3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
Test Bank for Genetics Essentials, Concepts and
Connections, 5e Benjamin Pierce (All Chapters
download link is at the end of this file)
Chapter 1
1. Albinism is rare in most human populations, occurring at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 people. However,
the trait occurs at a frequency of 1 in 200 in certain Hopi villages of Black Mesa in Arizona. Explain in terms of
natural selection why albinism is so rare in most human populations.
ANSWER: In most populations, there is fairly strong selection against albinism because
albinos don’t produce melanin, causing their skin cells not to be protected from the
damaging effects of sunlight. Also, the lack of melanin in their eyes causes them to
have poor eyesight. Finally, in most cultures albinos are seen as abnormal, and they
are not normally sought out for marriage and mating. Therefore, in most
populations the alleles that cause albinism are selected against, and they decrease
in frequency or are kept at a low level, causing the recessive trait to be rare.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: Introduction 1.0
QUESTION TYPE: Essay
HAS VARIABLES: False
STUDENT ENTRY MODE: Basic
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Applying
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054530_60993c60b89e21
2. Albinism is rare in most human populations, occurring at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 people. However,
the trait occurs at a frequency of 1 in 200 in certain Hopi villages of Black Mesa in Arizona. Explain in terms of
natural selection why the trait is so much more common among the Hopis of Black Mesa.
ANSWER: Albinos occupy a privileged position among the Hopis of Black Mesa. In this
culture, albinos are viewed as especially pretty, clean, and intelligent, and they
often occupy positions of leadership. Albinos are celebrated in the villages as a
sign of purity of Hopi blood in the community. Furthermore, albinos are often
excused from normal male field labor because of their sensitivity to sunlight,
causing them to be left behind in the village with the women during the daytime.
This allows them extra mating opportunities compared to the other men of the
village. Therefore, the alleles that cause albinism are either selected for in this
culture or at least not selected against as strongly as in other cultures, allowing the
trait to occur at a much higher frequency.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
,3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
Section: Introduction 1.0
QUESTION TYPE: Essay
HAS VARIABLES: False
STUDENT ENTRY MODE: Basic
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Applying
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054531_60993c60b89e22
3. Which one of the following pairings between the subdiscipline of genetics and the phenomenon is
INCORRECT?
a. evolution—population genetics
b. gene regulation—molecular genetics
c. allelic frequency alteration—population genetics
d. arrangement of genes on chromosome—transmission genetics
e. chemical nature of the gene—transmission genetics
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054532_60993c60b89e23
4. Which one of the following topics of research belongs to the discipline of transmission genetics?
a. inheritance pattern of gene alleles
b. mechanism of DNA replication
c. gene expression patterns
d. evolution
e. chemical modification of nucleic acids
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
,3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054533_60993c60b89e24
5. The complete genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as its
a. chromosome.
b. alleles.
c. locus.
d. genome.
e. phenotype.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remembering
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054534_60993c60b89e25
6. Identify a TRUE statement from the following descriptions concerning genetics.
a. The theory of pangenesis states that all living organisms are composed of cells.
b. Bacteria and viruses are not useful in studying genes and inheritance because they are structurally
and metabolically different from eukaryotic cells.
c. Charles Darwin accurately described the laws of inheritance in his landmark book, On the Origin of
Species.
d. Many human traits, such as skin and hair color, are determined by more than a single gene.
e. Evolution can occur without genetic changes in the population.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054535_60993c60b89e26
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
, 3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
7. Identify a FALSE statement from the following descriptions of genetics.
a. Humans first applied genetics to the domestication of plants and animals between approximately
10,000 and 12,000 years ago.
b. Some viruses use RNA to carry their genetic information.
c. Albinism results from a mutation in the genes that control the synthesis and storage of melanin.
d. All human traits that display blending inheritance are affected by a single gene.
e. The process by which genetic information is copied and decoded is similar for all forms of life.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054536_60993c60b89e27
8. Which of the following species is considered a model genetic organism?
a. the plant Linaria vulgaris
b. the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
c. the worm Caenorhabditis elegans
d. the frog Hyla chrysoscelis
e. the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remembering
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054537_60993c60b89e28
9. Which of the following would serve the LEAST well as a model for understanding basic mechanisms of
inheritance?
a. fruit flies
b. humans
c. yeast
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
Test Bank for Genetics Essentials, Concepts and
Connections, 5e Benjamin Pierce (All Chapters
download link is at the end of this file)
Chapter 1
1. Albinism is rare in most human populations, occurring at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 people. However,
the trait occurs at a frequency of 1 in 200 in certain Hopi villages of Black Mesa in Arizona. Explain in terms of
natural selection why albinism is so rare in most human populations.
ANSWER: In most populations, there is fairly strong selection against albinism because
albinos don’t produce melanin, causing their skin cells not to be protected from the
damaging effects of sunlight. Also, the lack of melanin in their eyes causes them to
have poor eyesight. Finally, in most cultures albinos are seen as abnormal, and they
are not normally sought out for marriage and mating. Therefore, in most
populations the alleles that cause albinism are selected against, and they decrease
in frequency or are kept at a low level, causing the recessive trait to be rare.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: Introduction 1.0
QUESTION TYPE: Essay
HAS VARIABLES: False
STUDENT ENTRY MODE: Basic
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Applying
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054530_60993c60b89e21
2. Albinism is rare in most human populations, occurring at a frequency of about 1 in 20,000 people. However,
the trait occurs at a frequency of 1 in 200 in certain Hopi villages of Black Mesa in Arizona. Explain in terms of
natural selection why the trait is so much more common among the Hopis of Black Mesa.
ANSWER: Albinos occupy a privileged position among the Hopis of Black Mesa. In this
culture, albinos are viewed as especially pretty, clean, and intelligent, and they
often occupy positions of leadership. Albinos are celebrated in the villages as a
sign of purity of Hopi blood in the community. Furthermore, albinos are often
excused from normal male field labor because of their sensitivity to sunlight,
causing them to be left behind in the village with the women during the daytime.
This allows them extra mating opportunities compared to the other men of the
village. Therefore, the alleles that cause albinism are either selected for in this
culture or at least not selected against as strongly as in other cultures, allowing the
trait to occur at a much higher frequency.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
,3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
Section: Introduction 1.0
QUESTION TYPE: Essay
HAS VARIABLES: False
STUDENT ENTRY MODE: Basic
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Applying
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054531_60993c60b89e22
3. Which one of the following pairings between the subdiscipline of genetics and the phenomenon is
INCORRECT?
a. evolution—population genetics
b. gene regulation—molecular genetics
c. allelic frequency alteration—population genetics
d. arrangement of genes on chromosome—transmission genetics
e. chemical nature of the gene—transmission genetics
ANSWER: e
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054532_60993c60b89e23
4. Which one of the following topics of research belongs to the discipline of transmission genetics?
a. inheritance pattern of gene alleles
b. mechanism of DNA replication
c. gene expression patterns
d. evolution
e. chemical modification of nucleic acids
ANSWER: a
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
,3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054533_60993c60b89e24
5. The complete genetic makeup of an organism is referred to as its
a. chromosome.
b. alleles.
c. locus.
d. genome.
e. phenotype.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remembering
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054534_60993c60b89e25
6. Identify a TRUE statement from the following descriptions concerning genetics.
a. The theory of pangenesis states that all living organisms are composed of cells.
b. Bacteria and viruses are not useful in studying genes and inheritance because they are structurally
and metabolically different from eukaryotic cells.
c. Charles Darwin accurately described the laws of inheritance in his landmark book, On the Origin of
Species.
d. Many human traits, such as skin and hair color, are determined by more than a single gene.
e. Evolution can occur without genetic changes in the population.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054535_60993c60b89e26
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
, 3/1/2026 20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
7. Identify a FALSE statement from the following descriptions of genetics.
a. Humans first applied genetics to the domestication of plants and animals between approximately
10,000 and 12,000 years ago.
b. Some viruses use RNA to carry their genetic information.
c. Albinism results from a mutation in the genes that control the synthesis and storage of melanin.
d. All human traits that display blending inheritance are affected by a single gene.
e. The process by which genetic information is copied and decoded is similar for all forms of life.
ANSWER: d
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understanding
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054536_60993c60b89e27
8. Which of the following species is considered a model genetic organism?
a. the plant Linaria vulgaris
b. the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus
c. the worm Caenorhabditis elegans
d. the frog Hyla chrysoscelis
e. the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes
ANSWER: c
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics
Section: 1.1
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remembering
DATE CREATED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 5/21/2021 12:26 PM
CUSTOM ID: question_1054537_60993c60b89e28
9. Which of the following would serve the LEAST well as a model for understanding basic mechanisms of
inheritance?
a. fruit flies
b. humans
c. yeast
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
20251204200450_6931e96285cc1_test_bank_genetics_essentials__concepts_and_connections_5e_benjamin_pierce.pdf
