Lab: Natural Selection

Question 1

In this lab, the three flocks of birds changed in numbers between generation 1 and generation 3. Why? Check all reasons.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: If a flock’s beak type made it easier to pick up the available food, the flock grew.; C: If a flock’s beak type made it harder to pick up the available food, the flock shrunk.

Question 2

Question 2

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the hypothesis because there was a difference in bird: supported; : when fruit was removed.

Question 3

The data of this lab ✔ supporteddid not supportwas inconclusive for the hypothesis because there was a difference in bird

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: ✔ supported

Question 4

Which possible outcome below would not have supported the hypothesis?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: if generation 3 had flock distributions similar to those shown in the graph below

Question 5

Darwin studied actual birds on the Galapagos Islands instead of using a simulation, as you did in this lab. Studying natural selection in the field can be challenging. List at least three possible challenges Darwin might have faced.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Darwin faced several challenges while studying finches in the Galapagos. First, adaptation through natural selection often takes many generations to observe, which can span decades. Second, the natural environment is incredibly complex compared to a simulation, making it difficult to control for variables like weather or food scarcity. Third, traits other than beak type, such as a bird's size or behavior, might also influence survival, making it harder to determine which specific trait is being selected for. Finally, birds have interdependent relationships with other organisms in their ecosystem that may also be changing.

Question 6

Galapogos tortoises have a number of shell variations, shown right. What are the advantages of choosing a system examining the beaks of finches instead of the shells of tortoises? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: Birds have shorter lifespans, making generations shorter.; B: The bird population is likely much greater, allowing for more data.

Question 7

An organism has two different possible traits, A and B. A graph of the population is shown right. Which of the following statements is true about Trait B? Check all that apply.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: It decreased in frequency over time.

Question 8

There was a change in the environment between generations 10 and 30. The change likely caused a genetic mutation eliminated a recessive trait✔ favored trait Afavored trait B.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: ✔ favored trait A

Question 9

The graphs above show a change in distribution of beak phenotypes X, Y, and Z over 10 generations. Notice that Beak X completely disappears from the population by Generation 5, but reappears by Generation 10. Could this occur in nature? How?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: Yes, the alleles for Beak X could remain in the population as a recessive gene.

Question 10

Compare and contrast genetic engineering to the process of natural selection. Select all statements that are true.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering is similar to natural selection.; C: By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering can happen at a different rate than natural selection.; D: Like natural selection, genetic engineering may be used on all organisms, including humans.

Lab: Natural Selection Answers

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