Question 1

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory in biology?

Accepted Answer

A statement that is supported by a wide body of evidence.

Question 2

The idea that giraffes evolved long necks to obtain food is best classified as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a component of the pattern of evolution?

Accepted Answer

All species have identical genetic material.

Question 4

In areas with high HIV infection rates, why are human populations considered to be evolving?

Accepted Answer

Because genetic variation in resistance to AIDS leads to increased frequency of resistance alleles over time.

Question 5

Which of the following best defines natural selection?

Accepted Answer

The process by which individuals with certain heritable traits tend to produce more surviving offspring.

Question 6

Which step in Darwin’s reasoning explains why most populations do not grow exponentially despite high reproductive capacity?

Accepted Answer

Many eggs/offspring die before reproducing.

Question 7

Why is the pattern of death among offspring in a population not entirely random?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals have traits better suited to the environment, increasing their chances of survival.

Question 8

Which of the following is a line of evidence for species changing through time?

Accepted Answer

Fossils

Question 9

What does the fossil record suggest when fossil species resemble extant species in the same area?

Accepted Answer

Descent with modification

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a type of homology used as evidence for evolution?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral

Question 11

How do homologies help biologists construct evolutionary trees (cladograms)?

Accepted Answer

By tracking relative similarities among different types of organisms.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Astragalus in fossil whales

Question 13

Which hypothesis about whale ancestry is supported by molecular homology evidence?

Accepted Answer

Whales are most closely related to hippos.

Question 14

Why do vertebrate embryos display developmental homologies?

Accepted Answer

They share genes that program development.

Question 15

Which of the following is a molecular/genetic homology?

Accepted Answer

Similarities in DNA for metabolic compounds

Question 16

Which equation best represents exponential growth in a population?

Accepted Answer

$$N_t = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why evolution of resistance to AIDS may be slowed down in human populations?

Accepted Answer

Low genetic variation for resistance alleles

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a direct result of natural selection?

Accepted Answer

Random changes in gene frequencies

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the process and pattern components of evolutionary theory is correct?

Accepted Answer

The pattern component describes the general phenomenon, while the process component explains what generates the pattern.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of descent with modification?

Accepted Answer

Fossil species resembling extant species in the same area

The Pattern of Evolution and Introduction to Natural Selection

Study Guide - Practice Questions