Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory, as opposed to a hypothesis, in the context of biology?

Accepted Answer

A theory is a broad explanation for a wide range of observations, highly supported by empirical evidence, while a hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a specific observation.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an adaptation as defined in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

A giraffe's long neck, which increases its ability to access food and thus its fitness.

Question 3

According to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which of the following is necessary for evolution to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

There must be heritable variation in traits, and some traits must confer a reproductive advantage.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about fossils and the fossil record is correct?

Accepted Answer

The fossil record provides evidence that species have changed over time and that many species are now extinct.

Question 5

Radiometric dating is used to determine the absolute age of fossils. Which equation best represents the decay of a radioactive isotope over time?

Accepted Answer

$N = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}$

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial trait in humans?

Accepted Answer

The presence of goosebumps, which no longer serve a significant function.

Question 7

A population of insects is exposed to an insecticide. After several generations, most of the population is resistant to the insecticide. Which evolutionary process best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection, where individuals with resistance alleles survive and reproduce more successfully.

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homology?

Accepted Answer

The similar bone structure in the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats, indicating descent from a common ancestor.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a prediction made by the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Species are independent and unchanging.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between acclimatization and adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Acclimatization is a temporary change in an individual due to environmental conditions, while adaptation is a heritable trait that increases fitness.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a transitional feature in the fossil record?

Accepted Answer

A fossil species with limb bones intermediate between ancestral fish and terrestrial tetrapods.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about biogeography supports the theory of evolution by common ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Species on islands are often more similar to species on the nearest mainland than to species on distant islands.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why vestigial traits are considered evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

They are reduced or incompletely developed structures that are clearly related to functioning structures in other species.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key insight from Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Individuals in a population vary in heritable traits, and those with traits that increase reproductive success leave more offspring.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of structural homology?

Accepted Answer

The similar arrangement of bones in the forelimbs of mammals such as humans, cats, and whales.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the process of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Heritable variation in traits leads to differential reproductive success among individuals.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the age of the Earth and the origin of life, based on radiometric dating?

Accepted Answer

The Earth is approximately $4.6 	ext{ billion}$ years old, and life began between $3.4$ and $3.8 	ext{ billion}$ years ago.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between the theory of special creation and the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Special creation states that species are independent and unchanging, while evolution by natural selection states that species change through time and are related by common ancestry.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of a prediction based on a scientific hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

If giraffes with longer necks have greater access to food, then they should have higher reproductive success in environments where food is scarce.

Evolutionary Theory and Evidence: Patterns, Processes, and Scientific Reasoning in Biology

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