EOY Bellwork 7: Evolution and Natural Selection

What is evolution?

• A process where species change over time through mechanisms like natural selection

• A process where species remain unchanged over time

• A process where species become extinct

• A process where species are created from nothing

Answer explanation

Evolution is defined as a process where species change over time through mechanisms like natural selection, which explains how adaptations occur and species diversify.

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What is natural selection?

• The process by which species become extinct

• The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce

• The process by which individuals choose their environment

• The process by which all individuals survive equally

Answer explanation

Natural selection is the process where individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species. This choice correctly defines the mechanism of natural selection.

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How can variations within a species arise?

• Through respiration

• Through photosynthesis

• Through extinction

• Through mutations.

Answer explanation

Variations within a species arise primarily through mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence. These mutations can lead to new traits, contributing to the diversity within a species, unlike respiration, photosynthesis, or extinction.

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What are adaptations?

• Traits that decrease an organism's ability to survive

• Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive

• Traits that lead to extinction

• Traits that have no effect on survival

Answer explanation

Adaptations are traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive in its environment. They improve chances of survival and reproduction, making the correct choice 'Traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive'.

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What are common ancestors?

• Species from which different species have evolved

• Species that are extinct

• Species that have no relation to current species

• Species that are identical to current species

Answer explanation

Common ancestors are species from which different species have evolved. This means they share a lineage, unlike extinct species or those with no relation to current species.

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What do fossils provide evidence for?

• The creation of new species from nothing

• The extinction of all species

• Past life forms and their changes over time

• The future of species

Answer explanation

Fossils provide crucial evidence of past life forms and their changes over time, illustrating how species have evolved and adapted throughout Earth's history, making this the correct choice.

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What is the significance of fossil records?

• They predict the extinction of species

• They have no significance

• They show the future of evolution

• They provide empirical evidence of past life forms

Answer explanation

Fossil records are crucial as they provide empirical evidence of past life forms, helping scientists understand the history of life on Earth, including evolution and extinction events.

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What is the self-correcting nature of science?

• Science does not rely on evidence

• Science is always correct

• Scientific theories are subject to modification as new evidence emerges

• Science never changes

Answer explanation

The self-correcting nature of science means that scientific theories can change when new evidence is discovered, ensuring that science evolves and improves over time.

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Individuals that are better able to cope with the challenges of their environment tend to

• Increase in population over time.

• Decrease in population over time.

• Leave fewer offspring than those less suited to the environment.

• Both (a) and (c)

Answer explanation

Individuals that cope well with environmental challenges are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in population over time. Thus, the correct answer is that they increase in population.

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The trees these moths used to live on were white, but have been covered in soot from coal factories. Which moth will be more successful in this environment?

• Dark moth

• Light moth

• Both will be equally successful

• Neither will be successful

Answer explanation

In a soot-covered environment, dark moths are better camouflaged against predators compared to light moths. This increased survival rate allows dark moths to be more successful in this environment.

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