Evolution Test

Molecular evidence in support of natural selection includes

• the nearly universal genetic code.

• the presence of vestigial structures.

• a tendency toward perfect, unchanging DNA in various species.

• the transmission of acquired characteristics by DNA.

Charles Darwin viewed the fossil record as

• evidence that Earth was thousands of years old.

• useful support for his theory.

• interesting but unrelated to the evolution of modern species.

• evidence that traits are acquired through use or disuse.

The number and location of bones of many fossil vertebrates are similar to those in living vertebrates. This is evidence in support of which of the following concepts?

• Lamarck’s tendency towards perfection

• common descent

• analogous structures

• the inheritance of acquired traits

Biogeography is the study of

• where species and their ancestors live.

• how extinct species can be related to living species.

• how different species can interbreed

• how animals that live in the same area are closely related.

The principle of common descent helps explain why

• well-adapted species have many offspring.

• conditions in an organism’s environment ensures the organism’s survival.

• birds and reptiles share a number of inherited characteristics.

• tigers are so different from cheetahs.

Which statement is part of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural select

• More offspring are produced than can possibly survive.

• The organisms that are the fittest are always largest and strongest.

• The number of offspring is not related to fitness

• Acquired characteristics that are inherited are the cause of evolution

Which of the following phrases best describes the results of natural selection?

• the natural variation found in all populations

• unrelated species living in different locations

• changes in the inherited characteristics of a population over time

• the struggle for existence undergone by all living things

According to Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the individuals that tend to survive are those that have

• characteristics their parents acquired by use and disuse.

• characteristics that plant and animal breeders value.

• the greatest number of offspring.

• variations best suited to environmental conditions.

Charles Darwin called the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its specific environment

• diversity.

• fitness

• adaptation.

• evolution.

Which statement about the members of a population that live long enough to reproduce is consistent with the theory of evolution by natural selection?

• They transmit characteristics acquired by use and disuse to their offspring.

• They tend to produce fewer offspring than others in the population.

• They are the ones that are best adapted to survive in their environment.

• They will perpetuate unfavorable changes in the species.