Question 1

Which of the following best describes evolution from a biologist's perspective?

Accepted Answer

Evolution is the change in allele frequencies within a population over time.

Question 2

According to the Hardy–Weinberg principle, which equation represents the expected genotype frequencies in a population at equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

A population of birds is isolated on an island after a storm. Only a small number of individuals survive and reproduce. Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for the change in allele frequencies in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift (specifically, the bottleneck effect)

Question 4

Which condition is NOT required for a population to remain in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection occurs

Question 5

A population of bacteria exposed to antibiotics develops resistance over several generations. Which type of selection is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 6

Which statement about natural selection is scientifically accurate?

Accepted Answer

Selection acts on individuals, but populations evolve.

Question 7

If a population experiences disruptive selection, what is the expected outcome for the distribution of a trait such as height?

Accepted Answer

Both extremes of the trait are favored, and the average is selected against.

Question 8

Which mechanism is the ultimate source of all genetic variability in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 9

A population of humans migrates and mixes with another population, introducing new alleles. Which evolutionary mechanism is at work?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Question 10

In the context of sexual selection, which scenario best illustrates a trade-off in fitness?

Accepted Answer

A peacock's large tail increases predation risk but enhances mating success.

Question 11

Which equation represents the sum of allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$p + q = 1$$

Question 12

A population of mammals undergoes a bottleneck due to overhunting. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Significant loss of genetic variability, increasing risk of extinction.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of coevolution?

Accepted Answer

A predator evolves sharper claws while its prey evolves better camouflage.

Question 14

If the frequency of allele A ($$p) in a $$population is 0.7, what is the frequency of allele a ($$q$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$q = 0.3$$

Question 15

Which scenario best illustrates the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of humans migrates to an isolated island and establishes a new population.

Question 16

Which factor is NOT an agent of selection?

Accepted Answer

Random mating

Question 17

In stabilizing selection, what happens to the width of the bell curve representing trait distribution?

Accepted Answer

The curve narrows as extremes are selected against.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about fitness is correct?

Accepted Answer

Fitness is a relative measure of reproductive success compared to others in the population.

Question 19

Why do influenza viruses require new vaccines each year?

Accepted Answer

The virus undergoes rapid mutation, changing its gene pool annually.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genotype and phenotype in the context of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection acts on phenotypes, which are the observable traits resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.

How Populations Evolve: Study Guide and Mini-Textbook Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards