AnswersBiologyThe Evolution of Life

The Evolution of Life — Test Answers

24 verified answers3 views
2
Free Preview

What will most likely happen to the population of moths in this habitat?

A
The population of moths will eventually become extinct.
B
The moths will evolve from dark to light due to a selective pressure.
C
The dark colored moths will experience disruptive selection.
D
The alleles that determine light and dark color in moths will equalize.
3

Which is the most likely cause of the observed variation?

A
competition among individuals for available food sources
B
differences in the climate among the islands
C
competition among individuals for desirable mates
D
differences in egg size among the populations
4

A scientist is trying to determine the relationship between clams, snails, and squid. When she generates a molecular clock, she is surprised to see that clams and squid are more closely related than clams and snails. Which did the molecular clock data show?

A
Clams and snails are more similar in related structures than clams and squids.
B
Clams and squid have been evolving separately for a longer time than clams and snails.
C
Clams and squid have been evolving separately for a shorter time than clams and snails.
D
Clams and snails have more in common genetically than clams and squid.
6

Which best defines a gene pool?

A
any movement of organisms from one environment to another
B
any movement of genes from one population to another
C
the random change in the frequency of an allele in a population
D
the sum of all genetic traits in a population’s individuals at a given time
7

Charles Darwin hypothesized that some individuals would be better equipped for survival than others, and that those that were less equipped would not survive. Darwin formulated this hypothesis based on the work of which scholar?

A
John Gould, who compared mainland and island finches
B
Thomas Malthus, who studied population growth
C
Sir Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion
D
Gregor Mendel, who determined genetic inheritance of traits
8

Which best describes the fossil record?

A
The fossil record provides evidence that disputes the theory of evolution.
B
The fossil record provides evidence of a common ancestor to many species.
C
The fossil record cannot provide evidence of evolution.
D
The fossil record is inaccurate because scientists are not able to date fossils.
9

A biology teacher asks students to give examples of genetic variations that support the idea that changes in a population’s environment affect genetic variation. Which is the least supportive example?

A
pesticide resistance in garden insects
B
antibiotic resistance in bacteria populations
C
changes in the color of the peppered moth population in England
D
changes in genetics in human populations
10

A male cardinal’s red color is an example of a trait affected by natural selection. The females of the species choose mates based on the vibrant colors of the males’ feathers. If females begin using different criteria than feather color when they choose mates, what would most likely happen to the color of the male cardinals over time?

A
increased variation in the shades of red because there is no advantage in one specific color
B
increased variation in the shades of red because the cardinals try different ways to impress the females
C
decreased variation in the shades of red over time because no form of the trait is advantageous
D
decreased variation in the shades of red after a single generation
11

In a cladogram, when does a group of organisms branch off?

A
when an ancestor becomes extinct
B
when a new trait evolves
C
when it is discovered
D
when it becomes large enough
13

Why are the Miller-Urey experiments essential to the theory of evolution?

A
They showed how organic molecules could be made from Earth's early atmosphere.
B
They showed the role that natural selection played in the evolution of modern day organisms.
C
They showed that electricity can create life.
D
They showed that life can only come from life.
15

Henry was studying two populations of the same species of lizards. One population lived on an island and the other lived on the mainland. Both populations were affected by a hurricane that hit the island and the mainland with equal force. A year later, Henry was testing the gene frequency and saw a decrease in genetic variation in the island species, but not in the mainland species. Which best describes a conclusion he might have reached?

A
Genetic drift greatly affects large populations, but small populations can recover.
B
Gene flow greatly affects small populations, but large populations can recover.
C
Genetic drift greatly affects small populations, but large populations can recover.
D
Gene flow greatly affects large populations, but small populations can recover.
17

Which type of anatomic structure are wisdom teeth?

A
analogous
B
homologous
C
heterologous
D
vestigial
18

Which point is flawed as written?

A
point 1
B
point 2
C
point 3
D
point 4
19

Which describes the effect of this environmental change?

A
decreased genetic variation
B
genetic drift
C
gene flow
D
increased genetic variation
21

Which is the most likely explanation for the change?

A
The beetle population’s food sources decreased dramatically.
B
The beetle population moved to a greener habitat.
C
A natural disaster almost caused the extinction of the population.
D
A mutation resulted in a new color of insect.

Did you find these answers helpful?