis?

Parsimony
Explanation

Parsimony is a method in phylogenetic analysis that reconstructs ancestral characteristics by favoring the simplest explanation.

Test Your Knowledge

Craft your ideal quiz experience by specifying the number of questions and the difficulty level you desire. Dive in and test your knowledge - we have the perfect quiz waiting for you!