Exploring the Roots of Evolution

What is the term for the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring?

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• Gene flow

• Mutation

Answer explanation

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and produce more offspring. It is a key mechanism of evolution.

Who is credited with the theory of natural selection?

• Gregor Mendel

• Charles Darwin

• Alfred Russel Wallace

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

Answer explanation

Charles Darwin is credited with the theory of natural selection. He proposed that species evolve through the process of natural selection, where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

What is a cladogram?

• A chart showing the timeline of species extinction

• A diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms

• A record of the number of mutations in a gene pool

• A map of where fossil records have been found

Answer explanation

A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms.

Which of the following best describes the fossil record?

• A DNA database of all living organisms

• A collection of myths about ancient creatures

• The total number of fossils found and the information they provide about past life

• A list of all the species currently living on Earth

Answer explanation

The fossil record refers to the total number of fossils found and the information they provide about past life.

What does a node on a cladogram represent?

• The end of a species

• A common ancestor shared by the lineages branching from it

• A random mutation event

• The start of a new species without any ancestors

Answer explanation

A node on a cladogram represents a common ancestor shared by the lineages branching from it. It signifies the point where different species diverged from a common ancestor.

Which of the following is a key component of natural selection?

• All individuals must survive to reproduce

• There must be no variation between individuals in a population

• Organisms must be able to develop new traits during their lifetime to adapt

• There must be variation among individuals in a population

Answer explanation

Natural selection requires variation among individuals in a population.

What is the term for the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past?

• Artifacts

• Fossils

• Relics

• Specimens

Answer explanation

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past.

Which of the following can be considered evidence for evolution?

• Homologous structures

• The second law of thermodynamics

• The geocentric model of the solar system

• The steady-state theory

Answer explanation

Homologous structures can be considered evidence for evolution.

What does the term "survival of the fittest" refer to in the context of natural selection?

• The strongest animals surviving while the weak die

• The survival and reproduction of individuals that are genetically best adapted to the environment

• The idea that only the largest and most powerful species survive

• The concept that individuals who exercise the most will survive

Answer explanation

The term 'survival of the fittest' refers to the survival and reproduction of individuals that are genetically best adapted to the environment.

What is the significance of the Galápagos Islands in the study of evolution?

• It is where the oldest fossils have been found

• It is the birthplace of Gregor Mendel

• It is where Charles Darwin made observations that helped him develop the theory of natural selection

• It is the only place on Earth where living dinosaurs can be found

Answer explanation

The Galápagos Islands are significant in the study of evolution because it is where Charles Darwin made observations that led to the development of the theory of natural selection.