Q: In a population, the frequency of allele $A$ is 0.7 and allele $a$ is 0.3. What is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($Aa$) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

$2pq = 2 \times 0.7 \times 0.3 = 0.42$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Species are connected by common ancestry and accumulate adaptations to changing environments over time.

Question 2

Why is the concept of evolution considered a scientific theory with great significance?

Accepted Answer

It is widely accepted and supported by a large body of evidence, explaining a broad scope of biological phenomena.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a source of genetic variation in populations?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 4

A population of mosquitoes develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations. Which evolutionary mechanism is primarily responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 5

Which statement correctly explains why individuals cannot evolve?

Accepted Answer

Evolution is a change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, not in individual organisms.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The appendix

Question 7

Which process is responsible for the formation of fossils?

Accepted Answer

Preservation of remains in sedimentary rock over long periods

Question 8

What is the main reason why the fossil record is considered incomplete?

Accepted Answer

Many organisms decompose before they can fossilize, and some environments do not favor fossilization.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homology?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of humans, cats, and whales, which share similar bone structures

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

A population of lizards is exposed to a new predator. Over time, the frequency of alleles for faster running increases. What is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 12

Which of the following statements about natural selection is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acts only on heritable traits.

Question 13

Which type of selection maintains stable frequencies of two or more phenotypic forms in a population?

Accepted Answer

Balancing selection

Question 14

In a population, the frequency of allele $A$ is 0.7 and allele $a$ is 0.3. What is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($Aa$) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$2pq = 2 	imes 0.7 	imes 0.3 = 0.42$

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding dogs for specific traits

Question 16

Which of the following is a limitation of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection can act only on existing variations.

Question 17

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of relative fitness?

Accepted Answer

A plant produces more seeds than others in its population, increasing its genetic contribution to the next generation.

Question 18

Which of the following mechanisms can lead to adaptive evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 19

Why do antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious public health concern?

Accepted Answer

They can infect more people and are harder to treat, leading to increased illness and death.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of environmental effects influencing evolution?

Accepted Answer

Temperature changes affecting the sex ratio of Costa Rican crocodiles

How Populations Evolve: Key Concepts in Evolutionary Biology

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