Natural Selection & Evolution

When lions prey on a herd of antelopes, some antelopes are killed and some escape. Which part of Darwin’s concept of natural selection might be used to describe this situation?

• reproductive isolation
• descent with modification
• acquired characteristics
• survival of the fittest

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A population of peppered moths with a dark grey variation and a light grey variation lives in light colored birch forest. It is hunted by sight. Which statement is most likely true?

• there are equal number of light and dark grey peppered moths in the population
• more light grey moths survive than dark grey moths
• more dark grey moths survive than light grey moths
• all peppered moths will be eaten before they can reproduce

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According to Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the individuals that tend to survive are those that have

• characteristics their parents acquired by use and disuse.
• the greatest number of offspring.
• characteristics that plant and animal breeders value.
• variations best suited to the environment.

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Natural selection and evolution work on what level of life organization?

• individuals
• biomes
• populations
• ecosystems

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Organisms with traits that are favorable to their survival and reproduction are ________ likely to pass on their genes to the next generation, and thus ________ common in the population

• more, less
• more, more
• less, less
• less, more

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Comparing two individuals of a species, evolutionary “fitness” would be best measured by which of the following?

• the length and width of the individuals
• the number of offspring
• the mass of the food eaten in its life
• the mass of the individuals

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Individuals that are well adapted to their environment will survive and produce:

• Fewer mutations
• Stronger genes
• More offspring
• Better traits

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You look at two species and see very similar DNA. What does this likely tell you?

• These are the same animal.
• These animals have a common ancestor.
• These animals are not likely related.
• These animals are likely becoming one species.

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What does sexual reproduction allow for?

• Increased genetic diversity
• Increased offspring
• Decreased genetic diversity
• Decreased rate of evolution

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An inherited characteristic that increases an organisms ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment is called a(n)

• vestigial structure
• speciation
• analogous structure
• adaptation

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