Understanding Evolution and Natural Selection

Which of the following is the best definition of a fossil?

• A living organism found in the wild

• The preserved remains or traces of ancient living things

• A type of rock formed from lava

• A tool used by scientists to study plants

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What does the scientific theory of evolution state?

• All living things have always existed in their current form

• Living things evolved from earlier species over time

• Fossils are not related to living organisms

• Evolution only happens in plants

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Which of the following is an example of genetic variation?

• All birds having the same beak shape

• Some rabbits having white fur while others have brown fur

• All fish living in the same type of water

• All trees growing to the same height

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What is natural selection?

• The process by which humans choose which animals to breed

• The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce

• The process of rocks forming from lava

• The process of plants making food

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What does extinction mean?

• A species has moved to a new location

• A species no longer exists anywhere on Earth

• A species has changed its color

• A species has grown in number

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Which of the following is a reason a species might become extinct?

• It adapts quickly to new environments

• It cannot survive changes in its environment

• It has a large population

• It eats a variety of foods

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Which evidence supports the theory that living things evolved from earlier species?

• Fossil records showing gradual changes in organisms over time

• All animals living today look exactly the same as those in the past

• Fossils are only found in one location

• Fossils are made of living tissue

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How can scientists use fossils to learn about evolution?

• By comparing fossils from different time periods to observe changes in species

• By only studying living animals

• By ignoring fossil evidence

• By looking at the color of rocks

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How does genetic variation help a species survive in a changing environment?

• It makes all individuals identical

• It allows some individuals to have traits that help them survive

• It causes all individuals to die

• It prevents any change in the species

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Which scenario best demonstrates natural selection?

• All plants in a garden are watered equally

• In a population of insects, those with camouflage survive and reproduce more than those without

• All birds fly south for the winter

• A dog learns a new trick

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