Understanding Evolution and Natural Selection

What is the main difference between a scientific theory and a fact?

• A theory is a guess, while a fact is proven.

• A theory explains observations, while a fact is an observation.

• A theory is a hypothesis, while a fact is a theory.

• A theory is always true, while a fact can change.

What was the name of the ship Charles Darwin traveled on during his voyage?

• HMS Discovery

• HMS Endeavour

• HMS Victory

• HMS Beagle

How did Charles Darwin's observations during his voyage contribute to his theory?

• He discovered new continents.

• He observed variations in species that led to new ideas about adaptation.

• He found evidence of ancient civilizations.

• He invented new navigation tools.

What is natural selection often compared to in terms of selecting traits?

• Random chance

• Artificial intelligence

• Selective breeding by humans

• Genetic engineering

Which of the following is NOT one of the four principles of Darwin's theory?

• Natural variation

• Overproduction of offspring

• Inheritance of acquired traits

• Survival of the fittest

What causes natural variation in traits among organisms?

• Sexual reproduction and mutation

• Diet and nutrition

• Environmental changes

• Selective breeding

Why do many organisms produce more offspring than can survive?

• To ensure that some survive despite high mortality rates

• To increase competition among species

• To dominate their habitat

• To reduce genetic diversity

What is the main factor that determines which traits are 'best' in a given environment?

• The size of the organism

• The organism's ability to adapt to environmental conditions

• The organism's color

• The organism's intelligence

How does natural selection affect the speed of cheetahs over time?

• Cheetahs' speed remains constant.

• Cheetahs become faster to catch prey more effectively.

• Cheetahs become slower to conserve energy.

• Cheetahs become faster to avoid predators.

What happens to the traits of a population if the environment changes?

• The traits remain the same.

• The traits that are advantageous in the new environment become more common.

• The traits become less diverse.

• The traits become more complex.