Evolution Quiz

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

• Organisms develop traits during their lifetime and pass these on to their offspring.

• Traits that increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to the next generation.

• All offspring are born with mutations that help them survive.

• Natural selection is a process where humans select which organisms should reproduce.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does adaptation affect a species' survival in a changing environment?

• It has no significant impact since genetic traits are fixed.

• Adaptation can lead to changes in behavior but not physical traits.

• Adaptations are random and do not influence survival.

• Adaptations improve a species' ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is a phylogenetic tree used for in evolutionary biology?

• To show the lifespan of different species.

• To depict the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics.

• To display the geographical distribution of species.

• To categorize species by their threat level of extinction.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the statement that correctly describes homologous structures:

• They are similar structures in different species due to convergent evolution.

• They are different structures in different species due to divergent evolution.

• They are similar structures in different species that have a common ancestor.

• They are structures that are similar in function but different in form and do not indicate common ancestry.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of macroevolution?

• A population of insects develops resistance to a pesticide over several generations.

• A new species of bird evolves from an ancestral species due to geographic isolation and different environmental pressures.

• A type of bacteria acquires a mutation that makes it resistant to an antibiotic.

• A lizard's tail grows longer over its lifetime due to frequent use.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does a cladogram help scientists understand evolutionary relationships?

• It shows which species are physically stronger.

• It provides a timeline of species extinction.

• It illustrates the branching patterns of evolutionary relationships, showing how species are related through common ancestors.

• It displays the genetic mutations each species has undergone.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Consider a population of beetles where the coloration has shifted from mostly green to mostly brown over several generations due to predation. What best explains this phenomenon?

• The green beetles learned to turn brown.

• The brown beetles were more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes.

• All beetles randomly changed color without any survival advantage.

• The environment caused a mutation in all beetles to turn brown.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What role does genetic variation play in natural selection?

• It has no role; natural selection is a random process.

• Genetic variation limits natural selection by keeping traits the same.

• Genetic variation provides different traits that can be selected for or against in different environments.

• Genetic variation ensures that all individuals in a population are identical.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why is studying homologous structures important in understanding evolutionary biology?

• It helps identify which species are currently the strongest.

• It provides evidence of common ancestry among different species.

• It shows which species are most likely to become extinct.

• It determines the exact age of different species.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does the concept of adaptation explain the diversity of species found in different environments?

• Species do not adapt; they are immutably fixed since their creation.

• Adaptation allows species to develop beneficial traits that enhance survival in specific environments, leading to a variety of forms and behaviors.

• Adaptation refers only to changes in coloration, not in form or function.

• Species adapt by choosing which traits they want to develop consciously.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking