Question 1

Which of the following best describes macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

The broad pattern of evolution above the species level, including the origin of new taxonomic groups and mass extinctions.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly lists the order of classification from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 3

A paleontologist discovers a fossil in sedimentary rock. Which of the following is a limitation of using fossils to study macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record is incomplete and biased toward organisms with hard parts and those that lived in certain environments.

Question 4

Radiometric dating is used to determine the age of fossils. Which equation correctly describes the relationship between the amount of radioactive isotope remaining and the number of half-lives elapsed?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ 	imes (1/2)^n$$

Question 5

Why do scientists use different isotopes for dating fossils older than 75,000 years?

Accepted Answer

Because isotopes like carbon-14 have a short half-life and are not detectable in older fossils.

Question 6

Which group of organisms has been present on Earth the longest, according to the fossil record?

Accepted Answer

Prokaryotes

Question 7

At approximately what time did atmospheric oxygen significantly increase, according to geological evidence?

Accepted Answer

About 2.7 billion years ago

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the theory of plate tectonics?

Accepted Answer

Earth's crust is divided into plates that float on the underlying mantle, causing continents to drift over time.

Question 9

How does continental drift promote allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

By physically separating populations, leading to genetic divergence and the formation of new species.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about mass extinctions is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mass extinctions have occurred five times in Earth's history, and we may currently be experiencing a sixth due to human activity.

Question 11

After a mass extinction event, how long does it typically take for a diverse community of organisms to recover?

Accepted Answer

Millions of years

Question 12

What is adaptive radiation, and what is one cause of this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The rapid evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor, often following the opening of new ecological niches.

Question 13

Which of the following best defines heterochrony?

Accepted Answer

The change in the timing or rate of developmental events, leading to changes in size and shape.

Question 14

Homeotic genes, such as Hox genes, play a critical role in evolution because:

Accepted Answer

They determine the basic features of where body parts develop, and changes in these genes can lead to major evolutionary changes.

Question 15

A scientist is studying a fossil that contains 12.5% of its original radioactive isotope. If the half-life of the isotope is 10,000 years, how old is the fossil?

Accepted Answer

$$30,000$$ years

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of heterochrony?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of the human skull shape due to changes in the timing of bone growth.

Question 17

Francois Jacob described evolution as 'tinkering.' What does this mean in the context of evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Evolution modifies existing structures and genes for new functions, rather than inventing new ones.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the adaptive radiation of mammals occurred after the extinction of dinosaurs?

Accepted Answer

Mammals were able to occupy ecological niches left vacant by the extinction of dinosaurs.

Question 19

Which isotope is commonly used to date fossils less than 75,000 years old, and why is it not used for older fossils?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-14, because its half-life is too short to detect in older fossils.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of how mass extinction can alter ecological communities?

Accepted Answer

The extinction of non-avian dinosaurs allowed mammals to diversify and fill new ecological roles.

AP Biology – Ch. 23: Broad Patterns of Evolution – MY VERSION

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards