Question

1.5.2 test (cst): computer - scored unit test
the table below shows the number of chromosome pairs for various organisms.
organism number of chromosome pairs
hare 24
hyena 20
kangaroo 8
meerkat 36
which organism can produce the highest number of genetically different gametes?
a. meerkat
b. kangaroo
c. hare
d. hyena

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between chromosome pairs and genetic diversity in gametes

The number of genetically different gametes an organism can produce is related to the number of chromosome pairs. The formula for the number of different gametes is \(2^n\), where \(n\) is the number of chromosome - pairs. So, the more chromosome pairs an organism has, the more genetically different gametes it can produce.

Step2: Compare the number of chromosome pairs of each organism

The hare has 24 chromosome pairs, the hyena has 20 chromosome pairs, the kangaroo has 6 chromosome pairs, and the meerkat has 36 chromosome pairs. Since \(36>24 > 20>6\), the meerkat has the most chromosome pairs.

Answer:

A. Meerkat