Natural Selection and Genes

Multiple Choice

Which of the following BEST describes a gene?

• A random change in DNA

• A structure in a cell that contains a cell's chromosomes

• Made of DNA and contains instructions for building proteins

• A protein that makes up an organism's structure and helps it function

Multiple Choice

Which statement is correct?

• The ALX1 gene helps determine the feather colors of finches.

• A thin beak causes a protein involved in the development of the face to be built.

• The ALX1 gene is used to build a protein involved in the development of the face.

• A protein involved in the development of the face builds the ALX1 gene, which results in a thin beak.

Multiple Choice

Based on the picture, which is NOT true?

• The ALX1 gene has different alleles.

• The ALX1 alleles result in two different finch beak traits.

• The ALX1 alleles are used to build two identical proteins.

• The ALX1 gene produces proteins that affect beak development.

Multiple Choice

Green beetles are well camouflaged and hidden in their habitat, as shown in the photo below. Suppose a mutation occurs in a beetle’s gene. This mutation affects a protein, which in turn results in the beetle having red spots on its back.

Which of the following statements BEST describes this mutation?

• This would be a harmful mutation because it reduces the beetle’s ability to camouflage itself.

• This would be a beneficial mutation because it increases the beetle’s ability to camouflage itself.

• This would be a beneficial mutation because it reduces the beetle’s ability to camouflage itself.

• This would be a neutral mutation because it does not affect how well the beetle stands out.

Multiple Choice

Claudia is learning about mutations. She is very interested in mutations that affect an organism’s chances of

surviving and reproducing in a specific environment. She knows that these are the mutations that natural selection acts on.

Based on the chart below, which of the following statements is correct?

• The peacock mutation is harmful in woodland habitats.

• The mosquito mutation is neutral in environments with DDT.

• The peppered moth mutation is beneficial in unpolluted habitats.

• The peppered moth mutation is neutral in polluted environments.