Evolution Practice

A snowshoe hare's fur color changes from brown to white in the winter. Why is it important for the snowshoe hare's fur to change?

• It allows the snowshoe hare to blend in when the environment changes.

• It allows other animals to see the snowshoe hare in different environments.

• It keeps the snowshoe hare cooler in the winter.

• It keeps the snowshoe hare warmer in the summer.

Which of the following statements best explains why aquatic turtles (live in water) and terrestrial turtles (live on land) are in the same order but have different feet?

• A. Aquatic (water) turtles evolved from webbed feet for walking, and terrestrial (land) turtles evolved for swimming.

• B. Aquatic turtles and terrestrial turtles have similar body plans, but water turtles grow slower than land turtles.

• C. Aquatic turtles were in a different species, but now they are not.

• D. Aquatic turtles and terrestrial turtles evolved from a common ancestor, but they have adapted to different environments.

When an environment changes, species must be able to adapt to the new conditions. What is most likely the result if a species cannot adapt?

• The species will have variations

• The species will go into hibernation

• The species will modify the conditions.

• The species will die out and become extinct

Darwin proposed that the mechanism behind evolutionary change was:

• Heterozygosity

• Genetic Drift

• Inheritance of Acquired Traits

• Natural Selection

Spider webs help spiders (a)   .

• avoid predators

• capture food

• stay dry

• keep warm

A species with highly specialized traits is most likely vulnerable to extinction because:

• A) small changes in its habitat can affect its ability to survive.

• B) it is able to adapt quickly to extreme weather conditions.

• C) it is able to eat a wide variety of foods from the environment.

• D) it cannot survive without enough water.

Which of these is an example of a new trait that would most likely decrease an organism’s chance of survival?

• an insect is able to survive and reproduce after being sprayed with insecticide

• a species of snake with vertical bands of color blends in with a rocky shoreline

• an albino deer stands out against the dark background of its surroundings

• offspring of a moth are able to blend in with the color of bark on a tree

Peacocks perform an elaborate dance while displaying their tail feathers. What purpose does this action most likely serve for the peacock?

• It keeps their feathers clean.

• It enables them to attract a mate.

• It allows them to more easily lose their feathers.

• It distracts other animals so the peacock can escape.

The feathers of male goldfinches become brightly colored each spring. Which best describes why the color of the feathers changes each year?

• a genetic mutation

• a learned behavior

• a behavioral adaptation

• a physical adaptation

Which trait most likely helps an animal survive in a very cold environment?

• long ears

• large eyes

• thick fur

• sharp claws