1. The Developing Person Through the Life Span, Ninth Edition by Kathleen Stassen Berger Clicker Question Presentation Slides Chapter 3
Critical Thinking Questions created by Jason S. Spiegelman, The Community College of Baltimore County

2. Chromosomes are molecules of:
genotype.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
gamete.
phenotype.
Answer B

3. When a sperm and an ovum fuse, a one-celled __________ is formed.
zygote
reproductive cell
gamete
monozygote
Answer A

4. Differentiation occurs when:
the sperm and ovum meet.
the combined material from both gametes mesh together.
the zygote reaches the 4-cell stage.
cells begin to specialize, taking different forms and reproducing at different rates.
Answer D

5. Genes that produce characteristic traits through the interaction of genetics and environmental influences are referred to as:
additive.
multifactorial.
polygenetic.
phenotypic.
Answer B

6. Some men are color-blind because they inherit a particular recessive gene from their mother. That recessive gene is carried on the:
X chromosome.
XX chromosome pair.
Y chromosome.
X or Y chromosome.
Answer A

7. Critical Thinking Questions

8. King Henry VIII of England had his wife beheaded because she failed to produce any male heirs to the throne. Which of the following is true?
King Henry was too old to have male offspring.
King Henry just wanted a younger wife.
It was King Henry’s “fault” that he had no sons, because only a male can contribute the Y chromosome containing the male development genes.
Only females can contribute the Y chromosome containing the male development genes.
Answer C

9. Which of the following is a good reason for a couple to receive genetic counseling before they plan a pregnancy?
They have a history of high fertility.
They have diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The woman is under 30.
They have relatives with serious genetic disorders.
Answer D

10. It is not possible to tell.
John’s mother has blue eyes, and his father has brown eyes. John’s phenotype eye color is brown. Therefore the genotype of his eye-color genes is:
blue and brown.
brown and brown.
blue and green.
It is not possible to tell.
Answer A