Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection as outlined by Darwin's theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with heritable traits that confer a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, increasing the frequency of those traits in the population over generations.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the tenets of cell theory?

Accepted Answer

Cells can spontaneously generate from non-living matter under normal conditions.

Question 3

A population of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic. Over time, some bacteria survive and reproduce, while others die. Which concept does this scenario best illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 4

Which of the following provides evidence for the shared ancestry of all life on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The presence of a universal genetic code in all organisms

Question 5

Which statement best explains the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Divergent evolution results in species becoming more different from a common ancestor, while convergent evolution results in unrelated species developing similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Question 6

Which of the following structures is considered a vestigial structure in humans?

Accepted Answer

The appendix

Question 7

Which evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts?

Accepted Answer

They have their own DNA, which is similar to bacterial DNA.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the RNA World hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

RNA was the first self-replicating molecule and could both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of biogeographical evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

The distribution of species across geographic areas, such as isolated regions having unique species

Question 11

Which process is described by the equation $\Delta p = s p (1-p)$, where $\Delta p$ is the change in allele frequency, $s$ is the selection coefficient, and $p$ is the allele frequency?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why antibiotic resistance is considered an example of microevolution?

Accepted Answer

It shows observable evolutionary change within a population over a short time period.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about stromatolites is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures formed by cyanobacteria, providing evidence for some of the earliest life on Earth.

Question 14

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the presence of similar flagella in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Accepted Answer

Flagella in prokaryotes and eukaryotes are structurally different but serve similar functions, an example of convergent evolution.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?

Accepted Answer

All individuals must have equal reproductive success

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of abiogenesis?

Accepted Answer

The process by which life arises from non-living matter, marking the transition from simple molecules to living organisms.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key step in the transition to multicellularity?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of cell differentiation, where cells perform specialized functions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of protocells in the origin of life?

Accepted Answer

They provided a membrane-bound compartment for chemical reactions.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of divergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of Darwin's finches into different species with varied beak shapes on the Galápagos Islands.

Evolution, Cell Theory, and the Origin of Life: General Biology Study Notes

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