Question 1

Which scientist first proposed the theory of uniformitarianism, suggesting that geological processes occur at uniform rates and that the Earth is much older than previously thought?

Accepted Answer

Charles Lyell

Question 2

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which of the following statements best explains why populations, not individuals, evolve?

Accepted Answer

Evolution occurs as a population's genes and gene frequencies change over time.

Question 3

Which equation represents the Hardy-Weinberg principle for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$p + q = 1$$

Question 4

A population of buffalo has 36% of individuals with the homozygous recessive genotype (bb). Using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the frequency of the dominant allele (B)?

Accepted Answer

$$0.6$$

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of disruptive selection acting on a polygenic trait?

Accepted Answer

Cacti with a moderate number of spines are picked by tourists, while those with few or many spines are left alone.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

Evolution by chance, resulting in changes in allele frequencies due to random events.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a condition required for Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection favoring the most fit genotype

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a prezygotic barrier to speciation?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation where two frog species mate at different times

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates Lamarck's Law of Use and Disuse?

Accepted Answer

Giraffes' necks elongate because they stretch to reach treetops, and this trait is passed to offspring.

Question 10

Which of the following is a vestigial structure in humans?

Accepted Answer

Appendix

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Wings of bats and wings of birds evolving independently for flight

Question 12

Which of the following best describes adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

A single species evolves into diverse forms that live in different ways

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the fossil record is considered incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Not all organisms become fossilized after death

Question 15

Which of the following is a postzygotic barrier to speciation?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility in mules

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the concept of common descent with modification?

Accepted Answer

Organisms descend from common ancestors and change over time, leading to new species

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Selective breeding of dogs to enhance desired traits

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A portion of an original population breaks off and forms a new population, decreasing variability

Question 19

Which of the following is a derived trait used in constructing a cladogram?

Accepted Answer

A fuzzy tail present in some but not all organisms

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why similarities in DNA sequences are used as evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

The more alike two organisms are, the more alike their DNA is

Evolution: Diversity of Life and the History of Evolutionary Thought

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