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Evolution & Ecology

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 25mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
The diagram below shows undisturbed sedimentary strata at the bottom of the ocean. The fossils found in layer B resemble the fossils found in layer A. What does this similarity suggest?
a)

A. That invertebrate fossils are only found in sediments.

b)

B. That modern forms of life may have evolved from earlier forms of life.

c)

C. The fossils formed in layer B were formed before the fossils found in layer A.

d)

D. The fossils found in layer A must be more complex than those found in layer B

2.
The diagram shows different vertebrate embryos. Which conclusion is supported by the diagram?
a)

A. Pigs evolved from reptiles.

b)

B. Reptiles evolved from birds.

c)

C. These organisms occupy the same niche.

d)

D. These organisms share a common ancestor.

3.
The yellow-bellied three-toed skink, a lizard species from Australia, can either lay eggs or give live birth. Skinks living near the mild coastal climates lay eggs, while skinks from the harsh mountain climates are now being observed to give live births. What evidence would future scientists look for to suggest that coastal skinks and mountain skinks have evolved into separate species?
a)

A. Mountain skinks will migrate to milder climates.

b)

B. Coastal skinks will give live birth more frequently.

c)

C. Coastal skinks will no longer mate with mountain skinks.

d)

D. Mountain skinks will outcompete coastal skinks to extinction.

4.
The chart below lists certain physical characteristics comparing a spider and a shrimp. Based on this chart, what can be determined concerning these two organisms?
a)

A. Both organisms have the same diet.

b)

B. Both organisms live in a marine environment.

c)

C. Both organisms are able to breed with each other.

d)

D. Both organisms evolved from a common ancestor.

5.
Predict which moth would increase in population
a)
light 
b)
dark
6.
Which term refers to the process by which individuals that are better suited to the environment survive and reproduce therefore passing down their genes to their offspring? 
a)
Evolution 
b)
Variation 
c)
Adaptation
d)
Natural Selection 
7.

Which organism goes in the B position?

a)
b)
c)
d)
8.

Which species is MOST closely related to species B and C?

a)

species A

b)

species D

c)

species E and F

d)

species G and H

9.

Why do biological classification systems change over time?

a)

genetic modification

b)

new discoveries and technology

c)

old classification systems are easier to follow

d)

changes in climate and habitat

10.

Which cellular organelle is thought to have evolved from a prokaryote that was able to use oxygen?

a)

chloroplast

b)

Golgi apparatus

c)

mitochondrion

d)

ribosome

11.
The deer, grasshopper, and bird are all examples of which type of consumers on this food pyramid?
a)
decomposers
b)
omnivores
c)
carnivore
d)
herbivore
12.

How do invasive species affect an ecosystem?

a)

they increase biodiversity

b)

they decrease biodiversity

13.
A food pyramid represent the relative amount of energy in trophic levels. Which of the following correctly shows a food pyramid?
a)
A
b)
B
c)
C
d)
D
14.

In what way is most of the nitrogen fixed by lightning made available for plants?

a)

Moved by the wind to dry areas

b)

Inside of bugs

c)

Breathed in by birds

d)

Carried by rain into the soil

15.
A living organism that puts materials from dead  plants and animals back to the soil is called a ____________?
a)
carnivore
b)
decomposer
c)
herbivore
d)
omnivore
16.
Which of the following best describes the importance of biodiversity?
a)
It maintains a wide variety of organisms
b)
It allows species to grow above their carrying capacity
c)
It allows populations to adapt ot change
d)
it prevents habitat destruction
17.

What will most likely happen if a nonnative species is introduced into a stable ecosystem?

a)

The native species will change their diet, and the ecosystem will remain stable.

b)

The native species will move to another area, and the ecosystem will remain stable.

c)

The native species will have to compete for resources with the nonnative species, and the ecosystem will become unbalanced.

d)

The native species will share their food with the introduced species, and the ecosystem will become unbalanced.

18.

The graph above represents the growth of a population in an area of....

a)

infinite resources

b)

limited resources

c)

no competition

d)

courtship.

19.

The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on which environmental issue?

a)

depletion of the ozone

b)

production of acid rain

c)

release of radiation

d)

increase in deforestation

20.

A field ecologist wants to determine the interactions of various populations of organisms living in a large grassland field. Which method is best for conducting this study?

a)

consulting with local farmers about the diversity of organisms in the field

b)

dividing the field in half, walking over it, counting organisms, and then doubling the numbers

c)

walking over the entire field, collecting the organisms, and then compiling a total

d)

observing the behaviors of different types of organisms several times during the year