Modern Theory Of Evolution

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  • 1/7 Questions

    Variations within a species are most likely the result of

    • Mutations and sexual reproduction
    • Mitosis and asexual reproduction
    • Overpopulation and recombination
    • Synapsis and disjunction
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About This Quiz

Quiz on the main concepts of the modern theory of evolution

Evolution Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    Darwin's studies of finches on the Galapagos Islands suggest that the finches' differences in beak structure were most directly due to

    • acquired characteristics in the parent finches

    • the size of the island where the finches live

    • mating behaviors of the different finch species

    • Adaptations of the finches to different environments

    Correct Answer
    A. Adaptations of the finches to different environments
    Explanation
    The correct answer is adaptations of the finches to different environments. Darwin's studies of finches on the Galapagos Islands showed that different species of finches had variations in their beak structures, which allowed them to adapt to different food sources available in their respective environments. This suggests that the finches' differences in beak structure were a result of adaptations to their specific habitats and the food resources available to them.

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  • 3. 

    Charles Darwin proposed that organisms produce many more offspring than can possible 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 born first and grow fastest

    • are largest and most aggressive

    • have no natural predators

    • Are best adapted to the environment

    Correct Answer
    A. Are best adapted to the environment
    Explanation
    According to Charles Darwin, organisms produce many more offspring than can possibly survive due to limited resources. The offspring that are most likely to survive are those that are best adapted to the environment. This means that they possess traits and characteristics that enable them to effectively compete for resources, avoid predators, and thrive in their specific ecological niche. Natural selection favors these individuals, as they are more likely to pass on their advantageous traits to future generations, leading to the gradual adaptation and evolution of species over time.

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  • 4. 

    The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific were probably never connected to South America. However, in the various habitats on the islands, there are about 14 species of finchlike birds that appear to be related to the finches on the South American mainland. Although the Galapagos finches vary in beak structure, there is a close resemblance between these species in plumage, calls, nests, and eggs. These species do not interbreed and do not compete for food. Statement: Isolation from the South American mainland and different habitats on theGalapagos Islands are important factors in the production of new species.

    • The statement is supported by the information given.

    • The statement is contradicted by the information given.

    • The statement is not supported by the information given.

    • No relevant information is given regarding the statement

    Correct Answer
    A. The statement is supported by the information given.
    Explanation
    The information given states that the Galapagos Islands were never connected to South America, but there are finchlike birds on the islands that appear to be related to the finches on the South American mainland. This suggests that isolation from the mainland played a role in the development of these new species. Additionally, the fact that the Galapagos finches vary in beak structure but have a close resemblance in other aspects such as plumage, calls, nests, and eggs further supports the idea that different habitats on the islands also played a role in the production of new species. Therefore, the statement is supported by the information given.

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  • 5. 

    According to the theory of evolution, differences in species may be the result of 

    • Disuse of body structures

    • Transmission of acquired characteristics

    • Natural selection

    • Mutagenic agents

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection
    Explanation
    Natural selection is the correct answer because it is a fundamental concept in the theory of evolution. It states that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. Over time, this leads to changes in species as those with less advantageous traits are less likely to survive and reproduce. Natural selection is driven by the environment and the interactions between organisms and their surroundings, allowing for the adaptation and diversification of species.

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  • 6. 

    One concept that supports the theory of evolution states that organisms best adapted for survival are the ones that will reproduce and pass traits on to future generations. Adaptations that can be passed on do not include

      • The number of limbs the organism has

      • The abilility to conduct a mating dance taught by older males

      • the nervous system an organism has

      • The type of mitochondria the organism inherits

      Correct Answer
      A. The abilility to conduct a mating dance taught by older males
      Explanation
      The concept of evolution by natural selection focuses on the passing on of traits that enhance an organism's survival and reproductive success. The number of limbs, the nervous system, and the type of mitochondria are all inheritable traits that can affect an organism's survival. However, the ability to conduct a mating dance taught by older males is a learned behavior and not a heritable trait. Therefore, it is not included as an adaptation that can be passed on to future generations.

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    1. 7. 

      The modern theory on evolution is centered on the role of natural selection in adaptation. Natural selection is 

      • Stress in a population

      • Differential success in reproduction

      • Mutation

      • Habitat selection of an organism as it lives

      Correct Answer
      A. Differential success in reproduction
      Explanation
      The correct answer is differential success in reproduction. This means that individuals who are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to the next generation. Natural selection acts as a mechanism for the gradual change and adaptation of species over time. It is not stress in a population, mutation, or habitat selection, although these factors can play a role in the overall process of evolution.

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    • Current Version
    • Mar 20, 2023
      Quiz Edited by
      ProProfs Editorial Team
    • Mar 15, 2010
      Quiz Created by
      246326
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