Bio 1 - Mechanisms Of Evolution

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  • 1/50 Questions

    The difference in the physical traits of an individual from those of other individuals in a group is called a(n)

    • Variation.
    • Change.
    • Adaptation.
    • Species.
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About This Quiz

This quiz titled 'Bio 1 - Mechanisms of Evolution' explores key concepts in biology, focusing on evolution. It assesses understanding of biological variation, species classification, vestigial structures, adaptations, and historical scientific theories. Ideal for learners aiming to grasp evolutionary mechanisms.

Bio 1 - Mechanisms Of Evolution - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following is a term for a group of similar organisms that can reproduce and produce fertile offspring?

    • Individual

    • Population

    • Species

    • Fossil

    Correct Answer
    A. Species
    Explanation
    A species is a term used to describe a group of similar organisms that have the ability to reproduce and produce fertile offspring. This means that members of the same species can mate with each other and their offspring will also be able to reproduce. The concept of a species is important in biology as it helps to classify and understand the diversity of life on Earth.

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  • 3. 

    If an organism has a vestigial structure, that structure likely once had a function in a(n)

    • Earlier ancestor.

    • Close relative.

    • Unrelated organism.

    • Embryological stage.

    Correct Answer
    A. Earlier ancestor.
    Explanation
    If an organism has a vestigial structure, it means that the structure is present in the organism but no longer serves its original purpose. This suggests that the structure was functional in an earlier ancestor of the organism. As organisms evolve and adapt to their environment, certain structures may become unnecessary or redundant, leading to their degeneration over time. Therefore, the most likely explanation for a vestigial structure is that it had a function in an earlier ancestor of the organism.

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  • 4. 

    What is the term for a feature that allows an organism to survive better in its environment?

    • Variation

    • Adaptation

    • Homologous structure

    • Vestigial structure

    Correct Answer
    A. Adaptation
    Explanation
    Adaptation is the correct answer because it refers to a feature or trait that enables an organism to better survive and reproduce in its environment. This trait is usually a result of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous adaptations are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to future generations. Adaptations can include physical characteristics, behaviors, or physiological processes that enhance an organism's ability to thrive in its specific habitat.

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  • 5. 

    Which scientist developed a classification system for organisms?

    • Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

    • Carolus Linnaeus

    • Charles Darwin

    • Georges de Buffon

    Correct Answer
    A. Carolus Linnaeus
    Explanation
    Carolus Linnaeus developed a classification system for organisms. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy and his system, known as binomial nomenclature, is still used today. Linnaeus classified organisms based on their physical characteristics and grouped them into hierarchical categories such as kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. His system provided a standardized way to name and organize different species, making it easier for scientists to study and understand the diversity of life on Earth.

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  • 6. 

    Which theory states that floods and earthquakes have occurred often in Earth's history?

    • Catastrophism

    • Uniformitarianism

    • Gradualism

    • Natural selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Catastrophism
    Explanation
    Catastrophism is the theory that states that floods and earthquakes have occurred often in Earth's history. This theory suggests that these natural disasters are caused by sudden and violent events, such as volcanic eruptions or asteroid impacts, rather than gradual processes. It proposes that these catastrophic events have shaped the Earth's landscape and have had a significant impact on the planet's history.

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  • 7. 

    Charles Darwin found fossils that looked like ancient versions of living species. From this evidence Darwin suggested that Earth was

    • Only 6000 years old.

    • Only 2000 years old.

    • Less than 6000 years old.

    • Much more than 6000 years old.

    Correct Answer
    A. Much more than 6000 years old.
    Explanation
    Based on the fossils that Charles Darwin found, which resembled ancient versions of living species, he concluded that the Earth must be much more than 6000 years old. This suggests that Darwin's findings contradicted the prevailing belief at the time that the Earth was only a few thousand years old.

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  • 8. 

    Charles Darwin's poetic granfather was ___.

    • Erasmus Darwin

    • Eugene Darwin

    • Carolus Linnaeus

    • Georges de Buffon

    Correct Answer
    A. Erasmus Darwin
    Explanation
    Erasmus Darwin is the correct answer because he was Charles Darwin's poetic grandfather. Erasmus Darwin was a renowned physician, naturalist, and poet who had a significant influence on Charles Darwin's scientific thinking and writing style. Charles Darwin greatly admired his grandfather's work and was inspired by his ideas on evolution, which laid the foundation for Charles Darwin's own groundbreaking theory of natural selection.

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  • 9. 

    The process of biological change over time by which descendants come to differ from their ancestors is called ___.

    • Evolution

    • Artificial selection

    • Uniformitarianism

    • Mutation

    Correct Answer
    A. Evolution
    Explanation
    Evolution refers to the process of biological change over time, in which descendants gradually come to differ from their ancestors. This can occur through various mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. It is a fundamental concept in biology and explains the diversity of life on Earth. Artificial selection, on the other hand, is a human-directed process of selectively breeding organisms for desired traits. Uniformitarianism is a principle in geology that states that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the present have also operated in the past. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism, which can contribute to genetic variation and potentially drive evolution.

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  • 10. 

    Some organisms that share a common ancestor have features that have different functions, but similar structures. These are known as

    • Homologous structures

    • Analogous structures

    • Vestigial structures

    • Fossil structures

    Correct Answer
    A. Homologous structures
    Explanation
    Homologous structures are features that have different functions but similar structures in organisms that share a common ancestor. This similarity in structure suggests that these organisms inherited these features from a common ancestor, even though they may have adapted to perform different functions over time. This concept is important in studying evolutionary relationships between different species.

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  • 11. 

    The wing of an ostrich would be classified as a(n) ___.

    • Homologous structure

    • Analogous structure

    • Vestigial structure

    • Fossil structure

    Correct Answer
    A. Vestigial structure
    Explanation
    The wing of an ostrich would be classified as a vestigial structure because it is a reduced and non-functional version of a structure that was functional in its ancestors. Ostriches are flightless birds, and their wings have evolved to be smaller and less developed compared to the wings of flying birds. These vestigial wings serve no purpose in flight but may still have some minor functions, such as balance or courtship displays.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following is NOT an observation Charles Darwin made?

    • Some species that lived in the past no longer live on Earth.

    • Most organisms are well-suited to the environment in which they live.

    • The Earth is home to an enormous number of species.

    • All of the Galapagos islands have the same type and amount of vegetation.

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the Galapagos islands have the same type and amount of vegetation.
  • 13. 

    Modern whales have vestigieal pelvic bones and lungs instead of gills. What does this evidence suggest about whale ancestors?

    • Whale ancestors lived on land.

    • Whale ancestors did not evolve.

    • Whale ancestors lived 850 million years ago.

    • Whale ancestors ate opossums.

    Correct Answer
    A. Whale ancestors lived on land.
    Explanation
    The presence of vestigial pelvic bones and lungs in modern whales suggests that their ancestors lived on land. These structures were likely functional in their terrestrial ancestors but have become reduced or lost over time as whales adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The presence of lungs instead of gills further supports the idea that whales evolved from land-dwelling mammals. This evidence aligns with the theory of evolution, which suggests that species change over time in response to their environment.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following facts supporting evolution would be found in the study of embryology?

    • Embryos of very different organisms have very similar developmental stages.

    • A bats wing and a whales flipper have very similar bone structure.

    • Large, flightless birds are found on different continents: Australia (Emu), Africa (Ostrich), and Rhea (South America).

    • More primative fossils are found below more complex fossils in the rock layers.

    Correct Answer
    A. Embryos of very different organisms have very similar developmental stages.
    Explanation
    Embryos of very different organisms having very similar developmental stages is a fact that supports evolution because it suggests a common ancestry among these organisms. This similarity in embryonic development implies that these organisms share a common genetic blueprint and have evolved from a common ancestor. This provides evidence for the theory of evolution, as it suggests that different species have evolved from a common ancestor through gradual changes over time.

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  • 15. 

    Which of the following facts supporting evolution would be found in the study of comparative anatomy?

    • Embryos of very different organisms have very similar developmental stages.

    • A bats wing and a whales flipper have very similar bone structure.

    • Large, flightless birds are found on different continents: Australia (Emu), Africa (Ostrich), and Rhea (South America).

    • More primative fossils are found below more complex fossils in the rock layers.

    Correct Answer
    A. A bats wing and a whales flipper have very similar bone structure.
    Explanation
    Comparative anatomy involves studying the similarities and differences in the structure of different organisms. The fact that a bat's wing and a whale's flipper have very similar bone structure supports the idea of evolution. This similarity suggests that these two organisms share a common ancestor and have adapted their limbs for different purposes. This finding aligns with the concept of homologous structures, where different species have similar anatomical features due to shared ancestry. Therefore, the similarity in bone structure between a bat's wing and a whale's flipper provides evidence for evolution.

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  • 16. 

    What type of selection occurs when individuals in a population with the intermediate phenotype are selected for?

    • Directional selection

    • Stabilizing selection

    • Intermediate selection

    • Disruptive selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Stabilizing selection
    Explanation
    Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with the intermediate phenotype are selected for. This means that extreme phenotypes are less likely to survive and reproduce, while individuals with average or intermediate phenotypes have a higher fitness. As a result, the population becomes more homogeneous and the extreme phenotypes are reduced over time. This type of selection helps maintain the stability and balance of a population's traits, preventing extreme variations from becoming dominant.

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  • 17. 
    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph? - ProProfs

    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?

    • Directional selection

    • Disruptive selection

    • Stabilizing selection

    • Sexual selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Directional selection
    Explanation
    The graph shows a shift in the population towards one extreme trait value over time. This indicates that individuals with that extreme trait value have a higher fitness and are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is characteristic of directional selection, where the average phenotype of a population shifts in a specific direction.

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  • 18. 
    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph? - ProProfs

    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?

    • Directional selection

    • Disruptive selection

    • Stabilizing selection

    • Sexual selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Disruptive selection
    Explanation
    The graph shows that extreme phenotypes have a higher fitness compared to intermediate phenotypes. This indicates that individuals with extreme traits are favored by natural selection, leading to the separation of the population into two distinct groups. This is characteristic of disruptive selection, where selection acts against the average phenotype and favors extreme phenotypes.

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  • 19. 
    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph? - ProProfs

    Which effect of natural selection is depicted in the graph?

    • Directional selection

    • Disruptive selection

    • Stabilizing selection

    • Sexual selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Stabilizing selection
    Explanation
    Stabilizing selection is depicted in the graph because it shows that individuals with average or intermediate traits have a higher fitness compared to individuals with extreme traits. This means that the population is being selected for traits that are close to the mean, resulting in a reduction of genetic variation over time.

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  • 20. 

    When a few individuals start a new colony, it most likely results in ...

    • Genetic drift through the founder effect.

    • More variety in the new population.

    • Extinction due to the bottleneck effect.

    • Mutation due to disruptive selection.

    Correct Answer
    A. Genetic drift through the founder effect.
    Explanation
    When a few individuals start a new colony, it most likely results in genetic drift through the founder effect. This is because when a small group of individuals establish a new population, they may carry only a subset of the genetic variation present in the original population. As a result, the new population is likely to have reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population. This reduction in genetic diversity is a characteristic of genetic drift, and it occurs specifically through the founder effect when a small group of individuals become the founders of a new population.

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  • 21. 

    The movement of alleles from one population to another is called ___.

    • The founder effect

    • Microevolution

    • Genetic drift

    • Gene flow

    Correct Answer
    A. Gene flow
    Explanation
    Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles from one population to another. This can occur through the migration of individuals, who carry their genetic material with them and introduce it to a new population. Gene flow can lead to the exchange of genetic variation between populations, which can have important effects on their genetic diversity and overall evolution.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following is not a mechanism for evolution?

    • Natural selection

    • Sexual selection

    • Genetic drift

    • Random mating

    Correct Answer
    A. Random mating
    Explanation
    Random mating is not a mechanism for evolution because it does not lead to any changes in the genetic makeup of a population. In random mating, individuals choose their mates without any preference for certain traits or characteristics. This means that there is no selection pressure acting on specific traits, and therefore no changes in the frequency of alleles in the population over time. In contrast, natural selection, sexual selection, and genetic drift all involve changes in allele frequencies and can drive evolutionary change.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the five mechanisms of evolution is illustrated in the following scenario: A change in body color enabled animals to better hide from predators.

    • Natural selection

    • Gene flow

    • Genetic drift

    • Mutation

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection
    Explanation
    The correct answer is natural selection. In this scenario, the change in body color is advantageous for the animals because it helps them better hide from predators. This advantageous trait increases their chances of survival and reproduction, leading to a higher frequency of the trait in the population over time. This process is known as natural selection, where traits that provide a selective advantage are favored and become more common in a population.

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  • 24. 

    When bull elephants charge each other and but heads, they are exhibiting ____ behavior.

    • Intrasexual selection

    • Intersexual selection

    • Isolation

    • Natural selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Intrasexual selection
    Explanation
    When bull elephants charge each other and butt heads, they are exhibiting intrasexual selection behavior. This behavior refers to competition between members of the same sex (in this case, male elephants) for access to mates or resources. By engaging in aggressive behaviors like charging and headbutting, bull elephants are asserting dominance and establishing their reproductive fitness, ultimately increasing their chances of mating with females. This behavior is a form of sexual selection, where individuals compete directly with members of the same sex to gain reproductive advantages.

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  • 25. 

    When a male bird of paradise displays its tail feathers, it is exhibiting ____ behavior.

    • Intrasexual selection

    • Intersexual selection

    • Isolation

    • Natural selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Intersexual selection
    Explanation
    When a male bird of paradise displays its tail feathers, it is exhibiting intersexual selection behavior. This behavior involves the male bird showcasing its elaborate and attractive tail feathers to attract a female mate. The display is a form of courtship behavior aimed at impressing the female and increasing the male's chances of successful reproduction. The female bird then selects a mate based on the quality of the display, which is an example of intersexual selection where one sex (in this case, the female) chooses a mate based on specific traits or behaviors displayed by the other sex (in this case, the male).

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  • 26. 

    The differences between members of the same species are known as ___.

    • Variations

    • Adaptations

    • Mutations

    • Genetic isolation

    Correct Answer
    A. Variations
    Explanation
    Variations refer to the differences that exist among individuals of the same species. These differences can be in terms of physical traits, behaviors, or genetic makeup. Variations can arise due to genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. They play a crucial role in the process of natural selection, as individuals with advantageous variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits to future generations. Therefore, variations contribute to the overall diversity and adaptability of a species. Adaptations, mutations, and genetic isolation are related concepts but do not encompass the broad range of differences that variations encompass.

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  • 27. 

    A ___ is a group of individuals of the same species in the same geographic area.

    • Population

    • Species

    • Breeding family

    • Community

    Correct Answer
    A. Population
    Explanation
    A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species that live in the same geographic area. This term is commonly used in biology and ecology to describe the number and distribution of organisms within a specific location. It helps scientists understand the dynamics and interactions of species within an ecosystem and is a key concept in studying the biodiversity and conservation of different species.

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  • 28. 

    The process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than others is known as ___.

    • Natural selection

    • Sexual selection

    • Genetic drift

    • Gene flow

    Correct Answer
    A. Natural selection
    Explanation
    Natural selection is the process by which individuals that are better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. This leads to the passing on of advantageous traits to future generations, resulting in a gradual change in the population over time. Sexual selection, genetic drift, and gene flow are different mechanisms that can also influence the evolution of populations, but they are not specifically related to the survival and reproduction of individuals in their environment.

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  • 29. 

    The development by scientists of a new color in a rose is the result of ___.

    • Artificial selection

    • Natural selection

    • Overproduction

    • Decent with modification

    Correct Answer
    A. Artificial selection
    Explanation
    The development of a new color in a rose by scientists is the result of artificial selection. This means that the scientists deliberately chose and bred roses with specific traits, including color, to create a new variety. Artificial selection involves human intervention and selective breeding to produce desired characteristics, in contrast to natural selection which occurs in nature without human involvement. Overproduction refers to the production of more offspring than can survive, and descent with modification is a key concept in the theory of evolution.

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  • 30. 

    In natural selection, the selective agent is the ___.

    • Environment

    • Humans

    • Mutations

    • Breeders

    Correct Answer
    A. Environment
    Explanation
    In natural selection, the selective agent refers to the factor or condition in the environment that determines which traits are advantageous for survival and reproduction. It is the environment that exerts the selective pressure, favoring individuals with certain traits over others. This process leads to the adaptation and evolution of species over time. Humans, mutations, and breeders may play a role in artificial selection, but in natural selection, it is the environment that acts as the selective agent.

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  • 31. 

    Genetic variation can arise from a random change in the DNA of a gene. This change is called a(n) ___.

    • Mutation

    • Hybridization

    • Population

    • Recombination

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutation
    Explanation
    Genetic variation can occur due to a random change in the DNA of a gene, which is known as a mutation. Mutations can lead to the introduction of new genetic material or alteration of existing genetic material, resulting in variations in traits and characteristics within a population. Hybridization refers to the breeding of individuals from different species or varieties, while population refers to a group of individuals of the same species in a given area. Recombination involves the shuffling and exchange of genetic material during the formation of gametes.

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  • 32. 

    A population that is not undergoing natural selection displays what type of distribution?

    • Normal

    • Disruptive

    • Directional

    • Stablizing

    Correct Answer
    A. Normal
    Explanation
    A population that is not undergoing natural selection displays a normal distribution. This means that the traits within the population are evenly distributed around the average value, with most individuals falling close to the average and fewer individuals having extreme values. In a normal distribution, the frequency of individuals decreases as the traits move away from the average in both directions. This indicates a lack of selective pressure and suggests that the population is in a state of genetic equilibrium.

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  • 33. 

    What process increases genetic variation when animals move from one population to another population?

    • Genetic drift

    • Gene flow

    • Sexual selection

    • Bottleneck effect

    Correct Answer
    A. Gene flow
    Explanation
    Gene flow is the process that increases genetic variation when animals move from one population to another population. This occurs when individuals migrate and introduce their genes into a new population, mixing with the existing gene pool. Through gene flow, new genetic variations are introduced, increasing the overall genetic diversity of the population. This can have significant effects on the adaptation and evolution of species, as it allows for the transfer of beneficial traits and helps maintain genetic connectivity between populations.

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  • 34. 

    A problem in all populations influenced by the bottleneck effect is that ___.

    • Genetic variation is lost

    • Alleles can't become fixed

    • Offspring inherit harmful alleles

    • Chance no longer affects them

    Correct Answer
    A. Genetic variation is lost
    Explanation
    The correct answer is genetic variation is lost. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a drastic reduction in size, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity. This loss of genetic variation can have negative consequences for the population's ability to adapt to changing environments or combat diseases. With limited genetic variation, the population becomes more vulnerable to harmful alleles and less able to respond to natural selection pressures.

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  • 35. 

    Over time , adaptations can lead populations to experience ___.

    • Genetic changes

    • Environmental changes

    • Geologic changes

    • Extinctions

    Correct Answer
    A. Genetic changes
    Explanation
    Over time, adaptations can lead populations to experience genetic changes. This is because adaptations are traits or characteristics that help organisms survive and reproduce in their environment. When individuals with certain adaptations have a higher chance of survival and passing on their genes to the next generation, these genetic traits become more common in the population. This gradual accumulation of genetic changes over generations is known as evolution.

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  • 36. 

    All the rabbits living in a particular area would be and example of a(n) ___.

    • Population

    • Species

    • Fossil

    • Individual organism

    Correct Answer
    A. Population
    Explanation
    The correct answer is population. A population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area. In this case, all the rabbits living in a particular area would form a population.

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  • 37. 

    Natural selection that changes the distribution of a trait to favor one extreme phenotype is called ___.

    • Directional selection

    • Stabilizing selection

    • Disruptive selection

    • Normalizing selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Directional selection
    Explanation
    Directional selection is the correct answer because it refers to the process of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over the other, causing a shift in the distribution of a trait towards that extreme. This means that individuals with traits closer to the favored extreme are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to a change in the population's characteristics over time. Stabilizing selection, disruptive selection, and normalizing selection do not accurately describe this phenomenon.

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  • 38. 

    In stabilizing selection, what occurs in a population?

    • The population shifts toward one of two extreme phenotypes.

    • Both extreme phenotypes shift toward the middle.

    • The intermediate phenotype becomes more common.

    • The intermediate phenotype becomes rare.

    Correct Answer
    A. The intermediate phenotype becomes more common.
    Explanation
    In stabilizing selection, the intermediate phenotype becomes more common in a population. This means that individuals with traits closer to the average or middle of the phenotypic range have a higher survival or reproductive advantage compared to individuals with extreme phenotypes. Over time, this leads to a decrease in the frequency of extreme phenotypes and an increase in the frequency of individuals with traits closer to the average, resulting in a more homogeneous population.

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  • 39. 

    What did Charles Darwin observe in finch populations on the Galpagos Islands off the coast of South America?

    • Different species on different islands

    • All species on one of the islands

    • Identical species on all the islands

    • The same species as in North America

    Correct Answer
    A. Different species on different islands
    Explanation
    Charles Darwin observed different species on different islands in the finch populations on the Galapagos Islands. This observation led to his theory of evolution by natural selection, as he noticed that the finches had adapted differently to their specific environments on each island. This variation in species among the finches provided evidence for the idea that species can change over time in response to their environment.

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  • 40. 

    Fossils of marine organisms high in the Andes Mountains led Darwin to conclude that ___.

    • Earth is 6000 years old

    • Interspecific variation had taken place

    • Great change can happen over time

    • An earthquake had taken place

    Correct Answer
    A. Great change can happen over time
    Explanation
    The presence of fossils of marine organisms high in the Andes Mountains suggests that there was a significant change in the environment over time. This supports Darwin's theory of evolution, which states that species can change and adapt to their environment over long periods of time. It also contradicts the belief that Earth is only 6000 years old, as the presence of these fossils indicates a much longer history of change and development.

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  • 41. 

    Two organisms that are closely related would have ___.

    • Very similar DNA sequences

    • Exactly the same DNA sequences

    • No proteins in common

    • Completely different DNA sequences

    Correct Answer
    A. Very similar DNA sequences
    Explanation
    Two organisms that are closely related would have very similar DNA sequences. This is because closely related organisms share a common ancestor and therefore have a high degree of genetic similarity. Over time, as organisms evolve and diverge from their common ancestor, their DNA sequences accumulate small changes. However, these changes are usually gradual and result in only slight differences between closely related organisms. Therefore, their DNA sequences would be very similar, but not exactly the same.

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  • 42. 

    Evolution is considered to be one of the most important theories in science, because it ___.

    • Unites the fields of biology, geology, chemistry, and ecology

    • Was developed more than 100 years ago

    • Is not supported by the fossil record

    • Was discovered by Charles Darwin, a famous scientist

    Correct Answer
    A. Unites the fields of biology, geology, chemistry, and ecology
    Explanation
    Evolution is considered to be one of the most important theories in science because it unites the fields of biology, geology, chemistry, and ecology. This means that it provides a framework that connects and explains phenomena in these different scientific disciplines. By studying evolution, scientists can understand how organisms have changed over time, how different species are related, and how ecosystems have evolved. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and has led to numerous advancements in various scientific fields.

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  • 43. 

    The more genetic variation a population has, the more likely it is that some individuals will ___.

    • Evolve

    • Migrate

    • Survive

    • Mutate

    Correct Answer
    A. Survive
    Explanation
    Genetic variation refers to the diversity of genes within a population. When a population has more genetic variation, it means that there is a wider range of genetic traits present. This increased diversity provides individuals with a greater chance of possessing advantageous traits that can help them adapt to changing environments or overcome challenges. Therefore, individuals with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation, leading to the overall survival and success of the population.

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  • 44. 

    Which of the following is not a theory of geologic change?

    • Gravitation

    • Uniformitarianism

    • Gradualism

    • Catastrophism

    Correct Answer
    A. Gravitation
    Explanation
    Gravitation is not a theory of geologic change because it is a fundamental force of nature that explains the attraction between objects with mass, such as planets and moons. It does not specifically address the processes or mechanisms that cause changes in the Earth's geology over time. On the other hand, Uniformitarianism, Gradualism, and Catastrophism are all theories that attempt to explain different aspects of geologic change, such as the slow and steady accumulation of changes over time, the idea of gradual and incremental changes, and the occurrence of sudden and catastrophic events respectively.

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  • 45. 

    Which of the following is not a mechanism of evolution?

    • Mutation

    • Natural selection

    • Sexual selection

    • Overproduction

    Correct Answer
    A. Overproduction
    Explanation
    Overproduction is not a mechanism of evolution because it refers to the idea that organisms produce more offspring than can possibly survive. While overproduction can lead to competition and natural selection, it is not a direct mechanism of evolution itself. Mutation, natural selection, and sexual selection, on the other hand, are all recognized mechanisms of evolution. Mutation introduces genetic variation, natural selection acts on this variation to favor certain traits, and sexual selection involves the selection of mates based on specific traits, leading to changes in the gene pool over time.

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  • 46. 

    The two processes of genetic drift are ___ and ___.

    • Gene flow and sexual selection

    • Intersexual and intrasexual

    • Founder effect and bottleneck effect

    • Mutation and variation

    Correct Answer
    A. Founder effect and bottleneck effect
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the founder effect and bottleneck effect. The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establishes a new population, leading to a loss of genetic variation. The bottleneck effect occurs when a population undergoes a drastic reduction in size, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. Both processes can have significant impacts on the genetic composition of a population over time.

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  • 47. 

    Which of the following is not a requirement for Natural Selection?

    • Overproduction

    • Variation

    • Adaptation

    • Decent with modification

    • Mutation

    Correct Answer
    A. Mutation
  • 48. 

    The two processes of sexual selection are ___ and ___.

    • Gene flow and sexual selection

    • Intersexual and intrasexual

    • Founder effect and bottleneck effect

    • Mutation and variation

    Correct Answer
    A. Intersexual and intrasexual
    Explanation
    Intersexual selection refers to the selection based on the preferences of one sex for certain traits in the opposite sex. This can include traits such as coloration, size, or behavior, which are attractive to potential mates. Intrasexual selection, on the other hand, involves competition between members of the same sex for access to mates. This can include behaviors such as fighting or displaying dominance to establish mating opportunities. Therefore, intersexual and intrasexual selection are the two processes of sexual selection.

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  • 49. 

    Which of the following as a method used by scientists to date fossils?

    • Relative dating

    • Mutagenic study

    • DNA manipulation

    • Gene flow

    Correct Answer
    A. Relative dating
    Explanation
    Relative dating is a method used by scientists to determine the age of fossils by comparing their position in rock layers or strata. It is based on the principle of superposition, which states that in undisturbed layers of rock, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest layers are at the top. By studying the relative positions of fossils in different layers, scientists can establish a relative timeline of when they lived. This method does not provide an exact age, but it allows scientists to compare the ages of different fossils and determine their relative order in time.

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  • Current Version
  • Sep 07, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Dec 17, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Christopher Mack

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