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WorksheetsEvolution and Genetics
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 8mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Which statement supports the theory of natural selection
a)
All organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
b)
Organisms live in harmony with one another despite limited resources.
c)
Organisms with favorable traits are more likely to die.
d)
Over time advantageous traits will be found in more of the population.
2.
What evidence supports the theory that continents were once a large landmass?
a)
The continents share a similar climate.
b)
Similar fossils have been found on different continents.
c)
Minerals like gold and copper are found worldwide.
d)
Coconut trees are found on coastlines.
3.
Review the diagram which shows the outline of two continents. The outlines of the continents seem to correspond in shape where indicated by the arrows. Which is the best inference that can be made from this?
a)
The continents have similar geography and climate.
b)
The continents have similar weather patterns.
c)
The continents were once joined together in a large land mass.
d)
Africa contains more fossils than South America.
4.
Which fact provides the best evidence for the biological theory of evolution?
a)
Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock.
b)
Most species of life on Earth have become extinct.
c)
Characteristics of simpler life forms can be found in more complex life forms.
d)
Only a small percentage of living things have been preserved in fossils.
5.
What will most likely happen if a species can no longer produce offspring?
a)
It will become extinct.
b)
It will evolve into another species.
c)
It will move into a new environment and adapt.
d)
It will begin to mutate into another organism.
6.
Which part of Darwin's theory of evolution may be used to describe the results of when lions prey on antelope?
a)
natural selection
b)
survival of the fittest
c)
adaptation to environment
d)
variation in species
7.
Comparative embryonic development is the study and comparison of embryos of different species. The diagram shows the comparative embryonic development of a fish, reptile, bird, and human. Assume that the four embryos are at similar stages in their development. How can the study of comparative embryonic development be useful to biologists?
a)
It provides evidence that chordates evolved from different ancestors.
b)
It provides evidence that vestigial structures provide evidence of common ancestry.
c)
It provides evidence that some species with similar embryos have DNA that may be 99% similar.
d)
It provides evidence that no two species share exact DNA even though their embryos look similar.
8.
Dinosaurs were prehistoric reptiles that dominated the Earth long ago. The fossil records of Archaeopteryx, a type of dinosaur, identified certain features.What can be inferred from this information?
a)
Birds have evolved from certain ancient reptiles.
b)
Dinosaurs have evolved from certain birds.
c)
Flesh-eating mammals have evolved from certain ancient reptiles.
d)
Dinosaurs have evolved from certain flesh-eating mammals.
9.
A student made a table showing different types of finches and their food sources. What can be inferred from this information?
a)
Genetic mutation leads to the evolution of new species.
b)
Organisms evolve based on their habitats.
c)
Geographical isolation leads to the evolution of new species.
d)
Organisms evolve based on their feeding habits.
10.
A vestigial organ is present in modern-day species, but its utility is lost. The presence of hip bones in modern whales is an example of a vestigial organ. Which statement can be concluded about the ancestors of whales?
a)
Ancestors of whales lived on land.
b)
Ancestors of whales lived in deep oceans.
c)
Ancestors of whales were fish-like organisms.
d)
Ancestors of whales were dependent on the sea for food.
11.
Trilobite fossils from different time periods show small changes in appearance. What might account for the changes?
a)
catastrophic geologic events
b)
weathering and erosion
c)
increase in greenhouse gases
d)
response to environmental changes
12.
Dark moths began to outnumber white moths in cities after the Industrial Revolution. What is the most likely reason for this change?
a)
Light-colored moths mutated into dark colored moths.
b)
Light-colored moths began to die due to overpopulation.
c)
Light-colored moths were less favored for survival in the new environment.
d)
Light-colored moths began to turn black because of factory pollution.
13.
Which term best describes a specially developed characteristic that enables an organism to live in a specific environment?
a)
adaptations
b)
natural selection
c)
survival of the fittest
d)
variations
14.
The numbers in the diagram represent the first three months of spring in a grassland environment. The bird is carnivorous and eats mice for survival, and the mice depend on the seeds from the grasses.Which explanation best describes what is happening in the diagram?
a)
A disease affecting the carnivorous bird population results in the decreasing numbers of birds and the increasing numbers of mice.
b)
A disease reaches epidemic proportions resulting in a decrease in the mice population in the grassland.
c)
The dark phenotypic variation of the mice makes the dark-colored mice more visible to their predators so they are more likely to be eaten.
d)
The dark phenotypic variation of the mice provides an advantage that allows the dark-colored mice to survive and reproduce.
15.
What role does genetic variation play in the evolution of species?
a)
It reduces the chance that species will possess characteristics well-suited for a changing environment.
b)
It increases the chance that species will possess characteristics well-suited for a changing environment.
c)
It allows multicellular organisms to change their traits during their lifetimes.
d)
It allows unicellular organisms to change their DNA after they die.
16.
This insect has adapted a unique shape and appearance as shown in the diagram. What led to the development of this adaptation?
a)
the need to increase its surface area to reduce water retention
b)
the need to increase its ability to fall long distances without harm
c)
the need to increase its ability to hunt smaller insects
d)
the need to increase its ability to hide from predators
17.
Polar bears have a thick coat with hollow hair. How does this feature help them survive in the Arctic region?
a)
It helps the animal store body fat.
b)
It helps the animal locate its prey.
c)
It traps air that keeps the animal warm.
d)
It controls water loss from the animal's skin.
18.
The diagram shows the top view of the leaves of a plant. This leaf arrangement is common to plants found in dense forests.What is the benefit of this type of leaf arrangement?
a)
It helps the plant absorb more sunlight
b)
It enables the plant to store more water.
c)
It prevents animals from feeding on its leaves.
d)
It allows the plant to grow larger-sized leaves.
19.
Some salmon have adapted to be both male and female at the same time. Why would this provide an evolutionary advantage for the fish?
a)
It reduces the importance of size among salmon, allowing smaller fish to reproduce as often as larger fish.
b)
It reduces the competition between males which eliminates the need for mating rituals.
c)
It allows them to conserve energy for the rigorous swim from the ocean upstream to mate.
d)
It allows them to reproduce with any other salmon which increases the chance of mating.
20.
Before the industrial revolution, biologists in England observed that most peppered moths were light in color. After the industrial revolution began, most of the peppered moths observed were dark in color. Which statement best explains the observed change in moth color during the industrial revolution?
a)
Light-color moths were more fit for survival because they were less camouflaged against the darkened, soot-covered tree bark
b)
Dark-color moths were more fit for survival because they were less camouflaged against the darkened, soot-covered tree bark.
c)
Light-color moths were more fit for survival because they were more camouflaged against the darkened, soot-covered tree bark.
d)
Dark-color moths were more fit for survival because they were more camouflaged against the darkened, soot-covered tree bark.
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