The Origin Of Species By Charles Darwin! Trivia Facts Quiz

1. According to Darwin, which mechanism is responsible for evolution?

Variation

Natural selection

Descent with modification

Rudimentary organs

According to Darwin, natural selection is the mechanism responsible for evolution. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits that are advantageous for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. This leads to the gradual accumulation of beneficial traits in a population over time, resulting in evolution. Variation and descent with modification are important concepts in evolution, but natural selection is the mechanism that drives the process. Rudimentary organs, on the other hand, are vestigial structures that have lost their original function over time and are not directly related to the mechanism of evolution.

Explanation

According to Darwin, natural selection is the mechanism responsible for evolution. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits that are advantageous for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. This leads to the gradual accumulation of beneficial traits in a population over time, resulting in evolution. Variation and descent with modification are important concepts in evolution, but natural selection is the mechanism that drives the process. Rudimentary organs, on the other hand, are vestigial structures that have lost their original function over time and are not directly related to the mechanism of evolution.

2. In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin concludes that the variety of climates and conditions in which domesticated species are raised has what effect?

It causes domesticated species to vary more than uncultivated parent species.

It has an effect only on primarily on the lifespans of domesticated species.

It has (primarily) a very temporary effect on domesticated species.

It causes the climates and conditions to slowly change to that best for the species.

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin concludes that the variety of climates and conditions in which domesticated species are raised causes them to vary more than uncultivated parent species. This means that domesticated species have a greater range of traits and characteristics compared to their wild counterparts. This is due to the selective breeding and artificial selection practices carried out by humans, which result in a wider diversity of traits within domesticated populations.

Explanation

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin concludes that the variety of climates and conditions in which domesticated species are raised causes them to vary more than uncultivated parent species. This means that domesticated species have a greater range of traits and characteristics compared to their wild counterparts. This is due to the selective breeding and artificial selection practices carried out by humans, which result in a wider diversity of traits within domesticated populations.

3. In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin notes that varieties of what kind of plants and animals differ more than varieties of what other kind of plants and animals?

Large plants and animals differ more than small plants and animals.

Warm climate plants and animals differ more than cold climate plants and animals.

Water plants and animals differ more than land plants and animals.

Species of plants and animals that were cultivated less recently differ more than the uncultivated parent species in nature

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin notes that species of plants and animals that were cultivated less recently differ more than the uncultivated parent species in nature. This means that domestication and cultivation by humans have caused more significant variations and differences in species compared to their wild counterparts. This observation supports Darwin's theory of evolution, as it suggests that human intervention and selective breeding can lead to rapid changes in species over a relatively short period of time.

Explanation

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin notes that species of plants and animals that were cultivated less recently differ more than the uncultivated parent species in nature. This means that domestication and cultivation by humans have caused more significant variations and differences in species compared to their wild counterparts. This observation supports Darwin's theory of evolution, as it suggests that human intervention and selective breeding can lead to rapid changes in species over a relatively short period of time.

4. In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin notes there is no case on record for what kind of species ceasing to continue variation?

Species under cultivation.

Species that consume primarily animals.

Species that live primarily underground.

Species that have reverted to a wild form.

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin mentions that there is no case on record for species under cultivation to cease variation. This means that when species are intentionally bred and cultivated by humans, they continue to show variation and can be selectively bred for desired traits. In contrast, species in the wild may experience natural selection and environmental pressures that can limit variation or cause it to cease altogether. Therefore, the correct answer is species under cultivation.

Explanation

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin mentions that there is no case on record for species under cultivation to cease variation. This means that when species are intentionally bred and cultivated by humans, they continue to show variation and can be selectively bred for desired traits. In contrast, species in the wild may experience natural selection and environmental pressures that can limit variation or cause it to cease altogether. Therefore, the correct answer is species under cultivation.

5. In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin notes that Andrew Knight proposes that excess food might cause what?

A significant reduction in the overall variation of species.

Variation of species in domesticated settings.

A significant increase in disease among species.

A depletion in other resources necessary for life.

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin mentions Andrew Knight's proposal that excess food in domesticated settings might lead to a variation of species. This means that when there is an abundance of food available, it can result in the development of different variations within a species. This variation can be seen in domesticated animals and plants, where selective breeding and abundant resources create new breeds or varieties.

Explanation

In the first chapter of ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Darwin mentions Andrew Knight's proposal that excess food in domesticated settings might lead to a variation of species. This means that when there is an abundance of food available, it can result in the development of different variations within a species. This variation can be seen in domesticated animals and plants, where selective breeding and abundant resources create new breeds or varieties.