During a Study Session About Evolution, One of Your Fellow

question 14

Multiple Choice

During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarks, "The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result." Which statement is most likely to be helpful in correcting this student's misconception?

• A) Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are generally not passed on through genes.
• B) Spontaneous mutations can result in the appearance of new traits.
• C) Only favorable adaptations have survival value.
• D) Disuse of an organ may lead to its eventual disappearance.
• E) If the giraffes did not have to compete with each other, longer necks would not have been passed on to the next generation.

---

Definitions:

Plasma Membrane

The lipid bilayer that surrounds a cell, controlling the passage of substances in and out of the cell.

Phosphodiesterase

Enzyme that splits phosphodiester bonds—that is, that breaks down cyclic AMP to AMP.

Phosphodiesterase

An enzyme that plays a role in cell signal transduction by breaking down phosphodiester bonds.

Cyclic AMP

A secondary messenger used for intracellular signal transduction, such as transferring the effects of hormones like glucagon and adrenaline.