Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of common descent in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

All species share a common ancestor and have diverged over time.

Question 2

According to natural selection, which trait would most likely increase in frequency in a population of finches during a drought if larger seeds become the primary food source?

Accepted Answer

Larger beak size

Question 3

Which statement correctly explains a difference between Lamarck’s and Darwin’s ideas about evolution?

Accepted Answer

Darwin explained that populations become better adapted over time, whereas Lamarck explained how individuals change in their own environment.

Question 4

Which of the following is a real-world example of artificial selection?

Accepted Answer

Humans breeding dogs for specific traits such as size or temperament

Question 5

A population of insects is exposed to a new pesticide. After several generations, most individuals are resistant to the pesticide. Which process best explains this outcome?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 6

Which of the following statements about vestigial structures is correct?

Accepted Answer

Vestigial structures are traits that have lost most or all of their original function.

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of homology?

Accepted Answer

The wings of bats and the wings of birds, which have similar bone structures

Question 8

Which statement best describes the role of mutation in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Mutation introduces new genetic variation, which can be acted upon by natural selection.

Question 9

Given the following DNA sequences, which two species are most closely related? Species 1: TCG GGC TCT TTA GCA GAA; Species 2: TCG GGC TCT TTA GCA GAA; Species 3: TCG GGC TCT TTA GCA GAC

Accepted Answer

Species 1 and Species 2

Question 10

Which of the following is a misconception about evolution?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection always produces perfectly adapted organisms.

Question 11

Which of the following equations represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for allele frequencies in a population?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

A phylogenetic tree shows that jaguars, lions, leopards, and tigers share a common ancestor. What does this imply about their evolutionary relationships?

Accepted Answer

They share homologous traits due to common ancestry.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes population thinking in biology?

Accepted Answer

Population thinking requires scientists to consider the full variation present in nature.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for natural selection to occur?

Accepted Answer

All individuals must survive and reproduce equally

Question 15

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the evidence for evolution provided by fossils?

Accepted Answer

Fossils are only found in the oldest layers of rock.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a transitional fossil?

Accepted Answer

A fossil that shows a mixture of traits found in both ancestral and derived species.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a powerful example of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria with resistance genes survive and reproduce, passing resistance to future generations.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about adaptation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Adaptations are traits that increase an organism’s fitness in a particular environment.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of analogy rather than homology?

Accepted Answer

The wings of bats and the wings of birds, which have different evolutionary origins but similar functions.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about evolutionary trees is correct?

Accepted Answer

Branches represent evolutionary relationships and common ancestry.

Study Guide: Evolution and Natural Selection

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards