Evolution and Genetic Principles Quiz

Which of the following best describes analogous structures?

• Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry.

• Structures in different species that have a similar function but did not evolve from a common ancestor.

• Structures that are present in an organism but no longer serve a significant function.

• Structures in the same organism that serve different functions.

What are homologous structures?

• Structures that serve the same function in different species and are derived from common ancestry.

• Structures that serve different functions but are derived from common ancestry.

• Structures that serve the same function in different species but are not derived from common ancestry.

• Structures that have no apparent function and are not derived from common ancestry.

Genetic drift can best be described as:

• A process that ensures genetic traits are passed on to the next generation.

• A mechanism of evolution that acts in addition to natural selection.

• Random changes in the allele frequencies of a population.

• The movement of alleles from one population to another.

The founder effect occurs when:

• A new colony is started by a few members of the original population.

• A large population is drastically reduced in size.

• Individuals in a population mate based on their genotype or phenotype.

• A population migrates to a new environment and adapts through natural selection.

What is the bottleneck effect?

• The process by which new species are created.

• A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities.

• The effect of the founders of a new population on its genetic diversity.

• The increase in genetic diversity due to mutations.

Non-random mating occurs when:

• Mates are chosen by chance.

• Mates are chosen based on their physical proximity.

• Mates are chosen based on certain traits, leading to an increase in the frequency of those traits.

• All individuals in a population have an equal chance of reproducing.

Which of the following is a consequence of non-random mating?

• Increased genetic diversity.

• Decreased genetic diversity.

• No change in genetic diversity.

• Random changes in allele frequencies.

How does genetic drift differ from natural selection?

• Genetic drift involves changes in allele frequencies due to chance, while natural selection involves changes due to differential reproductive success.

• Genetic drift increases genetic diversity, while natural selection decreases it.

• Genetic drift is a predictable process, while natural selection is random.

• Genetic drift occurs only in small populations, while natural selection occurs in all populations.

Which of the following scenarios is an example of the bottleneck effect?

• A flood kills 90% of a population of mice, leaving a small, genetically non-representative sample of the original population.

• A few birds from a mainland population colonize a new island.

• A population of flowers is pollinated only by bees that prefer blue flowers over red flowers.

• A population of rabbits becomes separated by a river, leading to two distinct populations.

Which statement best describes the relationship between evolution and genetic drift?

• Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that can lead to significant changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.

• Genetic drift prevents evolution from occurring by keeping allele frequencies constant.

• Evolution only occurs through natural selection, not genetic drift.

• Genetic drift and evolution are unrelated processes.