Evolution Quiz

Which of the following best describes the principles of natural selection?

• The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• The transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring through DNA.

• The gradual growth of an organism from a single cell.

• The cycle of water through the environment.

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Explain how diversity within a species has resulted in an increase in fitness (survival of the fittest).

• By allowing for a greater range of adaptations to changing environments.

• Through limiting genetic variations and mutations.

• By reducing the gene pool and genetic diversity.

• Through promoting genetic uniformity across the species.

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List the different factors that contribute to genetic variation and explain which is considered to be the "ultimate" source.

• Mutation, Recombination, and Natural Selection, with Mutation being the ultimate source.

• Gene Flow, Genetic Drift, and Mutation, with Genetic Drift being the ultimate source.

• Natural Selection, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift, with Natural Selection being the ultimate source.

• Mutation, Gene Flow, and Natural Selection, with Mutation being the ultimate source.

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What is meant by the phrase, "individuals don't evolve, populations do."?

• Evolution occurs through the gradual change in individual organisms over their lifetimes.

• Evolution is a process that only affects certain individuals within a population.

• Evolution is a process that occurs over generations through changes in the genetic composition of populations.

• Evolution is a concept that applies to the development of new species but not to changes within a population.

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Which of the following is not a mechanism of microevolution?

• Mutation

• Gene flow

• Genetic drift

• Photosynthesis

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Which scenario exemplifies how genetic drift would have a bigger impact on a smaller population than a larger one?

• A population of 1000 rabbits where a few have a rare fur color mutation.

• A population of 10 rabbits where a few have a rare fur color mutation.

• A large population of rabbits experiencing a sudden increase in food supply.

• A small population of rabbits being introduced to a new predator.

Which of the following is not a condition that must be met for evolution to not occur?

• Extremely large population size

• No migration

• No mutation

• Random mating

• All of the above are conditions for evolution to not occur

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Which of the following best describes the difference between speciation and extinction?

• Speciation is the process of creating new species, while extinction is the loss of an existing species.

• Speciation and extinction both refer to the evolution of new species.

• Extinction is the process of creating new species, while speciation is the loss of an existing species.

• There is no significant difference between speciation and extinction.

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Explain why isolation would be necessary for speciation to occur.

• It allows for genetic drift to occur.

• It prevents the exchange of genetic material between separated groups.

• It increases genetic diversity within a population.

• It has no effect on speciation.

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Differentiate between gradual and mass extinction.

• Gradual extinction occurs over a long period due to slow environmental changes, while mass extinction happens suddenly due to catastrophic events.

• Gradual extinction is caused by human activities, while mass extinction is a natural process.

• Mass extinction involves the disappearance of specific species, while gradual extinction affects all species equally.

• There is no difference between gradual and mass extinction.

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