Question 1

Which of the following best defines evolution in biological terms?

Accepted Answer

The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Question 2

Which scenario illustrates 'survival of the fittest' as described by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths where those with coloration matching the environment survive and reproduce more.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a mode by which evolution can occur?

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis

Question 4

A population of snakes develops venom that is more potent over generations. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Functional variation

Question 5

Which equation represents the change in allele frequency over time in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta p / \Delta t$$

Question 6

Why might endangered species have reduced genetic variation?

Accepted Answer

Because their population size is small and individuals are genetically similar.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral adaptation evolved through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Male giraffes fighting for access to females.

Question 8

Sexual selection often results in sexual dimorphism. Which of the following is an example?

Accepted Answer

Peacocks with elaborate tail feathers compared to peahens.

Question 9

Which process is most likely to introduce new alleles into a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 10

According to the Biological Species Concept, which of the following defines a species?

Accepted Answer

A group of organisms that can interbreed in nature to produce viable, fertile offspring and are reproductively isolated from other such groups.

Question 11

Which of the following is a prezygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation

Question 12

What is the main difference between gradualism and punctuated equilibrium in the tempo of speciation?

Accepted Answer

Gradualism involves slow, continuous changes; punctuated equilibrium involves long periods of stasis interrupted by rapid change.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes gene flow?

Accepted Answer

The movement of alleles between populations due to migration.

Question 14

Which equation represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

A population of plants reproduces only through vegetative propagation. What is a likely consequence if a disease affects one individual?

Accepted Answer

The disease will likely affect the entire population due to low genetic variation.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of structural variation?

Accepted Answer

Differences in limb structure among humans, cats, whales, and bats.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the rapid increase in lactose persistence in certain human populations?

Accepted Answer

Punctuated equilibrium due to a sudden environmental change favoring milk consumption.

Question 18

Which of the following is a postzygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of a gene pool?

Accepted Answer

All the alleles for a particular trait expressed in a population.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world example of adaptation through natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Moths changing coloration to match polluted environments.

Evolution: Mechanisms, Variation, and Speciation

Study Guide - Practice Questions