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WorksheetsPre-IB Natural Selection Pre-Test
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 10mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
The diagram above shows a model of species divergence among some primates. If this model is correct, the greatest genetic differences would be found in the DNA sequences of which two species?
a)
Tarsius bancanus and Cebus albifrons
b)
Macaca sylvanus and Macaca mulatta
c)
Hylobates lar and Pongo pygmaeus
d)
Pan troglodytes and Lemur catta
2.
Zoogeographic regions are characterized by the presence of specific groups of animals. These regions are determined by the taxonomic or phylogenetic relationships of animals. The map shows the zoogeographic regions proposed by the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1876.
The similarities of organisms in which two areas numbered above provide the best evidence for common ancestry between the organisms in both locations?
The similarities of organisms in which two areas numbered above provide the best evidence for common ancestry between the organisms in both locations?
a)
1 and 2
b)
3 and 4
c)
5 and 6
d)
7 and 8
3.
The limbs of several organisms are shown in the illustrations below. Scientists sometimes compare the limbs of these organisms to look for evidence of common ancestry.
These limbs provide evidence of common ancestry because they —
These limbs provide evidence of common ancestry because they —
a)
have the same basic structure
b)
perform the same function
c)
are the same size
d)
are parts of mammals
4.
The opossum, which is native to North America, and the kangaroo, which is native to Australia, are marsupials.
The fact that both these mammals incubate their immature offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they —
The fact that both these mammals incubate their immature offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they —
a)
belong to the same species
b)
must range great distances to eat
c)
have very similar skeletal structures
d)
are descended from a common ancestor
5.
Three species of lizards of the genus Gallotia are found on the Canary Islands, a chain of seven volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa. The easternmost island, Lanzarote, is the oldest, while the westernmost island, El Hierro, is the youngest. The distribution of lizard species is shown on the map below.
Which statement about the ancestry of the lizards from the genus Gallotia is best supported by this information?
Which statement about the ancestry of the lizards from the genus Gallotia is best supported by this information?
a)
The common ancestor of the lizards first colonized the island of El Hierro
b)
The ancestors of each species came from different continents at different times
c)
The common ancestor of the lizards probably came from Africa
d)
The ancestors of each species evolved in Spain and were brought to the islands at the same time
6.
After examining the fossil record, scientists have determined that scorpions today are much smaller than their extinct ancestors. For example, Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, a giant scorpion species that lived 255 million to 460 million years ago, was 2.5 meters long. Which of the following conclusions is supported by this information?
a)
Scorpions living today have increased their numbers since they first appeared.
b)
Scorpions in the fossil record are smaller than their descendants are.
c)
Scorpions have changed as a result of natural selection.
d)
Scorpions do not appear in their original state in the fossil record.
7.
This diagram of the fossil record represents changes in mollusks over millions of years.
How can the pattern of change in the fossil record best be explained?
How can the pattern of change in the fossil record best be explained?
a)
The mollusks were well adapted to their stable environment. A large, sudden change occurred in their environment. After the change the mollusks with the bigger shells were better adapted for the new environment.
b)
The mollusks were well adapted to their stable environment. The mollusks hybridized with a smaller species of mollusk. A new species of mollusk with a bigger shell resulted.
c)
The mollusks were not well adapted to their environment. The length of the mollusks’ shells changed gradually over time. The mollusks in the original population that had small shells died over a period of many years.
d)
The mollusks were well adapted to their environment. Humans introduced a new species of mollusk that was not adapted to this environment. The introduced mollusk outcompeted the native mollusk species.
8.
Genetic variation can aid in the survival of species when the environment changes. Which of the following is the best example of an organism with a genetic variation that could improve survival chances over time?
a)
An ant that is resistant to pesticide
b)
A wasp that is infected with parasites
c)
A cactus that has no spines
d)
A mouse that has learned to avoid mousetraps
9.
Which condition is essential for natural selection to result in a new species?
a)
Unlimited resources
b)
An inherited variation
c)
A static environment
d)
A long life span
10.
Which of the following can be learned by using the fossil record?
a)
When organisms changed or evolved
b)
when organisms appeared on Earth
c)
when organisms became extinct
d)
All the above
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