Q: A population of butterflies has two alleles for color: brown (B) and white (b). If 40% of butterflies are white, what is the frequency of the white allele ($$q$$)?

$$q = 0.4$$ \\text{(since white is recessive, } $$q^2 = 0.4$$, q = \sqrt{0.4} \approx 0.632)$

Question 1

Which scientist proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection, emphasizing individual selection and the importance of traits that enhance survival and reproduction within a population?

Accepted Answer

Charles Darwin

Question 2

According to Lamarck's theory of evolution, how do organisms acquire adaptations?

Accepted Answer

By inheriting traits acquired during their lifetime

Question 3

Which concept is illustrated by the diagram showing a giraffe stretching its neck to reach higher leaves, resulting in longer necks over generations?

Accepted Answer

Inheritance of acquired characteristics

Question 4

Which geological theory states that rock strata demonstrate that geologic processes, which are still occurring today, cause gradual change over time?

Accepted Answer

Uniformitarianism

Question 5

What does the presence of fossils in different layers of rock strata indicate about the history of life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Species change over time and some become extinct

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the modern sloth and the extinct giant ground sloth?

Accepted Answer

The modern sloth is a direct descendant of the giant ground sloth, showing descent with modification

Question 7

In Darwin's theory of natural selection, what is the primary requirement for evolution to occur within a population?

Accepted Answer

Traits must be heritable and there must be variation among individuals

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of directional selection?

Accepted Answer

Oysters with thicker shells surviving better due to resistance to breakage

Question 9

What is the effect of genetic drift on a small population?

Accepted Answer

It causes random fluctuations in allele frequencies, potentially leading to loss of genetic variation

Question 10

Which process involves the movement of alleles into or out of a population, often increasing genetic variation and reducing differences between populations?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Question 11

A population of butterflies has two alleles for color: brown (B) and white (b). If 40% of butterflies are white, what is the frequency of the white allele ($$q$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$q = 0.4$$ \text{(since white is recessive, } $$q^2 = 0.4$$, q = \sqrt{0.4} \approx 0.632)$

Question 12

Which equation represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which condition is NOT required for a population to remain in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

Accepted Answer

Wings in ostriches that are reduced and nonfunctional

Question 15

What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures are inherited from a common ancestor; analogous structures evolved independently for similar functions

Question 16

Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for the rapid change in allele frequencies following a natural disaster that drastically reduces population size?

Accepted Answer

Bottleneck effect

Question 17

If a population of 500 wildflowers has 320 red (CRCR), 160 pink (CRCW), and 20 white (CWCW) flowers, what is the frequency of the CR allele?

Accepted Answer

$$p = \frac{320 	imes 2 + 160}{(320 	imes 2 + 160) + (20 	imes 2 + 160)} = \frac{800}{1000} = 0.8$$

Question 18

Which type of natural selection favors individuals at both extremes of a trait, potentially leading to two distinct phenotypes?

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a force that can disturb Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Random mating

Question 20

Which evidence for evolution is provided by the fossil record?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates the existence of transitional forms linking different groups

Descent with Modification: A Darwinian View of Life and the Foundations of Evolutionary Biology

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