Evolution Unit Post-assessment (Grade 7)

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The answer to this question is a list of all the options, which are 1, 2, 3, and 4. This suggests that the question is asking for the respondent's level of interest in evolution on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The respondent is expected to choose one of these options based on their personal level of interest in the topic.

Variations within species are most likely the result of mutations and sexual reproduction. Mutations are random changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits and genetic variations within a population. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in offspring with a unique combination of traits. Therefore, both mutations and sexual reproduction contribute to the variation observed within a species.

The correct answer is chimpanzee. The diagram shows a comparison of nitrogen base sequences in the DNA of different organisms. Humans are most closely related to chimpanzees based on the similarity of their DNA sequences.

Mutations are considered a basis for evolution because they result in variation among organisms. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can lead to new traits or characteristics. These variations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to an organism. When beneficial mutations occur, they can provide an advantage to the organism in its environment, increasing its chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, these advantageous traits can become more common in a population, leading to evolution. Therefore, mutations are important for introducing genetic diversity and driving the process of natural selection.

Gradualism is the theory that evolutionary change occurs slowly and continuously over long periods of time. This theory suggests that species gradually change and adapt to their environment through small, incremental changes over generations. It contrasts with punctuated equilibrium, which proposes that evolutionary change occurs in rapid bursts followed by long periods of stability. Speciation refers to the formation of new species, while geographic isolation refers to the physical separation of populations, leading to the development of new species. Therefore, the correct answer is gradualism, as it encompasses the idea of slow and continuous evolutionary change.

Mutations are random chance events that can be passed on to offspring if they occur in gametes. This means that mutations can happen randomly during the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) and if these mutations are present in the gametes, they can be inherited by the offspring. Mutations that occur in somatic cells, which are all other cells in the body except for the gametes, are not passed on to offspring. Therefore, the correct answer is that mutations are random chance events that can be passed on to offspring if they occur in gametes.

Charles Darwin proposed that organisms produce many more offspring than can possibly survive on the limited amount of resources available to them. According to Darwin, the offspring that are most likely to survive are those that are best adapted to the environment. This means that they have inherited traits and characteristics that allow them to better compete for resources, avoid predators, and thrive in their specific environment. Being well adapted increases their chances of survival and reproductive success, ensuring that their genes are passed on to future generations.

Evolution is a process of change through time. This statement best describes evolution because it acknowledges that evolution is a gradual process that occurs over time. It does not imply a specific direction or pattern of change, such as from simple to complex organisms or from complex to simpler organisms. It also does not suggest that evolution is driven by the development of characteristics that organisms need or that it explains how monkeys transformed into humans. Instead, it simply states that evolution is a process of change that occurs over time.

Variation of organisms within the species increases the likelihood that at least some members of the species will survive under changed environmental conditions. This is because variation allows for a wider range of traits and adaptations within the population, increasing the chances that some individuals will possess traits that are beneficial in the new environment. This variation can arise through genetic mutations, genetic recombination during reproduction, or genetic drift. Overall, having variation within a species increases its ability to adapt and survive in changing environments.

The decreased effectiveness of the insecticide can be best explained by the fact that mosquitoes resistant to the insecticide survived and were able to pass on their resistance to their offspring. This suggests that the population of mosquitoes gradually developed immunity to the insecticide over time.

The correct answer suggests that the presence of genetically determined behaviors in certain species of birds is most likely due to the fact that these behaviors helped birds to survive in the past. This implies that these behaviors have been naturally selected over time because they provided an advantage for survival and reproduction.