WorksheetsEvolution and Taxonomy Test Review
Total questions: 43
Worksheet time: 22mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Certain antibacterial soaps kill 99% of the bacteria present on hands. Constant use of these soaps could be harmful over time because
a)
microbes prevent viral diseases
b)
large populations of pathogens are beneficial to the hands
c)
more pathogens may be resistant to the soap
d)
the soap stimulates skin cell division
2.
The fossil record of ancient life forms provides scientific evidence of
a)
gene manipulation
b)
selective breeding
c)
evolutionary changes
d)
direct harvesting
3.
If the same antibiotic is used too many times, it can become less effective against a certain type of bacteria. This observation is best explained by the
a)
production of antibiotics by white blood cells
b)
replication of viruses that attack bacteria
c)
presence of pathogens in antibiotics
d)
survival and reproduction of resistant (unaffected) bacteria
4.
Which group would most likely have the greatest survival success during a long period of environmental changes?
a)
an endangered population of polar bears living near an iceberg
b)
a small population of rabbits living in a field of grass
c)
a large population of red ants living in a forest
d)
one species of bird that nests only in sugar maple trees
5.
A population of animals is permanently split by a natural barrier into two separate populations in different environments. What will likely result after a long period of time?
a)
The two populations will evolve into separate species.
b)
The production of variations will stop in the two populations.
c)
Autotrophic nutrition will replace heterotrophic nutrition in the two populations.
d)
The evolution of the two populations will be identical.
6.
Throughout the history of life on Earth, many processes have resulted in new traits in organisms. Which list shows some of these processes in order from the oldest to the most recently used?
a)
selective breeding, gene manipulation,natural selection
b)
gene manipulation, natural selection,selective breeding
c)
natural selection, gene manipulation,selective breeding
d)
natural selection, selective breeding,gene manipulation
7.
Selective breeding is a technique that is used to
a)
give all organisms a chance to reproduce
b)
produce offspring with certain desirable traits
c)
keep farm crops free of all mutations
d)
produce organisms from extinct species
8.
Average beak sizes of the seed-eating medium ground finch on one of the GalapagosIslands are shown in the diagram below. During wet years, all types of seeds are abundant. The medium ground finch prefers to eat small seeds that are easy to crush. However, during droughts (dry years), when small seeds are not as abundant, they eat the larger seeds on the island.
How might an extended period of drought influence the ground finch population?
How might an extended period of drought influence the ground finch population?
a)
Drought increases seed availability, and all ground finches would be more numerous.
b)
The birds with smaller beaks would be more numerous.
c)
Drought decreases seed availability, but has no influence on the ground finch.
d)
The birds with larger beaks would be more numerous.
9.
Average beak sizes of the seed-eating medium ground finch on one of the GalapagosIslands are shown in the diagram below. During wet years, all types of seeds are abundant. The medium ground finch prefers to eat small seeds that are easy to crush. However, during droughts (dry years), when small seeds are not as abundant, they eat the larger seeds on the island.
How would the introduction of another species of seed-eating ground finch to the island most likely influence the medium ground finch?
How would the introduction of another species of seed-eating ground finch to the island most likely influence the medium ground finch?
a)
The finches would not compete, since they both eat seeds.
b)
The medium ground finch would faceincreased competition for seeds.
c)
The medium ground finch would become a parasite of the introduced species.
d)
The finches would interbreed and produce a new species of finch.
10.
Average beak sizes of the seed-eating medium ground finch on one of the GalapagosIslands are shown in the diagram below. During wet years, all types of seeds are abundant. The medium ground finch prefers to eat small seeds that are easy to crush. However, during droughts (dry years), when small seeds are not as abundant, they eat the larger seeds on the island.
The most likely explanation for this variation in the beak size of the medium ground finch is that
The most likely explanation for this variation in the beak size of the medium ground finch is that
a)
the environment caused the birds to exercise their beaks and the beaks became longer and stronger
b)
the birds with smaller beaks mutated due to the drought so they produced more offspring
c)
different adaptations gave some birds a better chance for survival
d)
the birds acquired larger beaks so they could take advantage of the supply of small seeds
11.
When a species includes organisms with a wide variety of traits, it is most likely that this species will have
a)
less success competing for resources
b)
a high proportion of individuals immune to genetic diseases
c)
limitless supplies of important resources, such as food and water
d)
a greater chance to survive if environmental conditions suddenly change
12.
The sorting and recombination of genes during reproduction is important to evolution becausethese processes
a)
decrease variation and help maintain a stable population
b)
decrease the chances of producing offspring that are adapted to the environment
c)
increase the ability of all the offspring to adapt to the environment
d)
increase variation that enables species to adapt to change
13.
A species that lacks the variation necessary to adapt to a changing environment is more likely to
a)
develop many mutated cells
b)
become extinct over time
c)
begin to reproduce sexually
d)
develop resistance to diseases
14.
Which statement is best supported by the theory of evolution?
a)
Few organisms survive when the environment remains the same.
b)
Genetic alterations occur every time cell reproduction occurs.
c)
The fossil record provides samples of every organism that ever lived.
d)
Populations that have advantageous characteristics will increase in number.
15.
A diagram of evolutionary pathways of various animal species is shown.
The pattern of these evolutionary pathways is most likely the result of alterations within which structure?
The pattern of these evolutionary pathways is most likely the result of alterations within which structure?
a)
nucleus
b)
cell membrane
c)
vacuole
d)
ribosome
16.
The pedigree of Seattle Slew, a racehorse considered by some to be one of the fastest horses that ever lived, includes very fast horses on both his mother’s side and his father’s side. Seattle Slew most likely was a result of
a)
alteration of DNA molecules
b)
environmental selection
c)
selective breeding
d)
a sudden mutation
17.
A characteristic that an organism exhibits during its lifetime will only affect the evolution of its species if the characteristic
a)
results from isolation of the organism from the rest of the population
b)
decreases the number of genes in the body cells of the organism
c)
is due to a genetic code that is present in the gametes of the organism
d)
causes a change in the environmentsurrounding the organism
18.
A species of bird known as Bird of Paradise has been observed in the jungles of New Guinea.The males shake their bodies and sometimes hang upside down to show off their bright colorsand long feathers to attract females. Females usually mate with the “flashiest” males. These observations can be used to support the concept that
a)
unusual courtship behaviors lead to extinction
b)
some organisms are better adapted for asexual reproduction
c)
homeostasis in an organism is influenced by physical characteristics
d)
behaviors that lead to reproductive success have evolved
19.
Which statement concerning the evolution of species A, B, C, D, and E is supported by the diagram below?
a)
Species A and D evolved from E.
b)
Species A and C can still interbreed.
c)
Species B and C can be found in today’s environments.
d)
Species A, B, and E all evolved from a common ancestor and all are successful today.
20.
Which statement provides evidence that evolution is still occurring at the present time?
a)
The extinction rate of species has decreased in the last 50 years.
b)
New varieties of plant species appear more frequently in regions undergoing climatic change.
c)
Many bird species and some butterflyspecies make annual migrations.
d)
Through cloning, the genetic makeup of organisms can be predicted.
21.
The graph represents the populations of two different species in an ecosystem over a period of several years.
Which statement is a possible explanation for the changes shown?
Which statement is a possible explanation for the changes shown?
a)
Species A is better adapted to this environment.
b)
Species B is a parasite that has benefited species A.
c)
Species A is a predator of species B.
d)
Species B is better adapted to this environment.
22.
The diagram shows the heads of four different species of Galapagos Islands finches.
The four different types of beaks shown are most likely the result of
The four different types of beaks shown are most likely the result of
a)
natural selection
b)
unchanging environmental conditions
c)
patterns of behavior learned from parents
d)
gene manipulation
23.
The diagram below represents the bone arrangements in the front limbs of three different species of mammals.
The similarities and differences in these limbs suggest that all three species developed from the same ancestor, but
The similarities and differences in these limbs suggest that all three species developed from the same ancestor, but
a)
adapted to different habitats
b)
produced different numbers of offspring
c)
migrated to similar habitats
d)
lived in different time periods
24.
Which reproductive pattern would be associated with a species that is most likely to undergo rapid evolutionary change?
a)
sexual reproduction with a short reproductive cycle
b)
asexual reproduction with a long reproductive cycle
c)
asexual reproduction with a short reproductive cycle
d)
sexual reproduction with a long reproductive cycle
25.
The diagram shows four species of birds that evolved from an ancestral species that had a small, pointed beak. Today, all four species inhabit the same island.
Which statement best explains the variation in the beaks of these four species?
Which statement best explains the variation in the beaks of these four species?
a)
Competition for limited food resources led to selection for similar traits.
b)
Over time, an abundance of seeds for food led to increased similarities between the species.
c)
Competition for limited food resources led to selection for different traits.
d)
Over time, an abundance of seeds for food led to increased differences between the species.
26.
The diagram represents a species of bee that helps one type of orchid plant reproduce by carrying pollen on structure X from one orchid flower to another. Pollination by this species of bee is the only way the orchid can reproduce.
If this bee species dies out, this orchid species would most likely
If this bee species dies out, this orchid species would most likely
a)
find another animal to carry the pollen
b)
flower at a different time of year
c)
develop another way to reproduce
d)
cease to exist
27.
A maple tree releases hundred of seeds in a single season. This is
a)
protection
b)
natural selection
c)
competition
d)
overproduction
28.
A certain type of mouse lives in burrows on sandy beaches. The mouse has tan fur that is almost the same color as the sand. This is an example of a(n)
a)
adaptation
b)
variation
c)
mutation
d)
extinction
29.
In order for a species to evolve, it must be able to
a)
be domesticated
b)
consume a large quantity of food
c)
maintain a constant body temperature
d)
reproduce successfully
30.
The diagram represents possible evolutionary pathways of certain organisms.
Which species is most closely related to species L?
Which species is most closely related to species L?
a)
E
b)
F
c)
G
d)
I
31.
The diagram represents possible evolutionary pathways of certain organisms.
Which statement can best be inferred based on the information in the diagram?
Which statement can best be inferred based on the information in the diagram?
a)
Natural selection occurs only as a result of mutations.
b)
Natural selection requires a minimum of 5 million years to occur.
c)
Each new species that develops continues to exist through present time.
d)
Some species that are no longer successful in their environment may become extinct.
32.
Why do antibiotic resistant bacteria increase in number overtime even when exposed to antibiotics?
a)
Antibiotic resistant bacteria tend to die off first.
b)
More antibiotic resistant bacteria survive, reproduce and pass their resistance onto offspring.
c)
Antibiotic resistant bacteria reproduce more slowly than normal bacteria.
d)
Antibiotic resistant bacteria reproduce more quickly than normal bacteria.
33.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacterium that causes gonorrhea) has antibiotic resistance to penicillin. What should doctors do to combat gonorrhea?
a)
Use different antibiotics.
b)
Tell patients to drink lots fluids, get lots of sleep and hope for the best.
c)
Give patients double the normal dose of penicillin.
d)
Infect the patient with the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis (the bacterium that causes chlamydia) so that it can out-compete the Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
34.
Ancestors of the giant panda had rounded paws with five very short toes. Today, the giant panda has a sixth toe, often referred to as a thumb, even though it develops from a wrist bone. This unique thumb is an adaptation that allows the panda to easily hold and eat bamboo shoots. The presence of the giant panda’s thumb is most likely the result of
a)
selective breeding
b)
asexual reproduction
c)
natural selection
d)
ecological succession
35.
Agriculturists have developed some varieties of vegetables from common wild mustard plants,which reproduce sexually. Which statement best explains the development of these different varieties of vegetables?
a)
Different species can develop from a single species as a result of the effect of similar environmental conditions.
b)
Mutations will occur in the genes of a species only if the environment changes.
c)
Different varieties can develop from a single species as a result of the recombination of genetic information.
d)
Variations in a species will increase when the rate of mitosis is decreased.
36.
The arrows in the diagram indicate the development of four different varieties of vegetable plants from wild mustard.
Each of these varieties was most likely produced as a result of
Each of these varieties was most likely produced as a result of
a)
selective breeding over many generations
b)
asexual reproduction in the wild for many years
c)
changes in light availability
d)
competition between plants
37.
When the adaptive characteristics of a species are insufficient to allow its survival, that species is likely to
a)
produce a beneficial mutation
b)
form a fossil
c)
mate with other species
d)
become extinct
38.
The remains of three organisms are shown.
A study of these remains would indicate that these organisms have
A study of these remains would indicate that these organisms have
a)
structural similarities
b)
identical food preferences
c)
habitat similarities
d)
identical body sizes
39.
One possible pathway for the evolution of elephants is represented in the diagram.
Which statement concerning this pattern of evolution is correct?
Which statement concerning this pattern of evolution is correct?
a)
Evolution leads to less complex organisms.
b)
Evolution always results in favorable traits.
c)
Evolution results in the same changes in all species.
d)
Evolution does not always result in a species that will survive to present time.
40.
When antibiotics were first developed, most infectious diseases could be controlled by them.Today, certain bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics. One possible explanation for this change is that
a)
the bacteria needed to change in order to produce more antibiotics
b)
some of the bacteria learned how to resist the antibiotics
c)
antibiotics have become weaker over the years
d)
the antibiotics killed most of the bacteria that did not have a genetic variation for resistance
41.
An evolutionary pathway is represented in the diagram.
Which statement about evolutionary pathways is most accurate?
Which statement about evolutionary pathways is most accurate?
a)
Two organisms on the same branch of an evolutionary pathway are more closely related to each other than to those on distant branches.
b)
All evolutionary pathways show that life began with autotrophic organisms that soon evolved into heterotrophic organisms.
c)
All the organisms shown at the ends of evolutionary pathway branch tips are alive today.
d)
Evolutionary pathways show that evolution is a short-term process.
42.
The diagram below represents the bones of the forelimbs of two animals alive today that most likely evolved from a common ancestor. Members of the original ancestral population were isolated into two groups by natural events.
If these two animals did have a common ancestor, which statement would best explain why there are differences in the bones?
If these two animals did have a common ancestor, which statement would best explain why there are differences in the bones?
a)
Changes contributed to the survival of the organisms in their new environment.
b)
Changes helped reduce competition within each group.
c)
Changes occurred to help the animals return to their original environment.
43.
The dichotomous key provides a way to classify some animals into groups according to their physical characteristics.
Which shows the correct classification group for each animal?
Which shows the correct classification group for each animal?
a)
Wasp - Group D
Ant - Group D
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group B
Ant - Group D
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group B
b)
Wasp - Group B
Ant - Group A
Tiger - Group D
Bird - Group C
Ant - Group A
Tiger - Group D
Bird - Group C
c)
Wasp - Group B
Ant - Group D
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group C
Ant - Group D
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group C
d)
Wasp - Group D
Ant - Group A
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group B
Ant - Group A
Tiger - Group A
Bird - Group B
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