Exploring Natural Selection and Genetics

Which of the following is an example of natural selection?

• A farmer breeding cows for higher milk production.

• A population of moths changing color to blend in with soot-covered trees.

• A scientist genetically modifying bacteria to produce insulin.

• A dog learning to fetch a ball.

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What is the primary effect of a mutation in a gene?

• It always causes a disease.

• It can change the protein that the gene codes for.

• It has no effect on the organism.

• It always improves the organism's survival.

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How does DNA determine the structure of a protein?

• By providing the energy needed for protein synthesis.

• By coding for the sequence of amino acids in the protein.

• By directly assembling the protein in the cell.

• By transporting proteins to their final destination.

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Which pattern of natural selection favors individuals with extreme traits over those with average traits?

• Stabilizing selection

• Directional selection

• Disruptive selection

• Balancing selection

Explain how a mutation in a single nucleotide of DNA can affect the function of a protein.

• It can cause the protein to be produced in larger quantities.

• It can change the amino acid sequence, potentially altering the protein's function.

• It can make the protein more resistant to degradation.

• It can have no effect if the mutation is silent.

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Which of the following is an example of directional selection?

• Birds with average-sized beaks are more successful than those with very large or very small beaks.

• A population of rabbits becomes faster over generations due to predation by foxes.

• A population of fish remains unchanged in size over many generations.

• A species of plant develops both very tall and very short varieties.

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What is the relationship between DNA and the function of a protein?

• DNA provides the energy for protein function.

• DNA determines the sequence of amino acids, which affects the protein's shape and function.

• DNA directly interacts with proteins to perform cellular functions.

• DNA is not related to protein function.

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Which of the following best describes stabilizing selection?

• It favors individuals with extreme traits.

• It favors individuals with average traits.

• It favors individuals with new mutations.

• It favors individuals with rare traits.

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Describe how natural selection can lead to the evolution of a species.

• By allowing individuals to choose their mates.

• By increasing the frequency of beneficial traits in a population over time.

• By causing random changes in the DNA of individuals.

• By ensuring that all individuals survive and reproduce equally.

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What is a possible consequence of a mutation in a regulatory gene?

• It can lead to the production of a completely new protein.

• It can alter the timing and amount of protein production.

• It can have no effect on the organism.

• It can only affect the organism's physical appearance.

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