Pre-Test

Which of the following best describes evolution?

• The process by which animals change their color

• The process by which organisms develop traits over time to better survive in their environment

• The process by which animals learn new skills from their parents

• The process by which plants grow taller

What did Charles Darwin study to develop his theory of evolution?

• Rocks and minerals

• Trees and flowers

• Birds and other animals

• Clouds and weather patterns

How does natural selection contribute to evolution?

• It selects the strongest animals to survive

• It causes animals to become extinct

• It helps organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce

• It prevents animals from adapting to their environment

Which of the following statements best explains why some organisms go extinct?

• They are not fit enough to survive in their environment

• They choose to leave the planet

• They become too popular and overcrowd their habitat

What role does genetic variation play in evolution?

• It ensures that all members of a species have the same traits

• It allows for the possibility of new traits to emerge through mutations

• It prevents organisms from adapting to their environment

• It causes all organisms to become extinct

How do scientists use DNA evidence to study evolution?

• By comparing the DNA of different species to identify similarities and differences

• By observing animals in their natural habitat

• By counting the number of fossils found in a particular area

• By analyzing the color patterns of different animals

What is an adaptation?

• A special party animals have in the forest

• A trait or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment

• A type of food that animals eat

• A type of game played by animals

Which of the following is an example of a physical adaptation?

• A bird singing a beautiful song

• A polar bear having thick fur to keep warm

• A monkey learning to climb trees

• A fish swimming very fast

How do plants adapt to living in a dry environment?

• By growing tall

• By staying underground

• By storing water in their leaves or stems

• By flying in the air

Why do animals and plants adapt to their environment?

• To have fun

• To look different from each other

• To survive and have babies

• To play games with other animals