Different Types of Natural Selection Quiz
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Which type of natural selection favors extreme traits?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Random selection
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Put your skills to the test with the, "Different Types of Natural Selection Quiz! Explore the complex world of evolution and learn about the diverse range of forces that shape species' traits. This quiz offers insights into the complexities of natural selection's role in the evolution of species.
Join us to expand your understanding of evolutionary biology and witness the incredible See moreways in which nature crafts and diversifies life forms. Whether you're a biology enthusiast or simply curious about the forces driving species diversity, this quiz invites you to explore the wonders of natural selection. Happy quizzing!
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- 2.
In which type of natural selection does the average trait remain unchanged?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Sexual selection
Correct Answer
A. Stabilizing selectionExplanation
Stabilizing selection favors the average traits within a population by selecting against extreme variations. This type of selection is common in stable environments where the existing traits are well-suited to the conditions. As a result, the average traits remain relatively unchanged, and the population's genetic diversity is reduced as extreme traits are eliminated.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which natural selection type promotes traits for successful mimicry?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Camouflaging selection
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Artificial selection
Correct Answer
A. Directional selectionExplanation
Directional selection is often involved in the evolution of traits that promote successful mimicry. In this context, individuals that closely resemble another species or a specific object (such as a leaf or a predator) have a survival advantage, as they are less likely to be preyed upon or more likely to deceive other species. Over time, the population may evolve to enhance these mimicry traits, with directional selection favoring increasingly accurate mimicry.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What type of natural selection involves competition for mates?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Sexual selection
Correct Answer
A. Sexual selectionExplanation
Sexual selection is a form of natural selection that arises from differences in mating success. It favors traits that enhance an individual's ability to attract and compete for mates, such as bright plumage in birds, elaborate courtship behaviors, or large antlers in deer. These traits may not directly contribute to survival but are critical for reproductive success.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which type of natural selection is common in stable environments?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Speciation selection
Correct Answer
A. Stabilizing selectionExplanation
Stabilizing selection is most common in stable environments where the conditions do not change significantly over time. In such environments, traits that are average or typical for the population are usually well-suited to the conditions, and natural selection works to maintain these traits by selecting against extremes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What does "directional selection" favor?
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Extreme variations
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Intermediate variations
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No specific traits
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Traits for camouflage
Correct Answer
A. Extreme variationsExplanation
Directional selection occurs when environmental changes or pressures favor individuals at one extreme of a trait spectrum. Over time, this leads to a shift in the population's traits towards that extreme. For example, if the environment becomes colder, directional selection may favor animals with thicker fur, gradually increasing the prevalence of this trait in the population.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In "stabilizing selection," what happens to extreme traits?
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They are favored.
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They remain unchanged.
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They are eliminated.
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They become more variable.
Correct Answer
A. They are eliminated.Explanation
In stabilizing selection, extreme traits are selected against because they are less likely to be advantageous in a stable environment. This process reduces the genetic diversity of a population by eliminating individuals with extreme variations, thereby favoring those with traits closer to the population average.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which type of natural selection leads to new species formation?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Speciation selection
Correct Answer
A. Disruptive selectionExplanation
Disruptive selection can lead to speciation, the process by which new species are formed. When extreme traits are favored at both ends of the spectrum, the population may split into distinct groups, each adapted to different environmental conditions. Over time, these groups may become so different that they can no longer interbreed, leading to the formation of new species.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What is the primary mechanism behind "sexual selection"?
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Competition for resources
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Competition for mates
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Random mating
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Mutation accumulation
Correct Answer
A. Competition for matesExplanation
Sexual selection focuses on traits that increase an individual's chances of attracting and securing a mate. This type of selection drives the evolution of characteristics that improve reproductive success, such as physical displays, courtship behaviors, and combat abilities among males competing for female attention.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which type of selection maintains genetic diversity in a population?
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Directional selection
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Stabilizing selection
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Disruptive selection
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Diversifying selection
Correct Answer
A. Disruptive selectionExplanation
Disruptive selection maintains genetic diversity by favoring extreme traits at both ends of the spectrum, which prevents the dominance of a single phenotype. This type of selection can lead to the coexistence of multiple phenotypes within a population, increasing its overall genetic diversity.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Feb 19, 2025 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Feb 19, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Aug 11, 2023Quiz Created by
Kriti Bisht
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