,BIOD 210 Module 1 Exam | Q&A | 2026/2027 | Genetics | Portage
Learning
1. How does preformation differ from epigenesis?
A) Preformation states that traits are acquired during life; epigenesis states
traits are inherited
B) Preformation states a fertilized egg contains a miniature adult
(homunculus); epigenesis states development occurs through a series of
events
C) Preformation is the modern theory of genetics; epigenesis is the outdated
theory
D) Preformation applies only to plants; epigenesis applies only to animals
Correct Answer: Preformation states a fertilized egg contains a miniature
adult (homunculus); epigenesis states development occurs through a series
of events
Rationale: Preformation postulated that a fertilized egg contained a
miniaturized version of a tiny human, called a homunculus. Epigenesis
directly contradicted that theory by stating that a fertilized egg undergoes a
series of developmental events that eventually form a human.
2. Which scientist(s) introduced cell theory?
A) Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel
B) James Watson and Francis Crick
C) Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann
D) Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
Correct Answer: Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann
,Rationale: Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann introduced cell theory,
proposing that all living organisms were composed of organized structures
called cells and that these cells were derived from identical precursor cells.
3. What is the chromosomal theory of inheritance?
A) Traits are inherited through proteins in the cytoplasm
B) Heredity and development depend on the passing of genetic information
via genes contained within chromosomes
C) Chromosomes are only found in reproductive cells
D) Inheritance occurs through environmental factors
Correct Answer: Heredity and development depend on the passing of genetic
information via genes contained within chromosomes
Rationale: The chromosomal theory of inheritance (1910s) showed that both
heredity and development depended on the passing of genetic information
via genes that were contained within chromosomes.
4. In a few sentences, summarize Darwin's theory of natural selection.
A) Organisms change because they "try harder," and traits gained in life are
inherited
B) Species are fixed; variation is an illusion caused by the environment
C) More offspring are produced than can survive; those with heritable traits
better suited to the environment leave more offspring, so populations
change over time
D) Evolution is completely random and unrelated to the environment
Correct Answer: More offspring are produced than can survive; those with
heritable traits better suited to the environment leave more offspring, so
populations change over time
, Rationale: Darwin proposed that limited resources create competition;
individuals with advantageous inherited traits are more likely to survive and
reproduce. Over many generations, these traits become more common,
leading to evolutionary change in the population.
5. Gregor Mendel used which organism to model how traits are inherited
from generation to generation?
A) Fruit flies
B) Mice
C) Pea plants
D) Bacteria
Correct Answer: Pea plants
Rationale: Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, used pea plants to model
how traits are inherited from generation to generation. His experiments
explained the basic foundations of trait transmission in modern genetics.
6. What book did Charles Darwin publish that postulated his theory of natural
selection?
A) The Descent of Man
B) The Origin of Species
C) The Expression of the Emotions
D) The Variation of Animals and Plants
Correct Answer: The Origin of Species
Learning
1. How does preformation differ from epigenesis?
A) Preformation states that traits are acquired during life; epigenesis states
traits are inherited
B) Preformation states a fertilized egg contains a miniature adult
(homunculus); epigenesis states development occurs through a series of
events
C) Preformation is the modern theory of genetics; epigenesis is the outdated
theory
D) Preformation applies only to plants; epigenesis applies only to animals
Correct Answer: Preformation states a fertilized egg contains a miniature
adult (homunculus); epigenesis states development occurs through a series
of events
Rationale: Preformation postulated that a fertilized egg contained a
miniaturized version of a tiny human, called a homunculus. Epigenesis
directly contradicted that theory by stating that a fertilized egg undergoes a
series of developmental events that eventually form a human.
2. Which scientist(s) introduced cell theory?
A) Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel
B) James Watson and Francis Crick
C) Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann
D) Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty
Correct Answer: Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann
,Rationale: Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann introduced cell theory,
proposing that all living organisms were composed of organized structures
called cells and that these cells were derived from identical precursor cells.
3. What is the chromosomal theory of inheritance?
A) Traits are inherited through proteins in the cytoplasm
B) Heredity and development depend on the passing of genetic information
via genes contained within chromosomes
C) Chromosomes are only found in reproductive cells
D) Inheritance occurs through environmental factors
Correct Answer: Heredity and development depend on the passing of genetic
information via genes contained within chromosomes
Rationale: The chromosomal theory of inheritance (1910s) showed that both
heredity and development depended on the passing of genetic information
via genes that were contained within chromosomes.
4. In a few sentences, summarize Darwin's theory of natural selection.
A) Organisms change because they "try harder," and traits gained in life are
inherited
B) Species are fixed; variation is an illusion caused by the environment
C) More offspring are produced than can survive; those with heritable traits
better suited to the environment leave more offspring, so populations
change over time
D) Evolution is completely random and unrelated to the environment
Correct Answer: More offspring are produced than can survive; those with
heritable traits better suited to the environment leave more offspring, so
populations change over time
, Rationale: Darwin proposed that limited resources create competition;
individuals with advantageous inherited traits are more likely to survive and
reproduce. Over many generations, these traits become more common,
leading to evolutionary change in the population.
5. Gregor Mendel used which organism to model how traits are inherited
from generation to generation?
A) Fruit flies
B) Mice
C) Pea plants
D) Bacteria
Correct Answer: Pea plants
Rationale: Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, used pea plants to model
how traits are inherited from generation to generation. His experiments
explained the basic foundations of trait transmission in modern genetics.
6. What book did Charles Darwin publish that postulated his theory of natural
selection?
A) The Descent of Man
B) The Origin of Species
C) The Expression of the Emotions
D) The Variation of Animals and Plants
Correct Answer: The Origin of Species
