Evolution Of Populations

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This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of how populations evolve.

Questions and Answers

1.

The wing of a bat, the flipper of a whale, and the forelimb of a horse appear very different, yet detailed studies reveal the presence of the same basic bone pattern. These structures are examples of
- A.
  
  Analogous structures.
- B.
  
  Homologous structures.
- C.
  
  Vestigial structures.
- D.
  
  Balanced polymorphism.
- E.
  
  Convergent evolution.
Correct Answer
D. Balanced polymorphism.
2.

In a sample population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of a recessive allele for a certain trait is 0.20. What percentage of the individuals in the next generation would be expected to show the dominant trait?
- A.
  
  8%
- B.
  
  16%
- C.
  
  32%
- D.
  
  64%
- E.
  
  96%
Correct Answer
E. 96%
3.

Which of the following best describes the effect of genetic drift on the gene frequencies of a population?
- A.
  
  Genes enter a population through immigration, thus changing gene frequencies.
- B.
  
  Genes leave a population through emigration, thus changing gene frequencies.
- C.
  
  Chance alone can cause significant changes in gene frequencies of small populations.
- D.
  
  Mutations over time cause gene frequencies to change.
- E.
  
  Selection against one allele causes gene frequencies to change.
Correct Answer
C. Chance alone can cause significant changes in gene frequencies of small populations.
4.

Although the seal and the penguin both have streamlined, fishlike bodies with a layer of insulating fat, they are not closely related. This similarity results from
- A.
  
  Convergent evolution.
- B.
  
  Adaptive radiation.
- C.
  
  Homologous evolution.
- D.
  
  Coevolution.
- E.
  
  Parallel evolution.
Correct Answer
A. Convergent evolution.
5.

In a small group of people living in a remote area, there is a high incidence of "blue skin," a condition that results from a variation in the structure of hemoglobin. All of the "blue-skinned" people can trace their ancestry to one couple, who were among the original settlers of this area. The unusually high frequency of "blue skin" in this area is an example of
- A.
  
  Mutation.
- B.
  
  Genetic drift.
- C.
  
  Natural selection.
- D.
  
  Sexual selection.
- E.
  
  Heterozygote advantage.
Correct Answer
B. Genetic drift.
6.

Which of the following is NOT part of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?
- A.
  
  Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over long periods of time.
- B.
  
  Variation occurs among individuals in a population.
- C.
  
  Individuals that possess the most favorable variations have the best chance of reproducing.
- D.
  
  More individuals are born than will survive.
- E.
  
  Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation.
Correct Answer
E. Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation.
7.

Albinism is due to a homozygous recessive condition. If the frequency of the allele for this condition is 0.06 in a certain Native American population, what is the frequency of the dominant allele? (Assume that the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.)
- A.
  
  0.04
- B.
  
  0.06
- C.
  
  0.16
- D.
  
  0.36
- E.
  
  0.94
Correct Answer
E. 0.94
8.

Toads in a particular population vary in size. A scientist observes that in this population, large males mate with females significantly more often than small males do. All of the following are possible reasons for this EXCEPT:
- A.
  
  Females select large males more often than small males as mates.
- B.
  
  Small females are more likely to mate with small males and large females are more likely to mate with large males.
- C.
  
  Large males are successful in competing for mates more often than small males are.
- D.
  
  Large males occupy more breeding territory than small males do.
- E.
  
  The calls produced by large males are more attractive to females than the calls made by small males.
Correct Answer
B. Small females are more likely to mate with small males and large females are more likely to mate with large males.
9.

All of the following provide evidence for evolution EXCEPT:
- A.
  
  Vestigial structures
- B.
  
  Darwin's finches
- C.
  
  Homologous structures
- D.
  
  Embryology
- E.
  
  Mutations
Correct Answer
E. Mutations
10.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?
- A.
  
  Variation between individuals
- B.
  
  Heritability of the trait being selected
- C.
  
  Sexual reproduction
- D.
  
  Differences in reproductive success among individuals
- E.
  
  Survival of the fittest
Correct Answer
C. Sexual reproduction

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Current Version
Mar 20, 2022

Quiz Edited by
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Mar 04, 2010

Quiz Created by
Staylor98

Evolution Of Populations

The wing of a bat, the flipper of a whale, and the forelimb of a horse appear very different, yet detailed studies reveal the presence of the same basic bone pattern. These structures are examples of

In a sample population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of a recessive allele for a certain trait is 0.20. What percentage of the individuals in the next generation would be expected to show the dominant trait?

Which of the following best describes the effect of genetic drift on the gene frequencies of a population?

Although the seal and the penguin both have streamlined, fishlike bodies with a layer of insulating fat, they are not closely related. This similarity results from

Which of the following is NOT part of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Albinism is due to a homozygous recessive condition. If the frequency of the allele for this condition is 0.06 in a certain Native American population, what is the frequency of the dominant allele? (Assume that the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.)

Toads in a particular population vary in size. A scientist observes that in this population, large males mate with females significantly more often than small males do. All of the following are possible reasons for this EXCEPT:

All of the following provide evidence for evolution EXCEPT:

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?