Question 1

Which of the following best explains how continental drift has contributed to the current patterns of global biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Continental drift separates populations, leading to allopatric speciation and the evolution of new species.

Question 2

A scientist discovers two closely related species of frogs on different continents that were once part of the same landmass. Which evolutionary process most likely explains their divergence?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation resulting from geographic separation after continental drift.

Question 3

Which of the following is a direct consequence of a mass extinction event?

Accepted Answer

A temporary reduction in biodiversity followed by increased speciation as surviving lineages diversify.

Question 4

Which scenario is most likely to trigger an adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The colonization of a new island with many unoccupied ecological niches.

Question 5

After the Permian mass extinction, which of the following best describes what happened to biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity increased as surviving groups underwent adaptive radiation to fill vacant ecological niches.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the relationship between mass extinction events and adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

Mass extinction events can promote adaptive radiation by creating new ecological opportunities for surviving lineages.

Question 7

A small change in the expression of a developmental gene leads to a major change in an organism's body plan. Which gene is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

A Hox gene, which controls the body plan during development.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of how changes in developmental timing can lead to evolutionary novelty, as seen in the axolotl?

Accepted Answer

The axolotl retains juvenile features into adulthood, a process known as neoteny.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why island formation often leads to rapid speciation?

Accepted Answer

Islands isolate populations, leading to allopatric speciation and the evolution of unique species.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the Hox gene Ubx and insect body plans is correct?

Accepted Answer

Ubx gene expression prevents the development of extra wings in certain insect segments.

Question 11

Which of the following events is most likely to result in allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

A river changes course, dividing a population of rodents into two isolated groups.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the pattern of biodiversity over Earth's history as shown in figure 23.7?

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity has fluctuated, with periods of rapid increase following mass extinction events.

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely outcome when a lineage survives a mass extinction event?

Accepted Answer

The lineage may diversify rapidly to fill ecological niches left vacant by extinct species.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a likely cause of a mass extinction event?

Accepted Answer

The gradual accumulation of beneficial mutations.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The rapid evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor when new ecological opportunities arise.

Question 16

A volcanic eruption creates a chain of new islands. Over time, each island is colonized by a small group of birds from the mainland. Which process is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation as isolated populations adapt to different island environments.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why adaptive radiations are often observed after mass extinction events?

Accepted Answer

Mass extinction events create new ecological opportunities by eliminating competitors and predators.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of how a small genetic change can lead to a large morphological change?

Accepted Answer

A mutation in a Hox gene alters the number of wings in an insect.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of global temperature changes on extinction events, as shown in figure 23.14?

Accepted Answer

Rapid increases or decreases in global temperature are associated with mass extinction events.

Question 20

A researcher is testing two hypotheses about the origin of insect wings. Which experimental result would support the hypothesis that wings evolved from gill-like structures in ancestral crustaceans?

Accepted Answer

Finding that the same developmental genes control both gill-like structures in crustaceans and wings in insects.

Broad Patterns of Evolution: Speciation, Extinction, and Biodiversity (Ch. 23 Study Guide)

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