Evolution and Genetics Quiz

During a biology class, Evelyn is asked to explain how the evolutionary history of a species is depicted. She should say it is portrayed ________.

• in a cladogram

• through speciation

• in its phylogeny

• in a fossil

Which term describes the process where unrelated species evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments?

• Adaptive radiation

• Convergent evolution

• Artificial selection

• Natural selection

During an excavation, Michael discovers an ancient artifact and wants to determine its age. The method he would use for calculating the exact age of this archeological specimen is known as ________.

• sedimentary rock

• the law of superposition

• radiometric dating

• the fossil record

In a biology class, Sophia learned that (a)   is one of the units of DNA that determines the structure and function of an organism.

(a)   is the range of natural characteristics passed from parents to their offspring.

______ is the continued existence of organisms that are better adapted to their environment than others.

• Natural selection

• Descent

• Embryonic development

• Inheritance

The process by which a species becomes suited for its environment through natural selection's influence on inheritance over generations is called ________.

• adaptation

• genetic variation

• genetic drift

• speciation

Changes that an organism makes to act in a way that helps it survive in its environment are called:

• a. a mutation

• b. competitions

• c. structural adaptations

• d. behavioral adaptations

What is it called when organisms breed based on reasons other than chance?

• a. Genetic variation

• b. Survival of the fittest

• c. Gene flow

• d. Nonrandom mating

Which term best describes a permanent change in the sequence of DNA?

• a. Evolution

• b. Mutation

• c. Natural selection

• d. Replication error