Name:____________________________
Period___________________
Version A
AP* Biology: Macroevolution
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and enter the appropriate letter in the corresponding space on
the answer sheet.
Questions 1 - 3
Refer to the map below illustrating the distribution of several populations on the continents of Eurasia and
North America. These populations were derived from a common ancestral species. The area enclosed by a
given dotted line represents the distribution of the population and the numbers in millions of years refer to
the earliest fossil evidence found within the bounded area. Present populations are found only in the shaded
areas.
1. The oldest existing population is represented by
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q
R
S
T
2. The two existing populations that are apparently
most closely related are
A)
B)
C)
D)
3. According to the data, which of the following
correctly describes the area occupied by the
original species?
A)
B)
C)
D)
It
It
It
It
increased steadily.
decreased steadily.
increased and then decreased.
decreased and then increased.
Q and R
Q and S
S and T
R and U
(1)Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2002 by College Entrance Examination Board, Prenceton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-fact teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce
the questions. Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP ® is registered traemark of the College Entrance Examination Borard. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production
of and does not endorse this product. Permissionis granted of individual classroom teahcers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustation for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of
these material is strictly prohibited.
Version A
4. The appearance of a fertile, polyploid individual
within a population of diploid organisms is a
possible source of a new species. If this individual
is capable of reproducing to form a new
population, scientists would consider this to be an
example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
allopatric speciation
sympatric speciation
polygenetic inheritance
genetic drift
5. The different species of finches on the Galapagos
Islands are believed to have arisen as a result of
the natural selection acting on populations of
finches that had experienced
A)
B)
C)
D)
convergent evolution
gene flow
the bottleneck effect
geographic isolation
6. Which of the following provides the weakest
evidence that mitochondria were once free-living
prokaryotes?
A) Mitochondrial ribosomes resemble those of
prokaryotes.
B) Mitochondria have DNA that is circular and
does not have associated proteins.
C) Enzyme pathways on mitochondrial
membranes resemble those found on modern
prokaryotic membranes.
D) Mitochondria and prokaryotes both are found
in a variety of sizes.
7. Which of the following statements best expresses
the concept of punctuated equilibrium?
A) Small variations gradually accumulate in
evolving lineages over periods of millions of
years.
B) Random mating ensures that the proportions
of genotypes in a population remain
unchanged from generation to generation.
C) Stability is achieved when selection favors the
heterozygote, while both types of
homozygotes are at a relative disadvantage.
D) Evolutionary changes consist of rapid bursts
of speciation alternating with long periods in
which species remain essentially unmodified.
8. Which of the following pathways for the
transformation of cellular energy most likely
evolved first?
A)
B)
C)
D)
cyclic photophosphorylation
citric acid (Krebs) cycle
Calvin cycle
glycolysis
9. Which of the following principles is NOT part of
Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural
selection?
A) Evolution is a gradual process that occurs
over long periods of time.
B) Variation occurs among individuals in a
population.
C) Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic
variation.
D) Individuals that possess the most favorable
variations have the best chance of
reproducing.
Version A
10. Which of the following phylogenies are equivalent?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A and B
A and C
B and C
They are all equivalent.
11.
It has been proposed that eukaryotic cells are actually hybrids of archaean and bacterial cells. Which of the
following statements does NOT support this idea?
A) Eukaryotic and Archaea cells have a common ancestor.
B) The ribosomes found in the mitochondria are made of rRNA that is similar to the
cells of bacteria.
C) The DNA of Eukaryotes is enclosed in a nucleus like that of Archaea.
D) The circular DNA found in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic plant cells are similar to
the circular DNA found in bacteria.
Version A
Questions 12 and 13
12. Based on the phylogenetic tree shown above,
which of the following statements is true?
A) The tree is polyphyletic because it does not
include all of the descendents.
B) The tree is based on analogous traits.
C) The pigeon is the sister taxon to the
crocodile.
D) The lizard is more closely related to the
salamander than to the pigeon.
13. Which of the following best explains the fact
that birds, crocodiles, mice, and humans all have a
four chambered heart while the lizard does not?
A) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that once evolved in a common
ancestor to these four species.
B) The four chambered heart evolved
independently in all four species.
C) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that evolved twice, once in
crocodiles and birds and once in mammals.
D) The four chambered heart is an analogous
structure that evolved independently in
mammals and is a homologous structure that
evolved from a common reptilian ancestor to
the pigeon and crocodile.
Version A
14. Which of the following traits is likely to be
unsuitable for phylogenetic analysis?
A)
B)
C)
D)
learned behavior
morphology
DNA Sequences
embryology
15. The eastern coral snake, is poisonous and
brightly colored with distinctive red, black,
yellow, and white alternating bands. The
nonpoisonous scarlet king snake resembles the
coral snake and also has red, black and white
bands. This is an example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
divergent evolution
mimicry
coevolution
reverse evolution
Questions 16 and 17
16. The apparatus shown above is a replication of
the scientific equipment used by Stanley Miller in
studying the chemical origins of life. Which of
the following best represents the hypothesis being
tested with this equipment?
A) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce DNA molecules?
B) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce living cells?
C) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple viruses?
D) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple organic molecules?
17. Oxygen is added to the mixture of original gases
in the flask and the experiment is repeated.
Which of the following best predicts the likely
result?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Carbohydrates would form
DNA would form
Carbon monoxide would form
Amino acids would form
Version A
18.
Liposomes were discovered by scientists when testing a laboratory’s electron microscope by adding negative
aqueous stain to dry phospholipids. Liposomes can be used as a vehicle for the administration of nutrients and
pharmaceutical drugs. Which of the following origin of life questions was most likely prompted as a result of
this discovery?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Can
Can
Can
Can
organic compounds form from inorganic compounds?
organic polymers form from organic monomers in aqueous solution?
organic compounds self-assemble to form self-contained structures?
living cells be made from inorganic compounds?
19. While DNA was once thought to be the molecule
originally responsible for heredity, many
scientists are proposing a RNA world hypothesis
because
A) DNA is less stable and more likely to mutate
B) DNA has been shown to act like an enzyme
under certain conditions
C) RNA can self replicate and act like an
enzyme under certain conditions
D) RNA can make a DNA template and is more
stable than DNA
20. Isolating Mechanisms are features of behavior,
morphology, or genetics which serve to prevent
breeding between species and can be categorized
in several ways. One particularly useful way is to
recognize mechanisms that prevent the waste of
energy and resources by producing gametes and
subsequent zygote production, yet no offspring.
Which of the following is such a post-zygotic
isolating mechanism?
A)
B)
C)
D)
temporal isolation
developmental isolation
habitat isolation
mechanical isolation
Version A
21. Tigers and lions will interbreed in captivity and
produce viable offspring, but they do not
interbreed in Asia where their geographic ranges
overlap. Which of the following isolating
mechanisms account for this?
A)
B)
C)
D)
hybrid infertility
gametic mortality
behavioral isolation
reduced gametic viability
22.
The animals shown on the right are marsupials, and the map indicates they are found in Australia. The
animals shown on the left are placental mammals, and the map shows they originate on continents other than
Australia. The similarities that they exhibit are due to
A)
B)
C)
D)
similar selection pressures
similar gene pools
similar breeding seasons
similar predator-prey interactions
Version A
Questions 23 and 24
Hawaiian honeycreepers are small, perching birds endemic to Hawaii.
23. It is assumed for this type of speciation to occur
that
A) food was plentiful and the habitats were
uniform.
B) food was limited and the climate was uniform.
C) competition was limited and the niches
varied.
D) predators were limited and the competition
was intense.
24. Which of the following is least likely to explain
why honeycreeper speciation occurred on the
Hawaiian Islands?
A)
B)
C)
D)
founder effect
varying mutations
varying selection pressures
chromosomal rearrangement
25.
The phylogenetic tree shown above indicates
that all cells have a common ancestor. Which of
the following pieces of evidence best support this
phylogenetic tree?
A) All cells contain circular DNA.
B) All cells have the ability to conduct aerobic
respiration.
C) All cells have membranes composed of a
phospholipid bilayer.
D) All cells contain the same type of ribosomes.
Version A
26. This graph illustrates the extinction rate of marine animal families over time (left axis) and the number of
new marine families evolved (right axis).
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this data?
A) Extinctions are a gradual process and proliferation of new species is often rapid.
B) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by the rapid proliferation of new
species,.
C) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by a gradual replacement of lost
species.
D) Extinctions are often a gradual process without any evolution of new species.
27. Theoretically, the production of sterile mules by interbreeding between female horses and male donkeys
should result in
A)
B)
C)
D)
the extinction of one of the two parental species
the formation of a single species from the two parental species
reinforcing the postzygotic barriers between horses and donkeys
weakening the intrinsic reproductive barriers between horses and donkeys
Version A
28. A certain species of flea feeds only on pronghorn antelopes. In rangelands of the western United States,
pronghorn antelopes and cattle often associate with one another. Over time some of these fleas develop a
strong preference for cattle blood and mate only with fleas that, likewise, prefer cattle blood. Which of the
following could possibly happen over time?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A)
B)
C)
D)
cladogenesis
sympatric speciation
habitat isolation
prezygotic barriers develop
I only
II and III only
I, II, and III only
I, II, III and IV
Questions 29 and 30
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all mammals.
Blood samples were collected from five different mammalian species and subsequently analyzed. The results
for the hemoglobin A analysis are summarized in the table below.
Similarity Matrix Based Upon Amino Acid Similarities For Hemoglobin a
% Amino Acids
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
100
88
100
86
98
100
86
84
82
100
84
82
80
82
100
29. According to the data, which two species would
be considered a sister taxon?
A)
B)
C)
D)
mouse and human
dog and mouse
donkey and horse
donkey and dog
Version A
30. Which cladogram best depicts best phylogenetic
relationship of these species based on the data
table?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Version A
Questions 31 and 32
The table below indicates the presence of derived plant structures in various plant taxa with a Y and the
absence of derived plant structures with a N.
Charophytes
(Green Algae)
Angiosperms
(Flowering Plants)
Gymnosperms
(Conifers)
Pterophytes
(Ferns
Bryophytes
(Mosses)
Dominant
Gametophyte
Generation
Dominant
Sporophyte
Generation
Vascula
r Tissue
Microphylls*
Megaphylls**
Roots
Seeds
Flowers
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
*Microphylls are small leaves with a single vein. **Megaphylls are larger leaves with branched veins.
31. According to the data, which of the following
cladograms is best supported?
32. Which one of the plant taxon shown in the data
table could be designated as an outgoup?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A)
B)
C)
D)
Angiosperms
Pterophytes
Charophytes
Gymnosperms
AP Biology Macroevolution Unit Exam
Part B Directions: These three questions require numeric answers. Calculate the correct answer for each
question, and enter your answer on the grid following each question. Examples of correct entry for the grid-in
questions are shown below. The actual questions for this exam begin on the next page.
Integer Answer
502
Integer Answer
502
5 0 2





























Decimal Answer
−4.13
5 0 2












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






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

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
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

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


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
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













−



















4 .
1 3








































Fraction Answer
−2/10
−









2 /
1 0








































(1) Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2012 by College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-face teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce the questions.
Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this
product. Permission is granted for individual classroom teachers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustrations for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of these materials is strictly prohibited.
1. Around six million years ago speciation occurred
and humans diverged from chimpanzees.
Twelve nucleotide substitutions have occurred in a
sequence of mitochondrial DNA between human
and chimpanzee lineages, while 36 substitutions
have occurred between human and gibbon
lineages. According to the molecular clock
hypothesis, how many million years separate the
divergence of gibbons and humans? Give your
answer to the nearest year.

















































2. Geneticists working in an agriculture lab
wanted to develop a crop that combines the
disease resistance of rye grain with the high
crop yielding capacity of wheat grain. Rye
grain has a diploid chromosome number (2n)
of 14 and wheat grain has a diploid
chromosome number of 42. The resulting
grain is called triticale and is an alloploidy
plant. How many chromosomes are found in
the pollen grain of triticale?

















































3. A study was conducted on the island of Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands by Peter and Rosemary
Grant. This study lasted over 20 years. The study investigated how the type of seeds available to the finches
impacted the depth of their beaks. In years when rain and water were plentiful, the available seeds were
smaller and easy to crack. In years experiencing drought, fewer seeds were produced, and the finches had to
eat the larger, leftover seeds produced from previous years. During years of drought, birds with a greater
beak depth had a selective advantage.
Wet Year Bird ID Tag Dry Year
Bird ID Tag
Beak Depth
Number
Beak Depth
Number
(mm)
(mm)
1A
10.81
1B
11.02
2A
8.74
2B
9.65
3A
10.04
3B
11.75
4A
9.75
4B
10.22
5A
9.76
5B
9.86
Use the data above to determine the increase in the mean of the depth of the beak between the wet and dry
years. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter.

















































Name:____________________________
Period___________________
Version B
AP* Biology: Macroevolution
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and enter the appropriate letter in the corresponding space on
the answer sheet.
Questions 1 - 3
Refer to the map below illustrating the distribution of several populations on the continents of Eurasia and
North America. These populations were derived from a common ancestral species. The area enclosed by a
given dotted line represents the distribution of the population and the numbers in millions of years refer to
the earliest fossil evidence found within the bounded area. Present populations are found only in the shaded
areas.
1. According to the data, which of the following
correctly describes the area occupied by the
original species?
A)
B)
C)
D)
It
It
It
It
increased steadily.
decreased steadily.
increased and then decreased.
decreased and then increased.
2. The two existing populations that are apparently
most closely related are
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q and R
Q and S
S and T
R and U
3. The oldest existing population is represented by
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q
R
S
T
(1)Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2002 by College Entrance Examination Board, Prenceton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-fact teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce
the questions. Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP ® is registered traemark of the College Entrance Examination Borard. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production
of and does not endorse this product. Permissionis granted of individual classroom teahcers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustation for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of
these material is strictly prohibited.
Version B
Questions 4 and 5
4. Which of the following best explains the fact
that birds, crocodiles, mice, and humans all have a
four chambered heart while the lizard does not?
A) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that once evolved in a common
ancestor to these four species.
B) The four chambered heart evolved
independently in all four species.
C) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that evolved twice, once in
crocodiles and birds and once in mammals.
D) The four chambered heart is an analogous
structure that evolved independently in
mammals and is a homologous structure that
evolved from a common reptilian ancestor to
the pigeon and crocodile.
5. Based on the phylogenetic tree shown above,
which of the following statements is true?
A) The tree is polyphyletic because it does not
include all of the descendents.
B) The tree is based on analogous traits.
C) The pigeon is the sister taxon to the
crocodile.
D) The lizard is more closely related to the
salamander than to the pigeon.
6. Which of the following pathways for the
transformation of cellular energy most likely
evolved first?
A)
B)
C)
D)
cyclic photophosphorylation
citric acid (Krebs) cycle
Calvin cycle
glycolysis
Version B
Questions 7 and 8
Hawaiian honeycreepers are small, perching birds endemic to Hawaii.
7. It is assumed for this type of speciation to occur
that
A) food was plentiful and the habitats were
uniform.
B) food was limited and the climate was uniform.
C) competition was limited and the niches
varied.
D) predators were limited and the competition
was intense.
8. Which of the following is least likely to explain
why honeycreeper speciation occurred on the
Hawaiian Islands?
A)
B)
C)
D)
founder effect
varying mutations
varying selection pressures
chromosomal rearrangement
9. The different species of finches on the Galapagos
Islands are believed to have arisen as a result of
the natural selection acting on populations of
finches that had experienced
A)
B)
C)
D)
convergent evolution
gene flow
the bottleneck effect
geographic isolation
Version B
10. Which of the following phylogenies are equivalent?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A and B
A and C
B and C
They are all equivalent.
11. A certain species of flea feeds only on pronghorn antelopes. In rangelands of the western United States,
pronghorn antelopes and cattle often associate with one another. Over time some of these fleas develop a
strong preference for cattle blood and mate only with fleas that, likewise, prefer cattle blood. Which of the
following could possibly happen over time?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A)
B)
C)
D)
I only
II and III only
I, II, and III only
I, II, III and IV
cladogenesis
sympatric speciation
habitat isolation
prezygotic barriers develop
Version B
12.
The animals shown on the right are marsupials, and the map indicates they are found in Australia. The
animals shown on the left are placental mammals, and the map shows they originate on continents other than
Australia. The similarities that they exhibit are due to
A)
B)
C)
D)
similar selection pressures
similar gene pools
similar breeding seasons
similar predator-prey interactions
Version B
Questions 13 and 14
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all mammals.
Blood samples were collected from five different mammalian species and subsequently analyzed. The results
for the hemoglobin A analysis are summarized in the table below.
Similarity Matrix Based Upon Amino Acid Similarities For Hemoglobin a
% Amino Acids
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
100
88
100
86
98
100
86
84
82
100
84
82
80
82
100
13. According to the data, which two species would
be considered a sister taxon?
A)
B)
C)
D)
14. Which cladogram best depicts best phylogenetic
relationship of these species based on the data
table?
mouse and human
dog and mouse
donkey and horse
donkey and dog
A)
B)
C)
D)
Version B
15. The eastern coral snake, is poisonous and
brightly colored with distinctive red, black,
yellow, and white alternating bands. The
nonpoisonous scarlet king snake resembles the
coral snake and also has red, black and white
bands. This is an example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
divergent evolution
mimicry
coevolution
reverse evolution
16. Which of the following provides the weakest
evidence that mitochondria were once free-living
prokaryotes?
A) Mitochondrial ribosomes resemble those of
prokaryotes.
B) Mitochondria have DNA that is circular and
does not have associated proteins.
C) Enzyme pathways on mitochondrial
membranes resemble those found on modern
prokaryotic membranes.
D) Mitochondria and prokaryotes both are found
in a variety of sizes.
17. Theoretically, the production of sterile mules by
interbreeding between female horses and male
donkeys should result in
A) the extinction of one of the two parental
species
B) the formation of a single species from the
two parental species
C) reinforcing the postzygotic barriers between
horses and donkeys
D) weakening the intrinsic reproductive barriers
between horses and donkeys
18. Which of the following traits is likely to be
unsuitable for phylogenetic analysis?
A)
B)
C)
D)
learned behavior
morphology
DNA Sequences
embryology
19. Which of the following principles is NOT part of
Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural
selection?
A) Evolution is a gradual process that occurs
over long periods of time.
B) Variation occurs among individuals in a
population.
C) Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic
variation.
D) Individuals that possess the most favorable
variations have the best chance of
reproducing.
Version B
Questions 20 and 21
The table below indicates the presence of derived plant structures in various plant taxa with a Y and the
absence of derived plant structures with a N.
Charophytes
(Green Algae)
Angiosperms
(Flowering Plants)
Gymnosperms
(Conifers)
Pterophytes
(Ferns
Bryophytes
(Mosses)
Dominant
Gametophyte
Generation
Dominant
Sporophyte
Generation
Vascula
r Tissue
Microphylls*
Megaphylls**
Roots
Seeds
Flowers
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
*Microphylls are small leaves with a single vein. **Megaphylls are larger leaves with branched veins.
20. According to the data, which of the following
cladograms is best supported?
21. Which one of the plant taxon shown in the data
table could be designated as an outgoup?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A)
B)
C)
D)
Angiosperms
Pterophytes
Charophytes
Gymnosperms
Version B
Questions 22 and 23
22. Oxygen is added to the mixture of original gases
in the flask and the experiment is repeated.
Which of the following best predicts the likely
result?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Carbohydrates would form
DNA would form
Carbon monoxide would form
Amino acids would form
23. The apparatus shown above is a replication of
the scientific equipment used by Stanley Miller in
studying the chemical origins of life. Which of
the following best represents the hypothesis being
tested with this equipment?
A) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce DNA molecules?
B) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce living cells?
C) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple viruses?
D) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple organic molecules?
Version B
24.
Liposomes were discovered by scientists when testing a laboratory’s electron microscope by adding negative
aqueous stain to dry phospholipids. Liposomes can be used as a vehicle for the administration of nutrients and
pharmaceutical drugs. Which of the following origin of life questions was most likely prompted as a result of
this discovery?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Can
Can
Can
Can
organic compounds form from inorganic compounds?
organic polymers form from organic monomers in aqueous solution?
organic compounds self-assemble to form self-contained structures?
living cells be made from inorganic compounds?
25. While DNA was once thought to be the molecule
originally responsible for heredity, many
scientists are proposing a RNA world hypothesis
because
A) DNA is less stable and more likely to mutate
B) DNA has been shown to act like an enzyme
under certain conditions
C) RNA can self replicate and act like an
enzyme under certain conditions
D) RNA can make a DNA template and is more
stable than DNA
26. Tigers and lions will interbreed in captivity and
produce viable offspring, but they do not
interbreed in Asia where their geographic ranges
overlap. Which of the following isolating
mechanisms account for this?
A)
B)
C)
D)
hybrid infertility
gametic mortality
behavioral isolation
reduced gametic viability
Version B
27. The appearance of a fertile, polyploid individual
within a population of diploid organisms is a
possible source of a new species. If this individual
is capable of reproducing to form a new
population, scientists would consider this to be an
example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
allopatric speciation
sympatric speciation
polygenetic inheritance
genetic drift
28. Which of the following statements best expresses
the concept of punctuated equilibrium?
A) Small variations gradually accumulate in
evolving lineages over periods of millions of
years.
B) Random mating ensures that the proportions
of genotypes in a population remain
unchanged from generation to generation.
C) Stability is achieved when selection favors the
heterozygote, while both types of
homozygotes are at a relative disadvantage.
D) Evolutionary changes consist of rapid bursts
of speciation alternating with long periods in
which species remain essentially unmodified.
29.
It has been proposed that eukaryotic cells are actually hybrids of archaean and bacterial cells. Which of the
following statements does NOT support this idea?
A) Eukaryotic and Archaea cells have a common ancestor.
B) The ribosomes found in the mitochondria are made of rRNA that is similar to the
cells of bacteria.
C) The DNA of Eukaryotes is enclosed in a nucleus like that of Archaea.
D) The circular DNA found in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic plant cells are similar to
the circular DNA found in bacteria.
Version B
30. Isolating Mechanisms are features of behavior, morphology, or genetics which serve to prevent breeding
between species and can be categorized in several ways. One particularly useful way is to recognize
mechanisms that prevent the waste of energy and resources by producing gametes and subsequent zygote
production, yet no offspring. Which of the following is such a post-zygotic isolating mechanism?
A)
B)
C)
D)
temporal isolation
developmental isolation
habitat isolation
mechanical isolation
31. This graph illustrates the extinction rate of marine animal families over time (left axis) and the number of
new marine families evolved (right axis).
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this data?
A) Extinctions are a gradual process and proliferation of new species is often rapid.
B) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by the rapid proliferation of new
species,.
C) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by a gradual replacement of lost
species.
D) Extinctions are often a gradual process without any evolution of new species.
Version B
32.
The phylogenetic tree shown above indicates that all cells have a common ancestor. Which of the following
pieces of evidence best support this phylogenetic tree?
A)
B)
C)
D)
All
All
All
All
cells contain circular DNA.
cells have the ability to conduct aerobic respiration.
cells have membranes composed of a phospholipid bilayer.
cells contain the same type of ribosomes.
AP Biology Macroevolution Unit Exam
Part B Directions: These three questions require numeric answers. Calculate the correct answer for each
question, and enter your answer on the grid following each question. Examples of correct entry for the grid-in
questions are shown below. The actual questions for this exam begin on the next page.
Integer Answer
502
Integer Answer
502
5 0 2





























Decimal Answer
−4.13
5 0 2



























































−



















4 .
1 3








































Fraction Answer
−2/10
−









2 /
1 0








































(1) Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2012 by College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-face teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce the questions.
Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this
product. Permission is granted for individual classroom teachers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustrations for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of these materials is strictly prohibited.
1. Around six million years ago speciation occurred
and humans diverged from chimpanzees.
Twelve nucleotide substitutions have occurred in a
sequence of mitochondrial DNA between human
and chimpanzee lineages, while 36 substitutions
have occurred between human and gibbon
lineages. According to the molecular clock
hypothesis, how many million years separate the
divergence of gibbons and humans? Give your
answer to the nearest year.

















































2. Geneticists working in an agriculture lab
wanted to develop a crop that combines the
disease resistance of rye grain with the high
crop yielding capacity of wheat grain. Rye
grain has a diploid chromosome number (2n)
of 14 and wheat grain has a diploid
chromosome number of 42. The resulting
grain is called triticale and is an alloploidy
plant. How many chromosomes are found in
the pollen grain of triticale?

















































3. A study was conducted on the island of Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands by Peter and Rosemary
Grant. This study lasted over 20 years. The study investigated how the type of seeds available to the finches
impacted the depth of their beaks. In years when rain and water were plentiful, the available seeds were
smaller and easy to crack. In years experiencing drought, fewer seeds were produced, and the finches had to
eat the larger, leftover seeds produced from previous years. During years of drought, birds with a greater
beak depth had a selective advantage.
Wet Year Bird ID Tag Dry Year
Bird ID Tag
Beak Depth
Number
Beak Depth
Number
(mm)
(mm)
1A
10.81
1B
11.02
2A
8.74
2B
9.65
3A
10.04
3B
11.75
4A
9.75
4B
10.22
5A
9.76
5B
9.86
Use the data above to determine the increase in the mean of the depth of the beak between the wet and dry
years. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter.

















































Name:____________________________
Period___________________
Version C
AP* Biology: Macroevolution
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and enter the appropriate letter in the corresponding space on
the answer sheet.
Questions 1 and 2
Hawaiian honeycreepers are small, perching birds endemic to Hawaii.
1. Which of the following is least likely to explain
why honeycreeper speciation occurred on the
Hawaiian Islands?
A)
B)
C)
D)
founder effect
varying mutations
varying selection pressures
chromosomal rearrangement
2. It is assumed for this type of speciation to occur
that
A) food was plentiful and the habitats were
uniform.
B) food was limited and the climate was uniform.
C) competition was limited and the niches
varied.
D) predators were limited and the competition
was intense.
(1)Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2002 by College Entrance Examination Board, Prenceton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-fact teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce
the questions. Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP ® is registered traemark of the College Entrance Examination Borard. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production
of and does not endorse this product. Permissionis granted of individual classroom teahcers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustation for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of
these material is strictly prohibited.
Version C
Questions 3 and 4
The table below indicates the presence of derived plant structures in various plant taxa with a Y and the
absence of derived plant structures with a N.
Charophytes
(Green Algae)
Angiosperms
(Flowering Plants)
Gymnosperms
(Conifers)
Pterophytes
(Ferns
Bryophytes
(Mosses)
Dominant
Gametophyte
Generation
Dominant
Sporophyte
Generation
Vascula
r Tissue
Microphylls*
Megaphylls**
Roots
Seeds
Flowers
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
*Microphylls are small leaves with a single vein. **Megaphylls are larger leaves with branched veins.
3. Which one of the plant taxon shown in the data
table could be designated as an outgoup?
A)
B)
C)
D)
4. According to the data, which of the following
cladograms is best supported?
Angiosperms
Pterophytes
Charophytes
Gymnosperms
A)
B)
C)
D)
Version C
5. The appearance of a fertile, polyploid individual
within a population of diploid organisms is a
possible source of a new species. If this individual
is capable of reproducing to form a new
population, scientists would consider this to be an
example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
allopatric speciation
sympatric speciation
polygenetic inheritance
genetic drift
6. While DNA was once thought to be the molecule
originally responsible for heredity, many
scientists are proposing a RNA world hypothesis
because
A) DNA is less stable and more likely to mutate
B) DNA has been shown to act like an enzyme
under certain conditions
C) RNA can self replicate and act like an
enzyme under certain conditions
D) RNA can make a DNA template and is more
stable than DNA
7. Which of the following principles is NOT part of
Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural
selection?
A) Evolution is a gradual process that occurs
over long periods of time.
B) Variation occurs among individuals in a
population.
C) Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic
variation.
D) Individuals that possess the most favorable
variations have the best chance of
reproducing.
8. Which of the following provides the weakest
evidence that mitochondria were once free-living
prokaryotes?
A) Mitochondrial ribosomes resemble those of
prokaryotes.
B) Mitochondria have DNA that is circular and
does not have associated proteins.
C) Enzyme pathways on mitochondrial
membranes resemble those found on modern
prokaryotic membranes.
D) Mitochondria and prokaryotes both are found
in a variety of sizes.
Version C
Questions 9 and 10
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all mammals.
Blood samples were collected from five different mammalian species and subsequently analyzed. The results
for the hemoglobin A analysis are summarized in the table below.
Similarity Matrix Based Upon Amino Acid Similarities For Hemoglobin a
% Amino Acids
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
100
88
100
86
98
100
86
84
82
100
84
82
80
82
100
9. According to the data, which two species would
be considered a sister taxon?
A)
B)
C)
D)
10. Which cladogram best depicts best phylogenetic
relationship of these species based on the data
table?
mouse and human
dog and mouse
donkey and horse
donkey and dog
A)
B)
C)
D)
Version C
11. The different species of finches on the Galapagos
Islands are believed to have arisen as a result of
the natural selection acting on populations of
finches that had experienced
A)
B)
C)
D)
convergent evolution
gene flow
the bottleneck effect
geographic isolation
12. Which of the following statements best expresses
the concept of punctuated equilibrium?
A) Small variations gradually accumulate in
evolving lineages over periods of millions of
years.
B) Random mating ensures that the proportions
of genotypes in a population remain
unchanged from generation to generation.
C) Stability is achieved when selection favors the
heterozygote, while both types of
homozygotes are at a relative disadvantage.
D) Evolutionary changes consist of rapid bursts
of speciation alternating with long periods in
which species remain essentially unmodified.
13. A certain species of flea feeds only on pronghorn antelopes. In rangelands of the western United States,
pronghorn antelopes and cattle often associate with one another. Over time some of these fleas develop a
strong preference for cattle blood and mate only with fleas that, likewise, prefer cattle blood. Which of the
following could possibly happen over time?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A)
B)
C)
D)
I only
II and III only
I, II, and III only
I, II, III and IV
cladogenesis
sympatric speciation
habitat isolation
prezygotic barriers develop
Version C
Questions 14 and 15
14. Based on the phylogenetic tree shown above,
which of the following statements is true?
A) The tree is polyphyletic because it does not
include all of the descendents.
B) The tree is based on analogous traits.
C) The pigeon is the sister taxon to the
crocodile.
D) The lizard is more closely related to the
salamander than to the pigeon.
15. Which of the following best explains the fact
that birds, crocodiles, mice, and humans all have a
four chambered heart while the lizard does not?
A) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that once evolved in a common
ancestor to these four species.
B) The four chambered heart evolved
independently in all four species.
C) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that evolved twice, once in
crocodiles and birds and once in mammals.
D) The four chambered heart is an analogous
structure that evolved independently in
mammals and is a homologous structure that
evolved from a common reptilian ancestor to
the pigeon and crocodile.
Version C
Questions 16 and 17
16. The apparatus shown above is a replication of
the scientific equipment used by Stanley Miller in
studying the chemical origins of life. Which of
the following best represents the hypothesis being
tested with this equipment?
A) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce DNA molecules?
B) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce living cells?
C) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple viruses?
D) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple organic molecules?
17. Oxygen is added to the mixture of original gases
in the flask and the experiment is repeated.
Which of the following best predicts the likely
result?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Carbohydrates would form
DNA would form
Carbon monoxide would form
Amino acids would form
Version C
18.
It has been proposed that eukaryotic cells are actually hybrids of archaean and bacterial cells. Which of the
following statements does NOT support this idea?
A) Eukaryotic and Archaea cells have a common ancestor.
B) The ribosomes found in the mitochondria are made of rRNA that is similar to the
cells of bacteria.
C) The DNA of Eukaryotes is enclosed in a nucleus like that of Archaea.
D) The circular DNA found in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic plant cells are similar to
the circular DNA found in bacteria.
19. Which of the following pathways for the transformation of cellular energy most likely evolved first?
A)
B)
C)
D)
cyclic photophosphorylation
citric acid (Krebs) cycle
Calvin cycle
glycolysis
Version C
Questions 20 and 21
Refer to the map below illustrating the distribution of several populations on the continents of Eurasia and
North America. These populations were derived from a common ancestral species. The area enclosed by a
given dotted line represents the distribution of the population and the numbers in millions of years refer to
the earliest fossil evidence found within the bounded area. Present populations are found only in the shaded
areas.
20. The two existing populations that are apparently
most closely related are
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q and R
Q and S
S and T
R and U
21. The oldest existing population is represented by
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q
R
S
T
22. According to the data, which of the following
correctly describes the area occupied by the
original species?
A)
B)
C)
D)
It
It
It
It
increased steadily.
decreased steadily.
increased and then decreased.
decreased and then increased.
Version C
23.
The animals shown on the right are marsupials, and the map indicates they are found in Australia. The
animals shown on the left are placental mammals, and the map shows they originate on continents other than
Australia. The similarities that they exhibit are due to
A)
B)
C)
D)
similar selection pressures
similar gene pools
similar breeding seasons
similar predator-prey interactions
Version C
24.
Liposomes were discovered by scientists when testing a laboratory’s electron microscope by adding negative
aqueous stain to dry phospholipids. Liposomes can be used as a vehicle for the administration of nutrients and
pharmaceutical drugs. Which of the following origin of life questions was most likely prompted as a result of
this discovery?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Can
Can
Can
Can
organic compounds form from inorganic compounds?
organic polymers form from organic monomers in aqueous solution?
organic compounds self-assemble to form self-contained structures?
living cells be made from inorganic compounds?
25. Which of the following traits is likely to be
unsuitable for phylogenetic analysis?
A)
B)
C)
D)
learned behavior
morphology
DNA Sequences
embryology
26. Isolating Mechanisms are features of behavior,
morphology, or genetics which serve to prevent
breeding between species and can be categorized
in several ways. One particularly useful way is to
recognize mechanisms that prevent the waste of
energy and resources by producing gametes and
subsequent zygote production, yet no offspring.
Which of the following is such a post-zygotic
isolating mechanism?
A)
B)
C)
D)
temporal isolation
developmental isolation
habitat isolation
mechanical isolation
Version C
27. Which of the following phylogenies are equivalent?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A and B
A and C
B and C
They are all equivalent.
28. The eastern coral snake, is poisonous and
brightly colored with distinctive red, black,
yellow, and white alternating bands. The
nonpoisonous scarlet king snake resembles the
coral snake and also has red, black and white
bands. This is an example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
divergent evolution
mimicry
coevolution
reverse evolution
29.
The phylogenetic tree shown above indicates
that all cells have a common ancestor. Which of
the following pieces of evidence best support this
phylogenetic tree?
A) All cells contain circular DNA.
B) All cells have the ability to conduct aerobic
respiration.
C) All cells have membranes composed of a
phospholipid bilayer.
D) All cells contain the same type of ribosomes.
Version C
30. This graph illustrates the extinction rate of marine animal families over time (left axis) and the number of
new marine families evolved (right axis).
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this data?
A) Extinctions are a gradual process and proliferation of new species is often rapid.
B) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by the rapid proliferation of new
species,.
C) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by a gradual replacement of lost
species.
D) Extinctions are often a gradual process without any evolution of new species.
31. Tigers and lions will interbreed in captivity and
produce viable offspring, but they do not
interbreed in Asia where their geographic ranges
overlap. Which of the following isolating
mechanisms account for this?
A)
B)
C)
D)
hybrid infertility
gametic mortality
behavioral isolation
reduced gametic viability
32. Theoretically, the production of sterile mules by
interbreeding between female horses and male
donkeys should result in
A) the extinction of one of the two parental
species
B) the formation of a single species from the
two parental species
C) reinforcing the postzygotic barriers between
horses and donkeys
D) weakening the intrinsic reproductive barriers
between horses and donkeys
AP Biology Macroevolution Unit Exam
Part B Directions: These three questions require numeric answers. Calculate the correct answer for each
question, and enter your answer on the grid following each question. Examples of correct entry for the grid-in
questions are shown below. The actual questions for this exam begin on the next page.
Integer Answer
502
Integer Answer
502
5 0 2





























Decimal Answer
−4.13
5 0 2



























































−



















4 .
1 3








































Fraction Answer
−2/10
−









2 /
1 0








































(1) Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2012 by College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-face teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce the questions.
Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this
product. Permission is granted for individual classroom teachers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustrations for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of these materials is strictly prohibited.
1. Around six million years ago speciation occurred
and humans diverged from chimpanzees.
Twelve nucleotide substitutions have occurred in a
sequence of mitochondrial DNA between human
and chimpanzee lineages, while 36 substitutions
have occurred between human and gibbon
lineages. According to the molecular clock
hypothesis, how many million years separate the
divergence of gibbons and humans? Give your
answer to the nearest year.

















































2. Geneticists working in an agriculture lab
wanted to develop a crop that combines the
disease resistance of rye grain with the high
crop yielding capacity of wheat grain. Rye
grain has a diploid chromosome number (2n)
of 14 and wheat grain has a diploid
chromosome number of 42. The resulting
grain is called triticale and is an alloploidy
plant. How many chromosomes are found in
the pollen grain of triticale?

















































3. A study was conducted on the island of Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands by Peter and Rosemary
Grant. This study lasted over 20 years. The study investigated how the type of seeds available to the finches
impacted the depth of their beaks. In years when rain and water were plentiful, the available seeds were
smaller and easy to crack. In years experiencing drought, fewer seeds were produced, and the finches had to
eat the larger, leftover seeds produced from previous years. During years of drought, birds with a greater
beak depth had a selective advantage.
Wet Year Bird ID Tag Dry Year
Bird ID Tag
Beak Depth
Number
Beak Depth
Number
(mm)
(mm)
1A
10.81
1B
11.02
2A
8.74
2B
9.65
3A
10.04
3B
11.75
4A
9.75
4B
10.22
5A
9.76
5B
9.86
Use the data above to determine the increase in the mean of the depth of the beak between the wet and dry
years. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter.

















































Name:____________________________
Period___________________
Version D
AP* Biology: Macroevolution
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and enter the appropriate letter in the corresponding space on
the answer sheet.
1.
The animals shown on the right are marsupials, and the map indicates they are found in Australia. The
animals shown on the left are placental mammals, and the map shows they originate on continents other than
Australia. The similarities that they exhibit are due to
A)
B)
C)
D)
similar selection pressures
similar gene pools
similar breeding seasons
similar predator-prey interactions
(1)Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2002 by College Entrance Examination Board, Prenceton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-fact teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce
the questions. Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP ® is registered traemark of the College Entrance Examination Borard. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production
of and does not endorse this product. Permissionis granted of individual classroom teahcers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustation for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of
these material is strictly prohibited.
Version D
Questions 2 and 3
The table below indicates the presence of derived plant structures in various plant taxa with a Y and the
absence of derived plant structures with a N.
Charophytes
(Green Algae)
Angiosperms
(Flowering Plants)
Gymnosperms
(Conifers)
Pterophytes
(Ferns
Bryophytes
(Mosses)
Dominant
Gametophyte
Generation
Dominant
Sporophyte
Generation
Vascula
r Tissue
Microphylls*
Megaphylls**
Roots
Seeds
Flowers
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
*Microphylls are small leaves with a single vein. **Megaphylls are larger leaves with branched veins.
2. According to the data, which of the following
cladograms is best supported?
3. Which one of the plant taxon shown in the data
table could be designated as an outgoup?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A)
B)
C)
D)
Angiosperms
Pterophytes
Charophytes
Gymnosperms
Version D
Questions 4 and 5
4. Based on the phylogenetic tree shown above,
which of the following statements is true?
A) The tree is polyphyletic because it does not
include all of the descendents.
B) The tree is based on analogous traits.
C) The pigeon is the sister taxon to the
crocodile.
D) The lizard is more closely related to the
salamander than to the pigeon.
5. Which of the following best explains the fact
that birds, crocodiles, mice, and humans all have a
four chambered heart while the lizard does not?
A) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that once evolved in a common
ancestor to these four species.
B) The four chambered heart evolved
independently in all four species.
C) The four chambered heart is a homologous
structure that evolved twice, once in
crocodiles and birds and once in mammals.
D) The four chambered heart is an analogous
structure that evolved independently in
mammals and is a homologous structure that
evolved from a common reptilian ancestor to
the pigeon and crocodile.
Version D
Questions 6-8
Refer to the map below illustrating the distribution of several populations on the continents of Eurasia and
North America. These populations were derived from a common ancestral species. The area enclosed by a
given dotted line represents the distribution of the population and the numbers in millions of years refer to
the earliest fossil evidence found within the bounded area. Present populations are found only in the shaded
areas.
6. The oldest existing population is represented by
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q
R
S
T
7. The two existing populations that are apparently
most closely related are
A)
B)
C)
D)
Q and R
Q and S
S and T
R and U
8. According to the data, which of the following
correctly describes the area occupied by the
original species?
A)
B)
C)
D)
It
It
It
It
increased steadily.
decreased steadily.
increased and then decreased.
decreased and then increased.
Version D
Questions 9 and 10
Hawaiian honeycreepers are small, perching birds endemic to Hawaii.
9. It is assumed for this type of speciation to occur
that
A) food was plentiful and the habitats were
uniform.
B) food was limited and the climate was uniform.
C) competition was limited and the niches
varied.
D) predators were limited and the competition
was intense.
10. Which of the following is least likely to explain
why honeycreeper speciation occurred on the
Hawaiian Islands?
A)
B)
C)
D)
founder effect
varying mutations
varying selection pressures
chromosomal rearrangement
11. The appearance of a fertile, polyploid individual
within a population of diploid organisms is a
possible source of a new species. If this individual
is capable of reproducing to form a new
population, scientists would consider this to be an
example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
allopatric speciation
sympatric speciation
polygenetic inheritance
genetic drift
12. The different species of finches on the Galapagos
Islands are believed to have arisen as a result of
the natural selection acting on populations of
finches that had experienced
A)
B)
C)
D)
convergent evolution
gene flow
the bottleneck effect
geographic isolation
Version D
13. A certain species of flea feeds only on pronghorn antelopes. In rangelands of the western United States,
pronghorn antelopes and cattle often associate with one another. Over time some of these fleas develop a
strong preference for cattle blood and mate only with fleas that, likewise, prefer cattle blood. Which of the
following could possibly happen over time?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A)
B)
C)
D)
cladogenesis
sympatric speciation
habitat isolation
prezygotic barriers develop
I only
II and III only
I, II, and III only
I, II, III and IV
14. Which of the following principles is NOT part of
Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural
selection?
A) Evolution is a gradual process that occurs
over long periods of time.
B) Variation occurs among individuals in a
population.
C) Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic
variation.
D) Individuals that possess the most favorable
variations have the best chance of
reproducing.
15. While DNA was once thought to be the molecule
originally responsible for heredity, many
scientists are proposing a RNA world hypothesis
because
A) DNA is less stable and more likely to mutate
B) DNA has been shown to act like an enzyme
under certain conditions
C) RNA can self replicate and act like an
enzyme under certain conditions
D) RNA can make a DNA template and is more
stable than DNA
Version D
Questions 16 and 17
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells of all mammals.
Blood samples were collected from five different mammalian species and subsequently analyzed. The results
for the hemoglobin A analysis are summarized in the table below.
Similarity Matrix Based Upon Amino Acid Similarities For Hemoglobin a
% Amino Acids
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
Human
Horse
Donkey
Mouse
Dog
100
88
100
86
98
100
86
84
82
100
84
82
80
82
100
16. According to the data, which two species would
be considered a sister taxon?
A)
B)
C)
D)
17. Which cladogram best depicts best phylogenetic
relationship of these species based on the data
table?
mouse and human
dog and mouse
donkey and horse
donkey and dog
A)
B)
C)
D)
Version D
18. Which of the following statements best expresses
the concept of punctuated equilibrium?
A) Small variations gradually accumulate in
evolving lineages over periods of millions of
years.
B) Random mating ensures that the proportions
of genotypes in a population remain
unchanged from generation to generation.
C) Stability is achieved when selection favors the
heterozygote, while both types of
homozygotes are at a relative disadvantage.
D) Evolutionary changes consist of rapid bursts
of speciation alternating with long periods in
which species remain essentially unmodified.
19. Which of the following provides the weakest
evidence that mitochondria were once free-living
prokaryotes?
A) Mitochondrial ribosomes resemble those of
prokaryotes.
B) Mitochondria have DNA that is circular and
does not have associated proteins.
C) Enzyme pathways on mitochondrial
membranes resemble those found on modern
prokaryotic membranes.
D) Mitochondria and prokaryotes both are found
in a variety of sizes.
20.
The phylogenetic tree shown above indicates
that all cells have a common ancestor. Which of
the following pieces of evidence best support this
phylogenetic tree?
A) All cells contain circular DNA.
B) All cells have the ability to conduct aerobic
respiration.
C) All cells have membranes composed of a
phospholipid bilayer.
D) All cells contain the same type of ribosomes.
Version D
21. Which of the following phylogenies are equivalent?
A)
B)
C)
D)
A and B
A and C
B and C
They are all equivalent.
22. Which of the following traits is likely to be
unsuitable for phylogenetic analysis?
A)
B)
C)
D)
learned behavior
morphology
DNA Sequences
embryology
23. Which of the following pathways for the
transformation of cellular energy most likely
evolved first?
A)
B)
C)
D)
cyclic photophosphorylation
citric acid (Krebs) cycle
Calvin cycle
glycolysis
24. Theoretically, the production of sterile mules by
interbreeding between female horses and male
donkeys should result in
A) the extinction of one of the two parental
species
B) the formation of a single species from the
two parental species
C) reinforcing the postzygotic barriers between
horses and donkeys
D) weakening the intrinsic reproductive barriers
between horses and donkeys
Version D
Questions 25 and 26
25. Oxygen is added to the mixture of original gases
in the flask and the experiment is repeated.
Which of the following best predicts the likely
result?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Carbohydrates would form
DNA would form
Carbon monoxide would form
Amino acids would form
26. The apparatus shown above is a replication of
the scientific equipment used by Stanley Miller in
studying the chemical origins of life. Which of
the following best represents the hypothesis being
tested with this equipment?
A) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce DNA molecules?
B) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce living cells?
C) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple viruses?
D) Can the gases found in the early atmosphere
be used to produce simple organic molecules?
Version D
27.
Liposomes were discovered by scientists when testing a laboratory’s electron microscope by adding negative
aqueous stain to dry phospholipids. Liposomes can be used as a vehicle for the administration of nutrients and
pharmaceutical drugs. Which of the following origin of life questions was most likely prompted as a result of
this discovery?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Can
Can
Can
Can
organic compounds form from inorganic compounds?
organic polymers form from organic monomers in aqueous solution?
organic compounds self-assemble to form self-contained structures?
living cells be made from inorganic compounds?
28. Isolating Mechanisms are features of behavior, morphology, or genetics which serve to prevent breeding
between species and can be categorized in several ways. One particularly useful way is to recognize
mechanisms that prevent the waste of energy and resources by producing gametes and subsequent zygote
production, yet no offspring. Which of the following is such a post-zygotic isolating mechanism?
A)
B)
C)
D)
temporal isolation
developmental isolation
habitat isolation
mechanical isolation
Version D
29.
It has been proposed that eukaryotic cells are actually hybrids of archaean and bacterial cells. Which of the
following statements does NOT support this idea?
A) Eukaryotic and Archaea cells have a common ancestor.
B) The ribosomes found in the mitochondria are made of rRNA that is similar to the
cells of bacteria.
C) The DNA of Eukaryotes is enclosed in a nucleus like that of Archaea.
D) The circular DNA found in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic plant cells are similar to
the circular DNA found in bacteria.
Version D
30. This graph illustrates the extinction rate of marine animal families over time (left axis) and the number of
new marine families evolved (right axis).
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by this data?
A) Extinctions are a gradual process and proliferation of new species is often rapid.
B) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by the rapid proliferation of new
species,.
C) Extinctions can be a large-scale event followed by a gradual replacement of lost
species.
D) Extinctions are often a gradual process without any evolution of new species.
31. Tigers and lions will interbreed in captivity and
produce viable offspring, but they do not
interbreed in Asia where their geographic ranges
overlap. Which of the following isolating
mechanisms account for this?
A)
B)
C)
D)
hybrid infertility
gametic mortality
behavioral isolation
reduced gametic viability
32. The eastern coral snake, is poisonous and
brightly colored with distinctive red, black,
yellow, and white alternating bands. The
nonpoisonous scarlet king snake resembles the
coral snake and also has red, black and white
bands. This is an example of
A)
B)
C)
D)
divergent evolution
mimicry
coevolution
reverse evolution
AP Biology Macroevolution Unit Exam
Part B Directions: These three questions require numeric answers. Calculate the correct answer for each
question, and enter your answer on the grid following each question. Examples of correct entry for the grid-in
questions are shown below. The actual questions for this exam begin on the next page.
Integer Answer
502
Integer Answer
502
5 0 2





























Decimal Answer
−4.13
5 0 2



























































−



















4 .
1 3








































Fraction Answer
−2/10
−









2 /
1 0








































(1) Test Questions are Copyright © 1984-2012 by College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, NJ. All rights reserved. For face-to-face teaching purposes, classroom teachers are permitted to reproduce the questions.
Web or Mass distribution prohibited. (2) AP® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. The College Entrance Examination Board was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this
product. Permission is granted for individual classroom teachers to reproduce the activity sheets and illustrations for their own classroom use. Any other type of reproduction of these materials is strictly prohibited.
1. Around six million years ago speciation occurred
and humans diverged from chimpanzees.
Twelve nucleotide substitutions have occurred in a
sequence of mitochondrial DNA between human
and chimpanzee lineages, while 36 substitutions
have occurred between human and gibbon
lineages. According to the molecular clock
hypothesis, how many million years separate the
divergence of gibbons and humans? Give your
answer to the nearest year.
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2. Geneticists working in an agriculture lab
wanted to develop a crop that combines the
disease resistance of rye grain with the high
crop yielding capacity of wheat grain. Rye
grain has a diploid chromosome number (2n)
of 14 and wheat grain has a diploid
chromosome number of 42. The resulting
grain is called triticale and is an alloploidy
plant. How many chromosomes are found in
the pollen grain of triticale?
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3. A study was conducted on the island of Daphne Major in the Galapagos Islands by Peter and Rosemary
Grant. This study lasted over 20 years. The study investigated how the type of seeds available to the finches
impacted the depth of their beaks. In years when rain and water were plentiful, the available seeds were
smaller and easy to crack. In years experiencing drought, fewer seeds were produced, and the finches had to
eat the larger, leftover seeds produced from previous years. During years of drought, birds with a greater
beak depth had a selective advantage.
Wet Year Bird ID Tag Dry Year
Bird ID Tag
Beak Depth
Number
Beak Depth
Number
(mm)
(mm)
1A
10.81
1B
11.02
2A
8.74
2B
9.65
3A
10.04
3B
11.75
4A
9.75
4B
10.22
5A
9.76
5B
9.86
Use the data above to determine the increase in the mean of the depth of the beak between the wet and dry
years. Give your answer to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter.
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