Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genes and variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Genes determine the traits of individuals, and variation arises from differences in alleles within the gene pool.

Question 2

Relative fitness is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The contribution an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation, relative to others in the population.

Question 3

A population of beetles has a gene for shell color with two alleles: G (green) and g (brown). If the frequency of G increases from 0.4 to 0.6 over several generations, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution has occurred, as the allelic frequency has changed.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A drought causes only a few randomly selected plants to survive and reproduce, changing allele frequencies.

Question 5

Which scenario best illustrates gene flow?

Accepted Answer

Wolves from one pack migrate and breed with wolves from another pack, introducing new alleles.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct distinction between artificial selection and natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection is driven by human choice, while natural selection is driven by environmental pressures.

Question 7

Which type of natural selection is most likely occurring if individuals with intermediate phenotypes have higher fitness than those with extreme phenotypes?

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the influence of Thomas Malthus on Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Malthus proposed that populations grow faster than resources, leading to competition and survival of the fittest.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

Accepted Answer

The appendix

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why similarities in embryos of different vertebrate species are considered evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

They indicate that all vertebrates share a common ancestor.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Wings of bats and wings of birds, which evolved independently for flight.

Question 12

According to the concept of gradualism, evolutionary change:

Accepted Answer

Happens slowly and steadily over long periods of time.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the hypothesized environment of ancient Earth?

Accepted Answer

A reducing atmosphere with little or no oxygen, rich in water vapor, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen.

Question 14

Abiogenesis refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process by which living organisms arise from nonliving matter.

Question 15

Which of the following supports the hypothesis of an RNA-based world in early life?

Accepted Answer

Ribozymes can catalyze chemical reactions and self-replicate.

Question 16

Place the following metabolic pathways in the correct order of appearance on Earth: chemosynthesis, photosynthesis, cellular respiration.

Accepted Answer

Chemosynthesis → Photosynthesis → Cellular respiration

Question 17

A fossil is found to contain 25% of its original radioactive isotope. If the half-life of the isotope is 2,000 years, what is the approximate age of the fossil?

$N = N_0 	imes (\frac{1}{2})^{t/T_{1/2}}$

Accepted Answer

4,000 years

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of directional selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths becomes darker in color over time due to pollution.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes homologous structures?

Accepted Answer

Structures that have similar evolutionary origin but may have different functions.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of gene flow affecting a population's allelic frequency?

Accepted Answer

Pollen from genetically modified crops fertilizes wild plants, introducing new alleles.

Evolution: Mechanisms, Evidence, and History – Study Notes

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