We have collected data and analyzed it to determine whether or not the hypothesis that Earth is currently experiencing a 6th mass extinction is supported. Use the figures provided to determine which of the statements below is correct. (Select all that apply)    

Adaptive radiations can be a direct consequence of four of the following five factors. Select the exception.

Research has shown that positive thinking can have a beneficial impact by reducing test anxiety and improving performance on assessments. For your first question, select a positive affirmation from below to carry with you as you complete the quiz and write it as your answer for this first question. If you have your own positive affirmation, feel free to write it instead.   I’ve done my best to study for this quiz and am well prepared. I will use any nervous energy I have as a positive force. This is a good opportunity to show what I know. This is just one quiz, and it doesn’t define who I am as a person or what my future holds. I have the skills to succeed on this quiz.

Use the following information for the next two questions. Dr. Samwise is studying a species of ground pheasants that live around an extremely large ravine to determine if parapatric speciation has occurred. The pheasant species, Lophura diardi, is divided into seven subspecies based on morphology and the location of each subspecies around the ravine is plotted on the figure. Based on morphological observations, Dr. Samwise hypothesizes that an ancestral population similar to the Scathii subspecies originated on the eastern side of the ravine. Then, groups moved along the northern and southern sides of the ravine until the northern, and southern groups met again on the western side of the ravine. Dr. Samwise constructs a phylogeny of the subspecies using DNA data. Which of the phylogenies below support Dr. Samwise’s hypothesis based on morphological data?

For this question, focus on the top graph in the image. The orange bars represent the five mass extinctions. Based on the graph below, what is the measurement of diversity when it reaches it’s peak following the fifth mass extinction ?   

The phylogenetic tree below depicts the relationship among a group of mammals called ungulates and an outgroup. The name “ungulate” means “hoofed animal” as ungulates typically have hoofs on their feet and all descended from a common ancestor with hoofs. Use this information and the phylogenetic tree to answer the following three questions.    The trait for hoofed feet is best represented by which letter? . The most recent common ancestor between camel and cow is represented by which letter?

What is the most likely mode of transmission for this trait?

Which of the following describes “airborne contamination” in a surgical environment?

Cyclin C and Cdk8 are active during G1 of the cell cycle and help control transcription of many genes. What would you expect is the specific function of Cdk8?

What is the best definition of “nosocomial infection”?