Question 1

Charles Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle was crucial for the development of his theory of evolution. Which of the following best explains how his observations in the Galapagos Islands contributed to his ideas about natural selection?

Accepted Answer

He found that related species had different traits, such as beak shapes, adapted to specific food sources on each island, supporting the idea of adaptation through natural selection.

Question 2

Which of the following best defines 'biodiversity' as presented in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

The variety of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystems present in a given area.

Question 3

A population of finches on an island has a genetic composition where 60% of the alleles are for large beaks and 40% for small beaks. If a drought causes only hard seeds to be available, which evolutionary mechanism is most likely to increase the frequency of large beak alleles in the next generation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an anatomical adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A cactus having thick, waxy skin to reduce water loss

Question 5

The wings of a bat and the wings of a butterfly are considered analogous structures. What does this imply about their evolutionary origins?

Accepted Answer

They have similar functions but evolved independently in different lineages.

Question 6

A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most individuals are resistant. Which process best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 7

Which of the following equations represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles, $p$ and $q$?

Accepted Answer

$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

All individuals must survive and reproduce equally

Question 9

A scientist observes that two unrelated species of plants living in similar desert environments have developed thick, fleshy stems for water storage. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a physiological adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A snake producing venom to immobilize prey

Question 11

If a population of 1000 individuals has 360 individuals with genotype $aa$, what is the frequency of allele $a$ assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$0.6$

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates behavioral adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A nocturnal animal being active at night to avoid predators

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A disease randomly kills half the members of a small population, changing allele frequencies.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the platypus and echidna, both found in Australia, share certain traits but are distinct species?

Accepted Answer

They share a common ancestor but have diverged due to adaptation to different ecological niches.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the role of DNA in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in DNA can introduce new genetic variation, which is essential for evolution.

Question 16

A phylogenetic tree is used to:

Accepted Answer

Show the evolutionary relationships among species based on shared characteristics.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures share a common evolutionary origin, while analogous structures have similar functions but evolved independently.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Farmers breeding cows that produce more milk over several generations.

Question 19

If the frequency of allele $A$ is $0.7$ in a population, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($Aa$) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$0.42$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process of adaptation in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

A heritable trait that increases an organism's fitness in a particular environment becomes more common in the population over generations.

Biodiversity and Evolution: Key Concepts in General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards