Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of evolution as defined by modern biology?

Accepted Answer

A change in the genetic composition of a population from generation to generation.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The development of wings in bats and birds, which evolved independently for flight.

Question 3

A population of beetles is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most beetles are resistant to the pesticide. Which mechanism best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acting on genetic variation within the population.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about homologous structures is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are inherited from a common ancestor and may have different functions.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A few individuals colonize a new island, and their gene pool differs from the original population.

Question 6

Which equation represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles, $p$ and $q$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is acting on the population.

Question 8

A population of 1,000 birds is reduced to 10 individuals after a hurricane. Over time, the genetic diversity of the population remains low. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Bottleneck effect

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct statement about gene flow?

Accepted Answer

It tends to reduce genetic variation among populations over time.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The human appendix, which has no essential function.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why endemic species are often found only in specific locations?

Accepted Answer

They evolved in isolation and have not dispersed to other areas.

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct observation of evolution occurring today?

Accepted Answer

The development of drug-resistant bacteria in response to antibiotics.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures share a common evolutionary origin; analogous structures have similar function but evolved independently.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key observation that led Darwin to propose his theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Populations tend to produce more offspring than the environment can support.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of mutation in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Mutations are the ultimate source of genetic variation in populations.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct sequence in the Linnaean hierarchy from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of the bottleneck effect?

Accepted Answer

A population of cheetahs with low genetic diversity due to a past drastic reduction in numbers.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about animal evolution is correct?

Accepted Answer

Arthropods were the first animals to colonize land about 400 million years ago.

Question 19

Which of the following features is unique to mammals?

Accepted Answer

Mammary glands that produce milk for offspring

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why birds are considered endothermic?

Accepted Answer

They use their own metabolism to regulate body temperature.

Evolution and Animal Diversity: Study Notes for General Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards