Ecology and Evolution Quiz

What is the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

• Eukaryotes are always multicellular.

• Prokaryotes have circular DNA.

• Eukaryotes have no membrane-bound nucleus.

• Prokaryotes have linear DNA.

Answer explanation

The main difference is that prokaryotes have circular DNA, while eukaryotes have linear DNA. Additionally, eukaryotes can be unicellular or multicellular and do have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Which mechanism of evolution involves random changes in allele frequencies?

• Natural Selection

• Mutation

• Gene Flow

• Genetic Drift

Answer explanation

Genetic Drift is the mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, particularly in small populations. Unlike Natural Selection, it does not favor any particular traits.

What type of evolution occurs within a single population?

• Extinction

• Speciation

• Microevolution

• Macroevolution

Answer explanation

Microevolution refers to small-scale changes within a single population, such as shifts in allele frequencies. It contrasts with macroevolution, which involves larger evolutionary changes that can lead to speciation.

Which of the following is NOT evidence supporting evolution?

• Fossil Record

• Comparative Anatomy

• Molecular Biology

• Meteorology

Answer explanation

Meteorology studies weather and climate, not biological processes. In contrast, the fossil record, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology provide direct evidence for evolution, making meteorology the correct choice as it does not support evolution.

What is the term for the event when a lineage splits into different species?

• Extinction

• Speciation

• Adaptation

• Mutation

Answer explanation

The term 'speciation' refers to the process by which a lineage splits into different species, often due to evolutionary changes. This distinguishes it from extinction, adaptation, and mutation, which describe different biological phenomena.

Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

• Cat forelimbs

• Bat wings

• Whale flippers

• Human appendix

Answer explanation

The human appendix is a vestigial structure, meaning it has lost its original function over time. Unlike the other options, which are functional limbs or adaptations, the appendix serves little purpose in modern humans.

What does natural selection favor?

• Organisms with advantageous traits

• All mutations equally

• Species with the most offspring

• Random mutations

Answer explanation

Natural selection favors organisms with advantageous traits because these traits increase the chances of survival and reproduction, allowing those organisms to pass on their traits to future generations.

Which of the following describes gene flow?

• Changes in allele frequencies

• Movement of genes between populations

• Random changes in DNA

• Survival of the fittest

Answer explanation

Gene flow refers to the movement of genes between populations, which can introduce new alleles and alter allele frequencies. This distinguishes it from random DNA changes or concepts like survival of the fittest.

What is the significance of transitional fossils?

• They are found only in one location.

• They show stasis over time.

• They provide a timeline of evolution.

• They are always complete skeletons.

Answer explanation

Transitional fossils are crucial as they provide a timeline of evolution, illustrating how species have changed over time. They help fill gaps in our understanding of evolutionary history.

Which of the following is a misconception about evolution?

• Evolution is goal-oriented.

• Species can adapt to their environments.

• Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution.

• Evolution is supported by fossil records.

Answer explanation

The misconception is that evolution is goal-oriented. In reality, evolution is a process driven by random mutations and natural selection, not a predetermined direction or purpose.