Question 1

Which of the following best describes stabilizing selection in a population?

Accepted Answer

It favors individuals with intermediate traits, reducing variation around the mean.

Question 2

A population of birds experiences a sudden reduction in numbers due to a hurricane, leaving only a few survivors. Which evolutionary process is most directly illustrated by this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Bottleneck effect

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

In a population, the frequency of allele $A$ is $0.7$ and allele $a$ is $0.3$. According to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($Aa$)?

Accepted Answer

$0.42$

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of frequency-dependent selection?

Accepted Answer

A rare phenotype in a fish population becomes more common because predators avoid it.

Question 6

The Bateman-Rivers hypothesis addresses which aspect of sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

The asymmetry of sex in reproductive investment and success

Question 7

Which scenario best illustrates the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of lizards colonizes a new island, resulting in a population with different allele frequencies than the original population.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Question 9

Artificial selection differs from natural selection in that:

Accepted Answer

It is guided by human choices to favor specific traits.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Different species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Question 11

A population of insects shows two distinct color morphs, both of which are favored in different environments. Which type of selection is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection

Question 12

Which process can increase genetic variation in a population by introducing new alleles from another population?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Question 13

Homoplasy is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Similarity in traits due to convergent evolution, not common ancestry

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of balancing selection?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell allele is maintained in populations where malaria is common due to heterozygote advantage.

Question 15

Intrasexual selection typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Competition between individuals of the same sex for access to mates.

Question 16

Which evolutionary process is most likely to reduce genetic diversity in a population?

Accepted Answer

Bottleneck effect

Question 17

A scientist observes that peacocks with larger, more colorful tails are more likely to be chosen by peahens. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Intersexual selection

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of directional selection?

Accepted Answer

The increase in antibiotic resistance in bacteria over time.

Question 19

Which process is most likely to result in the rapid evolution of a population after a small group migrates to a new environment?

Accepted Answer

Founder effect

Question 20

If a population is not evolving, which of the following must be true according to the Hardy-Weinberg principle?

Accepted Answer

No mutation, random mating, no gene flow, infinite population size, and no selection.

Evolution: Mechanisms and Patterns in General Biology

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