Evolutionary Biology Quiz

Question 1

What adaptation by cacti in the desert allows them to conserve water?

Accepted Answer

Having needle-like leaves instead of broad leaves. Needle-like leaves have a smaller surface area and thicker, waxy coatings that reduce water loss through transpiration, helping cacti survive extreme arid conditions.

Question 2

What is the name of the theory which suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by eukaryotic cells and subsequently became organelles?

Accepted Answer

Endosymbiotic theory. The theory was first widely supported after Lynn Margulis proposed it in 1967, providing explanations for the similarities between mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria, such as their double membranes and own DNA.

Evolutionary Biology Quiz

Q1. What adaptation by cacti in the desert allows them to conserve water?

Q2. What is the name of the theory which suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria that were engulfed by eukaryotic cells and subsequently became organelles?

Answers

A1. Having needle-like leaves instead of broad leaves

A2. Endosymbiotic theory