Evolution, Speciation, And Natural Selection
Each question is worth 2 points for a total of 30 points. You will have 20 minutes once you begin the quiz. You will not be able to close the quiz and re-open, pause, or retake the quiz, so be ready before you start.
You may use any resources at your disposal, but must work alone.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Whale species differ in how they communicate, and therefore do not recognize one another as potential mates. This is _______ speciation.
- A.
Allopatric
- B.
Temporal
- C.
Behavioral
- D.
Geographic
Correct Answer
C. BehavioralExplanation
Behavioral speciation refers to the process of speciation that occurs due to differences in behavior, such as mating rituals or communication methods. In this case, the statement suggests that whale species have different ways of communicating, which prevents them from recognizing each other as potential mates. This difference in behavior is a contributing factor to the speciation of whale species.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Camels are believed to have originated on which continent before spreading to other areas of the world?
- A.
North America
- B.
South America
- C.
Asia
- D.
Australia
Correct Answer
A. North America -
- 3.
Velociraptor and Tyrranosaurus were species of _________ which some believe were the first group of reptilians to develop feathers.
- A.
Birds
- B.
Allosaurs
- C.
Synapsids
- D.
Theropods
Correct Answer
D. TheropodsExplanation
Theropods were a group of dinosaurs that included Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus. Some scientists believe that theropods were the first group of reptiles to develop feathers. This suggests that birds, allosaurs, and synapsids are not the correct answer options, as they do not fit the description of being a group of reptiles that developed feathers.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which is true?
- A.
Cats have adapted greater jaw pressure than canines for hunting and killing
- B.
Cats have poor night vision because of photoreceptors spread out on the back of their large retinas
- C.
Lions and tigers are examples of cats that chase over long distances rather than ambush
- D.
All of the above are true
Correct Answer
A. Cats have adapted greater jaw pressure than canines for hunting and killingExplanation
Cats have adapted greater jaw pressure than canines for hunting and killing. This is true because cats have specialized jaw muscles and a flexible skull structure that allows them to exert a powerful bite force. This adaptation is essential for catching and subduing their prey. Canines, on the other hand, have long and sharp teeth for tearing and gripping rather than crushing. Therefore, cats have a stronger jaw pressure compared to canines when it comes to hunting and killing.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is the largest species of animal to have ever lived on Earth?
- A.
Blue whale
- B.
Elephant
- C.
Brachiosaurus
- D.
Megalodon
Correct Answer
A. Blue whaleExplanation
The blue whale is the largest species of animal to have ever lived on Earth. It can reach lengths of up to 100 feet and weigh up to 200 tons. Its size surpasses that of any other animal, including the elephant, brachiosaurus, and megalodon. The blue whale's massive size is a result of its adaptation to its marine environment, allowing it to feed on large quantities of krill.Rate this question:
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- 6.
3 million years ago a land bridge connected which two continents, and altered global ocean and wind circulation patterns?
- A.
North America and Asia
- B.
Europe and Africa
- C.
South America and North America
- D.
Australia and Asia
Correct Answer
C. South America and North AmericaExplanation
3 million years ago, a land bridge connected South America and North America. This land bridge, known as the Isthmus of Panama, had a significant impact on global ocean and wind circulation patterns. It allowed for the exchange of flora and fauna between the two continents and also altered the flow of warm and cold ocean currents, influencing climate patterns in the region.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In the above image we see an example of what kind of speciation?
- A.
Temporal speciation
- B.
Geographic speciation
- C.
Behavioral speciation
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Geographic speciationExplanation
In the given image, we see an example of geographic speciation. This is because the image shows a physical barrier, such as a mountain range or a body of water, separating a population into two distinct groups. Over time, these two groups undergo genetic divergence and develop unique traits, eventually leading to the formation of two separate species. This process is known as geographic speciation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
As the glaciers of the last ice age retreated to the north, the oceans rose and submerged this critical land bridge which connected North America to Asia.
- A.
Doggerland Bridge
- B.
Isthmus of Panama
- C.
Bering Strait Land Bridge
- D.
Banff Land Bridge
Correct Answer
C. Bering Strait Land BridgeExplanation
During the last ice age, as the glaciers melted and retreated, the oceans rose and submerged the land bridge that connected North America to Asia. This land bridge, known as the Bering Strait Land Bridge, played a critical role in the migration of humans and animals between the two continents. The rising sea levels caused the land bridge to be submerged, cutting off the connection between North America and Asia and leading to the isolation of different populations on each continent. This event had significant implications for the development of human civilizations and the distribution of species in the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 9.
While both species of deer, moose and white-tailed deer do not reproduce because of different mate selection and courtship routines. This is an example of:
- A.
Allopatric speciation
- B.
Geographic speciation
- C.
Temporal speciation
- D.
Behavioral speciation
Correct Answer
D. Behavioral speciationExplanation
This statement explains that moose and white-tailed deer do not reproduce due to their different mate selection and courtship routines. This suggests that their reproductive isolation is caused by their different behaviors, which is an example of behavioral speciation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The process of evolution gives animals what they need to survive.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "The process of evolution gives animals what they need to survive" is not true. Evolution is a gradual process that occurs over generations, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. It does not actively give animals what they need, but rather those individuals who possess traits that are beneficial for their environment are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to future generations. Evolution is a result of natural selection, genetic mutations, and environmental factors, rather than a deliberate process that provides animals with what they need.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What can be said of white-tailed deer herds in North America?
- A.
A lack of predators means the herd and its members are strong!
- B.
They are likely to get smaller and weaker over time as the most "fit" animals are eliminated through hunting pressures
- C.
Humans are over-hunting them into extinction
- D.
Wildlife managers are limiting hunting of trophy animals to preserve herd health
Correct Answer
B. They are likely to get smaller and weaker over time as the most "fit" animals are eliminated through hunting pressuresExplanation
The correct answer suggests that white-tailed deer herds in North America are likely to get smaller and weaker over time due to hunting pressures. This means that the hunting of these deer eliminates the most "fit" animals, leading to a decrease in the overall size and strength of the herd.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Hypothetically, if Paleontologists find a fossil of archaeopteryx with what seems to be fossilized insects in the crop (throat), then this would support which theory for the evolution of flight?
- A.
Flight evolved with feathers
- B.
Flight evolved after feathers
Correct Answer
A. Flight evolved with feathersExplanation
If Paleontologists find a fossil of archaeopteryx with fossilized insects in the crop, it would support the theory that flight evolved with feathers. The presence of fossilized insects in the crop suggests that archaeopteryx had feathers and was capable of flight, as the insects could have been caught while the bird was in mid-air. This evidence supports the idea that flight evolved alongside the development of feathers in birds.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Humpback whales and blue whales are part of which group?
- A.
Baleen whales
- B.
Toothed whales
- C.
Pinnipeds
- D.
Heliodonta
Correct Answer
A. Baleen whalesExplanation
Humpback whales and blue whales are both types of baleen whales. Baleen whales are characterized by having baleen plates in their mouths instead of teeth, which they use to filter feed on small organisms like krill and plankton. This distinguishes them from toothed whales, which have teeth and typically hunt and eat larger prey. Pinnipeds are a group of marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses, while Heliodonta is not a recognized group of marine mammals.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Archaeopteryx had several traits similar to current species of birds. Which trait did it possess which were NOT like living species of birds? (check all that apply)
- A.
Clawed feet
- B.
Teeth
- C.
Bony tail
- D.
Feathers
Correct Answer(s)
B. Teeth
C. Bony tailExplanation
Archaeopteryx had several traits similar to current species of birds, such as feathers and clawed feet. However, it possessed two traits that are not found in living species of birds: teeth and a bony tail. Teeth are not present in modern birds, as they have evolved to have beaks instead. Similarly, modern birds have a tail made of feathers, while Archaeopteryx had a bony tail.Rate this question:
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- 15.
T-Rex likely had feathers which it used for similar purposes as which species of living bird?
- A.
Peacock
- B.
Bald Eagle
- C.
Peregrine falcon
- D.
Emperor penguin
Correct Answer
A. PeacockExplanation
T-Rex likely had feathers which it used for similar purposes as the peacock. This is because both the T-Rex and peacock have feathers that are used for display and attracting mates. The feathers of the peacock are known for their vibrant colors and elaborate patterns, which are used during courtship displays. Similarly, it is believed that T-Rex may have had feathers that served a similar purpose in attracting mates or establishing dominance within its species.Rate this question:
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