Question 1

Which of the following best describes genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

A process where allele frequencies change due to random sampling in small populations.

Question 2

A population of birds is separated by a mountain range, leading to the formation of two distinct species. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation by vicariance.

Question 3

Which equation correctly represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles, $p$ and $q$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates directional selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths becomes darker over time due to pollution, favoring dark-colored individuals.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of evolutionary change?

Accepted Answer

Reproductive switching.

Question 6

A small group of lizards migrates to a new island and establishes a population. Over generations, the allele frequencies differ from the original population. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Founder effect.

Question 7

Which of the following statements about mutation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation in populations.

Question 8

In a population, heterozygosity is important because:

Accepted Answer

It increases genetic diversity and can enhance population survival in changing environments.

Question 9

Which reproductive mode involves the fusion of gametes from two individuals?

Accepted Answer

Sexual reproduction.

Question 10

A population of rabbits in a forest is exposed to a new predator. Over time, only the fastest rabbits survive and reproduce. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes stabilizing selection?

Accepted Answer

Selection that favors intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation.

Question 12

Which concept defines a species based on the ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring?

Accepted Answer

Biological species concept.

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of gene flow between populations?

Accepted Answer

It reduces genetic differences between populations.

Question 14

Which scenario best illustrates the bottleneck effect?

Accepted Answer

A population is drastically reduced by a natural disaster, and the survivors have different allele frequencies than the original population.

Question 15

Which of the following is a key difference between internal and external fertilization?

Accepted Answer

Internal fertilization occurs inside the body, while external fertilization occurs outside the body.

Question 16

Which evolutionary process is most likely to increase genetic diversity in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation.

Question 17

A population of insects develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Natural selection.

Question 18

Which of the following is true about adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation increases an organism's fitness in its environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of reproductive switching?

Accepted Answer

A fish species alternates between sexual and asexual reproduction depending on environmental conditions.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why genetic diversity is important for populations?

Accepted Answer

It allows populations to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases.

General Biology: Evolutionary Processes, Speciation, and Population Genetics Study Guide

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