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Natural Selection & Speciation

Total questions: 26

Worksheet time: 14mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

The change in the characteristics of a population over time is _________________.

a)

evolution

b)

transition

c)

variation

d)

adaptation

2.

____________ cause variations among the population.

a)

mutations

b)

adaptations

c)

a desire to change

d)

injuries

3.

Slight differences in an inherited trait between individual members of the same species:

a)

variations

b)

adaptations

c)

homologous structures

d)

analogous structures

4.

An inherited trait that increases an organisms's chance of surviving and reproducing:

a)

variation

b)

adaptation

c)

vestigial structure

d)

mutation

5.

When an organism has a trait that allows it to blend in with its environment, we call that ____________

a)

mimicry

b)

camouflage

c)

lucky

d)

copycatting

6.

When an organism has a trait that makes it resemble another species, either in looks or behavior, we call that _______________

a)

mimicry

b)

camouflage

c)

copycatting

d)

lucky

7.

A natural disaster randomly changes the diversity of a population. This is an example of __________

a)

natural selection

b)

genetic drift

c)

biodiversity

d)

homologous structures

8.

What are the steps of natural selection? (choose all that apply)

a)

Animals have more kids than they expect to survive.

b)

All offspring are identical.

c)

There is competition for limited resources.

d)

Some will live and some will not.

9.

What are things that can be done to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria? (choose all that apply)

a)

Take all the antibiotic pills when prescribed.

b)

Do not consume food raised with antibiotics.

c)

Only use antibiotics when necessary.

d)

Always use antibacterial soap.

10.

Two similar species of birds will not mate because they do not recognize each other's songs/calls is an example of what kind of isolation?

a)

Temporal

b)

Behavioral

c)

Geographical

d)

Ecological

11.

When two species emerge from a single species is called:

a)

speciation

b)

specialization

c)

specificity

d)

divergence

12.

Choose true statements (select all that apply)

a)

Those with traits best-suited to their environment are more likely to survive to reproductive age and pass their genes on to the next generation.

b)

Evolution is survival of the fittest (or good enough)

c)

Individuals can evolve new traits during their lifetime.

d)

Evolution acts with a goal in mind.

13.

Several species of plant evolved differently on the Hawaiian islands is an example of what type of isolation?

a)

behavioral

b)

ecological

c)

temporal

d)

geographical

14.

What is the definition of a species?

a)

Organisms that do not interbreed.

b)

Organisms that do not interbreed AND can produce fertile offspring.

c)

Organisms that can interbreed but not produce fertile offspring.

d)

Organisms that reproduce asexually.

15.

A proposed explanation to an observation is called a ____________

a)

law

b)

hypothesis

c)

theory

d)

fact

16.

When you make conclusions without actually being able to see everything is called a(n) ____________

a)

hypothesis

b)

observation

c)

inference

d)

conclusion

17.

The result of many experiments that represent our best understanding is known as a ____________

a)

law

b)

hypothesis

c)

theory

d)

fact

18.

A generally-agreed upon observation that anyone can make is known as a _________.

a)

law

b)

hypothesis

c)

fact

d)

theory

19.

A statement or formula that is always true given a set of conditions is known as a ___________.

a)

law

b)

hypothesis

c)

theory

d)

fact

20.

Those individuals who are best suited to their environment having an advantage and being more likely to survive and reproduce is known as ____________

a)

natural selection

b)

evolution

c)

artificial selection

d)

hunger games

21.

Males drive natural selection by generally...

a)

competing with other males over access to females and to impress them

b)

being picky about which female to mate with

c)

waiting for females to court them

22.

Females drive natural selection by....

a)

competing with other females for access to males

b)

being picky about which males to mate with

c)

seeking out any male to mate with

23.

What is evolutionary adaptation? (select all that apply)

a)

a change in structure or habits (behavior) that are often inherited

b)

organisms improve their condition in relation to their environment

c)

occurs over a long period of time (many generations)

d)

a quick change during an individual during their lifetime

24.

What is natural selection?

a)

a short change over a short period of time

b)

the process by which organisms better suited to their environment will survive and reproduce

c)

the process of cells dividing to make new cells

d)

asexual reproduction of bacteria

25.

What are the finches of the Galapagos Islands an example of natural selection?

a)

Their feathers allow them to fly around and catch prey.

b)

They have long legs that help them with high amounts of water.

c)

The size and shape of their beaks have allowed them to eat certain food.

d)

The shape of the birds' feet allow them to swim from island to island.

26.

When HUMANS make decisions about which organisms get to breed or which organisms get to survive to reproductive age, this is called ______________.

a)

artificial selection

b)

natural selection

c)

adaptation

d)

inherited traits