Evolution & Natural Selection

Which characteristic BEST indicates an evolutionary relationship between birds and reptiles?

• scales
• feathers
• warm blood
• hard-shelled eggs

Which most likely led to major changes in biological evolution?

• separation of landmasses
• short time periods of drought conditions
• long time periods with no volcanic eruptions
• migration of animals from one area to another

Which evidence best supports the theory that many species of organisms have become extinct?

• current fossil records reflect only species that exist today
• radioactive dating of rocks provides evidence of extinct species.
• some fossil records reflect organisms that no longer exist today
• scientists have uncovered ancient writings that describe organisms no longer living

Many plants and animals native to Australia are found nowhere else on Earth. Which best explains this?

• The soil of Australia has a high mineral content with plenty of moisture.
• Geologic evolution occurred, separating Australia from other land masses.
• The climate of Australia is very favorable to many plant and animal species.
• Biological evolution failed to create changes in the plant and animal species of Australia.

What do transitional fossils best support?

• the theory of biological evolution
• the law of superposition
• the theory of geological evolution
• the theory of continental drift

Evolution can best be described as which type of change?

• absolute change
• extreme change
• gradual change

The prairie dog has many adaptions to its ecosystem. Which best explains the genetic variation in the prairie dog that provided adaptation to its ecosystem?

• exceptional vision to see a great distance on the prairie
• claws to dig tunnels for shelter from predators
• long tails to anchor themselves to trees

How is genetic variation related to an organism's ability to adapt to its environment?

• When genetic variation is low, the ability to adapt is high
• When genetic variation is high, the ability to adapt is low
• When genetic variation is low, the ability to adapt is low
• Genetic variation is unrealted to the ability to adapt

Why is genetic variation within a species important for the survival of the species?

• It will likely result in larger individuals in the species.
• It will likely result in the species becoming predators.
• It will likely result in more intelligent individuals in the species
• It will likely result in individuals in the species being able to adapt to their environment.

A strawberry farmer finds that, after a hard freeze, some of his strawberries are still alive. Which best explains why these strawberries were able to survive?

• They have larger leaves to protect the fruit than the other strawberries
• They have different genetic variations that cause them to be more resistant to cold temperatures
• They are able to reproduce more quickly than the other strawberries
• The color of the strawberries is darker, and they maintain their temperature better than other strawberries.