The Candid Test On Science Chapter Test 15

The term "founder effect" refers to a situation where a small group of individuals establishes a new population, resulting in a limited gene pool and a unique genetic makeup. This can occur when a few individuals migrate to a new location or when a small group becomes isolated from the larger population. Due to the limited genetic diversity, certain traits or genetic disorders may become more prevalent in the new population. The founder effect can have significant evolutionary consequences, as the small population may experience genetic drift and undergo genetic changes that differ from the original population.

Peacocks developing large tails due to the preference of females for males with larger tails is known as sexual selection. This process occurs when certain traits in males are favored by females during mate selection, leading to the evolution of exaggerated characteristics. In the case of peacocks, females are more likely to choose males with larger tails, resulting in the development of increasingly elaborate and colorful tails over generations. This phenomenon is a form of natural selection that specifically occurs due to reproductive advantages in mate choice.

Darwin used the term "artificial selection" to describe the process of selective breeding of domesticated animals. This refers to the intentional breeding of animals by humans for specific traits or characteristics. Through this process, humans choose which animals will reproduce based on desired traits, such as size, color, or temperament. Over time, this leads to the accumulation of these selected traits in the population, similar to how natural selection operates in the wild. This term highlights the role of human intervention in shaping the genetic makeup of domesticated animals.

Darwin would have called the breeding of larger tomato plants by farmers "artificial selection" because it refers to the intentional selection and breeding of plants or animals by humans for specific desirable traits. In this case, farmers are deliberately selecting and breeding larger tomato plants to produce a desired outcome, which is an example of artificial selection.

The given correct answer for this question is "fitness". Fitness refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment. In this context, comparing the three white furred offspring of one polar bear mother to the one white furred offspring of a second polar bear mother can be seen as an assessment of their fitness. It implies evaluating their genetic traits and how well they are adapted to their surroundings, which can affect their chances of survival and successful reproduction.

The speciation of five modern tiger species from one ancestral species is an example of evolution. Evolution refers to the process by which species gradually change over time, leading to the development of new species. In this case, the ancestral tiger species underwent genetic variations and adaptations, eventually resulting in the formation of five distinct tiger species. This process is a clear demonstration of how species can evolve and diversify over generations.

A bottleneck refers to a significant reduction in the number of individuals in a population, typically caused by a natural disaster or other catastrophic event. This reduction in population size leads to a decrease in the number of alleles (variations of genes) present in the population. As a result, the population becomes genetically similar, as there is less genetic diversity. This can have long-term consequences for the population's ability to adapt to environmental changes and increases the risk of inbreeding.

Genetic equilibrium refers to a state in which the allele frequencies in a population remain constant over generations. This occurs when certain conditions are met, such as a large population size, no migration, no genetic mutations, random mating, and no natural selection. In genetic equilibrium, the genetic diversity within the population remains stable, and there is no evolution occurring. Therefore, the given correct answer, "genetic equilibrium," accurately describes the concept of constant allele frequencies in a population.

The appendix in humans is considered a vestigial structure because it no longer serves a clear function. While it may have had a purpose in our evolutionary ancestors, it is now believed to be a remnant that has lost its original function. Therefore, removing the appendix in humans generally has minimal harmful effects, as it is not essential for normal bodily functions.

The evolution of an elongated beak by most woodpecker species is called an adaptation because it is a characteristic that has developed over time in response to the specific needs and environment of woodpeckers. The elongated beak allows woodpeckers to efficiently peck and drill into tree trunks in search of food, such as insects or sap. This adaptation gives woodpeckers a unique advantage in their foraging behavior and survival, demonstrating how they have adapted to their ecological niche.

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a vestigial structure in humans. This means that it is a remnant of a structure that had a function in our evolutionary ancestors but no longer serves a practical purpose in our bodies. In other mammals, the tailbone is used for balance and mobility of the tail, but in humans, it has lost its original function. It is now a small, triangular bone at the base of the spine that serves as an attachment site for ligaments and muscles, but does not have any significant role in our daily activities.

Analogous structures are structures that have similar functions but have evolved independently in different species. In this case, hawk wings and grasshopper wings both allow sustained flight, but they evolved separately. This suggests that the wings of hawks and grasshoppers are not homologous (derived from a common ancestor), but rather they have independently evolved to serve a similar purpose. This is an example of convergent evolution, where different species develop similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures.

The correct answer is "vestigial structure." This refers to a structure in an organism that has lost its original function over the course of evolution. The appendix in humans is considered a vestigial structure because it no longer serves a clear purpose and can be safely removed without causing significant harm.

The given correct answer, "homologous structure," suggests that scientists believe human arms and whale flippers were inherited from a common ancestor. This term refers to structures in different species that have a similar origin but may have different functions. In this case, the similarity between human arms and whale flippers indicates a shared ancestry, where both species evolved from a common ancestor that had a similar limb structure. This concept of homology supports the theory of evolution and the idea that different species share common ancestry.

The theory of punctuated equilibrium proposes that species evolve through long periods of stability (equilibrium) interrupted by short bursts of rapid change (punctuation). This theory challenges the traditional speciation model of gradualism, which suggests that species evolve slowly and gradually over time. Punctuated equilibrium suggests that speciation occurs more rapidly and in shorter bursts, leading to the replacement of the gradualism model.

The correct answer is "bottleneck." A bottleneck refers to a situation where a population undergoes a significant reduction in size, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. This can occur due to various factors such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or human activities. When a population experiences a bottleneck, the individuals that survive and reproduce will have a limited set of genetic variations, resulting in a higher degree of DNA similarities within the population. This can give the appearance of inbreeding, as there is a higher likelihood of individuals mating with close relatives.

The leafy sea dragon looking more like a plant than an animal is an example of camouflage because it allows the sea dragon to blend in with its surroundings and avoid being detected by predators. Its leaf-like appendages and coloration help it to camouflage among seaweed and other vegetation, making it difficult for predators to spot it. This adaptation increases its chances of survival by reducing the risk of being preyed upon.

The correct answer is A. a bottleneck.

A bottleneck refers to a sharp reduction in the population size of a species, often caused by a catastrophic event or severe environmental conditions. In this case, the African cheetahs experienced a significant decline in population. As a result, the surviving individuals had a limited genetic diversity, leading to a population of genetically similar animals. This phenomenon is known as a bottleneck.

The given correct answer is "analogous structure". This refers to the similarity in structure or function between different species that have evolved independently in response to similar environmental pressures. In this case, the wings of hawks and grasshoppers both allow for sustained flight, but they evolved separately in these two different species. This demonstrates convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms develop similar traits to adapt to similar environments or lifestyles.

The correct answer is D. the change of species over time. This definition of evolution refers to the process by which species gradually change and diversify over long periods of time. It involves genetic variations and natural selection, leading to the development of new species from existing ones. This definition encompasses the idea that species are not static, but rather undergo changes and adaptations in response to environmental pressures.

Feathers are an example of a derived trait in birds. Feathers are unique to birds and have evolved from reptilian scales. They serve various functions such as insulation, flight, and display. Feathers are a defining characteristic of birds and have played a crucial role in their evolution and survival.

The correct answer is "homologous structure." This term refers to anatomical structures that have a similar origin and structure, but may have different functions in different organisms. In this case, human arms and whale flippers are considered homologous structures because they share a common ancestor and have similar bone structure, despite being adapted for different purposes.

Polar bear fur being better camouflage on ice floes than brown bear fur is an example of an adaptation. This is because the polar bear's fur has evolved to match its environment, providing it with a survival advantage by allowing it to blend in with the ice and snow. This adaptation increases its chances of successfully hunting prey and avoiding predators.

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a vestigial structure in humans. Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or body parts that were fully functional in ancestral species but have lost their original function over time. In humans, the tailbone is a small, triangular bone at the base of the spine that is believed to be a vestige of a tail that our ancestors had. While it no longer serves a practical purpose in humans, it can still have some minor functions such as providing attachment points for muscles and supporting the body when sitting.

Adaptive radiation refers to the process where a single ancestral species diversifies into a variety of different species, each adapted to a specific ecological niche. In the case of the cichlid fish, the evolution of a second jaw allowed them to exploit new food sources and habitats, leading to the rapid diversification of different cichlid species. This process is a classic example of adaptive radiation, as it demonstrates how a single evolutionary innovation can result in the rapid emergence of multiple species with diverse characteristics and adaptations.

Comparative embryology is the study of the similarities and differences in the development of embryos of different species. The statement that turtle and human embryos have a tail is true because during the early stages of development, both turtle and human embryos possess a tail-like structure called a tail bud. This is a common feature in the embryonic development of many vertebrate species, including humans and turtles. As development progresses, the tail bud regresses in humans, while in turtles, it continues to grow and develop into the tail of the adult turtle.

During his visit to the Galápagos Islands, Charles Darwin personally observed mockingbirds with different traits. This observation played a crucial role in his development of the theory of natural selection. Darwin noticed that the mockingbirds on each island had distinct beak shapes and sizes, which were adapted to the specific food sources available on that particular island. This led him to hypothesize that these variations in traits were a result of the different environments on each island, and that natural selection was responsible for the adaptation of species to their specific habitats.

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After returning from his voyage on the HMS Beagle, Darwin assumed that South American finches changed after coming to the Galápagos Islands. This assumption was based on his observations of the finches' variations in beak shape and size, which he believed were adaptations to different food sources on the islands. This observation led Darwin to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection, as he realized that these variations in finches were evidence of species changing over time to better survive in their environment.

The correct answer is D. the founder effect. The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population in a new area. These individuals may have different genetic traits compared to the larger population they came from. Over time, the genetic makeup of the new population may be different from the original population due to the limited genetic diversity of the founders. In the case of the hypothetical colony on the island, their genetic makeup after several generations would be determined by the founder effect as they are isolated and have a limited gene pool.

The correct answer is D. The molecule experienced little change over long periods of history. This suggests that cytochrome c has remained relatively unchanged over time, making it a useful tool for comparing evolutionary relationships across a broad range of species.

Comparative embryology is the study of the structures of organisms during their early stages of development. This field of study compares the embryonic development of different species to understand their evolutionary relationships and common ancestry. By examining the similarities and differences in embryonic structures, scientists can gain insights into the evolutionary history and developmental processes of organisms.