Evolution Section 18.1 Quiz

During a field trip to the desert, Aria noticed various cacti and asked, 'Which of the following is a common adaptation strategy used by cacti in arid environments?'

• Developing broad leaves to capture more sunlight

• Growing deep roots to access underground water

• Storing water in their thick, fleshy tissues

• Changing color to blend into the environment

Answer explanation

Cacti store water in their thick, fleshy tissues as a common adaptation strategy in arid environments.

Imagine a lizard named Zoe living in a desert. What adaptation might Zoe have to survive in this harsh environment?

• Ability to fly short distances

• Thick fur to retain heat

• Camouflaging skin to blend with surroundings

• Long legs for fast running

Answer explanation

Zoe might have camouflaging skin to blend with surroundings in the desert, helping her evade predators and hunt for prey effectively.

During a school project on the Galapagos Archipelago, Mia observed the beak shapes of finch species. What did she notice?

• They were identical across all species.

• They varied, suggesting adaptation to different food sources.

• They changed color based on the season.

• They were smaller than those of mainland finch species.

Answer explanation

Mia noticed that the beak shapes of finch species varied, suggesting adaptation to different food sources.

During a field trip, Anika, a geology student, discusses with her professor about the concept of uniformitarianism, which asserts that present-day geological processes explain Earth's history. Who originally championed this concept?

• James Hutton

• Charles Darwin

• Charles Lyell

• Alfred Wegener

Answer explanation

James Hutton originally championed the concept of uniformitarianism, which states that present-day geological processes explain Earth's history.

During a university lecture on historical geology, Professor Johnson asks his students Aria, Nora, and Michael: 'What is the title of Charles Lyell's work that extended the geological timescale and emphasized gradual, continuous processes?'

• The Origin of Species

• Principles of Geology

• The Geological Eons

• Earth's Deep History

Answer explanation

Charles Lyell's work that extended the geological timescale and emphasized gradual, continuous processes is titled 'Principles of Geology'.

While hiking through the mountains, Isla discusses with Luna and Anika about geological theories. She explains a concept, championed by Charles Lyell, that suggests the same geological processes observed today have been occurring throughout Earth's history. What is this concept called?

• Catastrophism

• Evolutionism

• Uniformitarianism

• Continental Drift

Answer explanation

The concept championed by Charles Lyell suggesting that the same geological processes observed today have been occurring throughout Earth's history is called Uniformitarianism.

During a geology class discussion, Lily mentioned Charles Lyell's work on "Principles of Geology". Scarlett, curious about the historical context, asked who influenced Charles Lyell's work. Who did Elijah suggest?

• Isaac Newton

• James Hutton

• Albert Einstein

• Gregor Mendel

Answer explanation

Elijah suggested James Hutton as the influencer of Charles Lyell's work, 'Principles of Geology'.

During a biology class discussion, Arjun raised a question about the origin of species. He asked, 'Who proposed the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution?'

• Alfred Wallace

• Charles Lyell

• Charles Darwin

• Gregor Mendel

Answer explanation

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.

What was Alfred Wallace doing when he enlisted Darwin's help?

• Studying wildlife in South Africa

• Researching in the Galapagos Islands

• Teaching biology in England

• Writing a book on natural selection

Answer explanation

Alfred Wallace was studying wildlife in South Africa when he enlisted Darwin's help.

During a biology class discussion at a high school, Oliver asked, 'Which statement is true regarding the origin of the theory of evolution?'

• It was first proposed by Charles Darwin.

• It originated from the studies of modern genetics.

• It is based solely on the fossil record.

• It was initially developed in the 20th century.