Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'theory' in the context of science?

Accepted Answer

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.

Question 2

Why is evolution considered a scientific theory rather than a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Because it is supported by extensive evidence from multiple scientific disciplines and explains a wide range of observations.

Question 3

Charles Darwin's main contribution to evolutionary biology was:

Accepted Answer

Proposing natural selection as the mechanism by which evolution occurs.

Question 4

In the context of natural selection, which phrase more accurately describes Darwin's idea?

Accepted Answer

'Survival of the more fit,' because individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Question 5

In a simulation where beads represent alleles, why are two beads removed per individual?

Accepted Answer

Because each individual has two alleles for each gene, one from each parent.

Question 6

The Hardy-Weinberg Principle provides information about:

Accepted Answer

The genetic makeup of a population that is not evolving, allowing scientists to detect when evolution is occurring.

Question 7

Which equation represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for allele frequencies?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

If a population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what does this indicate about its genetic structure?

Accepted Answer

The allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary forces.

Question 9

Which of the following best distinguishes positive selection from negative selection?

Accepted Answer

Positive selection increases the frequency of advantageous alleles, while negative selection decreases the frequency of deleterious alleles.

Question 10

Which trait is considered more recently acquired in the Volvocine line of algae?

Accepted Answer

Multicellularity with cellular differentiation

Question 11

Which types of evidence are commonly used to arrange species in an evolutionary lineage?

Accepted Answer

Morphological, molecular, and fossil evidence

Question 12

What could cause scientists to change the arrangement of species in an evolutionary tree?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of new fossil or molecular evidence that contradicts previous data

Question 13

Which scenario would make you more confident about the placement of a species in a lineage?

Accepted Answer

Consistent evidence from multiple independent sources, such as DNA, morphology, and fossils

Question 14

Does an increase in complexity always mean that a species has a shorter evolutionary history? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

No, because complexity can arise independently and does not necessarily correlate with evolutionary age.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Small population size

Question 17

A scientist discovers a new species of algae with both unicellular and colonial forms. Which evidence would best help determine its placement in the Volvocine lineage?

Accepted Answer

Comparing its DNA sequences with known Volvocine species

Question 18

If a population is not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what can you infer?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary forces such as selection, mutation, or genetic drift are acting on the population.

Question 19

Which of the following real-world scenarios best illustrates positive selection?

Accepted Answer

The increase in frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria exposed to antibiotics.

Question 20

Which of the following would violate the assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population of flowering plants?

Accepted Answer

A mutation that changes flower color

Step-by-Step Guidance for Evolution Lab Preparatory Questions

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards