HONORS-Biological Evolution Quiz

Which of the following best describes natural selection?

• Organisms choosing to adapt to their environment

• Random changes in DNA that always benefit an organism

• The survival and reproduction of organisms with favorable traits

• The intentional breeding of organisms by humans

Which of the following provides evidence for evolution from the fossil record?

• The presence of identical DNA in all living organisms.

• The observation of gradual changes in organisms over time in rock layers.

• The similarities in the early development of different vertebrates.

• The existence of structures with no apparent function.

What is an example of an adaptation in an animal and how does the adaptation help the animal survive and reproduce?

• Camouflage in chameleons helps them avoid predators.

• Bright colors in birds help them attract mates.

• Thick fur in polar bears helps them stay warm.

• All of the above

What is the primary mechanism by which new genetic variations are introduced in a population?

• Artificial selection

• Gene flow

• Genetic mutation

• Natural selection

What is a phylogenetic tree?

• A diagram showing the age of fossils

• A branching diagram showing evolutionary relationships between organisms

• A chart displaying different species' habitats

• A graph showing population sizes over time

An adaptation is a trait that:

• Is acquired during an organism's lifetime.

• Helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

• Is harmful to an organism's survival.

• Only occurs in animals.

Vestigial structures are remnants of structures that have lost their original function. (True/False)

• True

• False

Which of the following is the best definition of Biological Evolution?

• The process by which individual organisms change during their lifetime.

• The change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations.

• The development of new technologies based on biological principles.

• The study of fossils and ancient life forms.

Evolution occurs in individual organisms, not populations. (True/False)

• True

• False

Ostriches have wings, but do not fly. Humans have an appendix with no apparent function, whales contain bones for rear legs. Each of these are examples of?

• Homologous Structures

• Vestigial Structures

• Analogous Structures

• Natural Selection