Question 1

Which of the following best describes a 'branch point' on an evolutionary tree?

Accepted Answer

A point where a single lineage splits into two distinct evolutionary paths.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT one of the three multicellular kingdoms within Eukarya?

Accepted Answer

Protists

Question 3

A scientist proposes a hypothesis that brightly colored spots on male guppies increase their chances of being selected by females. Which two criteria must this hypothesis meet to be considered scientific?

Accepted Answer

It must be testable and falsifiable.

Question 4

Which statement best explains the difference between 'lineage' and 'trait' in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

A trait is a characteristic, while a lineage is a sequence of species evolving over time.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

The development of wings in bats and birds.

Question 6

Which process is random in evolution?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 7

If a population of cliff swallows is exposed to a sudden decrease in available nesting sites, which evolutionary mechanism is most likely to affect the population size?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection

Question 8

Which equation best represents the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for a gene with two alleles, $$p$$ and $$q$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why natural selection does not always produce 'perfect' organisms?

Accepted Answer

Natural selection can only act on existing variation and is limited by historical constraints.

Question 10

A population of guppies is moved from an environment with many visual predators to one with few visual predators. What is the most likely evolutionary outcome for male guppy coloration?

Accepted Answer

Male guppies will evolve brighter coloration due to reduced predation pressure.

Question 11

Which of the following is a property of evolution by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

It requires heritable variation in traits.

Question 12

Which scientist is most closely associated with the idea of inheritance of acquired characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Question 13

Which of the following best describes sexual selection?

Accepted Answer

Selection imposed by female choice on male traits.

Question 14

Which evolutionary process can increase genetic variation within a population?

Accepted Answer

Mutation

Question 15

A scientist finds a fossil in a rock pocket mouse population that shows a transition from light to dark fur. What does this fossil most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

A character transition due to natural selection.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a homologous structure?

Accepted Answer

The forelimbs of humans and whales.

Question 17

Which of the following mechanisms can limit the growth of a population?

Accepted Answer

Limited food and resources.

Question 18

Which statement best describes the relationship between evolution and natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Evolution can occur without natural selection, such as through genetic drift.

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world example of adaptation by natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Peppered moths evolving darker coloration in polluted environments.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why brightly colored spots on male guppies can be disadvantageous?

Accepted Answer

They increase visibility to predators, raising the risk of predation.

Study Guide: Evolution and Natural Selection

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards