Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'population thinking' as proposed by Darwin and Wallace?

Accepted Answer

Variation among individuals in a population is the key to understanding evolution.

Question 2

Radiometric dating is used to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils. If the half-life of $$^{14}C is 5730 $$years, how much of an initial 100g sample would remain after 11,460 years?

Accepted Answer

$$25\ \mathrm{g}$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT considered evidence for evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The observation that all species are perfectly adapted to their environments.

Question 4

A scientist finds a fossil with traits intermediate between fish and amphibians. This fossil is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A transitional feature

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial trait in animals?

Accepted Answer

The wings of ostriches, which cannot be used for flight

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the fossil record is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record provides evidence that species have changed over time.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homology?

Accepted Answer

The similar bone structure in the forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans

Question 8

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic. After several generations, most bacteria are resistant. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection

Question 9

Which of the following is a prediction made by the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Species change through time and are related by common ancestry.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of internal consistency in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Fossil, genetic, and anatomical data all support the evolutionary relationship between whales and hippos.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why vestigial traits are considered evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

They are reduced or nonfunctional structures similar to functional structures in related species.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of developmental homology?

Accepted Answer

Early embryos of humans, cats, and chickens all have pharyngeal pouches and tails.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the process of speciation?

Accepted Answer

It results in one species splitting into two or more descendant species.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

It is the process by which humans select for desirable traits in domesticated species.

Question 15

If a scientist finds that the DNA sequence of a gene in humans is 98% identical to that in chimpanzees, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic homology

Question 16

Which of the following is the best example of a transitional fossil?

Accepted Answer

Tiktaalik, which shows features intermediate between fish and tetrapods

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the law of succession?

Accepted Answer

Fossil species in a region are similar to living species in the same region.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a prediction made by the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

All species are perfectly adapted to their environments.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between relative and absolute dating of fossils?

Accepted Answer

Relative dating compares the position of fossils in rock layers, while absolute dating uses radioactive decay to determine actual ages.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of evolution occurring on a short timescale?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria over several months

Chapter 22: Evolution by Natural Selection – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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