Q: A population of beetles has two alleles for color: G (green) and g (brown). If the frequency of G is $p = 0.7$ and the frequency of g is $q = 0.3$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

$2pq = 2 \times 0.7 \times 0.3 = 0.42$

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of Darwin's four postulates of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

All traits are acquired during an organism's lifetime.

Question 2

A population of beetles has two alleles for color: G (green) and g (brown). If the frequency of G is $p = 0.7$ and the frequency of g is $q = 0.3$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$2pq = 2 	imes 0.7 	imes 0.3 = 0.42$

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates disruptive selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of birds where individuals with either very short or very long beaks survive better than those with medium-length beaks.

Question 4

Which of the following processes is considered non-random and can lead to adaptive evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 5

A population of frogs is split by a newly formed river, preventing gene flow between the two groups. Over time, the groups diverge genetically. This is an example of which speciation mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation via vicariance

Question 6

Which statement about Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is correct?

Accepted Answer

It assumes no mutation, migration, selection, or genetic drift.

Question 7

Which of the following is a biological species concept criterion?

Accepted Answer

Ability to interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring

Question 8

A scientist is constructing a phylogenetic tree using DNA sequences from several species. What is the primary goal of this tree?

Accepted Answer

To reconstruct the evolutionary history and relationships among species

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of gene flow?

Accepted Answer

Migration of individuals from one population to another, introducing new alleles

Question 10

In a population, the frequency of allele A is $p = 0.4$ and allele a is $q = 0.6$. What is the expected frequency of homozygous recessive individuals ($aa$) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$q^2 = 0.6^2 = 0.36$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a monophyletic group?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants

Question 12

Which evolutionary process is most likely to decrease genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 13

A plant species suddenly doubles its chromosome number and becomes reproductively isolated from its parent population. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Polyploid speciation

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Non-random mating

Question 15

Which process can result in the formation of a new species without geographic isolation?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation

Question 16

A population of mice is exposed to a new predator. Over several generations, mice with darker fur survive at higher rates. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 17

Which of the following is a morphological species concept criterion?

Accepted Answer

Distinct physical characteristics

Question 18

Which of the following evolutionary processes is random?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 19

When constructing a phylogenetic tree, which criterion is used to determine the best tree?

Accepted Answer

The tree that requires the fewest evolutionary changes (parsimony)

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of assortative mating?

Accepted Answer

Tall individuals preferentially mate with other tall individuals

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