Ecology SOL Unit 5 Test - Adaptations

What is an adaptation?

• A change in the structure and function of an organism that results from a natural process

• A random mutation that does not affect survival

• A temporary change in behavior

• A learned behavior from other species

Answer explanation

An adaptation is a change in the structure and function of an organism that occurs through natural processes, allowing it to better survive and reproduce in its environment. This distinguishes it from random mutations or learned behaviors.

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What is the result when species cannot adapt to a new environment?

• They thrive and multiply.

• They become extinct.

• They migrate to another planet.

• They develop new species.

Answer explanation

When species cannot adapt to a new environment, they are unable to survive and reproduce, leading to their extinction. This is the most likely outcome, as thriving or migrating to another planet is not feasible.

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Turtles developed (a)   when they migrated to an island with higher food resources.

• shorter legs

• longer legs

• smaller shells

Answer explanation

Turtles developed longer legs when migrating to an island with higher food resources, as longer legs would help them navigate the terrain more effectively and access food more efficiently.

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What physical trait did Galapagos tortoises develop in areas with tall plants?

• Short necks

• Long necks

• Strong beaks

• Small shells

Answer explanation

Galapagos tortoises developed long necks in areas with tall plants to reach higher vegetation for food. This adaptation allows them to access resources that shorter-necked tortoises cannot, enhancing their survival.

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What did Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands contribute to?

• The development of the Theory of Relativity

• The development of the Theory of Adaptation

• The development of the Theory of Gravity

• The development of the Theory of Quantum Mechanics

Answer explanation

Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands led to insights about natural selection and adaptation, forming the basis for the Theory of Adaptation, which explains how species evolve to fit their environments.

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What is the role of genetic change in adaptation?

• It prevents mutations.

• It allows organisms with mutations to survive better.

• It causes extinction.

Answer explanation

Genetic change, through mutations, can enhance an organism's ability to adapt to its environment. This means that those with beneficial mutations are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to better adaptation.

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What is the main idea of the Theory of Adaptation?

• Organisms remain unchanged.

• Organisms adapt to their environment over time.

• Organisms become weaker over time.

• Organisms lose their ability to survive.

Answer explanation

The Theory of Adaptation states that organisms change over time to better fit their environment, enhancing their survival and reproduction. Thus, the correct choice is that organisms adapt to their environment over time.

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What is the relationship between adaptation and natural selection?

• Adaptation is unrelated to natural selection.

• Adaptation is a result of natural selection.

• Adaptation prevents natural selection.

• Adaptation reverses natural selection.

Answer explanation

Adaptation refers to traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment. These traits arise through natural selection, where advantageous variations become more common over generations.

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What did Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands focus on?

• The behavior of birds

• The physical traits of turtles

• The migration patterns of fish

• The diet of mammals

Answer explanation

Darwin's observations on the Galapagos Islands notably included the physical traits of turtles, particularly the variations in shell shape that adapted to different environments, which contributed to his theory of natural selection.

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What is the primary focus of the Theory of Adaptation?

• How organisms remain unchanged

• How organisms adapt to their environment

• How organisms become weaker

• How organisms lose their ability to survive

Answer explanation

The Theory of Adaptation primarily focuses on how organisms adapt to their environment, enabling them to survive and thrive in changing conditions. This distinguishes it from options that suggest organisms remain unchanged or become weaker.

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