Natural Selection and Evolution

What is adaptation?

• The process of ignoring new conditions or changes in the environment.

• The process of staying the same despite new conditions or changes in the environment.

• The process of adjusting to new conditions or changes in the environment.

• The process of avoiding new conditions or changes in the environment.

Answer explanation

Adaptation is the process of adjusting to new conditions or changes in the environment, allowing organisms to survive and thrive. The correct choice highlights this essential ability to respond to environmental shifts.

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What is genetic drift?

• Gradual change in allele frequency in a population over time due to natural selection.

• Random change in allele frequency in a population over time due to genetic mutations.

• Systematic change in allele frequency in a population over time due to genetic recombination.

• Random change in allele frequency in a population over time due to chance events.

Answer explanation

Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population due to chance events, such as natural disasters or random mating, rather than natural selection or mutations.

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What is mutation?

• A process in which an organism develops new traits.

• A process in which the genetic material of an organism is altered.

• A process in which an organism reproduces asexually.

• A process in which an organism changes its physical appearance.

Answer explanation

Mutation refers to a process where the genetic material of an organism is altered, leading to changes in traits. This distinguishes it from other processes like asexual reproduction or changes in physical appearance.

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What is natural selection?

• The process by which certain traits or characteristics become more or less common in a population over time, based on their impact on survival and reproduction.

• The process by which certain traits or characteristics are passed down from parents to offspring.

• The process by which certain traits or characteristics are determined by external factors.

• The process by which certain traits or characteristics are randomly selected in a population over time.

Answer explanation

Natural selection is the process where traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time, making the first answer choice correct.

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What is evolution?

• The process of change in non-living things over generations.

• The process of change in all forms of life over a single generation.

• The process of change in all forms of life over generations.

• The process of change in only human beings over generations.

Answer explanation

Evolution is defined as the process of change in all forms of life over generations, encompassing the gradual development of species through natural selection and genetic variation.

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Give an example of adaptation in animals.

• Hibernation

• Migration

• Photosynthesis

• Camouflage

Answer explanation

Camouflage is an adaptation that allows animals to blend into their environment, helping them avoid predators or sneak up on prey. This ability to change color or pattern is crucial for survival in the wild.

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How does genetic drift affect small populations?

• Genetic drift has no effect on small populations.

• Genetic drift increases allele frequency and enhances genetic diversity in small populations.

• Genetic drift only affects large populations, not small populations.

• Genetic drift causes random changes in allele frequency and can lead to loss of alleles and decreased genetic diversity.

Answer explanation

Genetic drift causes random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations, leading to the loss of alleles and decreased genetic diversity. This can significantly impact the population's adaptability and survival.

What are the different types of mutations?

• deletion mutations

• point mutations, frameshift mutations, chromosomal mutations

• insertion mutations

• substitution mutations

Answer explanation

The correct answer includes point mutations, frameshift mutations, and chromosomal mutations, which are key categories of mutations. Deletion and insertion mutations are types of point mutations, while substitution mutations are a specific type of point mutation.

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What are the three main types of natural selection?

• passive selection, active selection, and neutral selection

• predatory selection, competitive selection, and cooperative selection

• directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection

• random selection, artificial selection, and sexual selection

Answer explanation

The three main types of natural selection are directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection. These processes describe how traits evolve in populations based on environmental pressures.

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What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

• Fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology, and observed natural selection.

• Creationism, intelligent design, and spontaneous generation.

• Lamarckism, inheritance of acquired characteristics, and divine intervention.

• Mutationism, genetic drift, and Lamarckism.

Answer explanation

The correct choice includes fossil records, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology, and observed natural selection, all of which provide substantial evidence supporting the theory of evolution.

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