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NATURAL SELECTION

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 3hrs 30mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

All BUT one factor contributes to natural selection. That factor is

a)

mutation.

b)

population stability.

c)

environmental factors.

d)

differential reproduction.

2.

For a given species, an increased evolutionary rate would cause a decrease in

a)

biodiversity.

b)

fitness of a species.

c)

similarity of the individuals in the species.

d)

the number of new genes in the DNA of the species.

3.

_______________ , harmful or helpful, is considered to be the source for new alleles and a main contributor to the diversity of life on Earth.

a)

Mitosis

b)

Mutation

c)

Transcription

d)

Translation

4.

According to Darwin, organisms that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to produce offspring than organisms that are less well adapted to their environment. Which phrase is used to summarize this idea?

a)

species variability

b)

survival of the fittest

c)

use and disuse of organs

d)

evolution through mutation

5.

According to Darwin's theory of evolution, which organisms are BEST able to survive in nature?

a)

those with the best camouflage and coloration

b)

organisms that possess the greatest number of mutations

c)

those that possess characteristics acquired during their lifetime

d)

organisms that possess overall characteristics best suited to their environment

6.

Suppose orange beetles and green beetles live in the same environment. Green beetles are harder to see on leaves, so birds eat primarily orange beetles. According to the theory of natural selection, in the future orange beetles will

a)

move to a place without green beetles.

b)

decrease in population until they possibly become extinct.

c)

reproduce to their full potential until they increase in number.

d)

breed with green beetles until there are no longer orange beetles.

7.

Over time the peppered moth population in polluted areas

a)

will become extinct.

b)

will become darker in color.

c)

will probably stay the same color.

d)

will become lighter in color.

8.

Although dogs exist in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, they all belong to the same _________ because they can breed naturally and produce fertile offspring.

a)

class

b)

genus

c)

order

d)

species

9.

Which coat color provided the BEST protection from predators?

a)

red

b)

black

c)

white

d)

red striped

10.

Darwin hypothesized that there are definite steps to natural selection. Consider the model of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Use the Roman numerals (I - III) to guide you through the steps to describe how Darwin would explain antibiotic resistance.

a)

There is a change in the environment: an antibiotic is added. Some of the bacteria adapt to the new environment. They survive and reproduce.

b)

In any population, variation exists. Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. Most bacteria die, but the bacteria that are resistant survive and reproduce.

c)

Sexual reproduction of bacteria cause variation. Some bacteria survive antibiotics and some do not. Regardless, over time all of the bacteria should become extinct.

d)

In a population of bacteria that are exposed to antibiotics, some bacteria are able to change their genetic make-up and survive. The new genotype is passed on to offspring.