Question 1

Which of the following best describes the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and what is its mathematical representation for two alleles?

Accepted Answer

A population in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences; $$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$

Question 2

A small group of finches is blown to a new island, where they establish a new population. Over time, this population shows reduced genetic diversity compared to the original population. Which evolutionary mechanism best explains this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Founder effect

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is acting on the population

Question 4

In a population of 1000 individuals, 360 show the recessive phenotype for a trait controlled by a single gene with two alleles. Assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the frequency of the dominant allele?

Accepted Answer

0.6

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Wings of bats and wings of birds

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why harmful alleles can become fixed in a population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift in small populations

Question 7

A population of beetles is split by a river, and over many generations, the two groups diverge genetically and can no longer interbreed. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation

Question 8

Which of the following is a postzygotic reproductive barrier?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid sterility

Question 9

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor that regulates population size?

Accepted Answer

Competition for resources

Question 10

Which equation describes exponential population growth?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes resource partitioning in a community?

Accepted Answer

Closely related species use resources in different ways to reduce competition

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary producer in an aquatic ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis removes $$CO_2$$ from the atmosphere and respiration returns it

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of biological magnification?

Accepted Answer

Increasing concentration of DDT in higher trophic levels

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely consequence of the depletion of the ozone layer?

Accepted Answer

Increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession occurs on newly exposed surfaces without soil; secondary succession occurs where soil remains after a disturbance

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about trophic efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a density-independent factor affecting population size?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane destroying a coastal bird population

Evolution, Speciation, and Ecology: General Biology Study Guide

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