Natural Selection & Evolution

What is an example of adaptive evolution?

• The light-colored moths becoming more successful in environments where tree bark is lighter due to pollution control.

• The development of larger beaks in birds due to food scarcity.

• The migration of animals to warmer climates during winter.

• The extinction of species due to habitat destruction.

What is the difference between convergent and divergent evolution?

• Convergent evolution occurs when related species become more different over time, while divergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

• Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, while divergent evolution occurs when related species become more different over time.

• Convergent evolution is the process where species evolve in isolation, while divergent evolution is when species share a common ancestor.

• Convergent evolution refers to the adaptation of species to different environments, while divergent evolution refers to the adaptation of species to the same environment.

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

• Fossil records, comparative anatomy, genetic similarities, and observed evolutionary changes in species.

• Only fossil records and comparative anatomy.

• Genetic mutations and environmental changes.

• The theory of natural selection alone.

What is Natural Selection?

• A process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to evolution.

• A method of breeding plants and animals for desired traits.

• A theory that suggests all species are static and do not change over time.

• A phenomenon where all organisms have an equal chance of survival regardless of their traits.

What is speciation?

• The process by which new species arise from existing species, often due to geographic isolation or environmental changes.

• A method of classifying organisms based on their physical characteristics.

• The extinction of a species due to environmental factors.

• The migration of species from one habitat to another.

What is the importance of the fossil record in understanding evolution?

• It provides evidence of past life forms and shows how species have changed over time, supporting the theory of evolution.

• It only shows the age of rocks and minerals without any biological significance.

• It helps in predicting future species based on current trends.

• It is primarily used for dating archaeological artifacts rather than understanding biological evolution.

How does overfishing affect fish populations?

• Overfishing leads to an increase in the average body size of fish populations.

• Overfishing can cause a decrease in the average body size of fish populations, as larger individuals are selectively caught, reducing their representation in the gene pool.

• Overfishing has no significant impact on fish populations.

• Overfishing improves the genetic diversity of fish populations.

What is the significance of genetic drift in small populations?

• It has no effect on genetic diversity.

• It can lead to significant changes due to random events, potentially resulting in the loss of genetic diversity.

• It increases genetic diversity by introducing new alleles.

• It only affects large populations.

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial selection?

• Natural selection is driven by human choices, while artificial selection occurs through environmental pressures.

• Natural selection occurs through environmental pressures, while artificial selection is driven by human choices in breeding.

• Natural selection and artificial selection are the same processes with different names.

• Natural selection is a process that only occurs in plants, while artificial selection occurs in animals.

What is the significance of pelvic bones in baleen whales?

• They are used for swimming and locomotion.

• They indicate that baleen whales evolved from four-legged ancestors.

• They serve as a site for muscle attachment for swimming.

• They are remnants of a previous diet of land-based food.