Test on Phylogenomic Resolution of Insect Evolution

Question 1: The phylogenomic study referenced in the materials was conducted using 1478 single-copy nuclear genes.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state, 'We therefore conducted a phylogenomic study on 1478 single-copy nuclear genes obtained from genomes and transcriptomes representing key taxa from all extant insect orders and other arthropods (144 taxa).'

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following can potentially compromise phylogenomic analyses and lead to biased statistical confidence in phylogenetic relationships and temporal inferences?

A. Sparsely populated data matrices

B. Accurate sequence alignment

C. Nonrandom distribution of missing data among taxa

D. Adherence to underlying evolutionary model assumptions

Explanation: The study states that phylogenomic analyses can be compromised by 'sparsely populated data matrices,' 'sequence misalignment,' 'deviations from the underlying assumptions of applied evolutionary models,' and 'nonrandom distribution of missing data among taxa,' all of which may result in biased statistical confidence. Accurate sequence alignment and adherence to evolutionary model assumptions would generally improve, not compromise, the analyses.

Question 3: The origin of polyneopteran insect lineages is estimated to have occurred in the Early Cretaceous.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study estimates the origin of polyneopteran lineages at approximately 302 Ma in the Pennsylvanian, not the Early Cretaceous.

Question 4: The origin of true bugs (Hemiptera) and thrips (Thysanoptera) was estimated to be around 310 million years ago, making it impossible for them to be the source of stylet marks found on liverworts from the Late Devonian.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study indicates that true bugs (Hemiptera) and thrips (Thysanoptera) originated around 373 million years ago, not 310 million years ago. This estimated origin gives support to the possibility of a hemipteroid origin for the stylet marks on liverworts from the Late Devonian (~380 Ma).

Question 5: According to the study, when was the radiation of parasitic lice estimated to have occurred?

A. ~130 Ma

B. ~362 Ma

C. ~53 Ma

D. ~214 Ma

Explanation: The study estimated that the radiation of parasitic lice occurred approximately 53 Ma (million years ago), contradicting the hypothesis that they originated around 130 Ma.