Q: A population of beetles has two alleles for color: G (green) and g (brown). If the frequency of G is $$p = 0.7$$ and the frequency of g is $$q = 0.3$$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes (Gg) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

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

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'fitness' in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce, passing its genes to the next generation.

Question 2

A population of beetles has two alleles for color: G (green) and g (brown). If the frequency of G is $$p = 0.7$$ and the frequency of g is $$q = 0.3$$, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes (Gg) under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The development of wings in bats and birds, which evolved independently for flight.

Question 4

Which mechanism of evolution is most likely responsible for a sudden reduction in genetic diversity due to a natural disaster?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift: bottleneck effect

Question 5

In a population of 1000 individuals, 360 show the recessive phenotype (aa). Assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the frequency of the recessive allele (a)?

Accepted Answer

$$q = \sqrt{360/1000} = \sqrt{0.36} = 0.6$$

Question 6

Which of the following best distinguishes homology from analogy?

Accepted Answer

Homologies are similarities due to shared ancestry, while analogies are similarities due to convergent evolution.

Question 7

Which of the following scenarios is an example of gene flow?

Accepted Answer

A group of birds migrates to a new island and breeds with the local population, introducing new alleles.

Question 8

Which type of selection favors individuals at both extremes of a trait, potentially leading to two distinct phenotypes?

Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection

Question 9

A population of fish is isolated in a small pond. Over generations, the allele frequencies change randomly due to chance. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 10

Which of the following provides direct evidence supporting evolution?

Accepted Answer

Fossil records showing transitional forms between species.

Question 11

If the frequency of allele A is $$p = 0.8$$ and allele a is $$q = 0.2$$, what is the expected frequency of genotype AA under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

$$p^2$$ = $$0.8^2 = 0.64$

Question 12

Which evolutionary mechanism introduces new genetic variation into a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 13

A population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Which of the following must be true?

Accepted Answer

No mutations, random mating, no natural selection, large population size, and no gene flow.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

Peacocks with larger, more colorful tails attracting more mates.

Question 15

Which statement about microevolution is correct?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution refers to changes in allele frequencies within a population over time.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes a gene pool?

Accepted Answer

All the alleles present in a population.

Question 17

Which scenario best illustrates the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals colonizes a new island, and their genetic makeup differs from the original population.

Question 18

Which type of selection reduces variation by favoring the average phenotype?

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection

Question 19

If a population has the following genotype frequencies: $$AA = 0.36$$, $$Aa = 0.48$$, $$aa = 0.16$$, what is the frequency of allele A?

Accepted Answer

$$p = 0.36 + 0.5 	imes 0.48 = 0.36 + 0.24 = 0.60$$

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Non-random mating

Module 1: Evolutionary Mechanisms and Population Genetics – Study Guide

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