Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory in biology?

Accepted Answer

A scientific theory explains a broad class of observations and is widely supported by evidence.

Question 2

Which concept did Darwin and Wallace introduce that replaced typological thinking?

Accepted Answer

Population thinking

Question 3

What is the outcome of natural selection according to Darwin’s postulates?

Accepted Answer

Selected traits increase in frequency in the population from one generation to the next.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT evidence for species changing through time?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection in laboratory experiments

Question 5

Which level of homology refers to similarities in DNA sequences between species?

Accepted Answer

Genetic homology

Question 6

According to Darwin’s postulates, which condition is necessary for natural selection to occur?

Accepted Answer

Traits must be heritable.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines biological fitness?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an individual to survive and reproduce relative to other individuals in the population.

Question 8

Which process is responsible for producing physiological adaptations in organisms?

Accepted Answer

Evolution by natural selection

Question 9

What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution refers to changes in allele frequencies within a population; macroevolution refers to the formation of new species over time.

Question 10

Which of the following is a common misconception about evolution?

Accepted Answer

Evolution is goal-directed and perfects organisms.

Question 11

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic. Some bacteria survive due to a mutation in the rpoB gene. What is the most likely outcome over several generations?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of the drug-resistant allele will increase in the population.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes adaptation?

Accepted Answer

A heritable trait that increases the fitness of an individual in a particular environment.

Question 13

Which evidence supports the idea that species are related by common ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Homology at genetic, developmental, and structural levels.

Question 14

Which philosopher proposed the 'Great chain of being' and organized species based on size and complexity?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a transitional feature in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Fins-to-feet transition in tetrapod evolution

Question 16

Which statement about natural selection is correct?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acts on individuals, but only populations evolve.

Question 17

Which of the following is a pattern component of the theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Species change through time.

Question 18

Which process component of scientific theory is described by Darwin’s natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Heritable variation leads to differential reproductive success.

Question 19

Which of the following equations best represents the change in allele frequency in a population over time?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta p = p' - p$$

Question 20

Which of the following is considered powerful evidence for any scientific theory, including evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Internal consistency: Data from independent sources agree in supporting predictions made by a theory.

Evolution by Natural Selection: Foundations and Evidence (Bio 112 Study Notes)

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