Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main insight Darwin gained from observing the distribution of species in the Galapagos Islands?

Accepted Answer

Small, isolated populations can diverge from the main population, leading to new species.

Question 2

Which of the following observations by Darwin was most critical in leading to his inference that individuals struggle for existence?

Accepted Answer

All species have the capacity to increase in number geometrically.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a subtlety of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection is progressive and always leads to greater complexity.

Question 4

A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most of the population is resistant. Which statement best explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

Resistant individuals were already present and survived to reproduce.

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of fitness in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

Individuals that survive and reproduce more than others in their environment.

Question 6

Why did the frequency of the melanic (dark) morph of the peppered moth increase during the Industrial Revolution in England?

Accepted Answer

Melanic moths were better camouflaged on polluted tree trunks, reducing predation.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of microevolution?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of pesticide resistance in a population of insects.

Question 8

What is the main reason that acquired traits (such as muscle size from exercise) are generally not passed on to offspring?

Accepted Answer

Acquired traits do not usually involve changes in the genetic material.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why the silversword plant in Hawaii is more genetically similar to the mountain dubautia (also in Hawaii) than to the Queen of the Andes, despite physical similarities between the silversword and the Queen of the Andes?

Accepted Answer

Geographic proximity leads to greater genetic similarity due to recent common ancestry.

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct application of Darwin’s inference that 'survival depends partly on genetic makeup'?

Accepted Answer

In a population of bacteria, those with a gene for antibiotic resistance survive when the antibiotic is present.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes why natural selection is not considered 'progressive'?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection does not have a predetermined goal and does not always lead to greater complexity.

Question 12

A population of guppies is transplanted from a pool with pike-cichlid predators to a pool with only killifish. After 15 generations, the males are more brightly colored. What is the best explanation for this change?

Accepted Answer

Brighter coloration increased mating success in the absence of strong predation on adults.

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution involves changes within a species, while macroevolution involves the formation of new species or higher taxonomic groups.

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents geometric population growth as described by Darwin?

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = N_0$ 	imes r^t$$

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a source of heritable variation upon which natural selection can act?

Accepted Answer

Traits acquired during an individual's lifetime

Question 16

In the context of natural selection, what does the term 'editor' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection eliminates unfit variants from the population.

Question 17

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The silversword in Hawaii and the Queen of the Andes in South America have similar physical traits due to similar environments, not close ancestry.

Lec: 7 Natural Selection and Evidence for Evolution

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