Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the sickle cell allele is maintained at high frequencies in certain human populations?

Accepted Answer

It provides resistance to malaria when present in the heterozygous state.

Question 2

Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between evolution and natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Evolution refers to changes in allele frequencies over time, while natural selection is a mechanism that can drive those changes.

Question 3

A population of beetles has two alleles for shell color: green (G) and brown (g). If the frequency of G increases over several generations, what process has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Evolution, because allele frequencies have changed over time.

Question 4

Which scientist is credited with the idea that gradual geological processes shape the Earth, influencing Darwin’s thinking about evolution?

Accepted Answer

Charles Lyell

Question 5

According to Darwin’s theory, which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?

Accepted Answer

All individuals must survive to reproduce.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'fitness' in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an organism to pass on its genes to the next generation.

Question 7

Why did Darwin’s observations of finches on the Galápagos Islands contribute to his theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

He noticed that finches had different beak shapes adapted to different food sources, suggesting adaptation to local environments.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Breeding pigeons for specific feather colors and shapes.

Question 9

Lamarck’s hypothesis of 'use and disuse' suggested that:

Accepted Answer

Traits acquired during an organism’s lifetime could be inherited by offspring.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sickle cell anemia and malaria?

Accepted Answer

Individuals heterozygous for the sickle cell allele are more resistant to malaria.

Question 11

Which of the following is the best definition of an allele?

Accepted Answer

One form of a gene.

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates 'descent with modification'?

Accepted Answer

A population of insects develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about the history of evolutionary thought?

Accepted Answer

Early scientists believed species were constantly changing and never fixed.

Question 14

If a population is exposed to a new pathogen and only individuals with a certain allele survive and reproduce, what evolutionary mechanism is most likely at work?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for two alleles, $$p$$ and $$q$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following best describes why humans are not necessarily the 'most complex' species?

Accepted Answer

Complexity is not a linear hierarchy; different species are adapted to different environments with unique traits.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world example of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the sickle cell allele is rare in populations not exposed to malaria?

Accepted Answer

There is no selective advantage for the allele in the absence of malaria, so it is not maintained at high frequencies.

Question 19

Which of the following observations by Darwin contributed to his theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Fossils in South America resembled living species in the same region.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a trait to evolve by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The trait must be acquired during the organism’s lifetime.

Evolution I: Introduction to Evolution by Natural Selection and Sickle Cell Anemia

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