Adaptations, Variations And Natural Selection And Selective Breeding
Explore the intricate concepts of adaptations, variations, natural selection, and selective breeding through this quiz. Assess key traits in species like hummingbirds and Galapagos finches, and understand how selective breeding can enhance agricultural yields. Essential for learners interested in evolutionary biology and environmental adaptations.
- 1.
Over time, a certain species of hummingbird has developed traits including a small body, brightly colored feathers, a long, narrow beak, and the ability to drop its body temperature while it sleeps. Which of these characteristics is most likely a trait that developed in response to reach available food sources inside small knot holes in trees?
- A.
Small size
- B.
Bright coloration
- C.
Long, narrow beak
- D.
Body temperature decrease
Correct Answer
C. Long, narrow beakExplanation
The beaks adapted the long narrow beaks needed to fit inside the knot holes to get to food sources.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What environmental condition is likely to increase the frequency (more) of brightly colored and highly scented flowers in a species of plants over many generations?
- A.
Increase in shade
- B.
Heavy precipitation
- C.
Higher soil nutrient levels
- D.
Insects that pollinate plants
Correct Answer
D. Insects that pollinate plantsExplanation
Insects are required to move pollen (male plant sperm) from plant to plant to seed the plants so more plants can grow.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Galapagos finches are birds that live on islands off the coast of South America. The finches on the various islands are very different from each other. As a result of the different food resources on the islands, which of the following structures of the Galapagos finches experienced the greatest change through natural selection?
- A.
Head size
- B.
Eye shape
- C.
Feather color
- D.
Beak shape
Correct Answer
D. Beak shapeExplanation
The Galapagos finches have different beaks sizes and shapes depending on what food they eat.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In a population of desert plants, the timing of their blooming varies greatly. Some bloom early in the morning, others at mid-day, and others after dark. What environmental factor might have caused it to be an advantage to those plants that have adapted to blooming after dark.?
- A.
There is an increase in the population of insects that pollinate at night
- B.
There is a decrease in the strength of solar radiation
- C.
There is an increase in herbivores that look for food at night
- D.
There is a decrease in water for root absorption
Correct Answer
A. There is an increase in the population of insects that pollinate at nightExplanation
The plants that have adapted to blooming after dark may have an advantage because there is an increase in the population of insects that pollinate at night. These plants are able to attract and rely on these nocturnal pollinators for successful reproduction. By blooming at night, they increase their chances of being pollinated and producing offspring, compared to plants that bloom during the day when there may be fewer or no pollinators available. This adaptation allows them to maximize their reproductive success in their environment.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A farmer wants to increase the amount of food produced by corn crops. If the farmer selectively breeds the plants, for which trait should the farmer select?
- A.
Taller stems
- B.
Deeper roots
- C.
More cobs on the plant
- D.
Resistance to pesticides
Correct Answer
C. More cobs on the plantExplanation
The cob is the part of the corn plant that is picked and eaten. More cobs on the plant equals more food.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which internal structures of animals are specifically adapted to use contraction to cause movement?
- A.
Blood cells
- B.
Muscles
- C.
Bones
- D.
Skin
Correct Answer
B. MusclesExplanation
Muscles are inside organisms and allow them to move.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A table of the physical traits of chickens is provided. A breeder records the average data on three generations of a chicken population that has been bred. For which trait is the breeder most likely selectively breeding?
- A.
Heavier body weight
- B.
Longer beaks
- C.
More white feathers
- D.
More tail feathers
Correct Answer
A. Heavier body weightExplanation
Weight is the ONLY trait in the table that increases from Generation 1, to Generation 5, to Generation 10.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 12, 2019Quiz Created by
Etate
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