Question 1

Which of the following best describes the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and what is the correct equation for calculating allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

A population in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences; $$p^2 + 2pq$$ + $$q^2 = 1$

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

$$2pq = 2(0.7)(0.3) = 0.42$$

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 to result in the fixation of a harmful allele in a small population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Question 5

A population of frogs is split by the construction of a highway, preventing gene flow between the two groups. Over time, the two groups diverge genetically and can no longer interbreed. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Non-random mating

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why harmful alleles can become fixed in a population?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift in small populations can randomly increase the frequency of harmful alleles until they become fixed

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of postzygotic reproductive isolation?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid offspring of two species of frogs are sterile

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the logistic growth model for population growth?

Accepted Answer

Population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity, following $$\frac{dN}{dt} = rN \left(1 - \frac{N}{K}\right)$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a density-dependent factor that can regulate population size?

Accepted Answer

Competition for resources

Question 11

Which of the following best describes resource partitioning in a biological community?

Accepted Answer

Closely related species use different resources or occupy different niches to reduce competition

Question 12

Which of the following is a primary producer in an aquatic ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of biological magnification?

Accepted Answer

Toxins become more concentrated in organisms at higher trophic levels

Question 14

Which of the following is a likely effect of increased atmospheric $$CO_2 on $$global ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced greenhouse effect leading to global warming

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary succession?

Accepted Answer

Primary succession occurs on newly formed habitats without soil, while secondary succession occurs where soil remains after a disturbance

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis removes $$CO_2$$ from the atmosphere and incorporates it into organic molecules

Question 18

Which of the following is an abiotic factor that can influence the distribution of organisms?

Accepted Answer

Soil pH

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why genetic variation is important for natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It provides the raw material for selection to act upon, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments

Study Guide: Evolution and Ecology – General Biology Final Exam Review

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