Evolution Quiz

What is adaptation in the context of natural selection?

• The process by which a species becomes extinct

• A random mutation that has no effect on an organism's fitness

• A characteristic that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment

• The decrease in a population's genetic variability over time

Which of the following is an example of natural selection?

• A giraffe stretching its neck to reach higher leaves

• Bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics

• A dog learning new tricks

• A plant growing towards the light

What factor does NOT influence evolution?

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• Artificial selection

• The color preference of an individual

Which of the following best describes the concept of "survival of the fittest"?

• The strongest animals in a population are the only ones that survive.

• Only the fastest animals in a population can escape predators and survive.

• Organisms that are best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

• The largest animals in a population consume the most food and therefore survive.

How can genetic variation in a population affect natural selection?

• It has no effect on natural selection.

• It decreases the rate of natural selection.

• It provides the raw material upon which natural selection can act.

• It prevents natural selection from occurring.

Which of the following is a mechanism of microevolution?

• Continental drift

• Gene flow

• Solar flares

• Plate tectonics

What is the primary cause of adaptation in organisms?

• Chance

• Natural selection

• Human intervention

• All of the above

Which of the following is an example of an adaptation?

• A polar bear's white fur

• A tree losing its leaves in winter

• A human developing muscles with exercise

• Both A and B

What role does mutation play in evolution?

• It decreases genetic variation.

• It has no role in evolution.

• It is the only source of new alleles.

• It always results in beneficial traits.

Which of the following factors can lead to evolution in a population?

• Migration

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• All of the above