Question 1

Which of the following best describes 'relative fitness' in a population genetics context?

Accepted Answer

The fitness of an individual compared to the highest fitness in the population, expressed as a value between 0 and 1: $w = \frac{W_{individual}}{W_{max}}$.

Question 2

A population of frogs is split by a newly formed river, preventing individuals from crossing and mating. Over time, genetic differences accumulate, and the two groups can no longer interbreed even if brought together. Which speciation process does this scenario illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Reduced hybrid viability

Question 4

Hamilton's rule predicts that altruistic behavior will evolve when $rB > C$. What do the variables $r$, $B$, and $C$ represent?

Accepted Answer

$r$ = relatedness, $B$ = benefit to recipient, $C$ = cost to actor

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'sexual selection'?

Accepted Answer

Male peacocks with larger, more colorful tails attract more mates and have higher reproductive success.

Question 6

Which statement about monophyletic groups is correct?

Accepted Answer

They include a common ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 7

A researcher observes that two closely related species of insects live in the same forest but mate at different times of the year. Which type of prezygotic barrier is this?

Accepted Answer

Temporal isolation

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a component of biodiversity as defined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Question 9

In a population, the absolute fitness ($W$) of an individual is 4, and the highest absolute fitness in the population is 8. What is the relative fitness ($w$) of the individual?

Accepted Answer

$w = \frac{4}{8} = 0.5$

Question 10

Which evolutionary process is most likely responsible for the development of polyploid species in plants?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a 'clade'?

Accepted Answer

A group consisting of a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Question 12

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'reciprocal altruism'?

Accepted Answer

Two unrelated bats sharing food, with the expectation that the favor will be returned in the future.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of 'ecological species concept'?

Accepted Answer

Species are defined by occupying distinct ecological niches.

Question 14

A hybrid offspring between two species of fish is sterile and cannot produce viable gametes. Which type of reproductive barrier does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Postzygotic barrier

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct example of 'homology'?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of whales and the arms of humans.

Question 16

Which process is described by 'metabolism first' in the origin of life?

Accepted Answer

Life began with networks of chemical reactions.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of reduced hybrid viability in a hybrid zone?

Accepted Answer

Hybrids have lower survival rates, reducing gene flow between species.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes 'β-diversity' in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

The turnover or differentiation of species between habitats.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of 'paraphyletic group'?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.

Evolution, Speciation, and Biodiversity: Core Concepts in General Biology

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