Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between microevolution, macroevolution, and speciation?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution refers to changes within a species, macroevolution refers to changes above the species level, and speciation acts as the bridge between the two.

Question 2

According to the biological species concept, which of the following defines a species?

Accepted Answer

A population whose members can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring.

Question 3

Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely to lead to the formation of new species when gene flow is reduced or absent between populations?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive isolation

Question 4

A mule is the offspring of a horse and a donkey. Which type of mating does this represent, and what is the result?

Accepted Answer

Interspecific mating; produces a hybrid

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a prezygotic barrier to reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid breakdown

Question 6

Which of the following is a postzygotic barrier?

Accepted Answer

Reduced hybrid viability

Question 7

Which of the following is a limitation of the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

It cannot be applied to organisms that reproduce asexually.

Question 8

A group of organisms is classified as a species based on their physical characteristics, regardless of their ability to interbreed. Which species concept is being used?

Accepted Answer

Morphological species concept

Question 9

Which of the following best describes allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

Speciation occurs due to a geographic barrier separating populations.

Question 10

After geographic isolation, which sequence of events is necessary for speciation to occur?

Accepted Answer

Genetic divergence, reproductive isolation, reinforcement, and eventual formation of new species

Question 11

Which of the following factors can lead to sympatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

Polyploidy, habitat differentiation, sexual selection

Question 12

Polyploidy speciation is most common in which type of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Plants

Question 13

An autopolyploid is formed when:

Accepted Answer

A single species undergoes chromosome duplication due to errors in meiosis.

Question 14

Which stage of meiosis is most likely to result in autopolyploidy?

Accepted Answer

Meiosis II

Question 15

An allopolyploid organism can successfully mate with:

Accepted Answer

Other allopolyploids with the same chromosome number

Question 16

Hybrid zones are most often found:

Accepted Answer

In areas where two species' ranges overlap

Question 17

What would you expect the frequency of alleles to be for a species in the middle of a hybrid zone?

Accepted Answer

Allele frequencies are intermediate between the two parent species.

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely outcome for hybrids in a hybrid zone?

Accepted Answer

Hybrids are less likely to survive and reproduce healthy, viable offspring.

Question 19

Environmental changes can affect hybrid zones by:

Accepted Answer

Shifting the location or size of the hybrid zone

Question 20

Which model of speciation is supported by fossil records showing long periods of stability interrupted by rapid changes?

Accepted Answer

Punctuated model

AP Biology – The Origin of Species: Guided Study Support

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