Evolution and Genetics

A new predator moves into an area with a population of rabbits. The rabbits with longer back legs have an advantage because they can run faster and escape the predator. Which will be the most likely effect on the rabbit population?

• The population will become extinct due to stress.
• The rabbit population will produce fewer offspring
• The rabbits with shorter back legs will learn to hide.
• The future generations of rabbits will have longer legs.

Throughout fossil records, many species appearing in lower layers of rock disappear in higher layers of rock. Which best explains their disappearance?

• The species became extinct.
• The species moved to another geographic location.
• The fossil remains were disrupted by an earthquake.
• Environmental conditions were not suitable for fossil formation

Which best describes the relationship between genetic variation and the ability to adapt to one’s environment?

• Genetic variation has no effect on the ability to adapt.

• As genetic variation increases, the ability to adapt increases.

• As genetic variation decreases, the ability to adapt increases.

• As genetic variation increases, the ability to adapt decreases.

What is true about the ability of a species to survive?

• A species that is able to migrate will more likely survive.
• A species that eats a specific food will more likely survive.
• A species with increased genetic diversity will more likely survive.
• A species whose individuals have identical traits will more likely survive.

Which organisms are most closely related based on comparison of anatomical structure (comparison of body structures)?

• Jellyfish and clam

• Snake and worm

• Pig and human

• Bird and bee

Bird A can blend in with its environment, fly far,and eat a variety of nuts and seeds. Bird B is an unusually colored, weak flyer that eats only one type of seed regularly. Which statement is most likely true?

• Bird B is a powerful predator.
• Bird A will be easily preyed upon by larger birds.
• Bird A will eventually thrive and reproduce due to strong genetic variation.
• Bird B will eventually thrive and reproduce because of specialized features.

Which is the best hypothesis for the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period?

• The dinosaurs killed each other
• Humans destroyed all the dinosaurs
• Mammals evolved and killed the dinosaurs
• The climate changed and the dinosaurs could not adapt.

How does geological evidence support the theory of evolution?

• Fossils can be used to determine the exact age of a particular species.
• Fossil record information about the mechanisms ancestral species used to capture and transform energy.
• Fossils preserve DNA, so that comparison scan be made between modern organisms and ancestral species
• Fossils can be used to show similarities in body structure between modern organisms and ancestral species.