Q: Which equation best represents the concept of relative fitness in a population?

$$w = \frac{\text{individual's offspring}}{\text{maximum offspring in population}}$$

Q: Which formula represents inclusive fitness?

$$\text{Inclusive fitness} = \text{Direct fitness} + \text{Indirect fitness}$$

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the three main postulates of natural selection (in the broad sense)?

Accepted Answer

All individuals survive to reproduce.

Question 2

A population of birds shows a gradual shift in beak size over many generations due to small mutations affecting multiple genes. Which concept best explains why this evolutionary change is gradual?

Accepted Answer

Most traits are polygenic and most mutations have small effects.

Question 3

Which mode of selection is illustrated when both the mean and variance of a trait change over time?

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 4

In a population of jaguars, some individuals have spotted coats while others are completely black. This is an example of which type of trait?

Accepted Answer

Discrete (qualitative) trait

Question 5

Which equation best represents the concept of relative fitness in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$w = \frac{	ext{individual's offspring}}{	ext{maximum offspring in population}}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is the only evolutionary mechanism that consistently leads to adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 7

A behavior that decreases the fitness of the actor but increases the fitness of the recipient is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Altruism

Question 8

Kin selection can explain the evolution of altruistic traits because:

Accepted Answer

Helping close relatives increases the indirect component of fitness.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the Modern Synthesis in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

The integration of Darwin’s and Mendel’s theories to form general principles of evolution.

Question 10

In Belding’s ground squirrels, adult females are more likely to give alarm calls when close kin are nearby. This behavior is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Kin selection

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

A peacock displaying its elaborate tail to attract mates.

Question 12

Which formula represents inclusive fitness?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Inclusive fitness} = 	ext{Direct fitness} + 	ext{Indirect fitness}$$

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates stabilizing selection?

Accepted Answer

Human birth weights where both very low and very high weights have higher mortality.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism that can change allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis

Question 15

A researcher observes that in a population of birds, individuals with the longest tails have the highest mating success. This is most likely an example of:

Accepted Answer

Directional selection

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a polygenic trait?

Accepted Answer

A trait influenced by multiple genes, each with a small effect.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the effect of sexual selection on trait evolution?

Accepted Answer

Sexual selection can lead to exaggerated, sexually dimorphic traits, especially in males.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why most evolutionary change is gradual?

Accepted Answer

Most mutations have small effects and most traits are polygenic.

Question 19

A population of ants exhibits a new behavior where some individuals sacrifice themselves to protect the colony. This behavior is most likely to evolve if:

Accepted Answer

The behavior increases the fitness of close relatives.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of disruptive selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of finches where both small and large beaks are favored over intermediate sizes.

5. selection

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