Types Of Evolution Quiz

2.

Any characteristic that can help an organism survive and/or reproduce can be called a(n):

Gene
Species
Adaptation
Specialization

Correct Answer

A. Adaptation

Explanation

An adaptation refers to any characteristic that enables an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment. It could be a physical feature, a behavior, or a physiological process that enhances the organism's ability to thrive in its surroundings. Adaptations can include traits such as camouflage, mimicry, or the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. These adaptations are crucial for an organism's survival as they increase its chances of successfully reproducing and passing on its genes to the next generation.

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3.

In a specific population, disruptive selection occurs. Which is most likely to survive?

Organisms that are small
Organisms with average traits
Organisms with extreme traits

Correct Answer

A. Organisms with extreme traits

Explanation

In a specific population, disruptive selection occurs when individuals with extreme traits have a higher fitness compared to individuals with average traits. This means that organisms with extreme traits are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. This is because they are better adapted to the specific environmental conditions or have a competitive advantage over others. On the other hand, organisms that are small or have average traits may not have the same level of adaptation or advantage, making them less likely to survive in this scenario.

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4.

What model of evolution suggests that species stay the same for a long period of time, then change abruptly due to mutations in key genes?

Punctuation equilibrium
Gradualism equilibrium

Correct Answer

A. Punctuation equilibrium

Explanation

Punctuation equilibrium suggests that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods of time, referred to as stasis, and then undergo rapid and significant changes due to mutations in key genes. This model of evolution proposes that evolution occurs in bursts rather than as a continuous and gradual process. It contrasts with gradualism equilibrium, which suggests that evolution occurs slowly and steadily over time.

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5.

How many types of natural selection are there?

6
3
7
2

Correct Answer

A. 3

Explanation

There are three types of natural selection. Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population over time. The three types of natural selection are directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection. In directional selection, one extreme phenotype is favored, leading to a shift in the population's average phenotype. Stabilizing selection favors the average phenotype and reduces variation in a population. Disruptive selection favors extreme phenotypes and can lead to the formation of two distinct populations.

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6.

Buffalo nearly became extinct but recovery efforts have saved them. The buffalo from this century have very similar DNA to each other -- LESS diverse than prior centuries. This is an example of:

Bottle Neck effect
Stabilizing selection
Directional selection

Correct Answer

A. Bottle Neck effect

Explanation

The given scenario describes a situation where the buffalo population nearly became extinct but was saved through recovery efforts. As a result, the current buffalo population has very similar DNA to each other, indicating a decrease in genetic diversity compared to previous centuries. This is a clear example of the bottleneck effect, which occurs when a population undergoes a drastic reduction in size, leading to a loss of genetic variation.

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7.

In a particular population, bears with big feet tend to survive better in the snow than bears with small feet. Over time, the bear population has more bears with big feet. This is an example of:

Stabilizing selection
Directional selection
Disruptional selection

Correct Answer

A. Directional selection

Explanation

This scenario demonstrates directional selection. Directional selection occurs when individuals with a particular extreme trait have a higher fitness and survival advantage, leading to a shift in the population towards that extreme trait. In this case, bears with big feet have a better chance of survival in the snow, so over time, more bears with big feet will be selected for and the overall population will have a higher proportion of bears with big feet.

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8.

Speciation occurs when

Two populations become geographically isolated
One population move to a different area
Enough differences accumulate between two populations that they can no longer interpreed
Gene mutations accumulate

Correct Answer

A. Enough differences accumulate between two populations that they can no longer interpreed

Explanation

Speciation occurs when enough differences accumulate between two populations that they can no longer interbreed. This means that over time, genetic variations and adaptations accumulate in each population, leading to reproductive isolation. As the populations continue to evolve independently, their genetic differences become significant enough that individuals from one population are no longer able to successfully reproduce with individuals from the other population. This lack of interbreeding ultimately results in the formation of two distinct species.

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9.

In a population that is isolated to an island with no immigration, the incidence of a certain type of genetic leg deformity is much higher than in the mainland population. What is this an example of?

Founder effect
Genetic drift
Natural selection

Correct Answer

A. Founder effect

Explanation

The higher incidence of a certain type of genetic leg deformity in a population that is isolated to an island with no immigration suggests that this is an example of the founder effect. The founder effect occurs when a small group of individuals establish a new population, and the genetic variation of the new population is determined by the genetic makeup of the founders. In this case, it is likely that the individuals who initially colonized the island had a higher frequency of the genetic leg deformity, leading to its increased incidence in the isolated population.

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10.

What type of selection is demonstrated in this picture?

Sexual
Disruptive
Directional
Stabilizing

Correct Answer

A. Stabilizing

Explanation

The type of selection demonstrated in the picture is stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with intermediate traits have higher fitness compared to individuals with extreme traits. This leads to a reduction in genetic variation in the population over time, as the intermediate traits become more common. In the picture, if the individuals with intermediate traits have a higher chance of survival or reproduction, this would be an example of stabilizing selection.

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Types Of Evolution Quiz

Who wrote the book, The Origin of Species?

Quiz Preview

Any characteristic that can help an organism survive and/or reproduce can be called a(n):

In a specific population, disruptive selection occurs. Which is most likely to survive?

What model of evolution suggests that species stay the same for a long period of time, then change abruptly due to mutations in key genes?

How many types of natural selection are there?

Buffalo nearly became extinct but recovery efforts have saved them. The buffalo from this century have very similar DNA to each other -- LESS diverse than prior centuries. This is an example of:

In a particular population, bears with big feet tend to survive better in the snow than bears with small feet. Over time, the bear population has more bears with big feet. This is an example of:

Speciation occurs when

In a population that is isolated to an island with no immigration, the incidence of a certain type of genetic leg deformity is much higher than in the mainland population. What is this an example of?

What type of selection is demonstrated in this picture?