Question 1

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Darwin's theory of natural selection and Mendel's work on genetics?

Accepted Answer

Mendel's discoveries about inheritance provided a genetic mechanism that complemented Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Question 2

A population of beetles has two alleles at a locus: S and A. If the frequency of genotype SS is 81%, SA is 18%, and AA is 1%, what is the frequency of allele S in the population? Use the Hardy-Weinberg equation.

Accepted Answer

$p = 0.90$

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Differential fitness between genotypes

Question 4

What is the significance of the equation $p + q = 1$ in population genetics?

Accepted Answer

It shows that the sum of the frequencies of two alleles at a locus equals 1.

Question 5

Which of the following scenarios would most likely violate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population?

Accepted Answer

A small, isolated population experiencing genetic drift.

Question 6

Phenotypic plasticity in plants refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ability of a plant to change its trait expression in response to environmental conditions.

Question 7

If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what is the expected frequency of heterozygotes ($2pq$) if $p = 0.7$ and $q = 0.3$?

Accepted Answer

$2pq = 0.21$

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A population of moths develops darker coloration over generations due to increased predation on lighter moths.

Question 9

Which statement about alleles is correct according to Mendelian genetics?

Accepted Answer

Alleles are alternate forms of a gene that can prevent the expression of others.

Question 10

A population of sticky cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa) shows locally adapted and genetically distinctive populations. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Genetic variation within a species

Question 11

Which of the following is a direct consequence of random mating in a population?

Accepted Answer

Genotype frequencies can be predicted using the Hardy-Weinberg equation.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

$q^2 = 0.04$

Question 13

Which evolutionary force is most likely responsible for a sudden change in allele frequencies in a small, isolated population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 14

Why is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model important in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

It provides a baseline to identify evolutionary forces that change gene frequencies.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Question 16

A population of beetles has three genotypes: SS, SA, and AA. If you observe the number of each genotype, what can you determine?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of each allele in the population.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes adaptation in the context of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

A change in a population that improves its ability to survive in a particular environment.

Question 18

If a population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

At least one condition of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is not being met.

Question 19

Which equation is used to calculate the expected genotype frequencies in a population with two alleles under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

A population of garden peas is studied for a gene with two alleles, G and g. If the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the frequency of allele G is $p = 0.6$, what is the expected frequency of genotype Gg?

Accepted Answer

$2pq = 0.48$

Population Genetics and Natural Selection: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards