Question 1

Which concept best explains why the orchid mantis in the first image closely resembles the flower it sits on?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation, where an organism evolves traits that increase its survival and reproduction in its environment

Question 2

According to Darwin’s theory, which unit evolves over time?

Accepted Answer

Population

Question 3

Which scientist proposed the idea of catastrophism, suggesting that sudden events caused mass extinctions?

Accepted Answer

George Cuvier

Question 4

What is the main difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures have similar origin but may have different functions, while analogous structures have similar function but different origin

Question 5

Which equation best represents the Hardy-Weinberg principle for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

All individuals must survive and reproduce equally

Question 7

What is the significance of Darwin’s finches in the Galápagos Islands?

Accepted Answer

They demonstrate adaptive radiation, where species diversify to fill different ecological niches

Question 8

Which process is responsible for the rapid evolution of drug-resistant bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 9

What does the fossil record primarily provide evidence for?

Accepted Answer

The extinction of species, the origin of new groups, and changes within groups over time

Question 10

Which term describes the role an organism plays in its environment?

Accepted Answer

Niche

Question 11

Which scientist developed the binomial nomenclature system for naming species?

Accepted Answer

Carl Linnaeus

Question 12

What is the main premise of Lamarck’s hypothesis of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Traits acquired during an organism’s lifetime can be passed to offspring

Question 13

Which concept explains why whales have pelvic bones, even though they do not use them?

Accepted Answer

Vestigial structures

Question 14

What is the definition of biological fitness?

Accepted Answer

The probable genetic contribution of an individual to succeeding generations

Question 15

Which of the following best describes microevolution?

Accepted Answer

Small scale changes in the genes of a gene pool

Question 16

Which equation would you use to calculate the probability of an individual’s genetic contribution to the next generation?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{N_{offspring}}{N_{total}}$

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding dogs for specific traits such as size and behavior

Question 18

What is biogeography?

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of the geographic distribution of species

Question 19

Which event marked the beginning of modern evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species in 1859

Question 20

Which term describes the gradual movement of Earth’s landmasses, influencing species distribution?

Accepted Answer

Continental drift

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions