Biology Segment 3 Assessment (Evolution)

Darwin explained that evolution occurred by a mechanism called _____________.

• mutation

• natural selection

• hybridization

• variation.

Answer explanation

Darwin explained that evolution occurs through natural selection, a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This mechanism is key to understanding evolution.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

The environment determines the ____________ of an organism.

• intelligence

• hybridization

• ancestry

• fitness.

Answer explanation

The environment influences an organism's ability to survive and reproduce, which is referred to as its fitness. Therefore, the correct answer is fitness, as it directly relates to how well an organism adapts to its surroundings.

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What can fossilized pollen tell you about the past?

• The type of ecosystem that existed

• The types of allergies animals had

• Where the rivers ran

• All are correct.

Answer explanation

Fossilized pollen provides insights into the types of plants that thrived in an area, indicating the ecosystem that existed. While it doesn't directly reveal animal allergies or river paths, it contributes to understanding past environments.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Older rock layers are usually closer to Earth's surface than more recent rock layers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because older rock layers are typically found deeper underground, while more recent layers are closer to the surface due to the process of sedimentation and geological activity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which term best describes: some individuals survive and reproduce better than others in their environment?

• adaptation

• competition

• overproduction

• variation

Answer explanation

The term 'adaptation' best describes the process where some individuals survive and reproduce better than others due to traits that enhance their fitness in a specific environment.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

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An example of phenotype could be an individual's:

• Hair color

• Genetic makeup

• DNA sequence that codes for a trait

• none are correct

Answer explanation

Hair color is a visible trait influenced by genetics, making it a clear example of a phenotype. In contrast, genetic makeup and DNA sequences refer to the underlying genetic information, not the observable characteristics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

According to Darwin, which of these best describes these finches?

• The finches would become more similar over time

• The finches descended from similar birds from Africa

• The finches became adapted to eating different foods

• The finches arrived with those traits from South America

Answer explanation

Darwin observed that the finches adapted to different environments and food sources in the Galapagos Islands, leading to variations in their beak shapes and sizes. This adaptation to eating different foods is key to their evolution.

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Which conditions are necessary for natural selection to occur? Select all of the answers that apply.

• A. Inheritable adaptations vary among individuals

• B. The population size is increasing.

• C. More individuals are born than can survive.

• D. Fitness varies among individuals.

Answer explanation

Natural selection requires inheritable variations (A), overproduction of offspring (C), and varying fitness levels (D) among individuals. Population size increase (B) is not necessary for natural selection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Genotype describes an individual’s _____________.

• A. physical characteristics

• B. genes (DNA)

• C. variation

• D. environment

Answer explanation

Genotype refers specifically to an individual's genetic makeup, which includes their genes (DNA). This distinguishes it from phenotype, which describes physical characteristics.

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NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Under which circumstance would the kangaroo rats of the Sonoran Desert be MOST LIKELY to develop new adaptations by natural selection?

• Variations decrease among the kangaroo rats of the Sonoran Desert.

• The climate of the Sonoran Desert becomes colder and wetter.

• The climate of the Sonoran Desert remains constant for many years.

• Natural predators of the Sonoran Desert kill many kangaroo rats each year.

Answer explanation

Natural selection occurs when there is pressure from predators. If natural predators kill many kangaroo rats, those with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to new adaptations over time.

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