Question 1

Which of the following best describes Darwin's definition of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Descent with modification

Question 2

A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most of the population is resistant. Which mechanism best explains this rapid evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acting on heritable variation

Question 3

Which of the following statements about natural selection is correct?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection edits existing variation in a population

Question 4

Lamarck proposed two mechanisms for evolution that were later shown to be incorrect. What were they?

Accepted Answer

Use and disuse, and inheritance of acquired characteristics

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Marsupials in Australia and placental mammals in North America evolving similar body forms

Question 6

Why is it important to complete a full course of antibiotics when prescribed?

Accepted Answer

To ensure all bacteria, including resistant ones, are eliminated

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why older fossils are more different from modern species than younger fossils?

Accepted Answer

More evolutionary changes have accumulated over time

Question 8

Which scientist is credited with proposing the concept of catastrophism to explain changes in the fossil record?

Accepted Answer

Georges Cuvier

Question 9

A researcher finds that two unrelated fish species in Louisiana streams have evolved similar streamlined bodies. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Convergent evolution

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It provides direct evidence for descent with modification

Question 11

Which of the following best describes why natural selection is considered an 'editing' mechanism?

Accepted Answer

It acts only on existing heritable variation

Question 12

Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?

Accepted Answer

Appendix

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why island species often resemble those from the nearest mainland?

Accepted Answer

Island species descended from mainland ancestors

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events leading to speciation by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Variation arises, selection acts on variation, reproductive isolation occurs

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Unlimited resources

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the fossil record is incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Not all organisms fossilize easily

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of direct observation of evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Soapberry bugs evolving shorter beaks on new host plants

Question 18

Which of the following best describes homology?

Accepted Answer

Similarity due to shared ancestry

Question 19

Which scientist expanded Hutton's idea of gradualism into the concept of uniformitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Charles Lyell

Question 20

A population of coastal species shifts inland due to climate change. Over time, the inland population evolves new adaptations. Which process best explains this?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acting on heritable variation

Chapter 22: Evolution – Patterns, Processes, and Evidence (Study Guide Walkthrough)

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