Evolution and Natural Selection Quiz

What is the primary mechanism of evolution according to Darwin's theory?

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• Artificial selection

• Mutation

Genetic drift can have a significant impact on the gene pool of a population. Which of the following best describes genetic drift?

• A process that increases genetic variation within a population

• A random change in allele frequencies in a population

• A directional change in allele frequencies driven by environmental pressures

• A mechanism that ensures only the fittest individuals pass their genes to the next generation

Which of the following is considered evidence for common ancestry among different species?

• Homologous structures

• vestigial structures

• Genetic similarities (amino acids, DNA)

• All of the above

What type of natural selection results in the favoring of an average phenotype over extreme phenotypes?

• Directional selection

• Disruptive selection

• Stabilizing selection

• Sexual selection

Genetic drift is more likely to have a noticeable effect in which type of population?

• Large populations with high genetic variation

• Small, isolated populations

• Populations with high mutation rates

• Populations that are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Which of the following is NOT a type of natural selection?

• Directional selection

• Kin selection

• Diversifying selection

• Stabilizing selection

Which mechanism of evolution is most likely to decrease genetic variation within a population?

• Mutation

• Gene flow

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection