Evolutionary Science Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Colleennicole
C
Colleennicole
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 21 | Total Attempts: 42,518
| Attempts: 89
Quiz Flashcard
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/13 Questions

    _________ __________ accounts for more changes in allele frequencies than any other evolutionary process. 

Please wait...
About This Quiz


Evolution or the change in characteristics of populations over millions of years is an important aspect of our human history and studying evolution can help us foresee our future. This is why evolutionary science is an important field of study for scientists. This is a quiz going deep into the science of evolution, and if you are interested in this topic, this quiz is specially designed for you! ALL THE BEST!

Evolutionary Science Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    The three models of natural selection are:

    • Polar

    • Directional

    • Cohesive

    • Stabilizing

    • Disruptive

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Directional
    A. Stabilizing
    A. Disruptive
    Explanation
    The three models of natural selection are directional, stabilizing, and disruptive. Directional selection occurs when individuals with extreme traits have a higher fitness and are favored by natural selection, causing the population to shift towards that extreme trait. Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with intermediate traits have a higher fitness, leading to a reduction in the variation of the population. Disruptive selection occurs when individuals with extreme traits at both ends of the spectrum have a higher fitness, resulting in the population being divided into two distinct groups.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    _________ is a severe form of non-random mating that typically occurs in small populations. It results in increased occurence of ________ recessive individuals.

    Correct Answer(s)
    inbreeding, homozygous
    Explanation
    Inbreeding is a severe form of non-random mating that typically occurs in small populations. It involves the mating of individuals who are closely related, such as siblings or cousins. This leads to an increased occurrence of homozygous recessive individuals, as the chances of inheriting two copies of the same recessive allele are higher when mating with a close relative. Homozygous recessive individuals have two copies of the same recessive allele, which can result in the expression of harmful or deleterious traits.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    ______ __________ is the addition or removal of alleles from a population when an individual enters or leaves a population.

    Correct Answer(s)
    Gene flow
    Explanation
    Gene flow refers to the movement of alleles (different forms of a gene) into or out of a population when individuals migrate or disperse. It can occur when individuals from one population migrate and join another population, bringing their alleles with them, or when individuals leave a population, taking their alleles with them. This process can introduce new genetic variation into a population or reduce existing variation, depending on the characteristics of the migrating individuals. Gene flow is an important mechanism for genetic exchange between populations and can have significant impacts on the genetic structure and diversity of populations.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    What is it called when a small number of individuals leave a population and establish a new isolated population. Therefore, the smaller number of individuals can't contain all the genetic diversity and the population becomes much different than the parent population. 

    • Mutation

    • Non-Random Mating

    • Sympleisomorphy

    • Founder Effect

    Correct Answer
    A. Founder Effect
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Founder Effect. The Founder Effect occurs when a small number of individuals leave a population and establish a new isolated population. As a result, the smaller number of individuals cannot contain all the genetic diversity present in the parent population. This leads to a loss of genetic variation and the new population becomes genetically different from the original population.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    When genetic drift occurs:

    • Beneficial alleles thrive

    • Harmful alleles survive

    • Beneficial alleles may be eliminated

    • Beneficial alleles are stabilized.

    Correct Answer
    A. Beneficial alleles may be eliminated
    Explanation
    Genetic drift refers to the random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population over time. It is a result of chance events rather than natural selection. In small populations, genetic drift can have a significant impact and may lead to the loss of beneficial alleles. This occurs because random events, such as the death or failure to reproduce of individuals carrying these alleles, can cause their frequency to decrease. Therefore, when genetic drift occurs, beneficial alleles may be eliminated from the population.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    What is a graded series of changes in some characteristics correlated with gradual change in an environmental factor over the geographic range of a species.

    • Clade

    • Cline

    • Clone

    • Clande

    Correct Answer
    A. Cline
    Explanation
    A cline is a graded series of changes in some characteristics that are correlated with a gradual change in an environmental factor over the geographic range of a species. This means that as the environmental factor changes across different regions, the characteristics of the species also gradually change. A cline can be observed in various traits such as body size, coloration, or behavior, and it represents the adaptation of a species to different environmental conditions.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    Which form often occurs due to environmental change?

    • Directional

    • Stabilizing

    • Disruptive

    Correct Answer
    A. Directional
    Explanation
    Directional selection occurs when there is a shift in the average phenotype of a population towards one extreme due to environmental changes. This means that individuals with traits closer to the extreme end of the spectrum are favored and have higher fitness. As a result, the frequency of these traits increases in the population over time, leading to a change in the overall phenotype. This type of selection is commonly observed in response to factors such as changes in temperature, food availability, or predation pressure.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    What model of natural selection results in dimorphism or polymorphism?

    • Directional Selection

    • Stabilizing Selection

    • Disruptive Selection

    Correct Answer
    A. Disruptive Selection
    Explanation
    Disruptive selection is the model of natural selection that results in dimorphism or polymorphism. In this type of selection, extreme traits are favored over intermediate traits, leading to the divergence of a population into two or more distinct phenotypes. This can result in the development of different forms or colors within a species. Individuals with extreme traits have a higher fitness and are better adapted to different environmental conditions, allowing them to survive and reproduce more successfully. Over time, this can lead to the establishment of distinct populations with different traits.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Hardy-Weinberg ____________ is used to predict _________ changes in a population over time. 

    Correct Answer
    equilibrium, genetic
    Explanation
    The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is used to predict genetic changes in a population over time. This principle assumes that certain conditions are met, such as no mutation, migration, natural selection, random mating, and a large population size. In an equilibrium state, allele frequencies remain constant from generation to generation. By studying the equilibrium, scientists can make predictions about how genetic traits will be inherited and distributed within a population over time.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    During non-random mating __________ __________ occurs which means due to differences in appearances (like feather color) females will select the most fit mate. 

    Correct Answer
    Sexual dimorphism
    Explanation
    During non-random mating, sexual dimorphism occurs which means due to differences in appearances (like feather color) females will select the most fit mate. Sexual dimorphism refers to the physical differences between males and females of the same species. In this case, females are choosing mates based on their appearance, such as feather color, which indicates their fitness. This selective process ensures that the most fit mates are chosen, leading to the continuation of desirable traits in the population.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    A severe and sudden reduction in population size (natural disasters, habitat loss) is called __________ __________, and results in random alteration of allele frequencies. 

    Correct Answer
    Population bottleneck
    Explanation
    A population bottleneck refers to a drastic and abrupt decrease in the size of a population. This can occur due to natural disasters or habitat loss, which greatly reduce the number of individuals in the population. As a result of this sudden reduction, the genetic diversity within the population is also reduced. This leads to a random alteration of allele frequencies, as certain alleles may be lost or become more prevalent in the remaining population.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    List the 5 agents of Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Dec 4, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Dec 04, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 15, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Colleennicole

Popular Topics

Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.