Evolutionary Processes and Patterns Quiz

Which of the following is an example of convergent evolution?

• The wings of bats and the wings of birds

• The beaks of finches on the Galápagos Islands

• The development of different dog breeds

• The evolution of the horse

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What is a primary mechanism of divergent evolution?

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

• Gene flow

• Mutation

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Which of the following best describes adaptive radiation?

• A single species evolves into several distinct species

• Two unrelated species develop similar traits

• A species becomes extinct due to environmental changes

• A species migrates to a new habitat

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In which ecosystem is coevolution most likely to occur?

• A desert with limited species interaction

• A rainforest with diverse species interactions

• A tundra with minimal plant life

• An isolated island with few species

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How does gradualism differ from punctuated equilibrium in evolutionary theory?

• Gradualism involves slow, steady change; punctuated equilibrium involves rapid bursts of change

• Gradualism involves rapid bursts of change; punctuated equilibrium involves slow, steady change

• Both involve rapid bursts of change

• Both involve slow, steady change

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the impact of environmental changes on evolution?

• A species of fish develops the ability to breathe air due to a drying lake

• A species of bird migrates to a new area with abundant food

• A species of insect remains unchanged over millions of years

• A species of mammal becomes extinct due to a volcanic eruption

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Analyze how the development of similar traits in sharks and dolphins exemplifies convergent evolution.

• Both species share a common ancestor with similar traits

• Both species independently evolved similar traits due to similar environmental pressures

• Both species evolved similar traits through genetic mutation

• Both species were artificially selected for similar traits

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Evaluate the role of geographic isolation in divergent evolution.

• It prevents gene flow, leading to the development of new species

• It increases gene flow, leading to the development of new species

• It has no effect on the development of new species

• It causes species to become extinct

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Discuss a case study of adaptive radiation in the context of the Galápagos finches.

• The finches evolved from a single ancestor into multiple species with different beak shapes

• The finches migrated to the mainland and became a single species

• The finches remained unchanged despite environmental changes

• The finches were artificially selected for specific traits

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Explain how coevolution can lead to specialized relationships between species.

• Species evolve independently without affecting each other

• Species evolve in response to each other, leading to specialized adaptations

• Species evolve to become more generalized and less specialized

• Species evolve to become isolated from each other

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