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Worksheets8.L.4
Total questions: 59
Worksheet time: 59mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Four species of Galapagos finches are shown. Which best explains why the birds evolved with differently shaped beaks?
a)
They adapted to eating different types of food.
b)
All of the birds ate the same type of food.
c)
They interbred with each other.
d)
Some birds had defective gene pools.
2.
The diagram represents the evolutionary history of the horse. Which best accounts for the changes in the horse?
a)
Through natural selection, favorable adaptations were passed to offspring, allowing for the evolution of the horse.
b)
Through artificial selection, larger horses survived and were chosen to reproduce offspring.
c)
Through artificial selection, small horses were bred out of the gene pool, leaving only larger horses.
d)
Through natural selection, horses acquired traits that produced changes and then were passed on to their offspring.
3.
The image shows the variation in beak size and shape for four Galapagos finch species. Which species of finch would most likely survive if the seeds in the Galapagos became larger and had heavier coverings?
a)
Geospiza magnirostris
b)
Geospiza fortis
c)
Geospiza parvula
d)
Certhidea olivacea
4.
Relationships in a grassland ecosystem are shown. Which best describes the changes in the populations of brown grasshoppers and green grasshoppers over time in this grassland ecosystem?
a)
The population of brown grasshoppers will decrease rapidly over time, while the population of green grasshoppers will decrease gradually over time.
b)
The populations of brown grasshoppers and green grasshoppers will both increase over time.
c)
The population of brown grasshoppers will increase over time, while the population of green grasshoppers will decrease over time.
d)
None of these
5.
A pelican is a type of bird that uses a pouched bill to catch fish and other sea life as a food source. Which most likely shows the type of foot a pelican has?
a)
Image D.
b)
Image A.
c)
Image B.
d)
Image C.
6.
In the rain forest, the thick foliage allows limited sunlight to filter through to the forest floor. Which wild cat species is best adapted to living in the rain forest?
a)
Image A.
b)
Image B.
c)
Image C.
d)
Image D.
7.
A bird in a forest ecosystem has a sharper beak than many other birds. Which best explains how this adaptation may help the bird survive?
a)
It increases the likelihood for the bird to obtain food.
b)
It enables the bird to dig for water.
c)
It increases the likelihood of the bird finding a suitable mate.
d)
It enables the bird to sing louder than birds with shorter beaks.
8.
A gardener applies herbicide in a garden. Which best explains why some weeds in the garden survive applications of the herbicide while others die?
a)
The weed species that survive have a high degree of genetic variation, and have adapted to be resistant to the herbicide.
b)
The weed species that die have a low degree of genetic variation, and have adapted to be resistant to the herbicide.
c)
The weed species that die have a high degree of genetic variation, which has prevented them from adapting to the herbicide.
d)
The weed species that survive have a low degree of genetic variation, which has prevented them from adapting to the herbicide.
9.
A low-level species in a food web suddenly becomes extinct. Of its predators, which will most likely survive?
a)
the predators that feed on many different organisms
b)
the predators that are genetically similar
c)
the predators that primarily feed on the now-extinct species
d)
all of these
10.
A new predator has just moved into an area with a population of rabbits. The rabbits with longer back legs have an advantage because they can run faster. Which is an example of adaptation?
a)
The future generations of rabbits will have longer legs.
b)
The species of rabbits will become extinct due to stress.
c)
The rabbits with the shorter back legs will learn to hide.
d)
all of these
11.
A new predator moves into an area with a population of rabbits. The rabbits with longer back legs have an advantage because they can run faster and escape the predator. Which will be the most likely effect on the rabbit population?
a)
The future generations of rabbits will have longer legs.
b)
The population will become extinct due to stress.
c)
The rabbit population will produce fewer offspring.
d)
The rabbits with shorter back legs will learn to hide.
12.
A strawberry farmer finds that, after a hard freeze, some of his strawberries are still alive. Which best explains why these strawberries were able to survive?
a)
They have different genetic variations that cause them to be more resistant to cold temperatures.
b)
They have larger leaves to protect the fruit than the other strawberries.
c)
They are able to reproduce more quickly than the other strawberries.
d)
The color of the strawberries is darker, and they maintain their temperature better than other strawberries.
13.
Bird A can blend in with its environment, fly far, and eat a variety of nuts and seeds. Bird B is an unusually colored, weak flyer that eats only one type of seed regularly. Which statement is most likely true?
a)
Bird A will eventually thrive and reproduce due to strong genetic variation.
b)
Bird B is a powerful predator.
c)
Bird A will be easily preyed upon by larger birds.
d)
Bird B will eventually thrive and reproduce because of specialized features.
14.
Charles Darwin made famous observations of finches on islands in the Pacific Ocean. The birds were believed to have come all from one population, but when separated on the islands with differing habitats, the birds changed. The beaks of the birds on islands with lots of seeds were different from the beaks of the birds on islands with lots of insects. How did their beaks come to match the food in their environments so well?
a)
The birds with the “right” beaks for the food supply had more young.
b)
The birds migrated to the island with the right food supply for their beaks.
c)
The food supply on the islands changed to match the birds’ beaks.
d)
The predators on the islands eliminated the birds with the “wrong” beaks.
15.
Cockroaches can adjust to certain chemicals in pesticides and are thought to be able to survive nuclear war. Which characteristic is most closely related to their ability to adapt to their environment?
a)
genetic variation
b)
thin wings
c)
long antennae
d)
all of these
16.
Due to a genetic variation, a cheetah is unable to run as fast as other normal cheetahs. Which would be the most important for the survival of the cheetah?
a)
competition for prey
b)
competition for mates
c)
competition for shelter
d)
none of these
17.
How does genetic variation affect an organism’s ability to adapt to its environment?
a)
increases it
b)
decreases it
c)
has no known effect in most organisms
d)
all of these
18.
How is genetic variation related to an organism’s ability to adapt to its environment?
a)
When genetic variation is low, the ability to adapt is low.
b)
When genetic variation is low, the ability to adapt is high.
c)
When genetic variation is high, the ability to adapt is low.
d)
Genetic variation is unrelated to the ability to adapt.
19.
If global warming increases, which animal is most likely to be selected against for survival?
a)
polar bear
b)
monkey
c)
grizzly bear
d)
all of these
20.
In the winter, the fur of the arctic fox is white. In summer, the fur darkens to a reddish brown. What most likely causes the fur of the fox to change color?
a)
the fox’s genes
b)
the amount of sunlight present
c)
the fox’s habitat
d)
the fox’s age
21.
In which way are desert plants best adapted to live in a dry area?
a)
They lack broad, flat leaves.
b)
They lack a root system.
c)
They have woody stems.
d)
none of these
22.
Poison ivy has developed genetic adaptation to defend itself against consumers. Which characteristic would most likely increase the ivy’s chance of survival?
a)
oily substance on the leaves
b)
sweet taste of the plant
c)
color variation of the leaves
d)
none of these
23.
Polar bears are naturally found in Arctic environments characterized by snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures. Which best describes an evolutionary adaptation that allows polar bears to survive in this environment?
a)
Polar bears have a thick layer of fur and a layer of fat under their skin.
b)
Polar bears are warm-blooded.
c)
Polar bears are carnivores.
d)
all of these
24.
Scientists estimate that whaling activity in the 19th and early 20th centuries had reduced the number of adult female southern right whales to as few as sixty individuals by 1920. This reduction resulted in a genetic bottleneck for the species. Treaties to stop whaling have substantially increased the number of southern right whales. Despite this increase, the bottleneck still threatens the future of the species. Which capacity of the species is MOST severely diminished by the bottleneck?
a)
responding to environmental changes
b)
remaining genetically stable
c)
maintaining a healthy social structure
d)
acquiring random mutations
25.
Some peacocks are born with a genetic variation that makes them completely white. How does this affect the likelihood of their survival?
a)
Genetic variation in the white peacock makes it stand out in a crowd as a target for potential predators, resulting in fewer white peacocks.
b)
Genetic variation in the white peacock makes it stand out in a crowd and scares potential predators, resulting in more white peacocks.
c)
Genetic variation in the white peacock makes it more attractive to mates, which will result in more white peacocks.
d)
all of these
26.
The characteristics of fish living deep in the ocean are different from the characteristics of fish living closer to the surface of the ocean. Which best describes a genetic variation that enables the fish to adapt to the deep ocean environment?
a)
larger eyes
b)
larger fins
c)
larger tails
d)
larger scales
27.
The feathers of a wild turkey allow it to blend into its habitat. Which best describes this adaptation?
a)
camouflage
b)
mimicry
c)
predation
d)
learned behavior
28.
The prairie dog has many adaptions to its ecosystem. Which best explains the genetic variation in the prairie dog that provided adaptation to its ecosystem?
a)
claws to dig tunnels for shelter from predators
b)
exceptional vision to see a great distance on the prairie
c)
long tails to anchor themselves to trees
d)
all of these
29.
Tigers and household cats are members of the same family; however, their sizes are vastly different. What is the cause of this difference?
a)
genetics
b)
biochemical makeup
c)
behavioral makeup
d)
habitat size
30.
Turtles have adapted to their habitat to protect themselves from their predators. Which best describes this adaptation?
a)
protective covering
b)
mimicry
c)
parasitism
d)
all of these
31.
Two different species of frogs live in the same habitat but never reproduce with each other. Which most likely accounts for their failure to mate?
a)
The frog species are genetically designed with different behaviors.
b)
The frog species have different dietary needs.
c)
The frog species have different physical appearances.
d)
The frog species are active during different times of the day.
32.
What advantage do hollow bones and feathers give to birds?
a)
It is easier for them to fly.
b)
It is easier for them to perch.
c)
It is easier for them to lay eggs.
d)
It is easier for them to build nests.
33.
What best describes natural selection?
a)
survival of the fittest
b)
genetic variation by reproduction
c)
changes in environment
d)
none of these
34.
What characteristic of living things helps them to adapt to a changing environment?
a)
genetic variation
b)
cryptic coloration
c)
phenotypic characteristics
d)
all of these
35.
What type of species has the best chance of surviving through significant environmental change?
a)
genetically-diverse species
b)
genetically-homogenous species
c)
species with highly-specialized traits
d)
all of these
36.
Which adaptation best allows organisms to adjust to the harsh winters of the tundra?
a)
thick fur
b)
long ears
c)
large, glossy leaves
d)
all of these
37.
Which adaptation has occurred due to genetic variation allowing some species to seem invisible to predators?
a)
camouflage
b)
ability to make loud noises
c)
exceptional vision
d)
none of these
38.
Which best describes an inherited trait that gives an organism a survival advantage in its particular environment?
a)
an adaptation
b)
an offspring
c)
a mutation
d)
none of these
39.
Which best describes the purpose of mixing gene pools?
a)
promotes genetic variation
b)
increases the number of organisms
c)
reduces genetic variation
d)
all of these
40.
Which best describes the relationship between genetic variation and an organism’s ability to adapt to its environment?
a)
Organisms of a population have certain traits that enable them to adapt to changes in the environment, survive, and pass these traits on to offspring.
b)
The environment causes genetic variation in a population of organisms, which allows them to adapt to their environment.
c)
Genetic variations in a population of organisms result in individuals with similar genetic traits and the ability to adapt to their environment.
d)
A population of organisms with little genetic variation is better able to adapt to changes in their environment than organisms with a lot of genetic variation.
41.
Which best describes the relationship between genetic variation and the ability to adapt to one’s environment?
a)
As genetic variation increases, the ability to adapt increases.
b)
Genetic variation has no effect on the ability to adapt.
c)
As genetic variation decreases, the ability to adapt increases.
d)
As genetic variation increases, the ability to adapt decreases.
42.
Which best describes what would occur in a species that has little or no genetic variation?
a)
The rate of species survival would decrease over time.
b)
The rate of species survival would increase over time.
c)
Most of the offspring would survive, but the gene pool would be weakened.
d)
Most of the offspring would survive, and the gene pool would be strengthened.
43.
Which best explains how environment and genetic variation contribute to the difference in a species’ physical appearance?
a)
The climate becomes colder and a species adapts to the change.
b)
The climate becomes colder and a new species develops.
c)
The climate becomes colder and a species becomes extinct.
d)
all of these
44.
Which best represents an adaptation that allows ducks to survive in aquatic ecosystems?
a)
Ducks have waterproof feathers.
b)
Ducks are warm-blooded.
c)
Ducks breathe through lungs.
d)
none of these
45.
Which can cause an organism to develop genetic variation that could be used to help it survive?
a)
mutations
b)
cloning
c)
cancer
d)
none of these
46.
Which characteristic of a population would most affect its survival when threatened by global climate change?
a)
genetic diversity
b)
biochemical adaptation
c)
genetic specialization
d)
all of these
47.
Which characteristic of organisms allows them to adapt to problems in their environment?
a)
genetic variation
b)
genetic isolation
c)
genetic drift
d)
none of these
48.
Which demonstrates genetic variation resulting in a protective adaptation?
a)
A butterfly changes colors to look like its poisonous relatives.
b)
A bird in the desert breeds at night to avoid the heat.
c)
A groundhog runs into a burrow to avoid a predator.
d)
A beaver builds a dam to protect its family.
49.
Which is most likely the result of genetic variation in organisms?
a)
Some bacteria survive when exposed to antibiotics.
b)
Mothers give birth to identical twins.
c)
A virus wipes out an entire field of crops.
d)
none of these
50.
Which is most likely to affect a species' chances of survival after a sudden environmental change?
a)
genetic variation
b)
genetic drift
c)
genetic mutation
d)
none of these
51.
Which is the best example of a trait that is unlikely to evolve in a desert habitat?
a)
thick layer of fat
b)
keen sense of hearing
c)
tan fur
d)
all of these
52.
Which is the best sign of the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in evolutionary biology?
a)
the number of offspring that survive to reproduce
b)
the physical traits of the offspring
c)
the behavior of the offspring
d)
all of these
53.
Which must vary among organisms in order to create adaptations that help those organisms survive?
a)
genetic make-up
b)
physical appearance
c)
body composition
d)
chemical balance
54.
Which of these adaptations is LEAST important for human survival?
a)
eye color
b)
having thumbs
c)
walking upright
d)
developing language
55.
Which statement is true?
a)
Individual organisms with certain favorable traits are more likely than others to survive and have offspring.
b)
All animals can adapt easily to any change in their environment.
c)
Even identical twins and clones do not have the same DNA sequence.
d)
Organisms who have survival success can choose to pass those genes on to their offspring.
56.
Which will most likely occur when a bird’s beak size increases over time to better crack open nuts?
a)
Species survival will increase.
b)
Species survival will decrease.
c)
Species reproduction will increase.
d)
Species reproduction will decrease.
57.
Which would best allow a species to survive environmental changes?
a)
genetic diversity
b)
similar physical features
c)
low mutation rate
d)
small population
58.
Why are fat layers and thick white fur advantageous for polar bears?
a)
They insulate the bears and allow them to blend in with their environment.
b)
They help the bears catch more food.
c)
They help the bears get rid of excess body heat more easily.
d)
They allow the bears to run and swim faster to escape predators.
59.
Wild blackberries reproduce asexually by sprouting new roots when stems touch the ground. They also reproduce sexually through their flowers. What is the advantage of the blackberry plant being able to reproduce sexually and asexually?
a)
It allows blackberry plants to adapt to new conditions.
b)
It allows the plants to grow taller.
c)
It produces flowers that attract insects.
d)
It produces blackberries that have more flavor.
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