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BIOLOGY SUBJECT TEST 4

ANSWER KEY

1. D

9. D

17. D

25. E

33. D

2. C

10. D

18. D

26. D

34. C

3. E

11. D

19. D

27. B

35. B

4. D

12. C

20. E

28. D

36. A

5. B

13. D

21. C

29. D

37. C

6. D

14. C

22. E

30. E

38. D

7. E

15. B

23. C

31. E

39. E

8. C

16. A

24. D

32. D

40. D

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BIOLOGY SUBJECT TEST 4

EXPLANATIONS

1.

D
Echinoderms are considered our invertebrate predecessors because they are the only other organism
besides the vertebrates that are deuterostomes. That is, their mouth is formed second and the anus is formed
first from the blastopore. In all other organisms, the blastopore forms the mouth first. Answer choice A is
incorrect because echinoderms are radially symmetrical as adults and bilaterally symmetrical as larvae. Answer
choice B is incorrect because they do not have a closed circulatory system but rather an open system known as
the water vascular system. Answer choice C is incorrect because their endoskeleton is made up of calcareous
plates unlike that of a vertebrate. Answer choice E is incorrect because they do not have a notochord in their
development.

2.

C
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. In the fetus, they are produced in the liver. Answer
choice A is incorrect because the spleen stores a volume of blood and filters it but does not produce it. Answer
choice B is incorrect because the liver removes foreign material and detoxifies chemicals in the blood. Answer
choice D is incorrect because the heart provides the pressure that enables the blood to travel throughout the
body. Answer choice E is incorrect because the veins deliver blood to the heart.

3.

E
The sympathetic nervous system is known as the "fight or flight" response. Stimulation of this branch of the
autonomic nervous system is characterized by an increase in heart rate, dilation of the pupils, an increase in
respiration and bronchial dilation, and more blood to the skeletal muscles and away from the digestive organs.
Also, an increase in the amount of adrenaline secretion occurs. Answer choices AD are all characteristics of
the antagonistic branch of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, known as the
"rest and digest" response.

4.

D
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is released by the adrenal medulla. Answer choice C is incorrect
because this release is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Answer choice B is incorrect because
epinephrine is a peptide hormone; steroid hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex. Answer choice E is
incorrect because epinephrine causes bronchial dilation.

5.

B
An action potential spike refers to the depolarization of the axon. First, the axon becomes more permeable
to Na+ ions from the outside through the opening of sodium channels. In rushes sodium, and then the
potassium channels open and K+ rushes out of the axon. Afterwards, the cell is returned to normal through the
action of the Na+/K+ pump. Answer choices C and E are incorrect because Ca2+ and Cl ions are not associated
with depolarization and answer choice D is incorrect because hyperpolarization actually makes an axon less
likely to trigger an action potential.

6.

D
The heartbeat is initiated by the sino-atrial node located in the wall of the right atrium, and travels through
the atria. It is regulated but not controlled by the accelerator nerve (sympathetic) and the vagus nerve
(parasympathetic). It is then picked up by the AV node, which signals the bundle of His (AV bundle), which

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transports the contraction through the ventricles via the Purkinje fibers. While the AV node does have
contractile ability and controls the contraction of the ventricles, it does not control the contraction of the entire
heart and is not as regular as the signal from the SA node. The SA node is located in the wall of the right atrium
and is not functionally dependent upon nervous stimulation as this tissue initiates the heartbeat, although it can
be modified by the nervous system. The delay between the contraction of the atria and the ventricles allows for
the filling of the ventricles with the blood from the atria. The systolic pressure is actually higher than the diastolic
pressure as the systolic pressure is the pressure of the ventricular contraction while the diastolic pressure is the
pressure between contractions.

7.

E
A reflex arc is a stimulus coupled to a rapid motor response, and is meant for quickness or protection.
Examples of this are blinking or recoiling away from a hot stove. An example of a reflex arc would begin with
you touching a hot pot on a stove, which would stimulate a sensory nerve. The sensory nerve directs a signal
towards the CNS, and synapses with an interneuron in the spinal cord. The interneuron (which is entirely within
the spinal cord) synapses with a motor neuron, which delivers the response signal to your arm and hand,
causing you to involuntarily drop the pot and move your arm away. The process requires no input from the
brain. Answer choice C is incorrect because although some sensory neurons do synapse in the brain, those
that are involved in a simple reflex arc do not. Answer choice D is incorrect because there is a very brief delay
that occurs at the two synaptic junctions (it takes time for the neurotransmitters to diffuse).

8.

C
Skeletal muscle has multinucleated fibers with a regular array of actin and myosin filaments. These
filaments slide along each other and shorten during contraction. This process requires ATP. Each muscle
cell/fiber is innervated by a branch of the nerve innervating this muscle. The axon releases an action potential to
each muscle fiber. This action potential cannot pass from one muscle fiber to another. When this action
potential reaches the muscle fiber, it causes the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate the
sliding of the actin and myosin filaments.

9.

D
The liver is a biochemical factory that stores sugar as glycogen in response to insulin levels; breaks down
glycogen to glucose due to signals from glucagon and epinephrine; converts excess amino acids to glucose,
fats, and ammonia; converts ammonia to urea for excretion; removes bacteria and bilirubin (which is utilized in
the formation of bile salts) from the bloodstream; synthesizes angiotensinogen; and produces bile, which
emulsifies fats. Therefore, only answer choice D is not listed as a function of the liver but is rather a function of
the gall bladder. The liver produces the bile while the gall bladder stores it until it is needed.

10.

D
As an exocrine gland, the pancreas secretes proteases, lipases, and amylases, which aid in the digestion
of food, and bicarbonate ions which buffer the pH of the chyme coming from the stomach. Glucagon is an
endocrine secretion of the pancreas in response to a low blood glucose level. It causes an increase in the levels
of glucose through the degradation of glycogen, and decreases the uptake by muscles.

11.

D
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter found in neuromuscular junctions and synapses. Norepinephrine,
dopamine, and serotonin are also neurotransmitters found in these locations. They are chemical messengers
released when an action potential reaches the end of an axon. After crossing the synaptic cleft, they cause the
depolarization of the adjacent cell membrane. Answer choices A, B, and C are incorrect because acetylcholine

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BIOLOGY SUBJECT TEST 4

isn't secreted by the adrenal glands and is not involved in glycolysis or the citric acid cycle. Answer choice E is
incorrect because it does not inhibit action potential transmission.

12.

C
The synapse is a small space between an axon and dendrite of two neurons. After stimulation, the axon
will release a neurotransmitter across this cleft, which will diffuse and bind receptors on the dendrite of the next
neuron. The neurotransmitter can only be released by the axon and can only be received by the dendrite and is
therefore similar to a rectifier. Answer choice A is incorrect because the axon is only the section of the neuron
away from the cell body while answer choice B is incorrect because the dendrite is the section of the neuron
going toward the cell body. Answer choice D is incorrect because Schwann cells are insulating cells of the
neurons. Answer choice E is incorrect because a spinal nerve is a bundle of nerves where they enter and exit
the spinal cord.

13.

D
Insects are characterized by having chitinous exoskeletons with three segmented bodies made up of a
head, thorax, and abdomen. They have three pairs of jointed legs and two pairs of wings, and breathe through
tracheal tubes. Therefore, the honeybee would have a chitinous exoskeleton. Answer choice A is incorrect
because orioles are vertebrates with a bony endoskeleton, and answer choice B is incorrect because starfish
are echinoderms with calcareous plates making up the endoskeleton. Answer choice C is incorrect because
clams are mollusks characterized by having a mantle secrete a calcium/mineral shell, and answer choice D is
incorrect because earthworms have a hydrostatic skeleton of fluid surrounded by a layer of muscle.

14.

C
Bile is formed in the liver and released by the gall bladder, and emulsifies fats to increase the surface area
of the fat molecules so that lipases can break them down. Therefore, without bile, fats would be more difficult to
digest.

15.

B
The cartilaginous structure that prevents food from going down the trachea is known as the epiglottis. This
structure closes off the respiratory tract and covers the glottis, which is the opening at the top of the trachea.
Answer choice C is incorrect because the tongue is a muscle, not cartilage, and does not close off the trachea.
Answer choice D is incorrect because the larynx is also known as the voice box, and is located below the glottis.
Answer choice E is incorrect because the esophageal sphincter is also known as the cardiac sphincter, and
separates the esophagus from the stomach.

16.

A
Nucleotides are made up of a nitrogenous base, guanine, uracil, adenine, cytosine, or thymine; a sugar,
either ribose or deoxyribose; and a phosphate group. Adenine and guanine are purines while thymine, cytosine,
and uracil are pyrimidines. Answer choice B is incorrect because a nucleoside does not contain the phosphate
group, just the nitrogenous base and the sugar. Answer choice C is incorrect because carbohydrates are only
sugars, while answer choice D is incorrect because fats consist of a glycerol and three fatty acids. Answer
choice E is incorrect because proteins are linked amino acids.

17.

D
Vitamin K is used by the liver to produce prothrombin, which is a clotting protein involved in the cascade of
reactions leading to the formation of a fibrin clot. Lack of vitamin K in the diet can lead to hemorrhagic diseases.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K (all listed in the answer choices) are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A is necessary for

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proper growth of skin, hair, and mucous membranes, night vision, and bone growth. Vitamin D is necessary for
proper bone and tooth development, and also for absorption of calcium and phosphate from the diet. Vitamin E
is an antioxidant; it acts to protect cell membranes and also prevents degradation of vitamin A. Vitamin B12 is a
water-soluble vitamin, and it is essential for red blood cell formation and also for proper functioning of the
nervous system.

18.

D
Muscle contraction occurs when two types of muscle proteins slide past each other, thus creating a
contraction. These two types of muscle fibers or muscle proteins are known as actin and myosin fibers. Myosin
fibers are thick fibers, and actin fibers are thin fibers. They slide past each other as ATPs are used as an energy
source. Neither one of the fibers shrinks in size. The muscle cell itself will shrink in size because the fibers slide
past each other, thereby causing a decrease in the size of the muscle cell, and therefore a contraction of the
muscle. Likewise, neither actin nor myosin fibers can expand. So therefore choices A, B, C, and E are all
incorrect.

19.

D
Most chemical digestion within human beings occurs in the small intestine. Within the small intestine,
almost all protein digestion, all disaccharide digestion, most starch digestion, all fat or lipid digestion, and all
absorption of food occurs. There is, previous to the small intestine, a small amount of starch digested in the
mouth by salivary amylase into the disaccharide maltose. There is also within the stomach a small amount of
protein digestion, in which the stomach enzyme pepsin splits proteins into smaller chains of amino acids known
as peptides. However, the digestion occurring before the small intestine is not very significant, and almost the
entire digestive process occurs within the small intestine. Answer choice C is incorrect because the liver is not
part of the alimentary canal; that is, food does not pass through the liver. The liver does produce bile, an
emulsifying agent, which helps increase the surface area of fats and mixes them within the watery enzyme
environment of the small intestine. Choice E is incorrect for the same reason. The pancreas does produce a
number of digestive enzymes, including the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin, and the fat-digesting enzyme
lipase, as well as pancreatic amylase. The enzymes, however, operate within the small intestine, not the
pancreas itself.

20.

E
The liver is a multi-function organ, necessary for the maintenance of life in humans. The liver does form
urea from the metabolism of excess amino acids. Amino groups are removed from the amino acids, and
eventually these amino acids can be changed into other molecules such as glucose, glycogen, and fats. The
amino groups, which are removed from the amino acids, are combined with CO2 through a series of reactions to
form the moderately toxic waste product urea. The liver also regulates blood sugar level by removing glucose
from the blood when the blood glucose is high, storing it as glycogen, likewise breaking down glycogen and
putting glucose back into the blood when blood glucose is low. The liver can detoxify many compounds,
including alcohol and other drugs. Likewise, it can take apart many pharmaceutical products and chemicals,
and readies them for excretion by the kidneys. The liver does not manufacture red blood cells in the adult,
although it is a source of red blood cells in the developing fetus. Red blood cells in the adult are formed
primarily in the red bone marrow.

21.

C
Pancreatic ducts lead from the pancreas to the duodenum. They carry pancreatic enzymes, including
pancreatic amylase, lipase, and some proteases, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, from the pancreas to the
duodenum. The pancreatic duct also delivers bicarbonate, which is contained in the pancreatic secretions,
which helps to neutralize acidic stomach contents as they enter the duodenum. The hormones produced by the
pancreas do not pass through the pancreatic ducts. Hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream. The
pancreas is a dual organ, in that it produces both enzymes and hormones. So a diabetic crisis will not occur, as

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a tying off of the pancreatic ducts will not affect the production of pancreatic hormones insulin and glucagon.
Choice II is also incorrect; acromegaly is a result of excessive secretion of growth hormone in an adult. It
causes excessive bone growth of some bones, and the result is a characteristic distorted facial appearance.
There is no connection between growth hormone, which is secreted by the anterior pituitary, and the tying off of
the pancreatic duct, so only choice III will occur.
22.

E
Poikilothermic animals, also known as ectothermic or cold-blooded animals, do not possess the ability to
maintain a consistent internal body temperature. Poikilothermic animals include fish, reptiles, amphibians, and
most of the lower animals. Poikilothermic animals are sensitive to the outside environmental temperature, and
are much more active in warmer temperatures, and less active in colder temperatures. Any animals that are not
poikilothermic, or ectothermic, are known as warm-blooded (also known as endothermic or homeothermic).
These include all mammals and birds.

23.

C
Parathyroid hormone is secreted by the parathyroid gland. Its function is to increase blood calcium through
removal of calcium from bones and other calcium-containing tissues. The removal of calcium from bones is
primarily done by osteoclasts. The antagonistic hormone to parathyroid hormone, which reduces blood calcium
by depositing it into bone and other calcium-containing tissue, is calcitonin, choice B, secreted by the thyroid
gland. Answer choice A is incorrect; glucagon, from the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas,
raises blood glucose. Answer choice D is incorrect; aldosterone is secreted by the adrenal cortex, and it
increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. Answer choice E is also known as ADH or vasopressin; its
function is to increase water reabsorption in the collecting tubules of the kidneys.

24.

D
In a commensal relationship, which is a form of a symbiotic relationship, two organisms live in close
association with each other. One benefits from this association, while the other is neither harmed nor benefited.
This is also sometimes described as a "+/0" relationship. An example of a commensal relationship is epiphyte
plants, which live on the branches of rainforest trees. These plants gain the advantage of being closer to
sunlight by being on the branches. Answer choice A is incorrect; symbiosis describes close nutritional
relationships of all types, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. It is a more general term than
the others. Answer choice B is incorrect because mutualism is a relationship in which both species benefit, also
known as a "+/+" relationship. An example is the relationship between the algal and fungal organisms that live
in the organism known as a lichen. Answer choice C is incorrect because saprophytes refers to an organism
such as a mushroom that gains nutrients by digesting dead plant or animal material. Answer choice E is
incorrect becaus parasitism is a close nutritional relationship in which one species gains while the other loses,
also known as a "+/-" relationship. An example is the relationship between a tapeworm and its human host.

25.

E
The hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of a large number of basic human functions, including
temperature regulation, sleep/wake cycles, water and salt balance, hunger, and many others. It produces
hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin, which are stored in the posterior pituitary. It also produces
releasing factors that control the secretions of the anterior pituitary. Answer choice A is incorrect because the
medulla is involved in such basic functions as regulation of heart rate and breathing rate. Answer choice B is
incorrect because the pons contains tracts that connect the cerebrum to other parts of the brain, and it also
works in conjunction with the medulla in controlling breathing rate. Answer choice C is incorrect because the
cerebrum is in charge of such functions as memory, conscious thought, voluntary motor activity, and the
interpretation of sensation. Answer choice D is incorrect because the pineal gland secretes the hormone
melatonin, which is involved in the control of circadian rhythms and which also may be involved in sexual
maturation.

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26.

D
Glucagon is secreted by a cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The function of glucagon is to
increase blood glucose by causing the liver to change glycogen back into glucose, and to cause muscle cells to
change glycogen to glucose and release it into the bloodstream. It is the antagonist to choice A, insulin, which
stimulates the opposite conversion of glucose to glycogen. Answer choice B is incorrect because parathyroid
hormone increases blood calcium by removing it from stored calcium in bone and other tissues. Answer choice
C is incorrect because pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme that works in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Answer choice E is incorrect because calcitonin lowers blood calcium by storing it in bone and other tissue.

27.

B
The hypothalamus will release factors that will cause the anterior pituitary to produce the hormones FSH
and LH. FSH, or follicle stimulating hormone, will stimulate the ovary to produce mature ovarian follicles. During
the follicular stage, the ovary is also producing the hormone estrogen. As the estrogen is released, FSH levels
will drop and LH, or luteinizing hormone, levels will increase. The drop in FSH and increase in LH will trigger the
follicle to release the ovum. This is known as ovulation. The LH continues to affect the former follicle, which is
now called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone. Answer choice B would occur first.
The secretion of estrogen by the ovary, under the influence of FSH during the follicular stage, will occur
immediately before choice E, a decrease in FSH release by the pituitary. This decrease of FSH is caused in
part by high levels of estrogen. The decrease in FSH, accompanied by an increase in LH, will cause choice A,
rupture of the follicle, which is ovulation. Following that, answer choice C, corpus luteum formation, occurs. As
the corpus luteum matures, answer choice D, progesterone release, occurs.

28.

D
The large intestine is primarily involved in water reabsorption. Some salts and minerals are also
reabsorbed with this water, and bacteria within the large intestine can also produce vitamin K. Answer choice A
is incorrect because the duodenum is the anterior section of the small intestine, which connects to the posterior
end of the stomach. Answer choice B is incorrect because the jejunum is the second section of the small
intestine. It connects to the duodenum on its anterior end and to the ileum on its posterior end. Answer choice
C is incorrect because the stomach is primarily a food-holding organ. Some small amount of protein digestion
occurs there. Answer choice E is incorrect because the mouth does not absorb water, but it does chew and
moisten food and convert a small amount of starch to maltose through the enzyme salivary amylase.

29.

D
Compound eyes are large groups of individual simple eyes, forming a type of composite eye characteristic
of insects (phylum Arthropoda). Arthropods have jointed legs and an exoskeleton normally containing chitin.
Answer choice A is incorrect because the porifera are sponges, extremely simple animal organisms that do not
have eyes. Answer choice B is incorrect because the coelenterates include hydra and jellyfish; they are radially
symmetrical organisms that also do not have eyes. Answer choice C is incorrect because the mollusks include
snails, slugs, clams, and other shellfish, and do not have compound eyes. Answer choice E is incorrect
because the annelids are segmented worms, including the earthworm. They are invertebrate, with a fluid
vascular skeleton and repeating segments, but do not have eyes.

30.

E
Reptiles lay soft, leathery eggs; which are water-resistant, meaning they tend to retain water on the inside.
This is due to the fact that reptiles are terrestrial organisms. Answer choice A is incorrect because reptiles are
not homeothermic, or warm-blooded; they are poikilothermic, or ectothermic, or cold-blooded. Their internal
temperature depends greatly on the external environment. Answer choice B is incorrect because reptiles do not

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respire with gills; fish and some larval amphibians do. Reptiles have functional lungs. Reptiles do not need to
live in water at any stage of their life cycle; choice C refers to amphibians. Answer choice D is incorrect because
reptiles do not possess notochords as adults; notochords are cartilaginous chords that form in the chordates
during embryological development. In the chordates known as vertebrates, notochords are not present in the
adult stage.
31.

E
Viruses are simple, non-living organisms, which take on living characteristics when they infect a cell. They
contain either DNA or RNA and a protein coat in the form of a capsule. They must enter a host cell in order to
replicate, although this cell can be either a eukaryote or a prokaryote.

32.

D
Bile is an emulsifying agent, which increases the surface area of fats allowing an increase in contact with
the enzyme lipase, which breaks down fats. It is not an enzyme as it does not catalyze a chemical change of
fats. The lipid molecules are still lipids, only smaller particles of lipids after interaction with bile. Bile is made up
of bile salts that are cholesterol derivatives, and pigments from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Answer choice A
is incorrect because hormones are chemical messengers that send signals to their target cells. Answer choice
B is incorrect because enzymes catalyze chemical reactions. Answer choice C is incorrect because proteins are
complex organic polymers of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Answer choice E is incorrect
because proteases are enzymes that digest proteins.

33.

D
ATP and phosphocreatine are energy storage molecules located in the muscle fibers. They release the
energy utilized during contraction as actin and myosin filaments slide along one another. Answer choice A is
incorrect because lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration, not an energy source. Answer choice B is
incorrect because lactose is a disaccharide known as milk sugar made up of glucose and galactose. Answer
choice C is incorrect because ADP is a low energy form of ATP. Answer choice E is incorrect because cAMP is
a second messenger found in cells that are target cells of peptide hormones.

34.

C
Hyperthyroidism results in an excess of thyroxin and other thyroid hormones. These hormones increase
the basal metabolic rate and blood pressure. Patients with hyperthyroidism are often characterized by sensitivity
to heat, and nervousness. Answer choices A, B, D, and E, hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized
by low metabolism, low heart rate, low body temperature, and diminished mental activity.

35.

B
CO, like O2, is attracted to and stored on hemoglobin molecules. It binds hemoglobin actually more
strongly than O2, and is almost irreversibly bound by hemoglobin. CO is not irritating as it is odorless and
colorless. It does not form complexes in blood or affect the cytochrome chain. It is a hemoglobin poison and
does not affect the mitochondria or the sodium pump.

36.

A
Mutualism is defined as a benefit to both species, a +/+ situation. As the termite ingests cellulose, it enters
the digestive system. The termite actually cannot digest the cellulose but small protozoans in the digestive
system can digest the cellulose. In return, they receive a home and food and water from the termite. Answer

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choice B is incorrect because parasitism is an instance where one organism gains and another organism is
harmed (+/- situation) such as fleas on a dog. Answer choice C is incorrect because saprophytes are organisms
that obtain their nutrients from dead organisms. Answer choice D is incorrect because commensalism is a +/0
situation in which one organism benefits and the other is not harmed such as vines on trees. Answer choice E is
incorrect because autotrophism describes self-feeders such as photosynthetic or chemosynthetic organisms.

37.

C
An amphioxus is a chordate but not a vertebrate. Chordates have a stiff dorsal rod called the notochord
sometime during embryological development, and amphioxus and tunicate worms do not lose their notochord.
They also have paired gill slits at some point during development and a dorsal hollow nerve cord and a tail
extending beyond the anus at some point in their development. Vertebrates have bones called vertebrae, which
form the backbone. Bony vertebrae replace the notochord of the embryo and protect the nerve cord, and include
mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and fish. Answer choice A is incorrect because the duckbill platypus is an
example of an egg-laying mammal. Answer choice B is incorrect because a turtle is an example of a reptile.
Answer choice D is incorrect because a trout is an example of a fish, and answer choice E is incorrect because
a rabbit is an example of a mammal.

38.

D
Lamarck's theory of evolution states that new organs or changes in existing ones were believed to arise
because of the needs of the organism. The amount of change was thought to be based on the use or disuse of
the organ. This theory was based on a fallacious understanding of genetics. Any useful characteristic acquired
in one generation was thought to be transmitted to the next. An example was that of the early giraffes that
stretched their necks to reach for leaves on higher branches of trees. The offspring were believed to inherit the
valuable trait of longer necks as a result of this excessive use. This is untrue because only changes in the DNA
of sex cells can be inherited. Answer choice A is incorrect because Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection states
that pressures in the environment select the organism most fit to survive and reproduce. It is based on the
following six ideas. 1. Overpopulation: More offspring are produced than can survive and thus there is
insufficient food, air, light, and space to support the entire population. 2. Variations: Offspring naturally show
differences (variations) in their characteristics as compared to their partners. Darwin did not know the reason for
their differences. de Vries later suggested mutations as the cause of variations. Some mutations are beneficial,
although most are harmful. 3. Competition: The developing population must compete for the basic necessities
of life. Many young must die and the number of adults in the population generally remains constant from
generation to generation. 4. Natural selection: Some organisms in a species have variations that give them an
advantage over other members of the species. 5. Inheritance of the variations: The individuals that survive live
to adulthood, reproduce their own kind, and thus transmit these favorable variations or adaptations to their
offspring. These favored genes gradually dominate the gene pool. 6. Evolution of a new species: Over many
generations of natural selection, the favorable changes are perpetuated in the species. The accumulation of
these favorable changes eventually results in such significant change of the gene pool that we can say a new
species has evolved. Answer choice B is incorrect because Mendel defined modern genetics through
experiments with pea plants and described dominance, segregation, and independent assortment. Answer
choice C is incorrect because de Vries confirmed Mendel's observations with different plant species. Answer
choice E is incorrect because Morgan induced mutation in Drosophila and studied the inheritance of these
mutations. He also described sex-linked inheritance.

39.

E
Arthropods such as crustaceans, insects, spiders, and scorpions are characterized by a bilateral symmetry
of jointed appendages, chitinous exoskeletons, and open circulatory systems. Answer choices A and B are
incorrect because insects, a class of arthropods, have a body consisting of a head, thorax, and an abdomen,
and a respiratory system consisting of spiracles and tracheal tubes. Answer choice C is incorrect because

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mollusks, such as snails, slugs, and clams, are characterized by a calcerous shell with a soft mantle. Answer
choice D is incorrect because coelenterates are radially symmetrical organisms with a top and a bottom but no
left and right.
40.

D
ACh is inactivated in the synaptic cleft by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase after it has acted upon the
postsynaptic membrane. If chemical X denatures acetylcholinesterase, it will not be able to inactivate
acetylcholine and prevent the continuous depolarization of the effector membrane.

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