Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'descent with modification' as proposed by Darwin?

Accepted Answer

Species change over time through the inheritance of genetic traits, leading to diversity and unity of life.

Question 2

The marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands is an example of which evolutionary principle observed by Darwin?

Accepted Answer

Adaptive radiation, where a single ancestor gives rise to multiple species adapted to different environments.

Question 3

Artificial selection in pigeons, as shown by the diversity of breeds, demonstrates which key requirement for evolution?

Accepted Answer

The presence of pre-existing, heritable variation within a population.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

In the context of pesticide resistance in insects, which mechanism of evolution is primarily responsible for the increase in resistant alleles?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 6

The fossil record provides evidence for evolution because:

Accepted Answer

Fossils show organisms that are similar to but distinct from modern species, indicating change over time.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a transitional fossil supporting Darwin’s prediction about whale evolution?

Accepted Answer

Pakicetus, which shows both land and aquatic adaptations.

Question 8

Homologous structures, such as the forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats, provide evidence for:

Accepted Answer

Divergent evolution from a common ancestor.

Question 9

Which mechanism of evolution is most likely to cause a population to lose genetic variation after a sudden environmental change?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift (bottleneck effect)

Question 10

A population of 500 animals has the following genotypes: 320 WW, 160 Ww, and 20 ww. What is the frequency of the w allele?

Accepted Answer

$$q = \frac{200}{1000} = 0.2$$

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Question 12

Gene flow tends to:

Accepted Answer

Make populations more genetically similar.

Question 13

Sexual selection can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dimorphism, where males and females differ in traits not directly related to reproduction.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why acquired traits (such as learned behaviors) cannot drive evolution?

Accepted Answer

Acquired traits are not heritable and therefore cannot be passed to offspring.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Goosebumps, which were important in evolutionary history but have little function today.

Question 16

Which mechanism of evolution is responsible for the random change in allele frequencies, especially in small populations?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 17

Allopatric speciation occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Populations are separated by geographic barriers and reproductive barriers emerge as they diverge.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of microevolution?

Accepted Answer

Enrichment of pesticide resistance alleles in insects.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

Species are populations that normally interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Accepted Answer

Homologous structures are derived from a common ancestor, while analogous structures arise from convergent evolution in similar environments.

Unit 5

Study Guide - Practice Questions