Primate Evolution and Mechanisms

According to Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection, the individuals that tend to survive are those that have

• parents who used specific traits only

• characteristics that plant and animal breeders value

• the greatest number of offspring

• variations best suited to the environment

In the phrase "survival of the fittest", what does the term fit mean?

• physically strong

• large in size

• blends into the environment

• can survive/reproduce successfully

The species of finches that Darwin observed differed in the shape of their beaks. According to Darwin, all of these species probably

• Had a common ancestor

• Had migrated from Africa

• Had descended from similar birds in Africa

• Ate the same diet

Two closely related populations of mice have been separated for many generations by a river. Climatic change causes the river to dry up, thereby bringing the mice populations back into contact in a zone of overlap. Which of the following is not a possible outcome when they meet?

• They begin to interbreed freely and produce fertile hybrid offspring

• They no longer attempt to interbreed

• They interbreed in the region of overlap only

• They interbreed and produce sterile offspring

Humans change places around the globe over time. This changes the gene pool because of

• mutation

• natural selection

• gene flow/migration

• genetic drift/small population size

When comparing 2 populations of animals, which statement most likely indicates that they are the same species?

• They produce fertile offspring

• They live in the same area

• They appear physically similar

• They eat the same food

Which example best illustrates the process of natural selection?

• Giraffe necks varied in length, and all offspring had an equal chance of survival

• Giraffe necks varied in length and the shorter-necked giraffes were at a disadvantage

• Giraffes with short necks migrated to locations best suited for their neck lengths

• Giraffes stretched their necks to reach for food, and resulting offspring had longer necks

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

All of the genes in a population make up this:

• Gene selection

• Gene pool

• Gene variation

• Gene differentiation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which biological process creates new genetic variation?

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

• Mutation

• Nonrandom mating

Darwin thought that the animals of the Galapagos Islands were similar to those of the nearby coast of South America because

• the animals' ancestors migrated from South America to the Galapagos Islands

• the animals had all been brought to the islands by humans

• the islands had slowly drifted away from the mainland

• the animals in both places had evolved in nearly identical environments