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Mechanisms of Evolution

Total questions: 9

Worksheet time: 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

"Survival of the Fittest" refers to ​ (a)   , which causes​ (b)   ,

Choose from the below words
Natural Selection
Evolution
Gene Flow
Genetic Drift
2.

What is the definition of Genetic Drift?

a)

Random fluctuation in allele frequency.

b)

Natural selection process.

c)

Mutation in DNA sequence.

d)

Gene flow between populations.

3.

What is the definition of Nonrandom mating (inbreeding)?

a)

Mating occurs between similar individuals.

b)

Mating occurs randomly in a population.

c)

Mating occurs between different species.

d)

Mating occurs only during specific seasons.

4.

Randi is studying a small population of butterflies on an isolated island. What effect does Genetic Drift have on genetic variation in this population?

a)

Lowers genetic variation (small populations).

b)

Increases genetic variation (large populations).

c)

Has no effect on genetic variation.

d)

Causes genetic variation to fluctuate randomly.

5.

In a remote arctic community of polar bears, how does Genetic Drift affect the community's overall fitness?

a)

Usually lowers population fitness as populations are less able to adapt to environmental change.

b)

Increases genetic diversity leading to higher adaptability.

c)

Has no effect on population fitness.

d)

Improves population fitness by selecting advantageous traits.

6.

What effect does Nonrandom mating (inbreeding) have on genetic variation?

a)

Lowers genetic variation (small populations).

b)

Increases genetic variation.

c)

Has no effect on genetic variation.

d)

Leads to the creation of new alleles.

7.

Select the best answer based on the image.

a)

Gene Flow

b)

Genetic Drift

8.

Match the following

a)

Changes in genetic traits due to a chance event

1.

Genetic Drift

b)

Changes in genetic traits due to migration

2.

Gene Flow

c)

Rapid changes contrasted with long periods with little chage

3.

Punctuated equilibrium

d)

Long periods of time with slow changes and diversity

4.

Gradualism

9.

A population of squirrels on one side of the Grand Canyon change so much over a period of time that they can no longer breed with the squirrels on the other side of the Grand Canyon. This is called _________________.

a)

Genetic Drift

b)

Speciation

c)

Gene Flow

d)

Vestigial Structures