Q: A population of 200 plants has the following genotypes: 20 AA, 50 Aa, and 30 aa. Calculate the frequency of allele A ($$p) in $$the population.

$$p = \frac{2(20) + 50}{2 \times 100} = 0.45$$

Question 1

Which of the following is a key assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium that, if violated, can lead to evolution in a population?

Accepted Answer

Random mating among individuals

Question 2

A population of 200 plants has the following genotypes: 20 AA, 50 Aa, and 30 aa. Calculate the frequency of allele A ($$p) in $$the population.

Accepted Answer

$$p = \frac{2(20) + 50}{2 	imes 100} = 0.45$$

Question 3

If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which of the following statements is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Allele frequencies remain constant over generations

Question 4

Which evolutionary mechanism is the ONLY one that can generate entirely new alleles in a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 5

A small population of birds is isolated on an island after a storm. Over generations, some alleles are lost and others become fixed. Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely responsible for this change?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 6

In a population, the genotype frequencies change over time, but the allele frequencies remain the same. Which process is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Non-random mating (inbreeding)

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the effect of gene flow on two populations of the same species?

Accepted Answer

It tends to make their allele frequencies more similar

Question 8

A population of plants undergoes self-fertilization for several generations. What is the most likely long-term consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in heterozygosity and increased risk of inbreeding depression

Question 9

Which scenario is an example of the founder effect?

Accepted Answer

A small group of individuals migrates to a new area and establishes a new population with reduced genetic diversity

Question 10

Why are elaborate traits such as peacock trains or elk antlers typically found only in males?

Accepted Answer

Sexual selection acts more strongly on males due to lower energetic investment in gametes

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE about genetic drift?

Accepted Answer

It is random with respect to fitness and can lead to loss or fixation of alleles

Question 12

A population of 200 plants has 27 AA, 53 Aa, and 20 aa individuals. After several generations of self-fertilization, the population has 46 AA, 15 Aa, and 39 aa individuals. What happened to the allele frequencies?

Accepted Answer

Allele frequencies remained unchanged, but heterozygosity decreased

Question 13

Which evolutionary mechanism is most likely to increase genetic diversity in a fragmented population?

Accepted Answer

Gene flow

Question 14

Which of the following is a consequence of inbreeding depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased expression of deleterious recessive alleles and reduced fitness

Question 15

Which process is responsible for adaptations in a population?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 16

A population of white and red flowers is pollinated more often by bees when the flowers are white. Over time, the frequency of the allele for white flowers increases. Which mechanism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 17

Which of the following best describes sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

Selection for traits that increase mating success, often leading to elaborate ornaments or displays

Question 18

Which evolutionary mechanism is random with respect to fitness and does NOT generate new alleles?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 19

If a population experiences a sudden reduction in size due to a natural disaster, what is the likely evolutionary consequence?

Accepted Answer

A genetic bottleneck, leading to reduced genetic diversity and stronger genetic drift

Question 20

Which of the following statements about mutation is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Mutations are random with respect to fitness and are the ultimate source of new alleles

Population Genetics and Mechanisms of Evolution: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Evolutionary Forces

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards