2.15 Test Study Guide: Evolution

Which group of organisms is classified as a population?

• all dogs in the USA

• a group of skunks living in the same forest

• different kinds of butterflies in the same patch of rain forest

• rainbow trout in all the waterways

The graph shows the variation in birth weights in a specific population of humans. How can the variation of birth weights be described?

• There is huge variation in birth weights.

• Variation changes over time.

• There is a moderate variation in birth weight.

• Variation never changes over time.

The two graphs show data at the beginning and ending of a study on a certain population of parrots. Which type of selection is illustrated by these two graphs?

• directional

• stabilizing

• disruptive

• natural

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How does comparing the embryos of different organisms support the theory of evolution?

• The stages of development of the embryos of different organisms are extremely similar, suggesting common ancestors.

• The embryos of all organisms are identical.

• The embryos of any group of living things resemble the other embryos in that group.

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Which statement best describes vestigial structures?

• They contain genetic mutations.

• They may have had an important function in the past.

• They are necessary for an organism's survival.

• All animals have them.

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In which area would a population be geographically isolated?

• a rain forest

• a river

• a wetland

• an island

Which event would indicate that evolution has occurred?

• An animal gets fat.

• A white-eyed fly is born into a population of brown-eyed flies.

• An allele frequency changes in a population.

• A new predator comes into the environment.

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Natural selection acts on populations through a specific trait. Which statement must be true about that trait?

• The trait is the same for all organisms.

• The trait is passed on genetically to the next generation.

• The trait is resistant to mutations.

• The trait has little impact on survival.

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Fossil evidence suggests that whales evolved from land mammals. Using comparative DNA techniques, scientists have also suggested that whales are related to hippos. How could comparing amino acid sequences support the theory of evolution?

• Comparing amino acid sequences can show close genetic relationships between organisms that may appear very different.

• By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that ancient whales had the same DNA base pairs as ancient hippos.

• Comparing amino acid sequences showed that stabilizing selection too place.

• By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that whales evolved from hippo ancestors.

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In which scenario would natural selection be most successful?

• all insects in a certain desert that have the same adaptation for saving water

• an island with lizards that all look alike and are all eating the same food

• a population of salmon with different skin colors that attract mates

• a population of parakeets that have the same size beak

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