Biological Evolution MCQ Quiz! Trivia

1.

Darwin's theory of natural selection to explain evolution is also known as

A.

Descent with modification.
B.

Inheritance of acquired characteristics.
C.

Uniformitarianism.
D.

Catastrophism.

Correct Answer
A. Descent with modification.

Explanation
Darwin's theory of natural selection explains how species evolve over time through the process of descent with modification. This means that new species arise from existing ones through gradual changes and adaptations that accumulate over generations. This theory proposes that the traits that are beneficial for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations, leading to the development of new species.

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2.

Lamarck's theory of evolution included the idea that

A.

There is a natural force in all living things that pushes them toward perfection.
B.

Local catastrophes cause mass extinctions of species.
C.

Species are only produced through special creation.
D.

Species are fixed and unchanging over time.

Correct Answer
A. There is a natural force in all living things that pushes them toward perfection.

Explanation
Lamarck's theory of evolution included the idea that there is a natural force in all living things that pushes them toward perfection. According to Lamarck, organisms have an innate drive to improve and adapt to their environment. He proposed that these changes occur through the use or disuse of certain traits, which can be passed on to future generations. This idea of an internal force driving organisms towards perfection is a key aspect of Lamarck's theory.

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3.

Most of Darwin's observations about changes in species over time and in different environments took place in and near

A.

North America.
B.

Africa.
C.

South America.
D.

Asia.
E.

Australia.

Correct Answer
C. South America.

Explanation
Darwin's observations about changes in species over time and in different environments primarily took place in and near South America. This region provided him with the opportunity to study a diverse range of species, including the famous Galapagos finches, which played a crucial role in his development of the theory of evolution by natural selection. Additionally, Darwin explored various regions in South America, such as the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest, where he observed unique adaptations and variations in species.

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4.

Natural selection was independently proposed as a means of evolution by Darwin and

A.

Lyell.
B.

Wallace.
C.

LeClerc.
D.

Lamarck.

Correct Answer
B. Wallace.

Explanation
Wallace is the correct answer because he independently proposed the concept of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution, just like Darwin. Wallace's ideas were similar to Darwin's and the two scientists jointly presented their findings in a paper in 1858. This paper prompted Darwin to finally publish his book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, which outlined his theory of evolution by natural selection. Wallace's contribution to the theory of evolution is significant and he is often considered as the co-discoverer of natural selection along with Darwin.

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5.

Darwin's observation that there were Patagonian hares but no rabbits in South America was most closely related to his consideration of

A.

Comparative anatomy.
B.

Biogeography.
C.

The fossil record.
D.

Comparative embryology.
E.

Comparative biochemistry.

Correct Answer
B. Biogeography.

Explanation
Darwin's observation of Patagonian hares but no rabbits in South America is most closely related to his consideration of biogeography. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and how they are influenced by geographic factors. Darwin noticed that certain species were found in specific regions and not others, which led him to develop his theory of natural selection and the idea that species adapt to their specific environments over time. This observation in South America was significant because it helped Darwin understand the unique distribution patterns of different species and how they are shaped by their surroundings.

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6.

Evolution can be described as the change of species over time.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Evolution is the process by which species gradually change over time through the mechanisms of natural selection, mutation, and genetic drift. This change can result in the development of new species or the extinction of existing ones. Therefore, it is accurate to describe evolution as the change of species over time.

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7.

Darwin produced the first known theory to explain evolution.

A.

True
B.

Fasle

Correct Answer
B. Fasle

Explanation
Darwin did not produce the first known theory to explain evolution. While he is widely recognized for his contributions to the theory of evolution through natural selection, there were earlier theories proposed by other scientists such as Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. Therefore, the statement is false.

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8.

Charles Darwin was the first one to consider the environment, migration, overcrowding, and isolation of populations as factors that could influence evolution.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because Charles Darwin was not the first one to consider the mentioned factors as influences on evolution. In fact, these ideas were already proposed by other scientists before Darwin, such as Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Alfred Russel Wallace. However, Darwin's contribution to the field of evolution was significant as he developed the theory of natural selection, which explained how these factors can lead to the adaptation and evolution of species over time.

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9.

Darwin considered variations in a population to be the raw materials of evolution.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Darwin believed that variations within a population are the basis for evolution. These variations, which can be inherited traits or genetic mutations, provide the raw materials for natural selection to act upon. Through natural selection, individuals with advantageous variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on these beneficial traits to future generations. Therefore, the statement that variations in a population are the raw materials of evolution is true according to Darwin's theory.

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10.

Malthus was a biologist who first suggested that variation provided the means by which populations adapt to their environment.

A.

True
B.

Fasle

Correct Answer
B. Fasle

Explanation
Malthus was actually an economist and demographer, not a biologist. He is known for his theory of population growth, which states that population tends to grow exponentially while resources grow linearly, leading to a struggle for survival. This theory does not directly address variation or adaptation in populations. Therefore, the statement that Malthus suggested that variation provides the means for populations to adapt to their environment is false.

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