Evolution Test Guide Review (2025)

1. Compare and contrast the theories of punctuated equilibrium and gradualism.

• Punctuated equilibrium suggests rapid evolution followed by stability

  Gradualism proposes slow and steady evolution.

• Punctuated equilibrium suggests slow evolution followed by rapid changes.
• Gradualism proposes rapid evolution followed by stability.
• Punctuated equilibrium suggests no evolution at all.

Is this an example of gradualism or punctuated equilibrium?

• Gradualism (slow steady change over time)

• Punctuated Equilibrium (rapid speciation event followed by a long period of little or no change)

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Is this an example of gradualism or punctuated equilibrium?

• Gradualism (slow steady change over time)

• Punctuated Equilibrium (rapid speciation event followed by a long period of little or no change)

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1. What is common descent? Use this concept to explain how diversity of life on Earth came from a common ancestor. 

• All living organisms on Earth share a common ancestor due to the process of evolution by natural selection.
• The diversity of life on Earth is due to aliens introducing different species.
• All organisms on Earth were created separately and do not share a common ancestor.
• The common descent theory suggests that each species originated from a different ancestor.

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1. What is a fossil and what can it tell us about the Earth?

• A fossil is a type of rock found on Earth's surface, revealing the composition of the planet.
• Fossils are artifacts left behind by aliens, giving us insights into extraterrestrial life.
• Fossils are mythical creatures that lived in the past, providing no real information about Earth.
• A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of organisms from the past, providing insights into Earth's history, evolution, environments, and climate changes.

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1. How is evidence of extinct species used to support the theory of evolution? 

• Extinct species disprove the theory of evolution by showing gaps in the fossil record.
• Extinct species provide a record of transitional forms and demonstrate the process of natural selection and adaptation.
• Evidence of extinct species is irrelevant to the theory of evolution.
• Extinct species provide evidence for creationism rather than evolution.

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1. How are mutations related to evolution?

• Mutations have no impact on evolution
• Mutations occur only in non-evolving species
• Mutations always lead to negative outcomes in evolution
• Mutations introduce genetic variations that can be acted upon by natural selection, driving the evolution of species.

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1. Explain what Darwin meant when he said that evolution is "descent with modification". 

• Evolution is the process of species adapting to their environment without any genetic changes.
• Evolution is the process by which species change over time through the passing of traits from parent to offspring with modifications accumulating over generations.
• Evolution is the process of species changing rapidly within a single generation.
• Evolution is the process of species remaining unchanged over time.

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1.  How does allele frequency impact the gene pool?

• Allele frequency impacts the gene pool by influencing genetic diversity and potentially leading to evolution.
• Allele frequency leads to decreased genetic diversity in the gene pool
• Allele frequency only affects individual organisms, not the gene pool
• Allele frequency has no impact on the gene pool

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Does gene flow into a population increase or decrease genetic variation in that population?

• decrease
• eliminate
• stay the same
• increase