Evolution and Natural Selection

Darwin suggested that we could never "watch" evolution in action. Why did he believe this?

• Because we cannot see evolution in other species.
• Because evolution is just a theory and not a fact.
• Because evolution takes several generations to occur.
• Because evolution would be boring to watch.

The diagram shows the beaks of four Finches that developed over time from one parent species. Explain why the beak shape of each species of Finch developed differently. 

• They adapted to look better, so they could reproduce and pass on traits.
• Their beaks adapted to help them hide from predators.
• They adapted to better eat the different foods available to them in the region they live in.
• They adapted so they could smell better.

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Evolution is __________ natural selection.

• dependent on
• independent of
• increased by the rate of 
• decreased by the rate of

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Which of the following can increase a species' chances of survival?

• Mutations
• Diversity
• Generations
• Genetic Engineering

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Which of the following most likely supports how giraffes evolved long necks?

• More long-necked giraffes survived to pass on their genes.
• More short-necked giraffes survived to pass on their genes.
• Short-necked giraffes grew longer necks to reach higher leaves.
• Short-necked giraffes modified their diets to evolve into a new species.

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The walking catfish is a species of fish that walks on land using its pectoral fins. During drought conditions, when there is little water in its habitat, the walking catfish can use its pectoral fins to get to areas with water.

• Walking catfish with small pectoral fins are more likely to survive a trip to distant areas of water. The population is likely to evolve to have smaller pectoral fins.
• Walking catfish with large pectoral fins are more likely to survive a trip to distant areas of water. The population is likely to evolve to have larger pectoral fins.
• Walking catfish with large pectoral fins and those with small pectoral fins are equally likely to survive a trip to distant areas of water. Both types of catfish  will then become extinct. 
• Walking catfish with large pectoral fins and those with small pectoral fins are equally likely to not survive the trip to distant areas of water. Both types of catfish will then become extinct.

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Scientists have collected fossil evidence of an organism that lived on Earth over forty million years ago. The species was a large-bodied, pig-like mammal with four small legs and smooth, hairless skin.

• It became extinct within one generation.
• It evolved into another species within one generation.
• It evolved into another species over many generations.
• It has remained unchanged over many generations.

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Which information would best help scientists verify the relationships among the organisms shown above?

• The organisms' DNA.
• The organisms' population sizes.
• The organisms' migratory patterns.
• The organisms' nutritional requirements.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following BEST supports the data shown in this graph?

• Something is causing the temperature to rise.
• Temperature measured in Celcius rises quickly.
• As time passes, the temperature decreases.
• As time passes, the temperature increases.

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_____ are inherited traits that gives an organism an advantage in its particular environment.

• Natural Selection
• Fossil
• Adaptations
• Evolution