The answers provided here are accurate based on the course content as of its most recent release. However, Coursera updates questions periodically. Furthermore, the final proctored exam (if your course includes a certificate track) will shuffle questions and numbers (e.g., changing a population size from 100 to 500).
Do not simply Ctrl+F these answers during the quiz. Instead:
I hope you enjoy the course and find the material interesting and informative.
Genetics and evolution are fascinating fields that have led to many important discoveries and advancements in science and medicine.
Keep up the good work, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the concepts.
This is the quantitative heart of the course. You must memorize the Hardy-Weinberg equations: ( p + q = 1 ) and ( p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1 ). introduction to genetics and evolution coursera quiz answers
The first week establishes the vocabulary: genes, alleles, loci, homozygous, heterozygous, and the mechanics of meiosis.
Q1: Sickle cell trait (heterozygote advantage) is a classic example of:
Answer: D (Balancing selection) Explanation: Heterozygote advantage maintains both alleles in the population, preventing fixation of either.
Q2: If the average birth weight of babies is 7.5 lbs, and both very small and very large babies have lower survival, this is:
Answer: C (Stabilizing selection) Explanation: Selection favors the intermediate phenotype and eliminates extremes. The answers provided here are accurate based on
Q3: Which of the following is required for natural selection to cause evolutionary change?
Answer: B Explanation: Lamarckian inheritance (acquired traits) doesn’t work. Only heritable variation (passing genes) allows selection to change the next generation.
Q4: Sexual selection often favors traits that:
Answer: A Explanation: Peacock tails, deer antlers. They are costly (survival cost) but signal fitness to mates.
Q5: The “modern synthesis” of evolution integrated: Before diving into answers
Answer: B Explanation: The Modern Synthesis (1930s-40s) reconciled Mendel’s particulate inheritance with Darwin’s gradual evolution.
Before diving into answers, understand the course structure. The class moves from microevolution (changes in allele frequencies) to macroevolution (speciation and phylogenetics).
Core Text equivalent: Introduction to Genetics and Evolution by Mohamed Noor.
The Golden Rule of Quizzes: The course uses application questions. You cannot just memorize definitions; you must understand scenarios.