which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution

ATI TEAS 7

TEAS 7 practice test science

1. Which of these pairs represents an example of convergent evolution?

A. Humans and chimpanzees
B. Bats and birds
C. Dolphins and sharks
D. Snakes and earthworms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Convergent evolution refers to the process by which different species independently evolve similar traits or characteristics due to similar environmental pressures. In the case of bats and birds, both have evolved wings for flight despite not sharing a recent common ancestor with wings. Bats are mammals, while birds are avians, yet they both have wings adapted for flight, which is a classic example of convergent evolution. A) Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor and have not independently evolved similar traits. C) Dolphins and sharks are not closely related, and their similarities are due to adaptations to their aquatic environment rather than convergent evolution. D) Snakes and earthworms belong to different classes (reptiles and annelids, respectively) and do not share recent common ancestors, making their similarities not a result of convergent evolution.

2. Adaptive radiation refers to the evolutionary process where:

A. A single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species due to ecological pressures in a heterogeneous environment.
B. Two unrelated species evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments, leading to convergent evolution.
C. A population becomes increasingly well-adapted to its current environment through continued natural selection.
D. The fossil record exhibits gaps or missing links in the evolutionary history of a lineage.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: - Adaptive radiation is a process where a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple descendant species to exploit different ecological niches within a heterogeneous environment. - This diversification occurs due to the different selective pressures present in various habitats, leading to the evolution of distinct traits and adaptations in different descendant species. - Option A accurately describes the process of adaptive radiation, where the initial species undergoes rapid speciation to occupy different ecological roles and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. - Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe adaptive radiation but refer to other evolutionary processes such as convergent evolution, natural selection, and gaps in the fossil record, respectively.

3. Which of the following joints allows for side-to-side bending movements?

A. Hinge joint
B. Ball-and-socket joint
C. Gliding joint
D. Saddle joint

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Gliding joint. Gliding joints allow for side-to-side bending movements. These joints are found between the small bones of the wrist and ankle, allowing for flexibility and movement in multiple directions. Hinge joints (A) enable movement in one plane, akin to a door hinge. Ball-and-socket joints (B) allow for a wide range of motion across multiple directions. Saddle joints (D) facilitate movement in two planes.

4. The chemical equation below is unbalanced. When it is properly balanced, how many molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced for each molecule of propane (C3H8) in the reaction? 3C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

A. One Half.
B. Two.
C. Three.
D. Five.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of propane is: 3C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O. This equation shows that for every 3 molecules of propane (C3H8) consumed, 3 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced. Therefore, when properly balanced, 3CO2 are produced for each molecule of propane used. Thus, the correct answer is B: Two. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct stoichiometry as determined by the balanced equation.

5. Which of the following processes describes the conversion of glucose to pyruvic acid during glycolysis?

A. Glycogenesis
B. Glycolysis
C. Glycogenolysis
D. Gluconeogenesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycolysis. Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway where glucose is broken down to produce pyruvic acid and ATP, generating energy in the form of ATP. Glycogenesis (choice A) is the process of glycogen synthesis, Glycogenolysis (choice C) is the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose, and Gluconeogenesis (choice D) is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Therefore, during glycolysis, glucose is converted into pyruvic acid, which is a crucial step in energy production.