Question 1

Which of the following best defines evolution in a biological context?

Accepted Answer

The change in allele frequencies in a population over generations.

Question 2

Which scientist's work on population growth most influenced Darwin's theory of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Malthus

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT one of Darwin's main lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous generation

Question 4

Which equation represents Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for two alleles?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

$$2pq = 2(0.7)(0.3) = 0.42$$

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane randomly kills most of a rabbit population, leaving only a few survivors.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

Speciation that occurs due to geographic separation of populations.

Question 8

Which of the following is a postzygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility

Question 9

Which of the following is a real-world example of adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The diversification of Darwin's finches on the Galápagos Islands.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about homologous structures is correct?

Accepted Answer

They indicate common ancestry due to similar structure.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why RNA is considered a likely precursor to DNA in early life forms?

Accepted Answer

RNA can both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a prezygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Gametic isolation

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

A group of populations whose members can interbreed and produce viable, fertile offspring.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The wings of bats and the wings of birds.

Question 15

Which of the following is a derived character (synapomorphy) in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Hair

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

Species that are closer together on the tree share a more recent common ancestor.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of sympatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

A plant species doubles its chromosome number and becomes reproductively isolated from its parent species.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals colonizes a new area, leading to reduced genetic diversity.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about monophyletic groups?

Accepted Answer

They include an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a scenario where natural selection is likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals in a population have traits that increase their survival and reproduction in a specific environment.

Evolution, Population Genetics, Speciation, and Phylogeny: Study Guide

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