Evolution and Adaptation Concepts

Mr. Smeeds discusses adaptations, focusing on genetic diversity, mutations, and crossing over as sources of variability. He explains natural selection's role in evolution, using examples like mice and finches to illustrate how environmental changes influence adaptations. The video also covers factors affecting the pace of evolution, emphasizing the importance of genetic diversity and environmental stability.

What is one of the primary causes of genetic diversity in populations?

• Natural selection

• Random mutations

• Environmental changes

• Selective breeding

How does an adaptation benefit an organism?

• It decreases the organism's lifespan

• It makes the organism more likely to survive and reproduce

• It reduces the organism's genetic diversity

• It increases the organism's size

What is the role of natural selection in evolution?

• It causes organisms to change traits during their lifetime

• It selects individuals with advantageous traits to survive and reproduce

• It eliminates all genetic diversity

• It creates new species instantly

In the example of mice and hawks, what was the selective force?

• The color of the mice

• The presence of hawks

• The size of the mice

• The speed of the mice

What is microevolution?

• The rapid evolution of a species

• The extinction of a species

• Small changes within a species over time

• The creation of a new species

How does the environment influence whether a trait is an adaptation?

• The environment only affects physical traits

• The environment always makes traits harmful

• The environment determines if a trait is beneficial or harmful

• The environment has no influence

What happened to the finches on Daphne Major during the drought?

• They migrated to another island

• Their beak size increased

• Their beak size decreased

• They stopped eating seeds

What factor can slow down the pace of evolution in a species?

• Short generation time

• Rapid environmental changes

• High genetic diversity

• Long lifespan

Why might a species with high genetic diversity adapt better to environmental changes?

• They have fewer mutations

• They are more resistant to diseases

• They have a greater chance of beneficial traits

• They reproduce less frequently

Why do bacteria and viruses evolve more quickly than humans?

• They reproduce rapidly

• They have more complex DNA

• They are exposed to more environmental changes

• They have longer lifespans