Name: ______________

Date:_______________
Science 9: Biological Diversity
Inheritance Quiz
Directions:
1. Read each question carefully
2. Answer each question to the best of your ability
3. Raise your hand if you have any questions
4. Flip over your quiz when you are finished
You have 45 minutes to complete the quiz. It is out of 25 marks.
The quiz focuses on the following outcomes:
9A.2.1: distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction, and
identify and
interpret examples
9A.2.2: describe examples of variation of characteristics within a
species, and
identify examples of both discrete and
continuous variation
9A.2.4: distinguish those characteristics that are heritable from those
that are
not heritable

For the following questions, circle True if the statement is true, and False if
the statement is false.
1. In sexual reproduction, cells can divide by fission, budding, or
regeneration. (1 mark) [9A.2.1]
True

False

2. The categorization of blood groups in is an example of a discrete

variation. (1 mark) [9A.2.2]
True

False

3. The environment has an impact on genetic variation in sexually

reproducing species. (1 mark) [9A.2.1; 2.2]
True

False

For the following two multiple-choice questions, circle the letter of the
correct answer.
4. Identify the type of reproduction that occurs when an organism
duplicates its genetic material and divides by cytokinesis into two
identical parts. (1 mark) [9A.2.1]
a) Fission
b) Budding
c) Regeneration
d) Vegetative Reproduction
5. Which of the following is a non-heritable trait? (1 mark) [9A.2.4]
a) Eye color
b) Blood type
c) Sport ability
d) Tongue rolling ability
Answer the following short answer questions to the best of your ability. If you
should need extra room to write, raise your hand for an extra piece of paper.
6. Is the loss of a finger later on in life an example of a heritable
characteristic or a non-heritable characteristic? Explain your answer.
(3 marks) [9A.2.4]

7. Can genetic characteristics that are impacted by the environment be

passed on to future generations? Why or why not? Use an example or
counter-example to support your answer. (3 marks) [9A.2.4]

Use the following image to answer the question 8

Figure 1: Koi fish variations

8. What is the variation that you notice in the Koi fish? Identify four
reasons for this variation in koi fish. (4 marks) [9A.2.2]

9. You and some fellow scientists are designing a new species in the lab
and cannot decide if you want the species to be asexual or sexual.
Write your proposal on how you want the species to reproduce and
include four strong arguments to justify your choice. (4 marks)
[9A.2.1]

Use the following graph to answer question 10

10.
a) What is the difference between continuous and discrete
traits? (2 marks) [9A.2.2]

b) Is this an example of a continuous or a discrete trait? Why or why

not? (2 marks) [9A.2.2]

c) How is the trait inherited? How do you know from the information
given? (2
marks) [9A.2.2; 2.4]