Evolution Unit

Which of the following is a term for a group of similar organisms that can reproduce fertile offspring?

• individual
• population
• species
• fossil

If an organism has a vestigial structure, that structure likely once had a function in a(n)

• close relative
• early ancestor
• unrelated organism
• embryological stage

Mutations are important because they bring about

• death of the organism in which they develop
• genetic variation needed for a population to evolve
• benefits for the individual, not for the population
• Hardey-Weinberg equilibrium within a population

Extinction can occur because of which of the following?

• All can be causes of extinction.
• Increased competition with other species
• New predators within the environment
• Loss of habitat and/or catastrophes

Finches on the Galapagos Islands had different beaks in order to help them do what?

• Build nests
• Fight off predators
• Collect food sources
• Compete with rivals

This scientist came up with the idea of natural selection.

• Jean Baptiste Lamarck
• Gregor Mendel
• Charles Darwin
• Thomas Malthus

A remnant or trace of an organism from the past is called a _______.

• Ancestor
• Skeleton
• Fossil
• Imprints

Inherited trait that helps an organism survive is a(n) __________.

• Fossil
• Adaptation
• Ancestor
• Natural selection

Survival of the fittest or when favorable adaptations reproduce faster is called what?

• Evolution
• Adaptation
• Natural selection
• Fossilization

This occurs when no more of a species is living.

• Fossilization
• Adaptation
• Extinction
• Natural selection