Sample Final Exam questions

The headings below are from the 1997 final exam. They are representative of the style of questions that may be asked, and are not necessarily the questions that will be asked. I reserve the right to change the final form of the exam.

Biology 3900 - Final Exam - Winter 1997 - Dr. Carr

I. _____ The phrase "I look at the term species, as one arbitrarily given for the sake of convenience.... " is associated with which of the following species concepts?
a. Biological b. Evolutionary c. Nominalistic d. Phylogenetic e. Typological

_______ Tropical populations of humans tend to have darker complexions than boreal populations. Such a pattern is an example of:
a. Allen’s Rule b. Bergmann’s Rule c. Cope’s Rule d. Gloger’s Rule e. Williston’s Rule

II. Each of the following phenomena or species types is considered typical of one of the basic models of speciation ... [15 pts]

III. Distinguish between the concepts in THREE of the following pairs of terms in at most four complete sentences.
     Do not exceed the space provided; Do NOT draw diagrams! [5 pts @, 15 pts possible]
        diversifying vs disruptive selection
        heterokaryon vs homokaryon
        RIMs vs SRMs

IV. The following statements are incorrect generalizations about evolution that are found in older textbooks, the popular press, or old exams. For any THREE, in no more than four complete sentences, explain why the statement is incorrect according to our current understanding of evolution. Do not exceed the space provided. [5 pts @, 15 pts possible]

[Example: "Inbreeding increases the frequency of rare deleterious alleles in the population."

Inbreeding does not alter allele frequencies, it increases the expected proportion of homozygous genotypes. If such genotypes are deleterious, they are exposed to selection, and they will removed from the population more rapidly than in a non-inbred population. That is, inbreeding in combination with selection will decrease the frequency of rare deleterious alleles.

V. Molecular systematics [20 pts]
      The DNA sequence data below apply to questions 1 & 2... [10 pts]
      From the following matrix, calculate ... [5 pts]
      In the diagram below, which pair of species shows ... [2pts @]

Types of questions I would not ask on the Bio2900 final

Triops is an example of
    a. mosaic evolution
    b. living fossil
    c. evolutionary trend
    d. parapatric speciation

Which of the following is an example of mosaic evolution?
    a. Triops
    b. Sphenodon
    c. Latimeria
    d. Equidae
    e. Dipnoi

What is the difference between an Anapsid and a Diapsid?

Describe the evolution of temporal openings in Amniota