Question 1

Which of the following best explains why Bt corn is considered a genetically modified organism (GMO)?

Accepted Answer

It contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis that allows it to produce an insecticidal toxin.

Question 2

Why do pest insect populations evolve resistance to chemical pesticides more rapidly than non-pest insects?

Accepted Answer

Pest insects have larger population sizes and more heritable genetic variation ($$h^2$$), increasing the rate of evolution ($$R) $$under strong selection ($$s).$$

Question 3

A farmer sprays a new herbicide on his fields, killing 99% of the weed population. After several years, the weeds return and are no longer affected by the herbicide. Which evolutionary principle best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Strong selection pressure favored rare individuals with resistance alleles, leading to rapid evolution of resistance.

Question 4

Which of the following is a major unintended consequence of widespread Bt corn cultivation?

Accepted Answer

Bt genes have transferred to weeds, making them resistant to insect predation.

Question 5

Why is the use of sub-lethal doses of antibiotics in livestock feed considered a major public health concern?

Accepted Answer

It selects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can spread to humans.

Question 6

Which equation describes the rate of evolutionary response ($$R) in a $$population under selection, as discussed in the context of pesticide resistance?

Accepted Answer

$$R = h^2$ 	imes s$$

Question 7

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies often include planting refuges. What is the primary evolutionary benefit of this practice?

Accepted Answer

It allows non-resistant pests to survive and interbreed with resistant individuals, diluting resistance alleles.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates artificial selection as opposed to natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Farmers breeding only cows that produce the most milk.

Question 9

Why do purebred dogs often suffer from breed-specific genetic diseases?

Accepted Answer

Genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding have increased the frequency of rare recessive alleles.

Question 10

Which of the following is a likely evolutionary outcome of trophy hunting that targets the largest males in a population?

Accepted Answer

Evolution of smaller males with smaller weapons due to selective removal of large individuals.

Question 11

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic, but the treatment is stopped early. What is the most likely evolutionary consequence?

Accepted Answer

Resistant bacteria will survive and proliferate, leading to a population dominated by resistant strains.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes why DDT was initially considered a 'miracle pesticide'?

Accepted Answer

It was highly effective at killing insect pests and was thought to be safe for vertebrates because it was stored in fat.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a reason why non-target insects like pollinators are more likely to go extinct after pesticide application compared to pest insects?

Accepted Answer

They evolve resistance more rapidly than pest insects.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the use of antibiotics in soaps and detergents was banned?

Accepted Answer

They provided sub-lethal doses that selected for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment.

Question 15

How can genetic engineering help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture?

Accepted Answer

By inserting genes from plants adapted to harsh conditions into crop genomes, making them more resilient to temperature and rainfall changes.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the evolution of antibiotic resistance is correct?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic resistance evolves when selection favors rare individuals with resistance alleles, especially in large populations with high $$h^2.$$

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of negative artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Culling individuals with undesirable traits from a breeding population.

Question 18

Why do chemical companies require farmers to plant non-Bt refuges when growing Bt crops?

Accepted Answer

To slow the evolution of resistance in pest populations by maintaining a population of susceptible insects.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the impact of overfishing on Atlantic cod populations?

Accepted Answer

It has selected for smaller body sizes and earlier age of first reproduction.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key reason why integrated pest management (IPM) is considered more sustainable than exclusive reliance on chemical pesticides?

Accepted Answer

IPM uses a combination of methods, reducing selection pressure for resistance and minimizing environmental harm.

Domestication, Artificial Selection, and the Evolution of Pesticide and Antibiotic Resistance

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