Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main idea of Darwin's theory of natural selection as presented in 'On the Origin of Species'?

Accepted Answer

Populations evolve over generations as individuals with advantageous heritable traits leave more offspring.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Question 3

A population of soapberry bugs in Florida shifted from feeding on balloon vine fruit to goldenrain tree fruit, which is smaller. Over several generations, the average beak length of the bugs decreased. Which evolutionary mechanism best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 4

Which scientist is correctly matched with their contribution to evolutionary thought?

Accepted Answer

Lyell – Advocated for gradual geological change over time

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The appendix

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homology?

Accepted Answer

The wings of a bat and the flippers of a whale, both derived from a common mammalian ancestor

Question 7

Which of the following statements about artificial selection is correct?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection is driven by human choice, not natural environmental factors.

Question 8

According to Darwin, which of the following is necessary for natural selection to occur in a population?

Accepted Answer

Traits must be heritable and there must be variation among individuals.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the fossil record is considered strong evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

It documents the appearance, modification, and extinction of species over time.

Question 10

A scientist finds that the DNA sequence of a gene in humans is very similar to that in rhesus monkeys, but less similar to that in frogs. What does this suggest about evolutionary relationships?

Accepted Answer

Humans and monkeys share a more recent common ancestor than either does with frogs.

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The similar body shapes of dolphins (mammals) and sharks (fish) due to adaptation to aquatic environments

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct inference from Darwin's observations and inferences about populations?

Accepted Answer

Favorable traits become more common in a population over generations.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes biogeography as evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

It explains the geographic distribution of species based on their evolutionary history and continental drift.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of direct observation of evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

The change in beak size of soapberry bugs in response to a new food source

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why artificial selection in crops (such as wild mustard) can produce such diverse vegetables as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale?

Accepted Answer

Artificial selection targets different heritable traits in the same species, leading to a variety of forms.

Question 16

Which of the following equations represents the principle of gradualism as proposed by Hutton?

Accepted Answer

$Change = Rate 	imes Time$

Question 17

A population of finches on an island has a variety of beak sizes. After a drought, only large, hard seeds are available. Over time, the average beak size increases. Which of the following best explains this change?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with larger beaks were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their traits.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is driven by environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human preferences.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'descent with modification'?

Accepted Answer

Species change over time, giving rise to new species that share a common ancestor.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of how comparative embryology supports the theory of evolution?

Accepted Answer

Vertebrate embryos share features such as pharyngeal arches and post-anal tails during development.

Evolutionary Theory: Historical Context and Evidence (Chapter 22 Study Notes)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards